Category: Jumbles

Introduction: “Whose Bright Idea Was This Anyway?“

I often sit back and marvel — with equal parts awe and concern — at where I gather the audacity to take on half the things I do. Honestly, if audacity were a currency, I’d have Jeff Bezos on speed dial asking if he wanted to borrow some.

So there I was, barely surviving the mental assault of learning to code while holding down an actual job like a responsible adult, when I decided — because clearly, my life wasn’t spicy enough — to throw myself headfirst into the Daniel Fast. Yes, I can hear you laughing from the other side of the screen. And you’re right. Let’s be serious.

From the very beginning, I knew, deep in my blessed little heart, that there was no way on God’s very green Earth I was lasting the full 21 days. I wanted to try, sure, but I also came mentally prepped for battle. As a neurodivergent champion with a black belt in Hyperfixation, I had to move carefully — if I didn’t, food fatigue would body-slam me halfway through like a WWE finale.

Thus armed with nothing but blind optimism and Google, I set off, courageously asking, “Wait… what can I even eat?“

 

So, What Exactly Is This Daniel Fast? (Asking for Myself)

The Daniel Fast is a spiritual and physical exercise based on the biblical story of the prophet Daniel — that guy who bravely turned down royal meat and wine for lentils and water. Essentially, it’s a way to deepen your relationship with God while lovingly telling your cravings to sit down and shut up.

It typically lasts 21 days and is technically plant-based — think vegan, but the super intense, no-nonsense cousin. It’s like Veganism walked into a church revival and left born again and extra. Here’s the basic breakdown:

• Processed foods? Canceled. Even vegan junk food is kicked to the curb.
• Sweeteners? Bye-bye to sugar, honey, maple syrup — basically, all the joy.
• Leavened bread? No loaf for you, friend. If it rises, it’s out.
• Caffeinated beverages? Pack it up, coffee lovers. Water and herbal teas only.

In short: it’s the Holy Boot Camp your tastebuds didn’t know they signed up for.

 

Me vs. The Fast: Early Days of Delusion

Back to me — your faithful, slightly unhinged narrator.
At first, I was confident. No, cocky even. I was working out recipes like a Food Network champion, strutting around my kitchen like I was the next big thing.

Two days in? Still feeling good. I was practically glowing with self-satisfaction.
Five days in? I was seeing actual celestial bodies in my peripheral vision.
By day seven? Listen — if I didn’t get myself together quickly, I was about one avocado away from checking into the Emergency Room for “Death by Overconfidence.”

Now, looking back with the clarity of someone who lived to tell the tale, I can admit (almost) that it was poor planning on my part. Almost. I’m still not fully ready to sign that confession. Let’s call it a “learning curve” and move on.

 

The Good, The Bad, and The Lentils

Despite the chaos, it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
Every meal I made was balanced and packed with protein — I shocked myself at how creative I could be when all my favorite crutches like sugar, bread, and caffeine were snatched away. Suddenly, the world was bursting with options I had never paid attention to before.

I mean, lentils! Lentils really showed up and showed out.
I’ve had lentils before, sure, but now? Lentils have earned themselves a permanent seat at my kitchen table. They’re part of the family now.

One huge lesson: when you cut out so much, you realize just how abundant food choices actually are — if you’re open-minded (and desperate enough).

 

Closing Thoughts: Know Thy Limits, Sis

All in all, it was a good experience. Not a flawless victory, but not a complete disaster either. I will definitely do it again — next time, with actual planning, adulting, and a survival kit that includes a support group and maybe some pre-fast therapy sessions.

I’m even considering tackling the Esther Fast next. You know — three days, no food, no water — just straight-up trusting God to carry you.
As for the Moses or Elijah fasts? Uh, no thanks. I love Jesus, but I also love functioning kidneys. Sometimes, you’ve just got to know your limits as a human being.

Until we meet again, remember: you can do all things through Christ — but maybe check with a dietitian first.

But Here’s What I Read and Watched (At 2x Speed, Obviously)

The Month That Vanished Faster Than My New Year’s Resolutions

February was a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of month. One second, I was stumbling out of the nightmare that is January, and the next, I was watching March creep in like an uninvited guest. What happened in February? I couldn’t tell you exactly. There was a statutory holiday somewhere in there, I successfully avoided getting sick (a win in my book), and most importantly, I spent an obscene amount of time reading, watching, and generally overindulging in content like a true intellectual (who also enjoys trash TV). Oh, and let’s not forget—I was preparing for Lent, yet still haven’t decided what to sacrifice. Maybe procrastination? (Unlikely.)

Now, let’s talk books, shows, and movies. Because if I can’t remember what else I did this month, I can at least remember what I binged.

Books I Read (Listened To at 1.7x – 2x Speed Because Time Is Money)

The Bible (One Year Bible) – 10/10

Still chugging along through the Word. A little Old Testament, a little New Testament, a dash of Psalms, and a sprinkle of Proverbs—like a divine literary charcuterie board.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – 8.7/10

A psychological thriller that still shocks me, even on multiple re-reads. Yes, I know how it ends. No, that does not stop me from gasping dramatically every single time.

The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen – 8/10

Imagine getting a text from someone who died five years ago. Do you (A) pass out, (B) assume you’ve lost your mind, or (C) read this book and let it unravel the mystery for you? I chose C, and I have no regrets.

True Crime Case History (Books 1-3) by Jason Neal – 10/10

Listening at max speed made this an adrenaline-packed ride through some of the craziest true crime cases ever. I’ve always known people were unhinged, but this book confirmed it.

Why Insects Matter by Scott Solomon – 9/10

A fascinating deep dive into why bugs are actually essential. Did it make me like cockroaches? Absolutely not. Did it make me respect them a little more? …Maybe.

Screen Time: The TV Shows That Kept Me Hooked

Game of Thrones (Rewatch, Ongoing) – 10/10

You already knew this was happening. Watching all the seasons back-to-back gives me a newfound appreciation for the absolute mess that is Westeros. Currently on Season 6, and I’m taking notes like it’s a history exam.

Matlock – 9/10

A legendary lawyer coming out of retirement for justice? Yes, please. The side stories and character development are just as good as the legal drama itself. Obsessed.

Elsbeth – 9/10

A brilliant detective with a Sherlock-level brain solving crimes? Sign me up. The balance of mystery, humor, and unexpected twists keeps me locked in.

High Potential – 10/10

Much like Elsbeth, but with a protagonist whose intelligence quotient is off the charts. The cases are complex, the writing is sharp, and I look forward to my Thursday night notifications reminding me that it’s time to watch.

Real Housewives of Potomac (Season 9) – 7/10

Not my favorite season, but entertaining enough. The reunion, however, is giving everything it needed to give. The outfits alone deserve an Emmy.

Movies: The Cinematic Experience (a.k.a. Me Critiquing Everything)

Kinda Pregnant (2025) – 7/10

A comedy that was good but didn’t quite have me rolling on the floor. Enjoyable, but not hilarious.

Moana 2 (2024) – 7/10

Didn’t hit the same as the first one. Also, I watched it at 1.5x speed to minimize the singing. (Yes, I know that’s a crime against Disney, but here we are.)

The Lion King: Mufasa (2024) – 8.6/10

Watched against my will, thanks to my cousin, but ended up enjoying it. Mostly because she treated the entire movie like a Broadway performance, singing and dancing her way through it. Unexpectedly entertaining.

Captain America: New World Order (2025) – 8/10

Marvel, my beloved. It was great, the jokes hit, and while some folks are still chasing Infinity Saga-level hype, I enjoyed this for what it was. Also, I got merch. Win-win.

The Final Tally: Because Numbers Make Everything Official

• Books Read: 5
• TV Shows Watched: 5 (ongoing and new)
• Movies Watched: 4
• Total Hours of Content Consumed? Let’s not talk about it.

 

You Were a Blur But You Served

If February taught me anything, it’s that time is an illusion, streaming services are dangerous, and I will always make time for books, TV, and movies—whether I have the time or not. Now, onto March! What should I watch next?

February may have disappeared faster than my motivation to work out, but at least I spent it wisely reading, watching, and finding new ways to procrastinate. As I march into March (pun intended), I’m already eyeing my next binge-worthy finds. If you’ve got recommendations, drop them because clearly, I have time for more.

A January 2025 Round Up

Ah, January—the month where resolutions bloom and then promptly wilt by the 15th. But not this time! This year, I made it my mission to finally tackle my ever-growing watchlist and clear out my Audible backlog before adding more. (Keyword: before. Let’s see how that goes.)

I love books. But I also love not having shelves cluttered with books I’ll never reread (unless, of course, we’re talking about the Harry Potter series—those are sacred). So, Audible has been my best friend, allowing me to devour books while driving, working, or pretending to work out.

Movies? Well, outside of my undying loyalty to Marvel Studios, I enjoy action, true crime, mockumentaries, and documentaries. So, let’s dive into what kept my eyes and ears busy this January.

Books I Read (Listened To at 1.7x – 2x Speed Like a True Scholar)

1. The Bible (The One-Year Bible)

Rating: 10/10
This one’s a classic. Every day, it gives me passages from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs, all tied together with a daily theme, devotional, and prayer. I’ll be reading this throughout the year—because, well, it’s the Bible. Timeless, relevant, and never gets old.

2. The Silent Children – Carol Wyer

Rating: 8.8/10
This is the fourth book in the Detective Robyn Carter series, but it was my first read from the series (because I like to live dangerously). I was a bit lost at first, but I found my footing, and it all came together in the end. Solid crime thriller, definitely worth the listen.

3. Released to Kill Again – John Summit

Rating: 9.5/10
Seven criminals, convicted of murder, released, and then… did it again. Because, of course, they did. This true crime book was under two hours, which made it perfect for my drive to and from work. It was gripping, frustrating, and a reminder that sometimes justice fails spectacularly.

4. Tell Me Lies – J.P. Pomare

Rating: 9/10
A psychological thriller that had me talking back to my Audible app like I was in a Lifetime movie. Twists, turns, and a lot of what is happening?! moments. Highly recommend if you love books that mess with your mind.

5. Lies – T.M. Logan

Rating: 8.7/10
A crime thriller about marriage and secrets—and let me tell you, this book reinforced my belief that women are not to be played with. At nearly 11 hours long, it was a commitment, but totally worth it.

6. Husband and Wife – K.L. Slater

Rating: 9/10
Another crime and domestic thriller because apparently, I enjoy fictional marital drama. This one had suspense, deception, and just the right amount of what the heck is happening?

7. Catholicism: All-in-One for Dummies

Rating: 10/10
Yes, I love For Dummies books. And yes, I’m a practicing Catholic, so this 27-hour listen was a deep dive into my faith. It refreshed my knowledge and taught me new things about Catholic traditions. A+ for continuing education.

8. If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and The Unbroken Bond of Sisterhood – Gregg Olsen

Rating: 9/10 (but only if you have the stomach for it)
This book had me glued to my headphones. It’s a horrifying true crime story that just kept getting worse with every chapter. Not for the faint of heart, but an absolutely gripping listen.

Movies and Series

Game of Thrones (Rewatch, Ongoing)

Decided to give this another go, but this time, actually pay attention instead of scrolling Twitter (I mean, X). No, I did not finish all eight seasons in a month because that would be madness. (Or would it?) Currently watching one episode a day—let’s see how long my attention span holds.

Rebel Ridge (Year: 2024)

Rating: 7.5/10
I wasn’t planning to watch this, but let’s just say I had no choice. (Peer pressure is real.) It was entertaining, though I was mildly frustrated with some of the characters. Also, the title? Kind of misleading. The ridge barely played a role in the plot. But hey, I still enjoyed it.

Den of Thieves (Rewatch, 2018)

Rating: 9/10
Watched this again because a sequel came out, and I needed a refresher. Still holds up. Every time I rewatch, I notice something new—like, why didn’t I catch that the first time?! Great action, great twists.

Gods of Egypt (Rewatch, 2016)

Rating: 7/10 (but a solid 10/10 if you have ice cream and a comfy couch)
Another rewatch and another case of I was forced to watch this. Honestly, it’s more enjoyable when you embrace the over-the-top CGI and just let it be what it is. Not historically accurate (obviously), but still fun.

Final Tally

Books: 8

Movies & Series: 4 (and counting, thanks to Game of Thrones)

Not too shabby for the first month of the year! Whether I keep up this pace remains to be seen, but for now, I’m proud of myself. If you’ve read or watched any of these, let’s discuss in the comments—especially if you’ve got hot takes on Game of Thrones (I know you do).

Until next month, happy reading and watching!

The Start of Something Cenacle

If I had a dollar for every time I tried starting something new, I’d probably have enough to fund my next failed hobby attempt. But here I am again, starting what is (hopefully) my last and longest-standing blog adventure. Let’s be real—this isn’t my first rodeo. It’s probably my fifth, but who’s counting?

I’ve always loved writing. There’s something therapeutic about putting thoughts to paper—or screen, in this case. It’s a space where my imagination roams freely, unrestricted by life’s chaos. Though I never envisioned myself making a career out of it, writing has always been my creative escape. So, after plenty of trial-and-error ventures, I’m back to what feels like home: storytelling, sharing thoughts, and connecting through words.

Soap, Snacks, and Stumbling Blocks

Let me take you on a quick detour through some of my other side hustles that never quite stuck. There was the time I learned how to make soap and candles, dreaming of launching a cozy craft business. I even nailed down packaging techniques for homemade dry snacks, sent out samples, and splurged on a label maker. I was this close to becoming a snack mogul but somehow ended up gifting everything instead.

It’s not that I lack a business mind—it’s that being an entrepreneur demands a cocktail of motivation, resources, and alignment that I just didn’t have at the time. Plus, let’s be honest, sometimes starting something new feels easier than sticking with it when the going gets tough.

The Name Game

One of the biggest challenges of starting this blog was coming up with a name. I didn’t want to recycle anything from my previous blogs or use my own name. I wanted something fresh, something that stood apart from me yet was still meaningful.

After much brainstorming, I landed on CENACLE—a blend of two words that magically came together. To my surprise, it carried two intriguing meanings:

one, a gathering of like-minded individuals (perfect for a community-focused blog), and two, the room where the Last Supper took place (not planned, but I’ll take it).

Pacing Myself: The New Game Plan

This time, I’m easing into it. No pressure, no grand resolutions—just one post a week, building momentum as I go. Some posts might feel familiar if you’ve followed me before, but they’ll be polished and refined. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

It’s been heartwarming to have friends and family cheer me on. Their encouragement has been a gentle reminder that starting over isn’t a setback—it’s a chance to grow. If you’re waiting for the “perfect moment” to start something new, here’s a spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist. Just start, even if you have to build momentum gradually. That’s what I’m doing—though I still need to muster the same energy to hop on the walking pad collecting dust in my living room. Baby steps, right?

The Road Ahead

I’m excited to see where this journey leads. I hope you’ll join me along the way, whether you’re here for thoughtful think pieces, educational insights, or a sprinkle of humor. And if you’ve got topic suggestions, hit me up—you know where to find me!

Here’s to fresh beginnings, creative sparks, and staying the course this time around.

Welcome to CENACLE—let’s make this one count.