Random Thoughts To End The Year

 
  • I might not ask for help, but I won’t forget those who offered.
  • If you get mad because I “challenge” something you say, that tells me that you know you are full of shit and that you just don’t want me to prove you wrong.
  • Don’t mistake my self-control for weakness.
  • Sometimes I laugh at inappropriate times.
  • If you tell the truth, you won’t have to remember anything.
  • People don’t have to like me, and I don’t have to care.
  • When I say I can’t do something it means I truly can’t. I am not lazy.
  • I am tired of being nice and biting my tongue to spare people’s feelings.
  • When I was at my lowest, no one offered to help.
  • People don’t seem to care about punctuation, spelling, and grammar these days.
  • It’s sad to watch a parent’s mental and physical ability decline as they age.
  • I sometimes get teary-eyed when I think about moving into the new house.
  • It makes no sense to dust the furniture when it will all be dusty again by tomorrow.
  • Facebook always suggests “people I may know” and I always think, “Yeah, I know them and I don’t like them.”
  • I always wonder what my 3 cats call me.
  • I don’t use autocorrect because I can incorrectly spell the wrong word without help.
  • Conspiracies are born when people try to make sense of something they don’t understand.
  • I’m still waiting for the flying cars my elementary school teachers promised we’d all have in 2020.
  • Transgender people aren’t hurting anyone. Just leave them alone.
  • Forcing a 12-year-old girl to give birth is a form of child abuse.
  • Donald Trump is a narcissistic reprobate and a repulsive human being.
  • The next 4 years will be hard to bear.
  • Listening to loud music while driving is therapeutic.
  • Swearing like a sailor is my superpower.
  • Swearing reduces stress.
  • It costs nothing to be kind and respectful to everyone.
  • Enter 2025 and do epic shit. 

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See you in the New Year, my friends! 

aunt-debbie

Bye-Bye 2024

Another year is ending, and one is beginning. I’m sitting here today, thinking of what I have accomplished this year. I started feeling disappointed and discouraged because I felt like I’d done absolutely nothing! Mostly because someone had made me feel like I was just wasting time, using excuses to not do anything. But then…

I realized someone else’s unkind and judgemental words were stuck in my mind. A person who was supposed to be understanding, non-judgmental, and kind had tried to make me feel like I was lazy; that I should be doing what she thought I should be able to do. I shook my head and said, “NO!” Maybe I haven’t gone hiking, run a marathon, or climbed a mountain. She hasn’t done any of those things either. I haven’t taken a class, earned a degree, or started a new job. She hasn’t done any of those things either. She has the use of her legs; I have limited mobility in mine. She hasn’t done much of anything this year, either.

I started thinking about the things I have done this year and they may not be BIG things, they may not even be important or on anyone else’s list, but they are still accomplishments. Some are bigger than others, and some are small but even little things count, right?

  1. I managed to keep Dad out of the hospital for another year. He’s going on 88 now so that’s important.
  2. I got Dad through a very stressful financial uncertainty.
  3. I managed to get Dad up off the floor numerous times this year. He escaped major injury, thank goodness.
  4. I survived a fall myself. It could have been catastrophic, as Dad’s could have been.
  5. I finished writing my cookbook after many years and had it published.
  6. I have learned to prioritize myself and Dad when others expect more from me than I can give. Boundaries are important.
  7. I have worked on my mental strength and I am stronger now than I have ever been.
  8. I saved money for higher-priced items that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to buy.
  9. I have learned new crochet skills and have applied them to projects.
  10. I have finished 12 crocheted blankets, 3 scarves, 8 beanies, 4 pairs of fingerless gloves, 2 tote bags, and 6 sets of 4 coasters.
  11. I have learned a lesson in friendship. I will never apply the label “best friends” to any friendship because it has never ended well in the past.
  12. I have taken an online course in self-publishing in hopes of making my next book (3rd one) the best one yet.
  13. I found things I could do that align with bringing me closer to my values.
  14. I have started working with plastic canvas and learning the amazing things that can be created.
  15. I have completed 4 years of bullet journaling.

This list would be completely different if I had full mobility in my legs. I do what I can do. Since I can’t do things that involve the use of my legs, I do what I can do with my hands and my mind. Simple as that.

So, my friends. Don’t let anyone make you feel that you’ve accomplished nothing this year. No matter your circumstances, you have accomplished many things. It doesn’t matter what some judgemental, thoughtless person says.

Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 with a smile on your face!

aunt-debbie

A Fond Farewell to 2023 and Those Who Have Entertained Us

It’s been a long year. We made it! It’s been rough but I’m grateful for all that I have and thankful to those who have been here for me. I’m thankful that YOU have taken the time to read my blog! I hope 2023 has been kind to you and yours.

We said goodbye to many wonderful actors, athletes, musicians, and public figures this year. I have compiled a list from various sources but it’s an incomplete list since I keep finding another name to add! It has taken me most of the day to do this so I figured I’d better quit!

~~~

Alan Arkin, born 1934 Actor and Filmmaker

Heather Armstrong, born 1975 Blogger and Internet Personality

Clarence Avant, born 1931 Music Executive and Producer

Burt Bacharach, born 1928 Composer and Songwriter

Bob Barker, born 1923 Gameshow Host

Jeff Beck, born 1944 Guitarist

Harry Belafonte, born 1927 Singer and Actor

Richard Belzer, born 1944 Actor

Tony Bennett, born 1926 Singer

Jane Birkin, born 1946 Actress and Singer

Robert Blake, born 1933 Actor

Tori Bowie, born 1990 Track and Field Athlete

Andre Braugher, born 1962 Actor

George Brown, born 1949  Drummer

Jimmy Buffett, born 1946 Singer and Musician

Colin Burgess, born 1946 Musician

Dick Butkus, born 1942 Football Linebacker and Sports Commentator

Rosalynn Carter, born 1927 Former First Lady of the US

Pat Casey, born 1993 BMX Star

Tyler Christopher, born 1972 Daytime Actor

Carole Cook, born 1924 Actress

James ‘Buster’ Corley, born 1951 Co-Founder of Dave and Buster’s

David Crosby, born 1941 Singer and Songwriter

Kamar de los Reyes, born 1967 Daytime Actor

Melinda Dillon, born 1939 Actress

Dianne Feinstein, born 1933 US Senator

Michael Gambon, born 1940 Actor

Astrud Gilberto, born 1940 Singer and Songwriter

Mark Goddard, born 1936 Actor

Bo Goldman, born 1932 Screenwriter and Playwright

Len Goodman, born 1944 Ballroom Dancer

Johnny Hardwick, born 1958 Actor

Steve Harwell, born 1967 Singer and Musician

Jim Hines, born 1946 Football Player

Bobby Hull, born 1939 NHL Hall of Famer

Barry Humphries, born 1934 Comedian and Actor

Rudolph Isley, born 1939 Singer and Songwriter

Glenda Jackson, born 1936 Former Member of Parliament

Al Jaffee, born 1921 Cartoonist

Ron Cephas Jones, born 1957 Actor

Robbie Knievel, born 1968 Daredevil and son of Evil Knievel

Marty Krofft, born 1937 Film Producer

Denny Laine, born 1944 Musician

Piper Laurie, born 1932 Actress

Norman Lear, born 1922 Screenwriter and Film Producer

Michael Lerner, born 1941 Actor

Gordon Lightfoot, born 1938 Singer, Songwriter, and Guitarist

Gina Lollobrigida, born 1927 Actress

Lisa Loring, born 1958 Actress

Laura Lynch, born 1958 Former Member of The Dixie Chicks

Mark Margolis, born 1939 Actor

David McCallum, born 1933 Actor

Cormac McCarthy, born 1933 Author

Randy Meisner, born 1946 Singer, Songwriter, and Musician

Billy Miller, born 1979 Daytime Actor

Richard Moll, born 1943 Actor

Sandra Day O’Connor, born 1930 Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

Sinéad O’Connor, born 1966 Singer and Songwriter

Ryan O’Neal, born 1941 Actor

Billy Packer, born 1940 Basketball Player and Sports Commentator

Lara Parker, born 1938 Daytime Actress, Dark Shadows

Tatjana Patitz, born 1966 Model

Chris Peluso, born 1983 Broadway Actor

Matthew Perry, born 1969 Actor

Lisa Marie Presley, born 1968 Singer and Songwriter

Otis Redding III, born 1964 Singer and Songwriter

Willis Reed, born 1942 Basketball Player and Coach

Jamie Reid, born 1947 Visual Artist

Paul Reubens, born 1952 Actor and Comedian

Adam Rich, born 1968 Actor

Bill Richardson, born 1947 Former Governor of New Mexico

Brooks Robinson, born 1937 Baseball Player

Pat Robertson, born 1930 Broadcaster, Commentator, and Minister

Robbie Robertson, born 1943 Musician

John Romita Sr., born 1930 Comic Book Artist

Gary Rossington, born 1951 Guitarist

Richard Roundtree, born 1942 Actor

Julian Sands, born 1958 Actor

Iron Sheik, born 1942 Professional Wrestler

Tom Sizemore, born 1961 Actor

Tom Smothers, born 1937 Comedian and Actor

Suzanne Somers, born 1946 Actress and Singer

Arleen Sorkin, born 1955 Daytime Actress, Screenwriter, and Comedian

Frances Sternhagen, born 1930 Actress

Stella Stevens, born 1938 Actress

Ray Stevenson, born 1964 Actor

Barrett Strong, born 1941 Singer and Songwriter

Lee Sun-kyun, born 1975 Actor

Inga Swenson, born 1932 Actress

George Tickner, born 1946 Musician

Chaim Topol, born 1935 Actor and Singer

Tina Turner, born 1939 Singer

Raquel Welch, born 1940 Actress

Annie Wersching, born 1977 Actress

Fred White, born 1955 Musician and Songwriter

Tom Wilkinson, born 1948 Actor

Cindy Williams, born 1947 Actress

Mike Williams, born 1987 Former Football Wide Receiver

Treat Williams, born 1951 Actor

Gary Wright, born 1943 Musician and Songwriter

Burt Young, born 1940 Actor

Jacklyn Zeman, born 1953 Daytime Actress

~~~

It’s surprising to see so many daytime actors and actresses. I remember them all, either from years ago or more currently. Yes, I am a soaps fan! I grew up watching shows like General Hospital and Dark Shadows. Then I grew into All My Children and the slew of soaps that came later. I am now back to only watching General Hospital and Dark Shadows! My Dark Shadows collection is nearly complete!

Another shocker to me is that Julian Sands went hiking alone and encountered some kind of trouble. It was 5 months later before his body was found; the cause of death was undetermined. No one should ever go hiking alone! Such a shame.

Anyway, as we say goodbye to 2023, let’s remember those who have entertained us throughout the years.

Au revoir, Adiós, Sayonara, Adeus, Auf Wiedersehen, Namaste, Shalom, Arrivederci, Ciao!

See you next year,

3 Things I’m Grateful For Today…

I complain…a lot. I struggle with everything. That doesn’t mean I’m not grateful, because I truly am.

crop woman demonstrating namaste sign

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

  1. I’m grateful for the roof over my head, even though it leaks. On the bright side, it only leaks when it rains. 
  2. I am grateful I still have a sense of humor. Without it, I think I would fall to pieces.
  3. I am grateful for my Instant Pot. It makes one thing easier for me…most of the time.

What are you grateful for this lovely Tuesday?

Monday Motivation

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank

What are you doing to make the world a better place?

10 Things You Can Do Today:

  1. Recycle paper, plastics, glass, aluminum. Find your local recycling center and get busy!
  2. Show kindness wherever you go! Smile at everyone. You aren’t the only one who may be having a rough time.
  3. Use less plastic. Switch to reusable grocery totes instead of plastic bags when shopping.
  4. Donate money to a local charity or donate clothing to a women’s shelter, or local charity.
  5. Cook a meal for a shut in. Be sure to find out about dietary needs and that your meal will be accepted. Some may not accept food from someone they don’t know. You could cook your parents or grand parents a meal, or your neighbor.
  6. If you’re able, walk or run a mile for charity! Good for others and good for your body, too.
  7. Volunteer at a local hospital, nursing home, or shelter.
  8. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Animals need love and care, too.
  9. Support small businesses! Instead of buying from the big guys, see if you can find your needs through small, family-owned businesses. They are working harder than the big guys to provide for their family, and/or put their children through school.
  10. Offer to mow your neighbor’s front lawn when you do yours!

There are so many ways to make the world a better place! What other ways can you think of?