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….
