I'm tired

Any criticism by one side just ramps up the resolve of the other that "they" are absolutely right!

Yes, this political bar fighting is really getting me down. more so than being quarantined at home. Yes, I want to see stores able to open, yes, I want to see more testing, yes, I want to see a vaccination or a medicine that can prevent or cure this disease. What I don't want to see is all the vicious bickering and name-calling and ridiculous memes degrading groups of people as either morons or snowflakes.

Can we please just stop. I don't mind thoughtful and spirited discussion. I don't mind listening to other's points of view. But please don't get angry if my opinion doesn't align with yours. I actually like to have a good, spirited discussion and listen to other's opinions, but when it starts to become hateful and xenophobic, I'm out.

I think everyone can agree that this is a safe, non-political video clip! 😊

My Happy Place

Things I've Learned Over the Past Six Decades on This Earth (A Reflection)

As another birthday has so quickly come and gone I started thinking about what all I've learned over the past six decades. During some decades not so much and others just about everything. Anyway, not being one who likes to be overly loquacious, here's another of my not-so-famous lists:

1. The 50's- not a lot since I was born mid-century (1955), but one thing does stick out in my mind during the latter part of the decade. Anytime someone would come up and remark on what a "pretty little girl" I was, my mother would always reply "Pretty is as pretty does".  That has stuck, for the most part, however, I do not get many (none) of those compliments anymore. Maybe someday I will hear what a "pretty little old lady". (Nope, probably not!)

2. The 60's- Hippies are weird. I didn't think of them as good or bad, just weird. (That is all)

3. The 70's- I knew EVERYTHING. In all fairness, just about every child entering their late teen years feels about the same way, right?

4. The 80's- I knew NOTHING. Yep, this was the decade I was a young mother with two small children and I realized, "I knew what I didn't know",  and that it was a lot.

5. The 90's- I learned to start paying attention to what was happening around me and I really started enjoying learning something new whenever possible. As a teacher that "learning something new" happened about every day. I also realized how lucky I was that I had found my dream job as a middle school teacher. (Yes, this says volumes about my personality and craziness I know).

6. The 00's- I started questioning some of my long-held beliefs and started listening more. I also started worrying less about whether I was liked by "everybody" or not and in turn feel I became more likable because of it. Not sure how to explain myself here, so I will just leave it at this for now.

7. Now- I've learned I have "Waaaay" more questions than answers about just about everything and am completely ok with that. I have also learned to cherish each day, and I don't take one minute for granted. And finally, I have learned that you don't let different beliefs, personalities, or lifestyles get in the way of making some true, loyal friends that you know you can depend on!!!

Happy New Year 2019!

Side note: My husband and I just celebrated another anniversary this month also!

Happy 45th Anniversary and this picture kinda explains why don't ya think?

More Deep Thoughts from This Old Woman

On Childhood

You're only a child once, so never grow up.

On Faith

Sometimes all that's left is faith; the most important possession.

On Life

If I would get a second chance at life, I would pretty much do the same thing just a little better.

If I'd become everyone I'd envied as a teenager, I'd be fat, divorced and childless #GladToBeMe

The only person you should ever be better than is the old you!

If you can enjoy your memories without wanting to live in the past, you have a good life.#OldAgeWisdom

On Parenting

Only those who have no children are perfect parents!

As a parent, one thing I have no regrets for is NEVER saying, "My child would never do that!"

On Food

Calories are a bit like money to me. Before eating something, I consider if the calories are worth the consumption just like I consider if spending money on an item is worth what it costs. I’d rather eat 180 calories worth of Hershey’s dark chocolate than 160 calories of peach yogurt.

Why I Like Living Below My Means

1. I can be a big tipper.

2. I don't have to worry about paying down credit card balances.

3. I don't have to make car payments.

4. I don't have to make house payments.

5. I can go on a spur-of-the-moment shopping spree if I want.

6. I don't have to beg a banker for money.

7. I don't have to worry about paying back those "Title Loans"  with hight interest rates! (scary stuff!!!)

8. I can donate to causes important to me.

9. I can buy what I want at the grocery store, and more often than not I prefer the generic brand over name brand on many items.

10. I don't feel the need to brag about what I have or what I don't have. (You know some people really do brag about their lack, or is that whining??)

11. I LOVE being debt free!!!

Living below my means is AWESOME!

My Turn to Rant

Oh how  I wish people would not impulsively post knee-jerk reaction memes or "news" articles after horrific events such as school shootings. Little research is done to see how valid or true the messages are that these memes and articles  claim. What good does it do??? The only thing it seems to accomplish is division, of which our country has enough. Instead, why can't we work together to find common ground and have an intelligent conversation with both sides listening and hearing what the other has to say. That would be a start.

In closing I would like to paraphrase a favorite quote of mine.  It would be better to just keep our memes to ourselves and keep our mouths shut. Sure we may appear ignorant, but wouldn't that be better than opening our mouths or posting our memes and removing all doubt.