Hey all! I feel like I haven’t talked to you in a while. It’s been three weeks! Kenzy’s story took three weeks to share, and I got some cute feedback from it. I hope you all enjoyed it. I know it was kind of hard to read because she doesn’t understand when quoting people, you should add their name, like, “Hey, honey, please go get ready for bed,” Mom said.

But she wrote it to act out as a play, playing each part herself. For eleven years old, I really loved her creativity, and she will grow over time in her writing. I love that she loves to write, like me.

I’m not a big reader, but I can sit and write or post stories as a hobby. Especially stories that have happened throughout my life, or things that have meant a lot to me over the years. Most of you who know me know I am an open book. I don’t know if that is the journalist in me or what. I guess I have always been that way.

I put the phrase “journalist personality type” into a Google search just out of curiosity, and this is what it said: Journalists often exhibit personality traits associated with curiosity, social engagement, and a drive for truth and detail. They are frequently described as open-minded, adaptable, and skilled communicators.

Key personality traits often found in journalists:

Openness: Journalists tend to be curious, imaginative, and value new experiences and perspectives.

Extraversion: Many journalists thrive on social interaction and enjoy working with others.

Social Responsibility: Journalists often demonstrate a concern for fairness and a desire to inform the public responsibly.
Communication Skills: Strong writing, speaking, and listening skills are essential for gathering and disseminating information.

Many of these sounded like me. Especially the social interaction and speaking skills.

I’m typically not nervous about talking in front of crowds, and I can make friends pretty easily in a large group without knowing anyone. I love to share things that make me happy. I take a lot of pictures and videos. I enjoy sharing them on social media. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll see that I often share my storyline.

Things I share are food, family, friends, my garden, our dog, our wildlife, lots of holiday things, funny, silly things, river days, cars, and other things.

You just never know what Andrea might share on a day to weekly basis, but the people love it.

I have had people tell me that it brings joy to their day and that I am one of their favorite social media accounts.

I like to post positive, upbeat things. I hate when people air their laundry and are so negative all the time. There are already so many sad things on the news and social media, why can’t we try to lift people up instead of bringing them down more?

I have many social media accounts that I love to follow, which bring me joy as I follow their lives as well. It’s amazing what a picture of a beautiful sunset or dahlia can do to your mood. Or, just to see kids happily playing in a sprinkler. I’m grateful God has joy in my heart that I can spread to others with my personality, writing, and social media accounts.

I do have fun with Snapchat, but I only have about 40 people added, mostly close friends and family. However, you can follow me on Instagram for everything else at @andreascountryhomecooknfitness and watch my stories there. I try to post as often as I can because folks miss it if I don’t.

I always say I love what I do. I am so grateful to be able to share this life with you all and hope I can bring you joy with each story for your week.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kenzy’s story. Her dad felt like she made him sound kinda blah in the story. He really isn’t, haha. She also is NOT on her tablet as much as she seemed to be in her story. I said, “Kenz, why did you write about being on your tablet so much at the river, because you know you’re not allowed unless it rains or it’s bedtime?” She said, “Mom. It’s my story I made up, and in the story that’s what I wanted to do, along with swimming, making s’mores, and riding my scooter!”

Well, I guess that’s the nice thing about writing: you can play make-believe and pour your heart out onto paper. You can be anyone you want to be. But in real life, she is not on her tablet that much on the river. We have been at the river for five days so far for vacation, and she has only been on it a little before bedtime. We keep very busy up there, swimming, floating, going on boat rides, having picnics at the beach, watching movies, playing games, and more. The days fly by, and we have had incredible weather. I’ve been sharing about our staycation as well, and the joy of being at the river brings me and our family. I hope you find joy in the little things. The best way to find joy is to give it to others!

Lately, in this heat, I have just been craving salads! Something cold and light on a hot day is perfect, easy, and delicious on a summer day. This is all you need to make this salad.

Crispy Chicken Bacon Salad

Ingredients:
• Romaine lettuce, cleaned and cut
• Cucumber, cleaned and cut
• Pepper, cleaned and cut
• Boiled Egg
• Croutons
• Tyson Crispy Chicken, baked and cooled
• Parmesan Cheese
• Bacon Crumbles
• Your favorite dressing

These measurements of each item are up to you! Add what you want.

Directions:

Place all cleaned veggies in a nice-sized salad bowl. Top with chicken, egg, bacon, and cheese. Then, add your favorite dressing. Enjoy on a hot summer day.