I was just grabbing the mail like any other day when I saw it — the game card. I’d heard not everyone got one, so as I held the card in my hand, it felt kind of surreal… like that “Golden Ticket” moment from Willy's Chocolate Factory. I actually laughed out loud! I was so excited that I immediately grabbed my phone and texted Angel and Jordyn — we’ve all been needing a break. Work's been brutal lately, and honestly, I’ve been teetering on burnout. Usually I'd hit a bar, play some games, binge watch some trash TV, numb out for a bit — but this felt like something different. Like a reason to get out of the house, do something fun, and actually feel good about it — all without breaking a sweat or the bank.

We made a plan to head out later that afternoon — no big expectations, just friends hanging out. Filling up our cards, wandering through local shops we’d never really noticed before, gossiping, laughing, window shopping. I didn’t even care if I won the grand prize… I just needed this. Needed to reconnect. To laugh without forcing it. To spend a day with people who get me — while doing something that actually supports the small businesses in my favorite community.

I felt kind of like being a secret mystery shopper or social media influencer — discovering the hidden gems of my area but with my best friends along for the ride. We stopped by this place to get an oil change and next thing I know, we’re browsing a gift shop next door, sipping on something new, and wondering out loud why we’d never been in here before. This wasn’t just errands. It wasn’t just a game. It was a reset button. A reason to breathe, explore, and actually see the heartbeat of our town… together.