Mission Date: A few days ago
Filed Under: Operation Celebrate
Status: VICTORY ✅
HEART. FULL. OF. JOY.
Today, I turned 35. And friends… it was one for the books. 💖
I’m writing this post as if the night just ended, because the magic is still fresh in my heart. Here’s how we pulled off Escape Room #14—aka The Birthday Escape.
Morning Briefing: Disc Golf, Mudbugs, and a Chilly Start
My day kicked off with my Saturday tradition: disc golf with the Lady Mudbugs at Springfield Park. Rain was misting. The air was cold. Our scores? Well, let’s just say we were out there for the vibes, not the leaderboard. 😅
Behind us, our husbands kept pace—playing their rounds and keeping an eye out. With Jacksonville’s downtown shifting and growing, it’s something we all take seriously. Major shoutout to the 7AM club of husbands who keep their girls safe while we chuck plastic.
Oh—and the crew sang Happy Birthday before we teed off. It was unexpected and sweet. I even got a few birthday calls mid-round. You know that warm fuzzy feeling when your people show up for you? Yeah, that. 🥰
Unexpected Request: The Garage Dream
When the girls asked what I wanted for my birthday, I didn’t ask for gifts or glam. I said, “Honestly? I just want the garage cleaned.”
Cue the side-eyes and laughter. And then? A chorus of “Honestly… same.”
The older you get, the stranger your wishes become. 😆
Plot Twist: Operation Lunch & Lockdown 🔐
We got home, and just as I thought the day was winding down, Trey goes:
“Let’s skip the garage and grab lunch at Cheddar’s. Then… escape room?”
Wait. What? Skip cleaning? Puzzle time instead?
You already know I said yes before he even finished the sentence.
If you know me, you know puzzles are my love language. Add a mystery mission, and I’m ALL IN.
The Escape: Special Ops at St. Johns Town Center
If you’re in Jacksonville and you’re looking to make memories—hit up The Escape Game Jacksonville at St. Johns Town Center. The place is next-level. Think themed rooms, immersive clues, and a real sense of adventure.
Trey and I picked Special Ops: Mysterious Market.
We were joined by three awesome ladies and instantly formed a dream team.
Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say this:
✔ The puzzles made sense.
✔ The vibe was immersive.
✔ We crushed it together.
✔ I NEED to try all the other rooms now.
Bonus: The clue master brought in a birthday card from the staff. My heart just about exploded. 💌
Mission Dessert: Cheesecake Success
Right outside the escape room? The Cheesecake Factory.
Trey looked at me with that “should we?” face.
And obviously, the answer was: always yes to cheesecake.
🧩 Word Scramble Challenge: Operation Victory
Unscramble each word from your birthday adventure.
Take the first letter of each solved word to crack the code word and claim your Escape #14 badge!
- TVCNAAIO
- RETNWOENTC
- DARY
- ARNI
- VTEINI
- HESKEECCAK
- OSP
🕵️♀️ Code Word Tip: The first letter of each unscrambled word reveals a 7-letter code. Use this code to receive your Special Ops Towncenter Badge!
VICTORY Word Search Clue Words
- (Last “stop” in North Carolina)
- (Join us Saturday at 8AM!)
- (Because you had to say yes )
- (Where all the action went down)
- (Special ? : Mysterious Market escape room)
- (Falling behind during the disc golf game)
- (A playful twist on your birthday garage wish)
Debrief: A Perfect Day
From early-morning disc golf with my girls…
To trickery from Trey that led to puzzles, teamwork, and laughter…
To a delicious slice of cheesecake and a whole lot of love…
This birthday was everything I could’ve asked for.
💛 THANK YOU to my parents for this life.
💛 THANK YOU to my husband who treats me like royalty.
💛 THANK YOU to my daughter, my family, and my people—my joy, always.
🗝️ Catch you on the next escape!
More clues, more laughs, and more badges await. Until then… stay curious, stay bold, and never stop chasing the thrill! 🧩✨
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Uniquely Mixed 