A Day Well Spent: Sprinklers, Snuggles & Starting Again

Day 16: A Hospital Stay, A Grateful Heart, Home Again

Some moments stay with you forever, and this episode begins with one of them. I'm sharing a memory of my dear friend Rebecca taking me to the home where she grew up and introducing me to her parents. It was such a simple afternoon, but one I'll always treasure because she invited me into a very special part of her story. Then we catch up on where I've disappeared to for the last few days. I've been spending my time at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with my pregnant daughter after a frightening hospital stay. While the doctors still don't have all the answers about what caused her bleeding, they were able to rule out the most serious possibilities, and for that, our family is incredibly grateful. I also wanted to take a few minutes to recognize the amazing physicians, nurses, and staff at OSU Wexner. Their compassion, professionalism, and exceptional care turned a very scary experience into one where we felt informed, supported, and genuinely cared for every step of the way. Now that we're finally home, it's time to dust off the to-do list that's been patiently waiting for three days and get life moving again. Sometimes life puts everything on pause, and all you can do is be present, trust the people caring for the ones you love, and count your blessings. I hope you'll join me for another unedited ten minutes of life, gratitude, and whatever happens to be on my mind today.

Day 15: An ambulance ride to OSU, Channeling my inner Rebbeca, and putting today's to-do list on hold

Today started with a phone call at 4:00 a.m. that no parent wants to receive. My daughter, who is in the middle of a high-risk pregnancy, had a bleeding scare, and was on her way to pick me up so we could head to the hospital. We both expected a quick checkup, some reassurance, and a trip back home. Instead, she was transferred by ambulance to the High-Risk OB team at Ohio State. As I followed the ambulance down the highway, I found myself channeling one of my favorite people—Rebecca. Let's just say her legendary road-rage spirit came in handy when another driver thought it was a good idea to attempt to cut in front of the ambulance carrying my daughter! Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. Mom and baby are doing well; we made it home safely, and I'm incredibly grateful. But after a day like today, I found myself staring at a to-do list that never had a chance. So the question became...do I push through tonight, or do I give myself permission to rest and start again tomorrow? Sometimes life reminds us that our plans aren't always the most important thing on the calendar.

Day 14: Some Days You Just Say "Fuck It"... Then Do It Anyway

Some days just feel...off. You blink, it's late afternoon, and you can't shake the feeling that you've been physically present all day but mentally somewhere else. Today was one of those days for me. I seriously considered saying, "Forget it," skipping the podcast, and calling it a day. Instead, I hit record. Today's Rebecca memory is exactly what you'd expect—our shared appreciation for the versatility of one particular four-letter word. If there's a funny video involving the word "fuck," chances are one of us is sending it to the other within minutes. Sometimes laughter really is the best therapy. From there, I talk about something much deeper: showing up even when you don't feel like it. My gratitude jar reminded me how thankful I am for the home my husband and I have built together, especially after we spent an evening watching the FIFA Club World Cup projected onto the side of our house. It was such a simple moment, but one that reminded me how easy it is to overlook the good things when we're stuck in our own heads. This episode is a reminder that motivation comes and goes, but commitment is a choice. I didn't want to record today... but I did it anyway. And somewhere between pressing "Record" and "Stop," I found the part of myself I'd been missing all day. Maybe today is one of those days for you, too.

Day 13: Themed Parties, Campfires & Route 66 Dreams

This morning starts with another favorite Rebecca memory...and this one involves themed parties! From prom parties to "White Out" parties, she always knew how to throw an unforgettable celebration. I even share the story of the infamous night we "shot the rainbow"—a decision that seemed like a fantastic idea at the time and a terrible one the next morning! 😂 Then I take you camping with me to Van Buren State Park. My husband and I hadn't been there in over a decade, and I was blown away by the transformation. What was once mostly stone campsites has become one of the prettiest campgrounds I've visited, complete with paved roads, beautiful grass, mature trees, and concrete patio pads at every campsite. It's definitely earned a spot on my "I'll be back" list. Finally, I share a dream that's been growing in my mind ever since falling down the Route 66 rabbit hole. What if someone sponsored the podcast so I could take 10 Unedited Minutes of Marlena's Time on the road? Imagine following historic Route 66, meeting incredible people, discovering hidden gems, and sharing the adventure one unedited episode at a time. Sometimes the best adventures begin with a simple idea...and maybe this is one of them.

Day 12: Life Lessons from Rebecca...and the Back Roads of Ohio

Today's episode begins with another memory of my dear friend, Rebecca, and the incredible role she played in my life. When I unexpectedly found myself stepping into the role of Managing Editor at a newspaper, I quickly realized I knew the production side of the business—but journalism itself was a whole different world! Thankfully, Rebecca was only a phone call away. She patiently walked me through everything I needed to survive that first week, proving once again that the people who believe in us can change the course of our lives. Then we trade newspaper deadlines for country roads. I share the story of a much-needed day spent exploring Ohio with my best friend. From visiting Grandpa's Cheese Barn to stopping at an Amish nonprofit grocery store that supports women choosing a different path in life, to wandering back roads in search of roadside produce stands, it was one of those simple, unhurried days that reminds you how refreshing it is to slow down. Sometimes the best adventures aren't planned. They're found somewhere between good conversation, winding roads, and making memories with the people who make life better. I hope you'll come along for the ride.