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Seven weeks ago, I started training for my first walking marathon. I thought I was preparing for the Honolulu marathon. What I didn’t realize was that I was also preparing for one of the most unexpected seasons of my life. After an already difficult year, I wasn’t expecting another huge chapter of uncertainty. You can find the story on Instagram by clicking HERE!
Two days after I began training, I was unexpectedly and without warning laid off from my job.
What followed were days and weeks filled with uncertainty, difficult conversations, tears, prayers, and more questions than answers. There was also the reality of walking with my mom through her radiation treatments.
But there were also walks.
Every day, I laced up my shoes and kept going. Some days the walk was about marathon training. Some days it was about working through the trauma of an unexpected layoff. Some days it was processing and praying through everything with my mom’s diagnosis. Some days it was simply about putting one foot in front of the other.
Looking back at these clips from the past seven weeks, as I walked mile after mile I changed deeply.
Healing was happening.
Not all at once.
Not dramatically.
Just one step at a time.
And I’m still walking- grateful for all of the good- incredible good that has happened and humbled by the amazing things ahead and for all of the miles behind and still to come.
I started training for a marathon. I ended up training for resilience. You can find the reel on Instagram by clicking HERE!
Two days after I began training, I was unexpectedly and without warning laid off from my job.
What followed were days and weeks filled with uncertainty, difficult conversations, tears, prayers, and more questions than answers. There was also the reality of walking with my mom through her radiation treatments.
But there were also walks.
Every day, I laced up my shoes and kept going. Some days the walk was about marathon training. Some days it was about working through the trauma of an unexpected layoff. Some days it was processing and praying through everything with my mom’s diagnosis. Some days it was simply about putting one foot in front of the other.
Looking back at these clips from the past seven weeks, as I walked mile after mile I changed deeply.
Healing was happening.
Not all at once.
Not dramatically.
Just one step at a time.
And I’m still walking- grateful for all of the good- incredible good that has happened and humbled by the amazing things ahead and for all of the miles behind and still to come.
I started training for a marathon. I ended up training for resilience. You can find the reel on Instagram by clicking HERE!
I understand that in the world we live in and the constant reels and pictures it may not seem like a lot, but to me this means so much more than you realize. Every view, like, comment, and share on a reel truly matters more than most people realize. Instagram quietly uses those small signals to decide whether a post should be shown to more people. When you watch, tap the heart, or leave a thoughtful comment, you’re helping the story reach someone else who might need to hear it too. You are also helping support this business of mine- which is HUGE. For a small content creator like me, those simple moments of encouragement from this community make a real difference and help Caravan Sonnet continue to grow in the Instagram space and support me with no cost to you. So please take just a quick moment to click HERE to do this! .
Thank you.
Happy Wednesday friends! I hope you have the most wonderful day!
Happy Tuesday friends! I am so excited about today's post because it is something that I have been working on a lot behind the scenes! I have just updated the Caravan Sonnet Classroom Instagram Community page! If you have been around for a while then you know that I actually started the page in 2023, but honestly with the exception of posting things that were just products for the TPT store, I didn't do much else.
As this year has continued, I knew that I wanted to really make a dedicated account more towards all things education and teaching and life outside the classroom and how that shows life inside the classroom. So I have been working to make this page a definite thing as I have worked on it so hard. It is still a work in progress, but I would love for you to follow along! Please stop by and say "hello". You can click HERE to go directly to the community!
ALSO I created this very fun carousel of slides to share more about the account! Click HERE to see, like, and comment on this post! 
Thank you again for all of your amazing support of the Caravan Sonnet Classroom! I hope you have the best day!
There is something special about a long road trip. Whether you are exploring coastal highways, crossing mountain regions, or visiting small towns along the way, traveling by car offers a sense of freedom that few other forms of transportation can match. However, spending hours or even days on the road requires preparation. The right gear can make the difference between a stressful experience and a comfortable, enjoyable adventure.
Many travelers focus on planning their route and booking accommodations but overlook the practical items that support comfort, safety, and convenience throughout the journey. Before setting off on your next long-distance trip, it is worth taking the time to make sure you have the essentials packed and ready.
Navigation and Communication Tools
Although modern vehicles often come equipped with navigation systems, it is still important to have backup options available. Mobile navigation apps provide real-time traffic updates, road closures, and alternative routes that can save both time and fuel.
A car phone mount is one of the most useful accessories for any road trip. It allows drivers to keep navigation visible without taking their eyes off the road. Pairing this with a reliable charging cable or power bank ensures that your phone remains functional throughout the day.
In areas with limited cellular coverage, downloading maps before departure can be extremely helpful. Some travelers also carry a printed road map as an additional backup, especially when visiting remote regions.
Emergency and Safety Supplies
Unexpected situations can happen during any journey. Flat tires, dead batteries, and sudden weather changes are all possibilities that drivers should prepare for.
A basic emergency kit should include a flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, reflective warning triangles, and a multi-tool. It is also wise to carry bottled water and non-perishable snacks in case of delays.
Before leaving, check your vehicle's tire pressure, oil levels, windshield washer fluid, and brakes. Preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of problems and contributes to a safer trip.
For travelers driving through mountainous or rural areas, keeping a blanket and extra clothing in the vehicle can provide additional comfort if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Comfortable Seating and Support
Long hours behind the wheel can place strain on the body. Back pain, stiff muscles, and fatigue are common complaints among road trippers.
Lumbar support cushions can significantly improve posture during extended periods of driving. Neck pillows are equally valuable for passengers who want to rest during long stretches of travel.
Comfortable clothing also plays an important role. Loose-fitting garments and breathable fabrics allow for better circulation and help reduce discomfort throughout the day.
Many experienced travelers recommend taking short breaks every two to three hours. Even a brief walk around a rest area can help improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
Food and Hydration Essentials
Roadside restaurants and convenience stores are not always available when you need them. Packing a selection of snacks and drinks can help maintain energy levels and reduce unnecessary stops.
Reusable water bottles are particularly useful, especially during summer travel. Staying hydrated supports concentration and overall well-being while driving.
Healthy snack options such as nuts, fruit, protein bars, and crackers provide steady energy without the heavy feeling that often follows fast food meals. A small cooler can help keep drinks and fresh foods at the proper temperature for several hours.
Having food readily available is especially helpful when traveling with children, who may become hungry long before the next planned stop.
Eye Protection and Driving Visibility
Clear vision is one of the most important factors for safe driving. Long exposure to sunlight, glare from reflective surfaces, and changing weather conditions can create challenges for drivers.
Quality sunglasses help reduce glare and improve visibility during bright daytime conditions. Travelers who require vision correction may find that prescription sunglasses offer a convenient solution by combining clear vision with sun protection in a single pair of lenses.
Keeping a microfiber cloth in the vehicle is also useful for cleaning glasses, sunglasses, mirrors, and navigation screens. Even small smudges can become distracting when driving for extended periods.
For night driving, clean windshields and properly functioning headlights contribute significantly to visibility and safety.
Entertainment for the Journey
While the destination is important, the journey itself often becomes one of the most memorable parts of a road trip. Entertainment helps make long hours on the road more enjoyable.
Podcasts, audiobooks, and curated playlists can keep both drivers and passengers engaged throughout the trip. Many travelers create playlists before departure to avoid searching for music while driving.
For passengers, tablets loaded with movies, books, or games can help pass the time during lengthy travel days. Portable headphones are also useful for maintaining a peaceful environment inside the vehicle.
Families traveling with children may benefit from bringing travel games, coloring books, or activity kits to keep younger passengers entertained.
Smart Packing and Storage Solutions
A cluttered vehicle can quickly become frustrating during a long trip. Organizing belongings efficiently improves both comfort and accessibility.
Packing cubes and storage organizers make it easier to separate clothing, electronics, toiletries, and other essentials. Small organizers that fit between seats can keep frequently used items within easy reach.
It is helpful to keep important documents such as identification, insurance information, reservations, and emergency contact details in a dedicated folder.
Travelers should also consider weather conditions at their destination and pack accordingly. Layered clothing offers flexibility when temperatures vary throughout the journey.
Portable Power and Electronics
Modern travel often depends on electronic devices. Phones, cameras, tablets, and navigation systems all require reliable access to power.
A portable power bank provides peace of mind when outlets are unavailable. Vehicles equipped with multiple charging ports make it easier for everyone to keep their devices charged during long drives.
Travelers who enjoy photography may want to bring extra memory cards and backup batteries to avoid missing memorable moments along the route.
Small electronic accessories often take up very little space but provide significant convenience during extended travel.
Final Thoughts
A successful road trip is about more than reaching your destination. Comfort, safety, and preparation all contribute to a positive experience on the road. By packing the right gear and planning ahead, travelers can reduce stress, stay organized, and focus on enjoying the adventure itself.
Whether you are embarking on a weekend getaway or a cross-country journey, thoughtful preparation allows you to make the most of every mile. The road ahead becomes much more enjoyable when you have everything you need within reach.
*contributed post*
Editor's Note: A previously featured sponsored section has been removed due to non-payment by the sponsoring company.
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Happy Friday friends!! I hope that you have had a lovely week! I am so grateful to spend time with each of you in this sweet space each day. I love catching up together for these "friday favorites" posts! I hope that you enjoy these items!
First- if we are connected on Instagram thank you for the likes, comments, and shares of the reel that shows the heart behind our "upgrade" to our tiny kitchen corner in our 1901 cabin. You can watch it HERE!
Second- and I think the most important reel that I have ever shared- thank you thank you thank you for the love and support as mom FINISHED radiation!! If you have not seen the reels from this week, you can find them HERE.
Thank you for all of your support, love, likes, and comments and just viewing and watching my reels and posts. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it truly is - so thank you!
Second, here are some of the favorite posts from the last week:
Monday TPT/ Teachers Pay Teachers / Education Posts
I am so excited to be attending my first TPT forward and can't wait to bring y'all along for the journey!
Tuesday Travel Posts
Personal Updates
Thursday Health Thought Post
I hope that you have a wonderful Friday and weekend friends! Thank you for making this such an incredible space to come to and connect with every single day. I am so blessed!! I will see you here tomorrow!
There's a special kind of freedom in loading up the truck, hitching the caravan, and pointing the hood toward the open road. But anyone who's towed across a few states knows the truth: a great road trip is built in the driveway, not on the highway. Before you chase another sunrise, your diesel truck deserves a thorough pre-trip once-over, because nothing ends a family adventure faster than a check-engine light in the middle of nowhere.Whether you're running a Powerstroke, Cummins, or Duramax, here's the practical, mile-tested maintenance checklist I walk through before every long haul.
1. Start With Fluids — All of Them
Diesel engines work harder than their gas counterparts, especially when towing. That means fluids are your first line of defense.
* Engine oil: If you're within 1,000 miles of your service interval, change it now. Long trips and heavy loads accelerate wear.
* Coolant: Diesels run hot under load. Top off and check for the correct mixture — a 50/50 ratio protects against both boil-over and freeze.
* Transmission fluid: Towing generates serious heat here. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid is a red flag.
* Fuel filter: A clogged filter starves your engine right when you need power most. Swap it before, not during, the trip.
Clean fluids keep your powertrain happy, but they're only half the equation when you're asking your truck to pull thousands of pounds for days on end.
2. Inspect Tires and Brakes Under Load Conditions
Your tires carry the entire weight of your rig — truck, trailer, gear, and family. Check tread depth, look for sidewall cracks, and always set pressure to the towing spec, not the everyday number. Don't forget the trailer tires and the spare.
Brakes deserve equal attention. Towing dramatically increases stopping distance, so worn pads or glazed rotors aren't just inconvenient — they're dangerous. If your brake pedal feels soft or you hear grinding, get it sorted before departure.
3. Don't Overlook the Exhaust and Airflow System
Here's where a lot of drivers fall short. Your truck's ability to breathe directly affects power, fuel economy, and engine temperature on long climbs.
Before a big trip, inspect your exhaust for leaks, rust, and loose connections. If you've been thinking about improving how your truck performs under sustained load, this is the moment to look into performance exhaust upgrades that help your engine run cooler and pull stronger through mountain passes. A free-flowing setup reduces heat soak and keeps exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) in a safer range, which is exactly what you want when you're grinding up a grade with a loaded caravan behind you.
For a deeper breakdown of how these systems work together, EngineGo's guide on diesel truck exhaust systems is a genuinely useful read before you start wrenching.
4. Address Power and Towing Performance
Stock trucks tow just fine until you add weight, altitude, and a headwind. If your last trip left you flooring the pedal up every hill, your truck is telling you something.
This is where a lot of seasoned towers invest in real, lasting improvements. A quality tuner reshapes how your engine delivers power, unlocking smoother throttle response and extra torque exactly where towing demands it. If you want your rig to feel confident instead of strained, browse the diesel tuners and performance parts that match your specific engine platform.
And because every engine family has its own needs, it pays to shop by platform:
* Ford owners can explore Powerstroke performance components built for the 6.0L, 6.4L, and 6.7L.
* Ram and Dodge drivers will find Cummins performance upgrades for the 6.7L.
* GM truck owners can dial in their setup with the right Duramax performance parts across the LB7 through L5P range.
Matching parts to your exact engine isn't just about horsepower bragging rights — it's about reliability when you're 800 miles from home.
5. Check Electrical, Lights, and the Trailer Connection
A weak battery is the most common cause of a no-start morning. Diesels need strong cranking amps, often from dual batteries, so test both and clean any corroded terminals.
Then walk the full lighting circuit: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and the trailer harness. Plug in your caravan and confirm every light and the electric trailer brakes respond correctly. A frayed connector or blown fuse here is a roadside headache you can prevent in five minutes.
6. Pack a Diesel-Specific Emergency Kit
Even a perfectly maintained truck benefits from a smart backup plan. For diesel rigs, I always pack:
* Spare fuel filter and the tools to change it
* Extra coolant and oil
* A quality tire repair kit and portable compressor
* Diesel fuel additive
* Basic hand tools, gloves, and a headlamp
It's a small amount of cargo space for a huge amount of peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: A Confident Truck Makes a Better Trip
The best journeys are the ones where the vehicle simply disappears into the background — no warning lights, no straining engine, no anxious glances at the temperature gauge. That kind of reliability isn't luck. It comes from a careful pre-trip routine and from investing in high-quality diesel truck parts that are built to handle the demands of real towing.
So before your next adventure, give your truck the attention it gives you on every mile. Check the fluids, inspect the brakes, dial in the airflow and power, and hit the road knowing your rig is ready for whatever's around the bend.
*contributed post*
Today I am so excited to share seven of the most affordable and helpful supplements that I take for helping to heal my adrenal glands! As y'all know this has been a very difficult year and I knew that it was important to really work on healing and supporting my adrenal glands. A book that I turned to was one that I had used during and after my fight for my health, Adrenal Fatigue by James Wilson was one that I immediately re-purchased after I had been laid off from my job and as we were immediately approaching mom's radiation treatments. If you are interested in the book you can find it on Amazon HERE.
Like I mentioned, I had used this book as part of my healing journey from Lyme Disease (you can read the connection in a very detailed post I wrote between Lyme and Adrenal Glands HERE), and while this was different- I was the very classic case I knew after meeting with my doctors for Adrenal Fatigue not only from this year, the job, balancing caregiving and several additional jobs, and many other things behind the scenes. Depending on your case and your consultation with your doctors, it is a long road to repair the adrenals and it is something that needs to be considered as such. Don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away. They will come! I will say that now six weeks later- I am doing so well (obviously as I train for a marathon!)
Here in no particular order are 7 of my tops supplements that I use:
1. HAD Adrenal Drops
"HAD Adrenal Drops is a unique homeopathic organotherapy preparation synergistically formulated to restore and support normal adrenal and endocrine functions. Insufficient adrenal function can result in deficient muscular metabolism, lowered resistance to infections, and reproductive and endocrine dysfunctions. HAD Adrenal Drops is indicated for symptoms associated with adrenal disorders, including stress, fatigue, insomnia and adrenal atrophy; and for allergies, hypoglycemia, chronic infections, inflammation and mineralization disorders."
I listed this one first because this is a product that I have used and continue to use and have felt the most difference with. For those who are extremely sensitive to new products (like I was for a very long time) my doctor started me putting a drop on my skin every day and we worked up to the recommended drops before starting this internally.
It is available on Amazon HERE.
Vitamin B5, or commonly known as Pantothenic Acid is a an important part of healing your adrenal glands as it helps to produce co-enzyme A. Co-enzyme A contributes to cellular respiration and also helps in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Over the years I have tried a variety of different Pantothenic Acid brands but consistently return to NOW's formula for the quality and also the price. You can find it for less than $8 on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Vitamin B6, is a an important part of restoring your adrenal glands as helps the functions of several pathways that are used to create adrenal hormones.
Over the years I have tried a variety of different Vitamin B6 brands but consistently return to NOW's formula for the quality and also the price. You can find it for less than $8 (for a months supply!!) on Amazon by clicking HERE.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium is not a supplement that we often consider important in the role of adrenal glands, but it is! Studies have shown that more than 75% of people are deficient in magnesium which is a HUGE issue for those struggling with adrenal fatigue and failure. Sadly, a lack of appropriate magnesium levels can result in fatigue symptoms. There are all different types of magnesium forms so you will want to consult with a doctor and research what is best for your specific case. Listed below are a few of the magnesium products that I have found to be the most helpful:
Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica
I started using this supplement in 2015 and after several months I was amazed at how much it has helped my gut. I will note that this is something that I take daily at night but for this I definitely recommend giving it several months before you expect to see a major difference. I noticed some result and help from it quickly but after several months I noticed HUGE results.
You can purchase Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica lots of places (including your local health store) but I found it for a couple of dollars cheaper on Amazon HERE. After trying it for 6 months and seeing the beneficial difference of continuously taking it daily I found it was cheapest to purchase a pack of 5 which can be found HERE.
I started using this supplement in 2015 and after several months I was amazed at how much it has helped my gut. I will note that this is something that I take daily at night but for this I definitely recommend giving it several months before you expect to see a major difference. I noticed some result and help from it quickly but after several months I noticed HUGE results.
You can purchase Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica lots of places (including your local health store) but I found it for a couple of dollars cheaper on Amazon HERE. After trying it for 6 months and seeing the beneficial difference of continuously taking it daily I found it was cheapest to purchase a pack of 5 which can be found HERE.
This is one of my favorite products, although as a disclaimer, it is also one of the more expensive supplements that I use. But it is fantastic and I find it the cheapest on Amazon. You can find it HERE.
Magnesium Malate is a product that was recommended to me by my acupuncturist years ago. I was really excited about this product at the time because as I had been reading a ton and discussing with medical professionals the benefits of the malate form of magnesium specifically. Interestingly, "Dr.Jay Goldstein, U.S. director of the CFS Institute, has endorsed the use of malic acid as a "valid therapeutic approach" for patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".
One of the things that I will say is that like most supplements this is one that it take me a couple of months when I first started to notice any difference with this magnesium so keep at it if you don't feel anything immediately! The integrative therapeutics brand is the one that was recommended to me and is what I have purchased to use. You can find it HERE on Amazon.
5. Licorice
Licorice is a key component for a number of different things, including a helpful supplement for the gut, but Licorice also has additional health benefits beyond the gut as it is beneficial for the liver, helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps lessen the pain and fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and can even help with PMS symptoms. One significant thing that licorice does is that it helps your cortisol circulate for longer!
With all of these benefits, Licorice was a top contender and supplement for me and yet it took a long time for me to find the right company. Unfortunately lots of licorice supplements have added ingredients, which may work for some people, but for me who likes to keep supplements not mixed, I needed a supplement that was purely Licorice. After researching I found the Nature's Plus version and it has been a perfect fit for me.
For all that Licorice does, this is one of the more affordable supplements that I used to take and started taking it again right after the layoff of the job. On Amazon it retails for under $15 and is currently on sale! You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Licorice is a key component for a number of different things, including a helpful supplement for the gut, but Licorice also has additional health benefits beyond the gut as it is beneficial for the liver, helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps lessen the pain and fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and can even help with PMS symptoms. One significant thing that licorice does is that it helps your cortisol circulate for longer!
With all of these benefits, Licorice was a top contender and supplement for me and yet it took a long time for me to find the right company. Unfortunately lots of licorice supplements have added ingredients, which may work for some people, but for me who likes to keep supplements not mixed, I needed a supplement that was purely Licorice. After researching I found the Nature's Plus version and it has been a perfect fit for me.
For all that Licorice does, this is one of the more affordable supplements that I used to take and started taking it again right after the layoff of the job. On Amazon it retails for under $15 and is currently on sale! You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
6.CoQ10
CoQ10 is important to the overall function of our body as it is used to produce energy for growing and maintaining our cells. Studies have shows that it can also help to increase endurance. My favorite brand of CoQ10 is the one by Researched Nutritionals above. Beyond helping with energy, I attribute the fact that I don't suffer as much from pain as other people do from Fibro issues to this supplement alone. It took a while to see a difference but it is a "must have" for me. It is expensive but after trying multiple other brands I found that this was just irreplaceable for me. You can find it HERE.
This supplement is used for a variety of different things but it does help to move the fatty acids into the mitochondria where we need them to help produce energy. It is also helpful for boosting metabolism and increasing energy levels!
You can find it on Amazon for less than $10 by clicking HERE.
Some Additional Helpful Information:
So as I mentioned above, This book, Adrenal Fatigue, by James Wilson, is one of the best resources that I would definitely recommend. Even if you are not dealing with Lyme it is a fantastic resource and one that I have in my library and have referred back to many times. You can find it on Amazon HERE.
There have been studies done over the years that show the importance and the benefits to the adrenal glands with using Himalayan salt. The above brand is the one that I have been using for years. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
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I hope that this product list is helpful for those who are interested in healing your adrenal glands! Let me know if you have any questions!
Please note as a disclaimer that the information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.
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