Top 5

Published: May 31, 2025
By: Ronetta “Ronnie” Whitaker

This week? Oh, it was a doozy.

Between studying for this insurance exam, navigating a house that suddenly feels like a 24/7 snack bar, and having my kindergartener home from school post-graduation — I needed every bit of backup I could find.

So instead of pretending I had it all together, I’m keeping it real with you.
Here are the 5 things that truly saved my sanity this week. Bless them, one and all.

1. My Husband Getting Off Early (Twice!)

When he walked through that door before 5 PM — not once, but twice this week — I nearly cried.
Why It Mattered: He jumped right in with the girls, and for those couple of hours, I wasn’t the default parent. It gave me time to study and breathe. Hero status: unlocked.

2. The “Blue People” Babysitter (a.k.a. Avatar)

Three hours of glowing blue people, floating mountains, and my 5-year-old completely mesmerized? I will never talk bad about screen time again.
Why It Mattered: She watched it in full, twice. That’s six hours of focused study time I didn’t know I had in me. I owe James Cameron a fruit basket.

3. Taking the Week Off Work

I took PTO and skipped camp fees. That move alone bought me time, focus, and saved my wallet from screaming.
Why It Mattered: It gave me the mental space to zone in on this exam and not feel like I was juggling flaming swords while blindfolded. Strategic rest? Yes, please.

4. Sloppy Joes, Chicken, and “Everybody Gets a Sauce” Night

This week’s menu wasn’t fancy, but it fed the village:
We had sloppy joes, baked chicken, a pot of noodles with a “pick your own jar of sauce” night, and yes—Chick-fil-A made a guest appearance.
Why It Mattered: It kept things simple-ish… but let’s not pretend there weren’t still dishes. I swear I was at that sink three times a day. Even with paper plates, it felt like the kitchen never closed. But at least nobody went hungry, and I didn’t have to reinvent the dinner wheel every night.

5. A Little Sunshine & Outside Time

The weather showed out this week — warm, breezy, and just right.
Why It Mattered: Getting out the house with the girls helped reset everybody’s mood. Fewer meltdowns, more sidewalk chalk. Sanity status: maintained.

📣 Talk to Me

What saved your sanity this week?
A little help from your partner? A long movie? A frozen dinner that hit just right?

Tell me in the comments — and let’s normalize surviving the week by any means necessary. 🙌🏾