Good bye 2023

Today marks the end of 2023, a year that has flown by in the blink of an eye. It's astonishing how time passes so quickly. It feels like just yesterday I was a carefree 8-year-old with a set bedtime, and yet that was 50 years ago. It seems as though I have experienced multiple lifetimes within a single lifetime - from my adolescence to my teenage years, from young adulthood to motherhood, and now, here I am, a grandmother to 11. Each phase of my life has been a mix of blessings and bittersweet memories. I find myself missing it all.

But now, I recognize the need to graciously let go of what no longer serves me and be open to the possibilities that lie ahead. As we welcome the New Year, the tradition is to leave the past behind and embrace the new. However, it's important to note that this process involves reflecting on our past, acknowledging our imperfections, and striving to become a better version of ourselves. For my part, I have committed to a 365-day calendar of positive thinking. Yesterday's mantra was "if it makes you happy, do it!" It encourages us not to overthink our choices, whether they be small steps or giant leaps. As long as they are leading us in the right direction, they are worth taking.

With the clear intention of personal growth and a positive mindset, I am ready to embark on this new chapter and see where it takes me.

I spent some time with Matthew this weekend and he said the funniest thing to me.. but one that made me think: 

Matthew: what if we had some cataclysmic catastrophe and the entire population was wiped out… then years later the earth began to populate again and they found a Harry Potter book and thought our god was a wizard and people use to fly on brooms?!?

I laughed way too hard at that!

Today, like every day, Dennis asked me if there was something he could do for me. 

Me:  you could mail these for me.  I was going to yesterday but I didn’t have time.

Dennis: well give me your keys.  I hate going to the post office it’s like all the traffic…..

Me: I know!  You have said it 100 times!

Dennis: well I need to make sure you know I’m not happy about it

It’s not that hard to stay classy

The Effort and Elegance of a Thanksgiving Feast: A Lost Tradition? Preparing a Thanksgiving feast for your family is no easy task. It requires hours of love and labor, starting a week or more in advance, along with meticulous planning. The night before, I meticulously set the table, ensuring everything is in place for the final touches. As I scroll through social media and see countless Thanksgiving pictures, I can't help but notice a change. Families no longer seem to live up to the norms of the past. Some strive for social media perfection, while others opt for canned spam. Hats are worn at the dinner table, and children's appearances are disregarded when it comes to capturing the perfect picture. Makeup and holiday attire are almost nonexistent nowadays. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of Thanksgiving myself, but if you're going to celebrate it, why not go all out? It may seem insignificant to some, but showing a bit of elegance and class doesn't take much effort, especially if you were raised right. Let's bring back the tradition and celebrate Thanksgiving with style!

Confessions of a Confused Soul: Women Who Don't Work

I just can't wrap my head around it. The idea of not needing some kind of purpose in life, whether it's through work or volunteering, seems alien to me. Why wouldn't a woman want to contribute to the family's financial well-being? It's almost like some women want to go back to the 1950s, where being a stay-at-home mom was the norm. But let's get real here - the women of the 50s were breaking free from that mold to become breadwinners themselves. Now, we don't have that luxury anymore. We need two incomes just to put food on the table. Now, I'm not bashing women who choose to stay home with their children. I understand that raising kids is tough, demanding, and incredibly important work. But come on, when they're at school, what does a woman do all day? There's so much potential! I just can't fathom not wanting to be more than one thing. Personally, I wanted to be the best mom and also have a job. And you know what? I was lucky enough to have a profession where my children could be with me while I worked. But before that, it wasn't possible, and I still enjoyed working just as much as the precious time I had with my kids. Maybe there's no right or wrong answer here. Maybe we all just need something more in our lives to keep us occupied and fulfilled.

No to NOVEMBER Drama! Eff that noise!

Let me paint a picture of my October for you, folks!  Or perhaps I will just post one! 

As someone who has always adored the fall, this season has really given me a run for my money. First off, I had the unfortunate pleasure of experiencing allergy-induced bronchitis. And let me tell you, it's TRUE!!  Ain't nobody got time for that! To make matters worse, I had to help my mom move apartments, which led to a near-walking pneumonia because I didn't take the bronchitis seriously enough. Cue two rounds of antibiotics and a delightful pack of steroids later, and I'm finally on the road to recovery. But wait....

Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I had a clumsy encounter with a hole in the yard and ended up spraining my ankle pretty damn bad. The ER confirmed it wasn't broken, but boy did it hurt like a bitch. While the soft cast was a saving grace for my ankle, those damn crutches were an entirely different story. My armpits were in for some serious pain.  I only lasted a measly four days on those torturous things before deciding limping around was a better option. Sitting around did nothing for my bronchitis, which was apparently clinging to my lungs like a stubborn ex. To top it all off, I was blessed with a fun little bout of vertigo that stuck around for weeks. Because who doesn't want to be dizzy while trying to walk?

To add insult to injury, we also experienced a tragic loss in the family and had to travel for a funeral. The silver lining was seeing my sweet Aunt and cousins, but returning to reality meant heading back home to work. With all these ailments piling up, I had to postpone surgery three times!  But I eventually had to bite the bullet and have the surgery the morning after Halloween.And let me tell you, as a daycare owner and a grandma to 11, that was no piece of cake!

Here's to hoping November treats me a little kinder! 

If Your Sling shots not Loaded, his attitude is

My family having a blended political conversation over our family GroupMe 🤦🏼‍♀️

1:22 p.m. 

Dad: Make sure your guns are loaded and your fridge is full!!!

Benjamin: ?

Stephanie: 👀

Benjamin: I think I must have missed something.

Stephanie: same

Dennis: And your money is under mattress 

Stephanie: Again… 👀

Benjamin.: I have all my money in beanie baby stock

Stephanie: 😂

Dad: Look what’s happening in Israel, our fucking leader released 6 billion $ to Iran, a lot of these people coming across border are from Iran, they are chanting death to Americans, shits happening! Just my thoughts.

Katie: I'm scared

Katie: My fridge is Def not full lol

Stephanie: 🥴🫣

Dennis: And now that goofy fuck says start building the border wall, too late, terorist all ready in America.

Tanner: 1 more year with this idiot dad

Benjamin: I heard he started building it again. Pretty ironic 

Stephanie: You said goofy fuck 😆😆

Benjamin: But I'm not sure he's making the decisions. He's barely alive.

Dad: He not making any decisions, Omar, Talib, Obama making ALL decisions 

Katie: So are we moving in with you Dad? 

Katie: 🙃

Tanner: I’m scared now. I don’t have any guns!!

Tanner: I have a hockey stick, some knives, and a slingshot. 

Stephanie: 😂

Katie: Lol this is why its good to have at least 1 gun

Matthew: I’ve got a pretty big attitude. That otta be enough 

Tanner: 😂

Tanner: Well I got two guns, just no bullets. ;-)

Katie: Doesn't do much good without bullets lol

Tanner: *flex*💪🏻

8:22 p.m

Mom: Goodness!!!

My funny husband

Watching cops where a woman got arrested, and her husband said he'd try to find money to bail her out, piqued my curiosity to ask Dennis... Would you bail me out of jail?

Dennis: Why did you get arrested?

Me: 😒 Does it matter?!

Dennis: well yeah!  If you got arrested for soliciting prostitution, probably not! 😳😁 

LOL, this man's got jokes!

A Wieght has been lifted

I have attended therapy sessions and consulted with tarot reading phyics who have advised me to distance myself from negative individuals in my life. They have explained that such people can bring about significant emotional burdens and strain on friendships. However, I have always held the belief that by staying friends with them, I could somehow help them with a more optimistic environment. But there comes a point when I must establish boundaries, especially when I find myself receiving lectures from someone who is not unable to manage their own financial situation from paycheck to paycheck without asking for handouts.

It's important for me to prioritize my own well-being and mental health, and being constantly surrounded by negativity can be detrimental. While it may be difficult to let go of these friendships, I have come to understand that sometimes it's necessary for my own growth and happiness. Cutting ties with negative individuals doesn't mean I don't care about them, but rather, it allows me to create space for positive and supportive relationships. It's essential to surround myself with people who uplift and inspire me, individuals who share similar values and goals.

I Don’t Understand the Need to Dwell

Maybe it’s my generation or maybe it's because I don't have the time for unnecessary complaints, but I've come across numerous posts from women who seem to crave attention, admiration, or are fixated on past incidents. Now, I can understand if someone is a public speaker on a particular topic, traveling from event to event, but posting it on social media as a status update doesn't quite qualify.

I left an abusive marriage without wasting time documenting or dwelling on it for months. Once things started turning sour, I swiftly relocated myself and my children 248 miles away, forging a better life. I don't need to make excuses for my ex-husband, nor do I feel the need to repeatedly go over the details of my life that I've already shared. 

However, there are some individuals who can't seem to let go and continuously revisit, retell, and rehash what they've already disclosed. They have a tendency to overshare and it becomes rather evident that their constant posts about their negative experiences are nothing more than a cry for attention, admiration, or simply an obsession with the past.

 It's important to reflect on our past experiences and learn from them, but constantly dwelling on them can hinder personal growth. Instead of fixating on the negative, it's more productive to focus on moving forward and creating a positive future. Sharing our experiences can be therapeutic, but when it becomes a repetitive cycle, it may indicate a deeper issue that needs to be addressed. Seeking professional help or finding healthy outlets for emotional expression can be beneficial in these situations. Letting go of the past and embracing the present can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Let's Be Real!

People often throw around the phrase, "Have a good day," but let's be real... I need you to tell me to have a productive day! Because, you know, there's a huge difference!

 For me, a good day involves binge-watching Netflix, soaking up the sun while taking a dip in the pool, hitting up Hobby Lobby for some retail therapy, and then enjoying a delicious dinner courtesy of Postmates. 

But a productive day? That's all about keeping my job, my friend! 

It's a whole different ballgame!

Some BS

Let’s talk about Google Review's!  This is why I’m going to start a podcast!  The absolute unfairness of google reviews!

Joanie’s mad

I had an argument with my granddaughter today at school so I called her this evening to see how she was....

Me:  hi Joanie it’s Lolly

~Crickets~

Me:  are you still mad at me?

Joanie : yeah

Me: why are you still mad at me?

Joanie:  because I’m still mad at you.

She’s using her female  logic already  at age 8???! 16 might be a problem for her parents!  After we got off the phone she told Katie... I wanna see my Lolly!

We’ve made up!

Originally posted August 22, 2018

Why you so nasty?

Listen up, folks! There's a fine line between being bougie and taking care of yourself. Now, before you start labeling me as bougie, let me set the record straight. I'm perfectly content lounging around in sweatshirts and pajama bottoms, throwing my hair up, and rocking the same T-shirt for days on end. Some people might confuse my self-care with being bougie, but I think they're just mixing up bougie with having some self-respect. I mean, have you seen the state of fashion these days? People are stepping out in mismatched outfits, wearing clothes that are so last season, or looking like they just rolled out of bed. Me? I take pride in how I present myself to the world. So, if that makes me bougie, then I've gotta ask: Why you so nasty?

Matthew's Walks by Goldie Hawn

My son calls me today while he is vacationing in Colorado.  

Matthew: Mom!  You know how famous people come to Aspen to hang out and stuff???  I just saw your favorite actress!  You know!  The one that has a daughter that's an actress too!

Me: Who?

Matthew: I don't remember her name.

Me:  How should I know if I should be excited or not???

 

So he sends me a picture but it doesn't download.  We talk some more about what he's doing while on vacation then we hang up. 

He calls back 10 minutes later.

Matthew: Mom!  I'm in an Art gallery... and the art here is amazing!  Remember how you told me you would buy me a picture for my entry way wall?  Well..... I found one.  Its the most beautiful painting I've ever seen!  

Meanwhile, the picture he sent me earlier finally loads and it's freaking Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson!!

Me:  OMG! You saw Goldie Hawn and Katie Hudson on the street!?!

Matthew: Yeah,  I walked right by them. I wanted to go back but I left them to live their life.  Anyway...... It's Only $65,000.00!  Can you Venmo me some money? 

Me: 😕 what?

Matthew:  For the picture I found in the art gallery!

Me: 🤣 You gonna use the $25.00 I send you on Venmo, to put that thing on layaway?!?!   Silly boy! Get your ass out of that store and shop somewhere that's more your speed! 

We hang up and I go about my day.  Phone rings again and it's Matthew.

Matthew:  Hey mom.  I'm at a thrift store....

Two Old Farts

I've been struggling with a foot spur, limping around for the past 2 weeks. But today, Dennis injured his back in a seemingly innocent way - by just turning around in the laundry room! Our neighborhood has been dealing with power surges that mess up our A/C, so after Dennis fixed it in the attic, he asked me for help to close the attic door. He's walking with a hunch, and I'm walking with a swagger. We joked about getting older, and he even said it might be time for us to consider living in an assisted living center.

I Beg Your Pardon!!!

Laying by Sammi as she played on her tablet...

Me:  guess I’ll take a little nap.

Sammi: no lolly I don’t want you to sleep.  

Me:  why?!?

Sammi: because you make noises when you sleep!

Me: what kind of notices!!!

Sammi: 😴😴😴😴loud ones!

Diets Sucks

Eating clean has its perks but I would rather have chocolate!  I’m 57!  What do I care what my weight is!  I like comfort food! Give me a big ole greasy Cheeseburger or some fried chicken legs!  O well…. We are what we eat, right? So basically, I look like a carrot stick right now. #healthylifestyle

The Power of Consistency: Stop chasing a life and start building one.

For many of us, life can feel like a never-ending race to achieve happiness and success. We're constantly chasing after something new, thinking it will finally make us feel fulfilled. The truth is, however, that real happiness and success come from consistency. When we make a habit of doing the right things day in and day out, we create the life we want. In this post, we'll explore the power of consistency and how it can help you stop chasing a life and start building one.

The first benefit of consistency is that it builds momentum. When you do something consistently, it becomes easier and easier to keep doing it. For example, if you make exercise a habit, going to the gym will become second nature. Once you've built up that momentum, it's easier to stay on track and maintain your progress. 

The second benefit of consistency is that it helps you develop discipline. When you commit to doing something every day, you develop mental toughness and self-control. These mental muscles will help you push through tough times and maintain your focus when things get tough. This is crucial if you want to achieve long-term success, as there will inevitably be obstacles in your way. 

Another benefit of consistency is that it helps you build trust. When you consistently deliver results, people start to rely on you and trust you. This applies not just to work, but to personal relationships as well. Being consistent in your actions and words is a surefire way to build trust with those around you. 

Perhaps the most important benefit of consistency, though, is that it helps you build a life you can be proud of. When you consistently make good choices, you create a positive feedback loop. This leads to more success, which in turn leads to more positive choices. Eventually, this feedback loop becomes a self-sustaining cycle that drives you towards your goals. 

If you want to stop chasing a life and start building one, you need to embrace the power of consistency. Consistency builds momentum, develops discipline, builds trust, and helps you build a life you can be proud of. So instead of focusing on short-term gains, make a habit of doing the right things day in and day out. Your future self will thank you.

Disgruntled Couch Potato

 You know you're in trouble when you've scrolled through every genre on Netflix and still can't find something that piques your interest. It's like a game of Where's Waldo, except Waldo is a good TV show and he's nowhere to be found. And don't even get me started on the endless stream of mind-numbing reality shows that make me want to throw my remote at the screen. It's times like these that I wish TV networks would take a page out of The Bridgertons' book and adapt some of the amazing stories that are just collecting dust on bookshelves. After all, who wouldn't want to see the epic tale of romance novels brought to life on the small screen? Here's to hoping that one day soon, we'll be able to Netflix and chill with a good book-turned-TV-show.

I can’t fake sewing

I spent 4 hours today making Evelyn a lovey blanket. I don’t really know anything about sewing but every so often I get a wild hair and try to be crafty.  Being crafty gives me high anxiety!  It took me 7 days to talk myself into tackling the job and then I walked away from it several times today… even watching 4 episodes of suit’s in between getting it done. The things you do for a grandchild!

Sparking an Interest

I bought Danny a National Geographic magazine about dinosaurs today. It was filled with captivating pictures, historical facts, maps, and information about different species. Despite knowing that he can't read, I still gave it to him in hopes of catching his attention. At first, he declined the offer, but as soon as I opened it up and showed him what was inside, he eagerly took the book. He started flipping through the pages, asking me questions and pointing out things he recognized. However, when his mom said it was time to leave he looked at me and asked if he could take the book home because he wasn't finished with it yet.  When he walked out, he had the magazine tucked safely under the same arm he was carrying his stuffed dinosaur in. 

The moral of this story is that in today's society, where video games and TV shows dominate, many kids lack a love for reading. However, by introducing books on subjects that truly interest them, we can spark a love for reading in them.

Don’t let me go out looking like a wuss!!

I hope when I inevitably choke to death on one of these gummy bears people just say I was killed by bears and leave it at that.

This is an actual picture of Sammi cheating at cards! Wakely is calling her out.  Soon there will be shots fired and a saloon girl ready to take your order!   🤣

Cards

I bought my granddaughter Sammi 8 card games for her birthday and I bought extra for here…. I’m having to read all the rules cause she tries to cheat! 😂

Temperature Blanket Coming Soon

I've been on a creative journey for the past 7 months, tackling a badass project called the temperature blanket. Originally, my daughter was going to join in the madness and do one too, but with 7 little rascals running around, she fell behind. So now, it's just me trudging along, crocheting away at this monstrous blanket.

Now, let me give you some context here. I haven't always been the best at finishing what I start, and even my husband had his doubts about this one. But guess what? We're entering the 8th month and I haven't fallen behind, not even ONCE... but that leaves me with 5 months left to screw it up so lets not jinx it!

My husband and I have even turned this project into a topic of conversation every evening.  We talk about the temperature and he tries to predict what color I'll use for that day or the week, before I do the math.  

But let me tell you... it's not your average cozy throw.  This blanket is ginormous. I was an overachiever back in january when I started this thing!  I mean, once it's finished, it's going to be big enough to cover my king size bed. 

It's time to make communication great again!

My daughter, bless her heart, never answers her phone. She gives excuse after excuse about it too.  She's too busy or it didn't ring or she's playing hide and seek with it and can't locate it.  But here's the thing.... What if I was dying!?   I mean... I'm not a spring chicken anymore... what if my life depends on her answering the phone or I'm literally bleeding out?  I could be having an allergic reaction to something or a brain freeze while eating ice-cream.. I don't know... but damn... if the phones making that noise... how can you just ignore it?  Regardless, what's the point of having a cell phone if you don't at least KNOW where your phone is when it's ringing?? 

Remembering the good ol' days when having a house phone meant you could get an answer.  Even if it was a kid or someone out of breath.  Hell, we use to fight to the death to be the one that answered the phone... and THEN were disappointed if it wasn't for us!  Now people hit ignore!  And back in the day... if you called and it rang with no answer, that meant noone was home to answer it. AND because we didn't want to miss a call we got a cell phone, but NOW people aren't answering anywhere!  It's a vicious cycle and downright maddening!! I say we bring back the good ol' reliable house phone! 

I'm getting my Ass Kicked

When menopause crashed my party called life, my eyebrows were all like, "Hell No!!"  and abandoned me, leaving me alone to figure out this wacky rollercoaster ride my entire body is on! Everyone knows about the hot flashes but that's not all.  It gets better!  Besides the milk cartons with a picture of my missing eyebrows on them...my hair has ditched its ability to hold a curl and its color is having a serious identity crisis. Some parts decide to grow in gray, others in brown, and some simply refuses to grow at all. And don't even get me started on my skin - not only does it feel as dry as the desert, but it's sporting a whole new texture too. As if that isn't enough, my bladder has declared an all-out war on me, robbing me of a peaceful night's sleep. Oh, and let's not forget about those rebellious hormones, staging a full-scale revolt. But hey, guess who's here to stay, partying it up? Yep, those stubborn fat cells!!  They are hanging around forever and pissing me off!

The Mysteries of Life After Death: Reunion or Oblivion?

Have you ever wondered what happens after we pass away? The age-old question of the afterlife has plagued countless minds, including my own. Some believe in a heavenly realm where we are reunited with our loved ones. But here's the thing - if that's the case, why can't we remember anything before our birth?

Think about it: when we undergo surgery and are put to sleep, we don't wake up recalling the actual moment of slumber, just the moments before and after. Could death be similar? Do we simply slip into an eternal slumber where consciousness fades away? Or is there a chance that we awaken in a magnificent kingdom, with golden streets and the sweet melody of music filling the air, to find our loved ones waiting for us?

I don't claim to know the answer, and I doubt anyone truly does. Perhaps it's human nature to hold on to hope, to believe that the end is not the end. Losing someone dear to us is painful, and hoping for a reunion in the afterlife seems to soften that blow. But when a wife passes away after her husband, are they truly reunited or do they both disappear into the unknown?

These questions may continue to linger, as the mysteries of the afterlife remain elusive. Ultimately, what lies beyond this mortal realm is a mystery that may never fully be unveiled.

The Impact of Excessive Phone Use on Parenting: Balancing Technology and Family

 In today's digital age, it's no secret that our phones play a significant role in our lives, even as parents. We often find ourselves engrossed in our screens, with little ones running around. But let's pause for a moment and reflect: are we truly aware of the consequences?

Gone are the days of simple phone calls; now, our smartphones offer us a world of entertainment, connectivity, and information. We can play games, stream movies, capture precious moments, immerse ourselves in different cultures, and stay connected with friends and loved ones - the possibilities are endless. But have we stopped to consider the price we pay for these privileges?

Join me as we dive into the impact of excessive phone use on parenting. Discover the challenges modern parents face, explore the potential risks, and uncover ways to strike a healthy balance between technology and family. It's time to regain control and ensure that our phone usage doesn't compromise our role as caregivers.

Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that will resonate with every parent navigating the digital landscape. Let's reclaim our presence, our attention, and ultimately, our connection with our children.

"Vacations: Where Time is a Thing of the Past and Routine is Nonexistent!

You know what's great about vacations? I get to ditch my watch and live on my own schedule. No more strict bedtimes or being constrained by time! I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.  If I wanna swim... I'll swim!  If I want to watch a season of Shameless in one night... I can!  No more plans dictating my life. It's pure freedom, my friend. As for routines, forget about 'em. It's 3:25 a.m. and I am up writing!  I would've never survived in the army. Let's just say, I like to march to the beat of my own drum.

The right answer was worth $1,000,000!

Matthew called me awhile ago for probably the 14th time today so answering the phone I wondered what could he possibly have left to tell say to me that he hasn’t already said.

On one of our earlier conversation he had called to ask me what grandma‘s phone number was. 

~Now keep in mind that this is not the first time he’s asked me what her phone number is and yet every time he wants to call her, he calls me and asks for her phone number. You would think a boy with an iPhone would the able to figure out how to save a contact.~

Anyway, I sent him her number for the 1,345,565 time.   He tried to call her on his lunch break around noon, but she didn’t answer the phone. So he goes on about his day.  At 10:00 tonight she called him back and said hey, I noticed you called me today. 😳  Matthew said “Grandma!!  How busy are you? That was 10 hours ago!!  lol. 

After they chatted for a minute she ask him what he was doing tomorrow.  He told her he had to work and she said “oh?  Well I was gonna give you $1 million dollars if you come and see me!  Matthew said “Well grandma I can come there right now!” 

My Hatchets are on fire!

So, I have decided I must have been a Jester in a past life. 

Goofy shoes, goofy hat.... Seriously, it's the only thing that explains my crazy ass!  This would also explain my clumsy feet, weird nature and the constant need  to make a fool of myself.  None of this, however, explains why I trip in the exact same spot every day in the hall way to my office.

I thought a jester knew how to juggle shit without missing a beat.  I mean, if you chose the profession of jester, you would think you have some talent for it.  Otherwise be a goat herder or sheep farmer, or sell home made braclets at the fair!  And jesters can also catch things they juggle…. balls, plates, hatchets that are on fire …. or whatever it is they choose to juggle… then they catch them with a smile on their face!    

I, on the other hand, do not KNOW how to juggle.  YET, I seem to try, but instead of balls...  I’m throwing up things like …. Expanded ideas, daily work problems, clients, relationships goals, unfinished projects, staff issues,  work issues , health issues, political bullshit... the list is endless and I wonder …. Where the hell do they go?  My facial express is a look of terror!  Are they just staying up there mocking me while I am waiting for them all to crash to the ground around me?

I'm so tired of juggling.  No matter how well I get at juggling, someone ads one more fire laced hatchet!  

I am stressed to the max with a smile on my face.  It's my own fault.  I am an over achiever and a dreamer, and unapologetic about both.  Add a pinch of vanity and you have a jester juggling life I suppose.     

The real fear is, one of the things I am juggling is going to knock into another one mid air, and before you know it, it will be raining mayhem for days. Yes, that is how many hatchets I have up in the air.  

But  you can’t stop living life... so I guess I better get better at juggling.

No Bull Shit!

You know you live in Oklahoma when a cow licks your truck while you’re at work.  He didn’t want Dennis to get out of the truck, and Dennis told him not to worry… he wouldn’t! 

Flowers are meant to be wild

Today I’m looking at flowers that we planted outside and how pretty they are.  I think it’s cruel to cut them just to bring color to a table or a seat inside. We literally kill the flower for our own desires.  That’s horrible. 

Whoa! How did we survive our own kids?

Last night, we hosted our first boys night campout with four of our grandboys. (Finnian is still too little) Let me tell you, it was no walk in the park having those little rascals in our formerly empty nest. Dennis was needed to hit the pipe!  One on one they are great, sweet and well behaved kids... but they feed off each other and form a gang that we aren't in control of! lol  

We set up a tent, roasted marshmallows, and went swimming in the pool. We even had a blast playing in the yard after dark and watching a movie, complete with a massive stash of snacks. The boys seemed to have a blast, but let me tell you, this once-a-year shindig is a serious reminder of why we limit our hosting duties. Dennis swears that girls are a piece of cake compared to boys. Maybe he's onto something there.

Our New Crew

 

These two are 2 weeks apart.  They are only 5 & 7 weeks old here and already I can see their personalities coming through!

Busy Signal ALL DAY LONG

Dealing with rule-breakers who believe they're above policies? Pfft, can't handle it! And when they try to intimidate me, I just laugh. News flash, I actually know labor laws - I don't make 'em up! Bullying won't get you any points with me, honey. Try a different approach if you want to be heard.

Poor Work Ethic and Going Nowhere Fast!

 Attention, parents! If you want your kids to escape the basement and actually make something of themselves, here's a tip: hands off their job! Stop calling their boss, stop coddling them, and definitely stop quitting on their behalf. Otherwise, they'll end up stuck in a dead-end job, forever doomed to live under your roof. Let's face it, they'll burn bridges and lack the resources they need to succeed. It's time for parents to step up and teach their children the value of hard work. Trust us, they'll thank you later!

You better get real before you’re a broke ass bitch

Calling all young job-hoppers in search of their happy place! Brace yourself for a truth bomb: it doesn't exist. Yep, you heard me right. No matter how hard you search, you'll never find that 100% perfect job or career.

Take it from me, a seasoned business owner for three decades, even I don't find every moment of my job blissful. The key is to find a job that pays well, allowing you to live a fulfilling life outside of work. After all, work isn't where you truly live anyways—it's just a means to an end.

But fear not, my ambitious amigos! You can still find a gig that sets you up for a smooth retirement, complete with enviable benefits. Plus, forge those unforgettable friendships with your co-workers who are the life raft on those rough workdays.

So let's shift our focus and embrace the fact that work is only a slice of life. Get out there and live your life to the fullest, because America didn't thrive on job-hoppers—it was built by hard-working individuals who knew how to hold down a job.

Quick! Change My Number!

Vacation time! Yay, right? Well, sort of. While I'm soaking up the sun, I'm also juggling some important tasks that only I can handle. It's tough being the one-stop shop. But hey, being away from work leaves a bit of a void in my life. Retirement without some exciting hobbies? No way! On the downside, being on vacation doesn't stop clients from bothering me with texts that start with, "I know you're on vacation, but..." Even when I redirect them to Katie, they still manage to find me. Can't a person catch a break?

 

Who raised your racist ass?

What's the deal with all the resistance to acknowledging and honoring Juneteenth? Seriously, what's not to celebrate about the end of slavery? It's high time we have a federal holiday to recognize that monumental triumph. Embracing Juneteenth doesn't mean we're abandoning our culture; we're actually enriching it. And for those of you who think Juneteenth is dumb...You either need to educate yourself, find better influential friends to spend your time with, or slap the racist that raised you.

Good Old Days

 I have been on  Tubi kick lately.  You ever watch that app?  It's free and has the best old wholesome shows on it.  I have watched Family and Eight is Enough.  Soap and so many other shows from back when I was a preteen and teenager.  Some shows I watch because my mother wouldn't let me watch them as a kid.  There was nothing wrong with them besides it wasn't for kids, but they weren't like todays shows.  Where have the good shows gone?

 

One Sided Friendships may seem pointless.... however.....

 I can't stand those clichéd quotes about "cutting out negative people" and "walking away from joy-stealers." They may make sense, but they come off as self-centered and selfish. I mean, we've all just survived two incredibly tough years. Some people have coped better than others, dealing with depression or loneliness. And let's be real, you don't have to completely cut off your friends to protect yourself. Sometimes, they just want to be around someone positive, someone who reassures them that everything will be okay. Instead of always focusing on how they affect you, think about the impact you can have on them. So let's be a positive force in their lives, too!

These are Not Gen X People

Today I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post from a fellow neighbor in our neighborhood page.  

                 It read:

                        "It stinks; if anyone would like to have their garbage pails cleaned, there is a company                              that will clean out your cans. All you have to do is sign up."

I’m thinking .... these people are not Gen X!!!

How hard is it to take a water hose... Turn it on... and spray out you own garbage bin. WTAF 

Last summer I saw an advertisement on a business who would "scoop your dogs poop" for you.  

What is the deal with today’s society?  Do they have that much money or  are they just that lazy? 

I wonder if they hirer butt wipers too!  lol  SMH

My Husband needs therapy

After I got the lasagna out of the oven and shut the door, Dennis walked over and opened the over door.  

Me:  I didn’t leave it open cause the dogs (two Chihuahuas) where sniffing around the oven 

Dennis : well if they jump up in there we’ll have us some Taco Bell for supper!

Sick man!

Memories of Christmas Past

I miss Christmas at my parents. 

You never think about that not being a choice anymore. 

Until it isn’t. 

Growing up I had a lot of great Christmas memories.  I remember getting a baby doll that rode a tricycle. I remember the music and the laughter.  I remember my favorite gift at age 14 … a glass vanity with a makeup mirror. I had that thing until I was 19 and we moved. I always wished  I had another one. 

But my favorite Christmas’s were after my kids were born and we had Christmas with my parents.

They lived in the country on a family farm… but my dad would have lights in every tree and on every bush so the grandkids felt like they were going to a magical place as soon as they saw it. 

My mom had the inside looking like the north pole!  A beautifully decorated tree that exuded hobby lobby… a 12 foot long village complete with lights and ice skating for the figurines of the village. Garland hung everywhere complete with mistletoe!  I miss all the family that showed up. Uncles, aunts, 1st cousins, 2nd cousins…. popping in while visiting their own families down the road.  We had hayrides and caroling wars, food at our disposal anytime.   The fireplace always lite and making crackling noises, leaving the entire house smelling of wood.  The boisterous evenings with different games being played in various rooms. My dad  always having a funny joke or story to share with animation. Grandkids were running this way or that way, giggling while playing with their cousins, excited to see what Santa would be bringing!  We even had talent shows and karaoke.  Our loud evenings were followed by quiet mornings with just my dad, drinking coffee on the screened in porch watching the birds and catching up on each others lives. 

They were wonderful Christmas’s I got to share with both my children and my parents.  You get so few of them in the grand scheme of life.  I wish I would have held on to them tighter somehow.  But instead of being sad those days are gone…I’m going to be thankful I had that time with my parents and that I have those memories. 

 

Let's be real

I always think of myself as a realist.  Yet, 

• I think I’m going to blog every day…
• I’m going to read every day.  
• I’m going to exercise every day… 
• I’m going to NOT eat sugar every day!  

I wanted to start a podscast two years ago….. still waiting.  

Trying to make me do Daily things are not realistic!  Some days… especially in the last year I’m doing good if I am up dressed and where I need to be for the day. 

So I thought about it and decided maybe I can pull my thoughts together for a weekly insignificant thought. At least by the end of the year I will have save 52 half ass crazy memories on how my brain worked in 2023.  

Yeah right.... Life gets in the way and doing anything besides working to survive is all I can promise to do.