Pray Eat Slay

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I’m a leader, a mother, and a woman intentionally evolving. Through discipline, faith, and self-awareness, I’m creating a life that blends strength with softness. This space reflects my journey of growth, high standards, and learning to live beautifully without dimming who I am.

  • Grace in Every Season

    Today, on Easter Sunday, I find myself sitting in a place of deep gratitude.

    Life doesn’t always look the way we imagined it would. Even though my father and both of my grandparents have been gone for some years now, I’m still grateful. Their love, their lessons, and their presence still live within me. In the way I move, in the way I love my family, and in the strength I carry every day.

    Today isn’t just about what we’ve lost. It’s about what we still have.

    My family is safe. I’m here in Germany, covered and protected, continuing to move forward. My sister is safe in Georgia, in a home she built from the ground up with her own hands. That alone is a blessing I don’t take lightly. We may be in different places, but we are still connected, still supported, still standing together.

    My mother is the one who keeps me grounded, my sister is the friend I never had to ask for she was mine from the very beginning, and my child is who keeps me moving forward. It’s us against the world, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Just recently, I found myself stressed, trying to figure out how I was going to pay the mortgage on my house that I’ve been renting out for the past six years. It felt heavy in the moment. But right on time, things aligned and I just signed an agreement with new tenants.

    That reminder hit me differently.

    Even when I can’t see it, God is still working things out for me.

    Easter reminds me that even after uncertainty, there is provision. Even after stress, there is peace. Even after everything, we are still here, still covered, still moving forward.

    We are truly blessed and highly favored.

    And today, I choose to sit in that truth.

  • I’m Not Combative. I’m Committed.

    There’s something I’ve had to sit with lately, and honestly, it hasn’t been easy to admit.

    I know I’m good at what I do. Not in a bragging way, but in a grounded and proven way. I show up prepared. I take ownership. I care about the outcome, not just checking a box. When something needs to get done, I don’t hesitate. I step in, I figure it out, and I make sure it’s handled the right way.

    That part of me is something I’m proud of.

    But here’s the part I’ve had to really reflect on. The same demeanor and dedication that make me effective can also make people feel like I’m combative.

    That realization hit me.

    Because in my mind, I’m not arguing. I’m advocating. I’m not pushing back to be difficult. I’m pushing because I care about standards, about people, and about getting it right. I ask questions because I want clarity. I speak up because silence doesn’t fix problems.

    But I’ve learned something important. Intent does not always match impact.

    And that matters.

    I’ve realized that when you’re confident, direct, and consistent, not everyone experiences that as leadership. Sometimes it feels like pressure. Sometimes it feels like confrontation. And sometimes, especially in environments where not everyone operates at the same level of urgency or accountability, it can come across as too much.

    And let me be clear. My 4’11 self is not here to put anyone down. But in the same breath, I should not have to dim my light to make others comfortable.

    That does not mean I need to shrink myself.

    But it does mean I need to be more aware.

    I don’t want to lose my edge. I don’t want to water down my standards or stop caring deeply about my work. That is part of what makes me who I am. But I do want to grow in how I deliver it. I want people to feel led, not challenged. Supported, not scrutinized.

    There is a balance there, and I am learning it.

    I am learning that tone matters just as much as content. That how I say something can carry more weight than what I am actually saying. That leadership is not just about being right. It is about being effective with people.

    And here’s the truth. I can still be strong, still be direct, still be excellent without making others feel like they have to defend themselves around me.

    That is the level I am working toward.

    Growth is not always about fixing something that is broken. Sometimes it is about refining something that is already strong.

    And that is where I am right now. Refining.

    Because I know who I am. I know what I bring to the table.

    Now I am making sure people can feel that in the right way too.

  • Missing Daegu

    It hits me sometimes out of nowhere. When I’m driving through quiet streets, or standing in the grocery store staring at bland instant noodles, and suddenly, I miss Daegu, South Korea with a kind of ache I didn’t expect. It’s more than just nostalgia. It’s a feeling that a part of me is still walking the bustling streets of Seomun Market, still sipping kiwi ade or an iced americanos on a hot day in Suseong Lake Park, still hearing the melody of a city that never really slows down.

    Daegu wasn’t just a place I lived. It was a place that lived with me. The energy, the food, the kindness of strangers who became friends. It all got under my skin in the best way.

    The food alone is enough to make me emotional. I miss walking into tiny mom-and-pop restaurants where I couldn’t read the menu, but it didn’t matter because everything was good. I miss jjimdak, tteokbokki, samgyeopsal nights with sizzling platters and endless laughter. Even the convenience store food in Korea had more flavor and love than half the restaurants I can find near me now.

    I miss the rhythm of the city, how everything seemed to function with this chaotic harmony. The sound of city buses, shopkeepers calling out promotions, K-pop playing from storefronts. It was sensory overload in the most comforting way. Here, everything feels quieter and sometimes too quiet.

    And the people? Kind, generous, always willing to help even when we barely shared a language. There’s something special about the way South Korea welcomes you, especially when you open yourself up to learning the culture, the language, even a little bit. I miss that mutual respect, the sense of community that wrapped around me like a warm blanket, even on the coldest winter mornings.

    Even the small, seemingly mundane things feel irreplaceable now. Like late-night walks to the corner store, street food adventures, city lights glowing against the mountains, or chatting with a barista who remembered my order and always added a smile.

    Living in a place like Daegu changes you. It opens your heart, your palate, your sense of adventure. And when you leave, you don’t just leave a city, you leave a piece of yourself behind.

    So yeah, I miss Daegu. More than I can explain in words. And I carry it with me every day in the way I cook, in the music I listen to, in the memories that sneak up on me and remind me: you were really there, and it really mattered.

  • The Struggle for Good Food Around Grafenwöhr, Germany

    If you’ve ever been stationed in or around Grafenwöhr, Germany, you probably already know. Finding good food around here can feel like a full-time job. And by “good,” I don’t mean the kind of meal that just fills your stomach. I mean the kind that makes you pause mid-bite and go, “Okay, now that’s what I’m talking about.” Unfortunately, those moments are rare in this part of Bavaria.

    Don’t get me wrong, Germany has a rich food culture. Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, and the ever-reliable döner kebab have their moments. But after these last two months here, even the most die-hard schnitzel fans start dreaming of variety. I’m talking spice, sauces that aren’t just cream-based, of actual heat in your food if you ask for “spicy.” 

    Grafenwöhr is a small town, and with the U.S. military presence, there’s a strange blend of cultures trying to coexist. There are a few local gems tucked into nearby towns like Weiden or Amberg, but most of the options within a quick drive are either fast food, uninspired gas station snacks, or pubs serving up the same four items in rotation. For those of us craving something outside the wurst-and-potatoes routine, it can be frustrating.

    Craving Thai? Good luck. Sushi? Better be ready to drive, and maybe lower your expectations. Mexican? Let’s just say that if you’re from the States and have real tacos in your memory, you’ll probably cry a little after the first bite of what’s offered here.

    The lack of variety can be especially hard if you’re trying to eat healthy or have dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options tend to be an afterthought, and forget about finding something vegan that isn’t just a sad salad.

    That said, the food struggle does have an upsides. It forces you to get creative. Many folks here have learned to cook amazing meals at home out of necessity. You start learning where to find the good ingredients, which local markets have the freshest produce, and how to recreate your favorite dishes with what’s available. Suddenly, your kitchen becomes your favorite restaurant, and your spice cabinet is worth its weight in gold.

    So yes, finding good food around Grafenwöhr is hard. But for those of us living here, it’s also become a bit of a challenge we’ve learned to tackle with patience, a good GPS, and a whole lot of home cooking.

  • We Moved Again

    Life has a way of keeping you on your toes, especially when you’re part of a military family. Recently, my daughter, our loyal German Shepherd, and I made a big move, from Daegu, South Korea all the way to Germany. It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re slowly finding our rhythm in this new chapter.

    Living in South Korea was an unforgettable experience. We built a life there, made close friends, and embraced a culture so different from where we came from. So when we got orders to relocate to Germany, it was bittersweet. We were excited for the new opportunity, but it was tough leaving behind everything we had grown to love.

    The move itself was a challenge. Coordinating international travel with a teenager and a big dog isn’t exactly simple. There were vaccinations, paperwork, customs, and lots of goodbyes. But somehow, with a lot of patience (and more than a few deep breaths), we made it onto the plane and into our new home.

    Arriving in Germany felt like stepping into a storybook. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and the crisp European air welcomed us. We’re based in a town close to a military community, which made the transition a little easier. My daughter has already started at her new school, and she’s been amazing—brave, curious, and ready to dive into her new life. Watching her adapt gives me strength every day.

    Our dog has adjusted too, though I’m pretty sure he misses the off-leash parks of Daegu! Thankfully, Germany is extremely dog-friendly, and he’s loving the endless trails and open spaces. Walking through the beautiful countryside has become a daily ritual for all of us—a way to reconnect and breathe after all the chaos.

    There are still challenges. Settling into a new country means new rules, new systems, and a lot of paperwork. Learning German has been an adventure on its own, and some days we feel completely out of our depth. But little by little, we’re finding our place here.

    Moving across the world again wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth it. We’re building new memories, meeting new friends, and growing stronger as a family. This journey is just beginning, and even with the hard days, I’m grateful for the chance to show my daughter—and myself—that home isn’t just a place. It’s where you build it, together.

  • Can I Still Find Love & Get Married?

    Now I know all of you are thinking yes. Why would you asked that…

    Let’s break it down

    – I’m over 30

    – Single parent of one

    – never been asked to get married

    – I think I’m a 5 (not ugly but not drop dead gorgeous)

    – I work everyday

    – I own a house

    – I have a degree

    But are these qualities that a man is looking for? I need to know what am I doing wrong. Or does finding love have an expiration date? Write a comment… What do you think.

  • I Made it Through Drill Sergeant School!

    www.facebook.com/fortjacksonphoto/photos/a.2588437001176851/2588438131176738/

  • #BLACKSTORIESMATTER – Diversify your bookshelf with indie books by Black authors.

    #BLACKSTORIESMATTER – Diversify your bookshelf with indie books by Black authors.

    In a world full of diversity I can alway count on authors to provide me a new book to read. Check some of these books out.

    keshiamcentire's avatarK. R. S. McEntire

    In a time full of racial injustice, one small way to promote equity is by supporting the creative efforts of people of color. The publishing industry lacks diversity, and writers of color often have a harder time getting their work seen. Representation matters, Black lives matter, and Black stories matter.

    I was inspired to write this post after taking part in a Facebook thread where authors of color were asked to share their work. This is a resources for people who are looking to explore the work of Black, indie authors.

    Scroll down to diversify your bookshelf with indie books by Black authors.

    Take a look at these additional resources:

    Author submitted Storyorigin promo of POC and LGBTQ+ books (June 2020).

    Black Speculative Fiction Authors Directory

    How to Write Black Characters: An Incomplete Guide

    Post-Apocalyptic / Dystopian

    Skin Trials

    Seren is one of the most powerful young women on Earth.

    View original post 4,114 more words

  • Hello World

    cropped-e492d0b1-1fa4-495b-9d03-39fa382303d21.jpegHello World and Welcome to my Blog!

    Instead of just having a personal journal about my everyday life. I want to share my adventures in life with you all. From life as a single mother, a United States Solider, a first time home owner and a self proclaimed foodie. I want to be able to give you my insight, tips and words of encouragement. I would love to connect with everyone about local food or your favorite food spots, parenting advice or first time mommies and daddies and other services members and there families. So once again welcome and let’s enjoy each other’s company!

  • The Journey Begins

    Thanks for joining me!

    Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

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