Hey there! I’m Misty, and I’m really glad you’re here. No matter if you’ve stumbled upon this blog by accident (thanks, Google algorithms!) or you’re one of the three people who know me personally, welcome to my little corner of the internet. I’ve got a lot to share, so grab your coffee (or tea, no judgment) and get comfy. Let’s dive into the madness that is life.

Let’s start with a bit about me. I’m a 27-year software engineer, tech enthusiast, and a bit of a DIYer, garden-loving, paint-splattered nerd. My current status? Standing on the edge of some big changes, and when I say big, I mean ‘about to turn 50’ big. That’s right, folks, the big five-oh is knocking on my door, and no, I’m not inviting it in without a fight.

On top of that, I’m finally getting close to finishing my college degree (better late than never, right?), my kids are growing up, and my once chaotic nest is slowly turning into an echo chamber. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve ever lived with teenagers. One minute they’re raiding your fridge, and the next they’re nowhere to be found. So, with all this newfound time and space, I’ve decided to leap, or let’s be real, stumble into a whole new chapter. A chapter filled with fresh career paths, new hobbies, ambitious goals, and…well, basically everything new. Because why slow down when you can juggle six different things at once?

Why Slow Down? Let’s Speed Up!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Misty, 50 is when people start slowing down and enjoying the quiet life.” But honestly? That sounds like a snooze-fest. I’m not slowing down; I’m just getting started! I’ve embraced the cliché and decided to call this phase my journey. (Yes, I rolled my eyes too.) And this journey is all about diving headfirst into anything that lights me up.

Here’s what you can expect from me if you decide to stalk me, or is it follow me?

• Little old me showing off tech and diving into new tricks.
• Spilling stories from my career
• Giving you a front-row seat to my beautifully blended family life (and marriage take three)
• Attempting not to kill my garden
• Trying to paint something that doesn’t look like a toddler’s art project.
• Oh, and let’s not forget Artificial Intelligence—because, yes, I fully plan to make a robot friend. Who needs human friends when you can build one, right?

A Blog Without a Niche? Yup, That’s Me.

I know what the blogging “experts” say: “Successful blogs have a niche!” Well, let me be upfront, I’m not an expert, and this blog will be anything but niche. It’s going to be consistently random, and if that sounds chaotic, you’re absolutely right. So, if you’re looking for perfectly curated content, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re here for a mishmash of tech, creativity, family, and figuring-it-out-as-we-go, then welcome to my version of beautiful chaos.

Finding Joy on My Own Terms

Two thoughts keep popping into my head as I step into this new phase of life:

1. At my age, there are more days behind me than in front of me.
2. If you stop moving, you’ll stop moving. (A not-so-subtle reminder from my husband, Jamie, who is apparently part motivational speaker)

Honestly? I’m tired of sitting still, tired of waiting for change, and tired of feeling guilty for wanting more. I’ve spent decades putting everyone else first, raising kids, building a career, and being there for everyone else. But now? It’s my turn. It’s time to carve out a little guilt-free space for myself. And if you’re reading this, maybe you’re feeling the same pull. Maybe you’re ready to shake things up, switch gears, or dream up something completely new. If so, buckle up buttercup, because we’re in this together.

AI, College Life, and Everything In Between

One of the biggest leaps I’m taking is a career shift into Artificial Intelligence. After 27 years as a software engineer, this is new and exciting uncharted territory. I’ll be sharing my experiences, breaking down what’s happening in AI, and maybe even throwing in a few moments where I pretend to know what I’m doing. Oh, and let’s not forget about navigating college life as a soon-to-be 50-year-old. Let me tell you, it’s a humbling experience to realize your brain doesn’t work quite the same way that it used to.

But don’t worry; this blog won’t just be tech talk. My family, faith, and hobbies are just as much a part of this journey. You’ll find posts about my attempts to keep my plants alive (seriously, send help), updates on my latest painting projects, and the occasional story about life in a blended family with my wonderful husband, Jamie.

It’s Never Too Late

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this blog, it’s this: it’s never too late to create something new. Whether you’re dreaming about a career change, picking up a hobby, or just figuring out what makes you happy, there’s no time like the present. Life can be messy, vibrant, and beautiful at any age—and I’m here to prove it.

So, grab your coffee, stick around, and let me share my ‘journey’ one tech experiment, one garden mishap, and one life lesson at a time.