I know. I still have so much to write about the Christmas that passed. But between figuring out how to use this new laptop that Bonaparte was generous enough to gift me with for Christmas, and juggling work and simply hanging with the family, I got waylaid.
Oh you did NOT want to be anywhere within ten miles of me when I began to figure this little computer out. I felt so bad for Bonaparte! But now, I am thanking him profusely!
And on this last day of 2016, I want to share my thoughts on this past year with you.
Goodbye 2016!! We got another year comin’ to us!
First of all, I thank all my Atypical60 friends for continuing to enjoy reading my postings-whether they are rants, or complaints or about fashion or cosmetics or whatever—the fact that you comment and read my words is so inspiring to me and keeps me going. You have no idea how thankful I am.
Thank you so very much for hanging with me..can you believe that this little blog has been around for almost two years???
You, my friends, are da real MVP’s of this blog. You keep me going..and going..and going…even though sometimes you wish I would STOP IT ALREADY!!
Secondly, I realize that there was a lot of sadness this year. Especially with the passing of a great many people who entertained us and made impacts on our lives.
This is my absolute favorite photo of George Michael and the way I will remember him. “Wake me up before you go-go” is now a regular sentence in my vocab. I say it when someone has to leave before I do. Oh I am so sad about him.
The saddest—in my opinion was the shocking passing of daughter and mother within 24 hours. Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Words can’t even express that horrific passing.
Growing up, my two favorite Debbie Reynolds movies were “Bundle of Joy” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”. I’ve seen all her films and watched her one season TV show. My kids will always remember her as the grandmother in “Halloween Town”. Carrie Fisher was far more than Princess Leia to me. She was a great writer. Witty and sharply funny “Postcards From The Edge” was one of my favorite books years ago. I loved this mother/daughter team so much. I can’t get over this one…
For me, and for a great many others, our presidential election was also an incredible shock to the system for 2016. There were high hopes of history being made in the form of the first woman president. Instead a misogynist, narcissistic sub-human who degrades women has become our president-elect.
I refuse to post any photos of that man who is president-elect. He ain’t MY president. Not now. Not ever. Never. I’m still with her!
Rather than dwell on the bad or the sad, I want to take the time to reflect on the good. On what made 2016 a very good year for me, at 61!
2016 was the year I became fully-employed again. After almost two years of dealing with ageist HR people and being turned down for positions I know that I was very-well qualified for, I found a position with a small company and couldn’t be happier.
I am still happy to wake up each morning and go to work. I am truly enjoying this job..
Not only that, but look at what we collected as a small office–we adopted families for Christmas and sent them lots of gifts. I love me an office that gives back!
This was the year that I traveled to France not once, but twice. It was fun spending more time than usual on the Cote d’ Azur and was even more fun to spend time in Paris at the beginning of the Christmas Season!
I rode in the Paris Metro for the first time ever–after over ten years worth of visits!
November’s end and December’s beginning –the best time to go to Paris!
Our annual trip to St. Tropez was great this past summer..
And to L’Estagnol…I pinch myself each time I get to travel to France!
2016 was the year I finally decided to do something about my weight. A loss of twenty pounds was sorely needed. And although I did give myself a break during this Holiday Season by enjoying full-blown meals while the kids were here—those decadent meals complete with bread, wine and dessert. I am ready to get back to my new norm of cutting out all the bad stuff.
I haven’t weighed myself since Christmas Eve. And I won’t till next week. But I’m expecting to be up a few pounds and then I’ll lose it. Actually, I just weighed myself because I felt I wasn’t being honest with you and me. I’m thrilled to say after all the shit I stuffed in my mouth, the gain was two pounds. I’m looking forward to returning to my diet!!!!
I still continue my affordable health care. Because I work for such a small company, the medical plan offered is out of my affordable reach. Pennsylvania sucks for allowing health care companies charge more for insurance due to age. At my age, I would be paying over $800 a month for medical benefits—and that is with my employer kicking in over $500. Yeah. Don’t get me started about our ageist society.
I’m thankful to have another year down with healthy lady parts.
2016 is the year Oona moved closer to home. OK—so Cincinnati is still far away. But it isn’t as far as Arkansas and the airfare is a lot cheaper!
2016 has brought my three children more success in their careers. As a mommy, how could that not make my year shine brighter?
I’m glad Oona is closer to home. She LOVES Cincinnati and is thrilled to be back!
This year, as with every year, brings the relationship between Bonaparte and me stronger. Although he does get a bit envious when Chippy comes to me more than he does to Bonaparte. The reason is that I drop crumbs on the floor when I’m cooking and I give Chippy treats. When will B learn?
There’s a reason he comes to me..it has everything to do with fallen food!
When I think back to those years when I lost my home and lived in uncertainty as to whether or not I would ever have a home again—and I had to drag the kids along with that uncertainty, it is great to spend year number two in our new home. And it is a home in every sense of the word. Warm and inviting and full of love. Home is where the heart is and I’m glad to be here another year!
From the top down to the bottom, the feel is warm and homey!!
And as we enter into 2017 full of speculation and worry about our beautiful America, let’s concentrate on the good and positive. I will try—and will continue with humor and pathos! Enjoy this lovely last evening of 2016. And all the best for 2017!!!
Bye Bye Sweet 16…
Make way for the new! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOURS!!!
There’s more to come……….
But first, I thought about what a good year this was…and the one song that came to mind was “It Was A Very Good Year”. Have a listen to this song. It really is beautiful. Sinatra….
Happy New Year to you, Bonaparte, and Chippy! Here’s hoping that 2017 will be a good one for all of us.
I’m so glad I found your blog, and hope that in 2017, we can meet in person.
Have a wonderful New Year’s Weekend! Onward!
Hi Bridget..and a Happy New Year to you too! I’m glad you found the blog as well–it would be great to meet “next” year!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Brilliant summary of an eventful year. Well done Catherine for being so honest, open and entertaining about your life. Life certainly is a roller coaster isn’t it! Wishing you and your lovely family all the very best for 2017. Hope it’s a brilliant year for all of you. Lots of love Gillian xxx
Hi Gillian! Thank you–I’m glad that you enjoyed my summary of 2016!! Hey. Life IS a roller coaster and we are all aboard for the ride!! Best to you for 2017!! XOXOXO!!!
Happy New Year to you, too! I loved reading about all you are thankful for. It caused me to ponder all I’m thankful for, too – which is a very good thing! I look forward to reading lots more from you in 2017…!
Hi Jann! LOL. It was far easier for me to dwell on the one thing (not my president) that put a damper on the year..but I refused to. lWe need hope and we need to reflect on the good!!! XOlXOXOXOXOX!!!
Happy New Year! I love your blog and hope to see many-many-many wonderful posts the next year too! 😘
Thanks Adryana. Happy New Year to you too! I’m working on a “best of” for products of 2016 and will be mentioning you with the Revolution shadows. I wouldn’t have known about them had you not written about them in your blog. I look forward to your posts in the new year!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you! 😊 😘
I enjoy the variety on your blog. Keep them coming. Happy New Year!
Happy 2017 Oneta!! I’m working on a couple of posts now!! XOXOXOXO!!!
A few months ago I found your lovely blog! So much resonates with me. I am originally from NYC – plus I love Paris! April 2015 rented an apartment in Paris for 10 days! Heavenly…
OMG. Anne. We are kindred spirits! I miss NYC–a lot!!! My only resolution this year is to play the lottery so that I win and move back to NY. Its the only way I could afford it!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Bonjour Catherine!
My name is Nancy and, like you, I’m 61. I don’t know how I found your blog, but I’m happy to have found it because when I read your thoughts/ideas/observations, I find myself nodding all the time at your comments about cosmetics, fashion, politics (quelle horreur!), travel, and so many other things. You sound very down-to-earth and real, and of course relatable since we are approx the same age! A kindred spirit! I look forward to reading into the New Year! (Do you think I’ve used the exclamation point enough?) Anyway. I’m an English teacher–I should know way better.
Don’t sweat the new laptop–it will all work out. I just got this laptop in November and it’s taken
me this long to learn to deal with the Windows 10 crap and other atrocities. Many swear words have been uttered.
Happy New Year!
Nancy in Phoenix
Hi Nancy! I don’t know how you found my blog but I am glad that you did! Did you hear my cursing and swearing from PA to AZ? I’m still cursing this damned laptop because if I gently hit the space bar, the curser lands somewhere where the sun don’t shine!! Hey. That excamation point is my favorite icon of all time. It personifies the way I speak IRL!!! Don’t get me started on Windows 10..I think I despise it as much as that dolt who will be sworn in in a few weeks!! XOXOXOXO Happy New Year!!!!
What lovely sentiments, especially about your home 🙂 All the best for a beautiful and peaceful new year! Xx
Thank you Haylee. All the best to you and your family for 2017!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I just love your blog and your attitude. All the best for the new year.
Thank you Pasune!!! All the best for a wonderful New Year to you as well. Encore Merci!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I enjoy your blog more than I can say. I can’t believe it took you ten years to ride on the Metro,,,,doing that is all part of the experience of Paris. Keep up the good work.
Irene. Can you believe it? I’m a metro girl!!! Too bad there isn’t a Metro on the Riviera like in Paris. Our countdown has begun. Five months till we fly to Nice!!!!! XOXOXOXO Happy New Year!!!!!
Happy New Year!!! Thank you for writing your blog…I enjoy it so much!
Happy 2017 Renee!! And thank YOU!! I will keep writing and hope you keep enjoying!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you Catherine for being you and sharing. You are a bright spark in my online life.
2016 was both bitter and sweet for me but I am still here and ready to embrace 2017!
Happiest of New Year’s to you and yours!
Just about to crack the Taittinger!
Hi Paula!
Hi Paula. I’m still getting used to this X$%^$^%laptop! As you can see from below! We didn’t even toast to 2017 because we were asleep through the change of the year!!
Ugh. I still couldn’t reply correctly! Hope you enjoyed that Champagne!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Happy New Year, Catherine. Hope you have a great 2017! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Happy New Year Amy. More success to you with your wonderful blog for this year!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Happy New Year fellow 61! Yes, in many ways 2016 was a total shit show…started out for me with another prolonged episode of DEPRESSION ..thought I had it beat but losing two friends and a really close dearlyl loved person in two months was more than I could cope with so deep 6 for Jan/Feb 2016…then things perked up, returned to work all was going well. Realized our dream of buying an ocean front cottage in Prince Edward Island…it came with the greatest neighbours who are now friends!!! Luckeeeee! then 2016 had to fuck up again with my older brother’s brain tumor diagnosis ( God love the man, going through radiation and chemo still positive and cheerful, and God love that sister in law of mine TROOPER❤️) Dealing with my parents 90&91 & should we or shouldn’t we move to long term care, Ma has dementia but you know what? They muddle through…and I still have them so….luckee !! Thing one was approved for his disability pension and after four very long months camping chez Momcat he found an apartment that he is happy with!
So yes 2016 has brought the good and the bad but I think most years do ( although 2016 probably wins the gold medal) Life is too short to grieve what we cannot change ( thinking the new prez of your United States here)
Je te souhaite une Bonne Année! I feel blessed to have found your blog! You are so honest and real and I look forward to seeing your name pop up in my email, keep on keeping on!
Your choice of song is so apt…it was a very good year because we were priveliged to be here to experience it…
Happy New Year Momcat! Your brother continues to be in my thoughts during this year. We need to push with him!! My mother had Alzheimer’s and I have to say, and this may strike some as odd, but she was lucky. She had no clue that she was ill and was in her own personal state of bliss–it is better than a painful disease. All the best to yo. u for this 2017. Let’s all hope things get better. XOxOXOXOXO (PS. I have no hope for my country that was ALREADY GREAT. That man who is not my president will drag my beautiful America through the Russian pipeline. I think our new anthem will be “Song of the Volga Boatmen” in a year or so….)
Hi, happy new year! Please see how I am in my blog Thanks
Happy New Year Severly. I will check out your blog!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Merveilleuse année à vous et à tous vos lecteurs ! amitiés . Nathalie , au coeur de la France !
Merci Nathalie!! And a wonderful 2017 to you from the heart of the Northeast!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Happy New Year Catherine…your blog makes me laugh out loud…always. Keep Going!
Thanks Jeanne. You sparked a debate here at Chateau Bonaparte. I say the only time to not visit Paris is August. Bonaparte said the BEST time to visit Paris is during late Spring into July. That is because he hates the cold and damp. Whenever we are in Paris during the late fall into winter months, he complains about the weather. But–the weather is worse HERE in the Northeast of the States–am I right?? Seriously. there is no bad time to visit Paris!! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine I am catching up on your blogs. Happy New Year and I have so much enjoyed your 2016 journey, at least from when I found you around Aug/Sept. It’s brilliant, your brilliant and look forward to a brilliant 2017. XOXOXO