kernyen

I'm Karen =)

[kernyen-xo]

There is no mature content :-/

Random Friday

Sometimes I think McDonalds makes the best coffee. I’m no coffee snob. As long as it’s strong, a little nutty, I’m good.

Tomorrow, I’m going to the baby shower for my Cuzzy’s daughter. I’m looking forward to it!

Next Saturday I’m headed to my brother’s for my annual summer vacation.

Latest book:

I created my first entry in my junk journal. It’s a collage of snacks. Of course it is :D

My Cuzzy surprised me with this snackie:

The kid is chugging along. We’re both missing Rogan. I keep viewing GSDs reels in IG.

The grandkid will be moving to Oregon this summer to finish their high school junior/senior years. They’ve always wanted to do this. I hate to see them leave the School of Engineering & Sciences where they’ve been enrolled since the 7th grade. They’re a good student. I hope they continue to do well in Oregon.

Guys, loved ones are either leaving or getting pregnant. As I enter into my twilight years, life’s tides seem to be shifting more than ever before. But I’m hoping with some of the wisdom that I’ve gained, I can accept it with grace and dignity. Really, I want to stay in bed and sob like a whine head. Instead, I’ll drink McDonalds coffee and nibble on some BTS Oreos, which I think in some small measure will help me get through it. Snackies are miracle workers.

I’m gonna leave y’all with another change - I cut my hair. I’m digging having short hair because long hair bothers me and all I did was wear it up anyhow.

Ta-da!

Gotta hit it. Work and stuff.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you!

Toodles -xo

[kernyen-xo]

I have no idea why this was flagged as mature content: https://www.tumblr.com/kernyen-xo/819791471864692736/im-not-sure-why-this-was-posted-as-mature

https://www.tumblr.com/kernyen-xo/819791471864692736/im-not-sure-why-this-was-posted-as-mature

[kernyen-xo]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments and hearts about the passing of Rogie ❤️🐾

[kernyen-xo]

I’m not sure why this was posted as mature content. Was it my sandwich 😆😆

The grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center just ended. My favorite part was listening to Michelle Obama. I don’t cry often but I did listening to her. Just like I did when I listened to her audiobook, Becoming.

One day I’d love to visit the OPC. There’s a lot to see!

In other news: I just tried a salad roll from Panera Bread. It was the Farmhouse crunch. No meat. It was good - veggies, sweet potato, candied almonds, pumpkin seeds, and ranch dressing.

In its demolished state, thanks to yours truly :D

The past week, the kid and the granddaughter has been staying over. I kind of feel like Bilbo did when the dwarves went to his home for their meeting. My condo suddenly feels very small. It’s different when I have guests that visit for a day but guests that stay the night is a different story. I have one bedroom. The kid slept on the cot that is usually for my granddaughter while the granddaughter slept with me. Lord, it’s uncomfortable because she likes to hog the entire bed =:p

Yesterday, the kid received Rogan’s ashes along with his paw print and nose print. I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets a tattoo representing Rogan.

I’m glad that the offices will be closed tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth Independence Day. I’ll be sleeping in thank you very much…Or…

Or will I? I hope so.

This day is dragging really bad. It’s not even 1:30 yet 😭

Ok, I’m out - I should get back to pretending I’m working ha.

Toodles -xo!

[kernyen-xo]

A More Than A Fond Farewell.

The kid decided that it was time for Rogan to cross the Rainbow Bridge. He had deteriorated quickly in the past 2 weeks. We were there when he passed to let him know he wasn’t alone. He had always been a Velcro pup, following us wherever we went. Although I’m pretty sure it wasn’t because he felt alone but more because it was his way of making sure we were ok. He was always on alert, so common for his breed. He was highly protective.

I know he’s not suffering any longer but it’s heartbreaking knowing he’s not around. He was such a presence in our lives. I keep seeing his ghost everywhere.

Bachan loves you, run free, Rogie! I’ll see you one day <3

🐾❤️ Rogan 2013-2026 ❤️🐾

[kernyen-xo]

The thing about family funerals, especially the life celebration that is held afterwards, is the opportunity it gives all of us to connect with one another.

Kathie’s funeral involved a military send off with the folded American flag given to her husband Porter. Taps played as well. It was a fine send off. At the celebration we got to watch hula dancers perform. Kathie loved the culture of Hawaii.

Cuzzy and I try our best to take selfies together at each event we attend together, from festivals to concerts, casinos, and an assortment of family gatherings, including funerals. Lately, we’ve been neglecting this tradition but I’m happy to say the kid took our photo at Kathie’s life celebration.

As we went around the room saying our good-byes, the common thread of everyone’s farewell was, “we need to all get together soon. Life is short. No more waiting until another funeral!”

It makes me want to organize another cousin reunion. The last one was last summer for Kathie. It was great - good food, activities, and entertainment. Everyone took their photo with Kathie. She had a good day. There was a surprise hula performance by all the 2nd generation of cousins.

Just finished this gem:

It’s a work of fiction based on real life 17th century midwife Martha Banner’s work, life and some of the events that took place. I highly recommend it.

Ok, time to head out.

Thank you for reading. Cya.

-xo

[kernyen-xo]

Thx for the tag @manofnumbers :)

Prompt:

Sneak attack!! send this to your favourite blogs and mutuals and ask them to share one nice thing (big or small) they're looking forward to in the coming week(s).

My Share:

My nephew is getting married in August, so the kid and I will be flying out to NJ. I’m not a fan of flying but I’m glad the kid will be traveling with me and I’m looking forward to seeing my nephew tie the knot!

Consider yourself tagged if you’d like to share your one nice thing!

You’re it!

[kernyen-xo]

I like getting older because there’s a certain kind of comfort having gained the wisdom that goes along with aging, plus there’s that “ I don’t give a shit” attitude. I’ve learned, for the most part, not to sweat the stuff I can’t change. I’ve learned to pick my battles. But, you know what sucks about aging is the people you grew up with start to disappear due to old age, illnesses, which is to be expected, but it does something to you. For me, it makes me afraid. Not afraid of dying but afraid I’ll be the only one left if my inner circle dies before I do. I like my single life and solitude, but I’m not alone with my inner circle.

Mom is 88 years old, diagnosed with dementia, can only get around with a walker or cane. She’s forgetful from minute to minute, but it’s forgetting the memories that’s tragic because when we get older, that’s one of the most cherished things we have - a lifetime of memories.

My sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She said it’s stage 1, so they caught it early. I’m very hopeful she will be ok.

I have a lot, and I mean a lot of cousins, and I’m just referring to my mom’s side of the family. On a regular basis we’ll have cousin reunions. There’s a lot I haven’t met but the one that has been around when I was growing up was my cousin Kathie. Although we’ve never been close, she’s always been around, a constant fixture in my life. She is the oldest cousin. She and her husband were go-getters, led a life of adventure, traveling and living around the world. They finally settled here in Sacramento.

About 3 years ago, she was diagnosed with ALS. At first, I couldn’t get my head wrapped around it. It was difficult to imagine that Kathie, the adventurer of us all, had this terrible debilitating disease that would inevitably take away her motor skills and her will to live. Me and the kid were scheduled to visit her, but she died the night before. I hate that I didn’t go earlier.

I hardly see the kid because even though she moved in with me, she and Rogan spend all their time with the kid’s partner, J, who lives in a small town in the foothills. They invited me to spend Easter with them and J’s family. It was nice. For the first time since I was about 9 years old, I participated in an Easter egg hunt :D

We recently found out that Rogan has a leaky heart valve. His quality of life is still good, he’s still playful and has a good appetite. The vet said, with medication, he has a few good months to a year. Rogan is 14 years old.

I love this guy like crazy ❤️

I just finished Michelle Obama’s book Becoming. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave it 5 stars in Goodreads. I listened to the audio version, which I think added to her story since she is the narrator:)

Gotta run. You know, work and all.

Have a good one, everybody!

Thanks for reading :)

[kernyen-xo]

Hello everyone,

How’s tricks?

Lately, life has been a challenge. The kid and Rogan will be moving in with me and I’ve mixed feelings about it and I know it’s the same for her. I offered since she’s having a difficult time finding work. She’s simply out of money and can no longer support herself and pay almost $2k for a one-bedroom apartment. I have to hand it to her though - she made it this far!

Living together will be a hard challenge for the both of us. However, she and Rogue will be spending most of their time in a small town in the foothills where the kid’s partner lives. That will help a lot. While my relationship with the kid is good, we’re extreme opposites, so I hope we make it out alive :D

Let's talk about passports.

I renewed my passport and carry it with me. I've never had to do it before, always kept it home and tucked away along with my social security card, birth certificate, etc. But, now I feel the need to have it on my person :(

The kid took my passport photo and we’re like, “Holy…!” :D The kid said, “I'll retake it.” I didn't want to mess around with it any more, so I told her to leave it. I'll reach out when they reject my application (because I was so sure it would be rejected), and you can retake it then. Bruh. It was accepted, so now my new passport photo is me looking like a hippy bachaan, wearing my love-themed tie-dyed tee and my hair up in a messy crooked bun and no make-up. I'm thinking their standards for passport photos have gone down :D

It was at the end of the day y'all!

In other breaking news:

I'm glad it's Friday.

Current audio: Scrublands by Chris Hammer. A thriller mystery set in Australia.

Current read (been on this for awhile): At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon.

Current addiction: Whatnot - Loving the vintage/antique shops, especially the small trinkets. My unsolicited advice: Do not try this app. It's too addicting. Ok, there. My good deed for the year, being thoughtful and shit.

I'll leave you this face (at work) in case it makes up for that awful passport photo =:p

Peace out (heart hands).

-xo

[kernyen-xo]

It's my 10 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

[kernyen-xo]

do u use twitter?

No

[kernyen-xo]

New Year Feast

[kernyen-xo]

Year in Review

A good but challenging year.

Here we go!

Celebrations:

The Kid’s 2nd year being cancer-free!

My 64th birthday

The Kid’s 45th birthday

The Grandkid’s 15th birthday

Mom’s 88th birthday

Accomplishments:

3rd year work anniversary

3rd year owning my home

Read/listened to 147 books

Lost weight

Paid off my vehicle

Challenges:

Mom’s dementia diagnosis

Helping The Kid financially

Health issues

Losses:

Aunt Sally

Cousin Sonny

Step-mom

Take-away: Tough love

I hope y'all have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026!

Toodles! -xo

[kernyen-xo]

I arrived at my brother’s home last Saturday around 5:30p. My goal was around 2-3p but I had to stop 3 additional stops to my normal 3 just to sleep. I was very tired because I barely slept the night before.

Anyway, Im here!

On Sunday, there was a houseful because lots of cookie baking happening. I spent the day with mom at her place but I was able to join the festivities afterward. Mind you, I didn't do any baking or decorating - I just tasted a lot! My favorite are the fruitcake cookies.

We had homemade clam chowder, caesar salad, chile with crusty bread & buttah (not butter - it's important to know the difference —> butter is good but buttah is…well buttah—> chef’s kiss)

Today, I might do some thrifting. Or, do nothing but stick around the house. My tummy is acting up. I think I had too much chowder - it was very rich and clams in every bite instead of potatoes. The way I love my chowder.

Gotta go!

Toodles -xo

[kernyen-xo]

It’s Saturday and I’ve been up since 5:30, but that’s ok. I have a lot to do. Go to the lab for some tests, the Dollar Tree, World Market, need to buy snacks for my long drive to San Diego this coming Saturday, and finally pick up a prescription.

Afterwards, the plan is to paint some rocks to give away as gifts with some candy and make gift bags for my nieces and nephew and my SIL’s family.

Oh yeah, I forgot - I need to do Christmas cards too. Goal: to mail them out by this Monday.

Well, I better get ready to hit the lab first.

Enjoy your weekend, my reader-ettes:D

I’m out!

Toodles -xo

[kernyen-xo]

I’ve finally decided that Christmas is my favorite time of the year.

Last Thursday, we had our annual holiday party at a local steakhouse. The food is always delicious. We played games with prizes to the winners and received a little cash at the end of the evening, which is always nice.

Yesterday, I held my annual craft party and it was fun! Good food, good laughs, and the best company! Nine folks showed up and we decorated miniature houses.

Next stop: office potluck and white elephant gift exchange with an ugly sweater contest!

I’m finished with all my shopping and near to finish wrapping all the presents. Next Christmas tradition: writing and sending out Christmas cards!

And last but never least: watching all kinds of Christmas movies!

Toodles!

[kernyen-xo]

I hosted Thanksgiving this year. The kid and her friend showed up. It was a good day. I was able to send most of the food home with the girls.

Today, I did laundry and a couple of other chores, and then picked up the grandkid, who’s spending the weekend with me. We prepped gift baskets for my craft party, which is this weekend. When I first planned the party, I was thinking a hearty Filipino stew but with so much going on, it’s now chili, cornbread casserole, and sandwiches. The guests are bringing the appetizers and desserts. We’re going to paint miniature houses.

I’m almost finished getting all my Christmas shopping done (shaking pom-poms).

I’m tired yet restless. I hate that feeling but here’s a smile - kind of 😆

Goodnight. Oyasumi!

-xo