Fall Refresh - 30 Day Challenge

It’s been a while since I’ve had a scheduled blog rhythm, so in true “I’m trying to get my life together but gently” fashion, I’m starting a 30-Day Blog Challenge.

Thirty days. Thirty topics. One very caffeinated woman trying to show up consistently. Let’s do this.

Today’s topic: Write some basic things about yourself.

So here we go…

-I’m Carolyne — a thirty-something who is almost always juggling six things at once, not because I love chaos but because somehow chaos keeps finding me. I’m a runner, a researcher trial manager, a chronic overthinker, and someone who needs a creative outlet or I slowly start losing my mind in spreadsheets. I’m married to my bestest friend, I love my little fur baby Mavs, and I find peace in having a full life even when I also complain about being tired. It’s called balance, right?

I love writing. I always have. Even as a kid, I was the one carrying around a notebook like it was a personality trait. Whether the journal was hidden under my bed or stuffed in a drawer, I always had at least one for different purposes. Blogging became my grown-up version of journaling — a space to reflect, unload, document, and occasionally whisper into the digital void.

And since today is very on-brand for “a little bit of everything,” here’s what my day looks like:

-Thanksgiving Prep Mode is on this weekend!
I’m did my Thanksgiving food shopping today — the marathon of grocery store aisles, crowds, and carts that won’t steer straight. One Publix trip + one Walmart order pickup = ready for two gatherings this week!

-Home Project: Almost There
My fireplace mantel is finally fixed (hallelujah) and now just needs paint. I’ve reached the part of the renovation journey where I stare at it and think, “I’ll paint it tomorrow” every day.
Spoiler: tomorrow is never today.
But how awesome to have this in one piece now! It's still kind of dirty (and at my parents second house) so I'm picking it up this afternoon and will paint it this week before it's mounted in the wall on a permanent basis. 

-Quiet Time & A New Book
Tonight, I’m giving myself some quiet time to start a new book: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks.
The cover alone looks like trouble, so I’m expecting to be emotionally betrayed at least twice.

-Why I’m Doing This Challenge
Because life is full, messy, and constantly shifting — and writing helps me slow down enough to actually feel it.
Because structure helps me stay grounded.
Because I need something fun and reflective to anchor my days.
And because I think documenting your life is one of the most underrated ways to stay connected to yourself.

-So here’s to Day 1.
Here’s to showing up.
And here’s to the next 29 days… whatever they may bring.