August Happiness Challenge -- The Last Day

Today's happiness: So much!

My 2024 Happiness Icon

The last day of Happiness Month really delivered. None of these things is huge, but they each brought me a smile.

1) 9/10 of a mile. That's how far I walked today, each way, to my shrink appointment! Usually we meet over Zoom on Tuesdays but for scheduling reasons we met in person in her office today. And I walked both to and fro. Last week at this time, I never could have walked nearly two miles on this knee. So I'm super grateful that the prescribed PT and ice are working.

2) $114. Months and months ago I got notice that my former employer had done something shady in regards to administering our 401K plans. I admit I didn't follow the allegations but I wasn't surprised because my former employer was not known for sterling ethics (I'm still mad about how my client was treated). Anyway, when asked if I wanted to join the class action suit, I checked YES. Why not? Even if I didn't win, I'd be contributing to their agita and that made me happy. Anyway, the case was resolved and I received a check for $114. It's not enough to set the world on fire, but found money is nice. Plus it's good to know that when an employer runs afoul of ERISA (The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), there are penalties.

3) Frames in the powder room. My aunt has had a tough year. Her husband battled cancer, she had gut trouble, a Florida storm damaged their sea wall, and she's still Trumpily estranged from one son and two adult grandchildren. I've been sending her quilled greeting cards. They are beautiful, they make her feel special, and I get a 40% employee discount at the card shop. Today she sent me a photo of her powder room. She actually had the cards framed! It's happy, and humbling, that something really pretty effortless on my part brought her such joy.

 

4) Constance MacKenzie. My little Connie Cat has been beside me as I compose this post, and most of my little August Happiness stories. She's 11 or 12 years old now -- about 65 in human years, so she's a senior citizen. But she's healthy and happy and oh! So full of love. Sweet, gentle and trusting. It's a privilege to have her in my life.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

Saturday 9

Morning Train (1981)

1) In this song, Sheena Easton sings about her lover, who takes a train to and from work each day. When is the last time you took public transportation? Where did you go? Earlier this month I went downtown to meet Elaine for a movie and dinner. I can't believe that's the only trip I've made this month but it's true. Strange when I remember I spent the better part of my 45 year professional life commuting to work.

2) His workday begins at 9 and ends at 5. Do your days stick to a predictable schedule? Not anymore. In semi-retirement it seems I'm either busy and scheduled or quiet and lazy, nothing in between.

3) In the evening she sings that they may go to a movie, a restaurant or slow dancing ... whatever she wants. Which of those would you choose? Restaurant

4) As a little girl, Sheena Easton performed at family gatherings, not just because she was talented but because she could be a bit of a ham. When you were a kid, were more often shy or outgoing? Outgoing, but not in a performative way. Just in a noisy and fidgety way.

5) In the late 1980s she was the spokeswoman for Bally's health clubs. Do you have a gym membership? I have a membership to a yoga studio, paid for by my Medicare supplement plan. YAY!

6) In 1987 she played Sonny Crockett's love interest on Miami Vice. Were you a fan of the show? I really enjoyed the first season. I lost interest after that. Here's the thing: the 80s were my party girl days and I've never been techy. Miami Vice aired on Friday nights, I was seldom home on Friday nights, I was recording Dallas on my VCR and taping two shows on different channels was beyond my expertise.

7) This weekend is a good reason to have a picnic or barbecue. The best-selling barbecue sauce flavors are sweet, spicy, and smoky. What's your favorite? Sweet

8) Labor Day weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore? Yes

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the fall. Will you be adding any new fall clothes to your wardrobe? I don't think so.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 30

Today's happiness: A text from Will.

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Will is the moderator of our movie group. Over the last decade we have slowly, very naturally become friends away from our weekly get togethers. It's not like with my fellow movie group members Joanna and Elaine, where we make dates and hang out, going to lunch and museums and the like. With Will, it's either at a group movie event or at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood or by text.

Our texts are almost exclusively about classic film. But this morning's message made me smile. It was a photo of my beloved Anthony Rizzo enjoying a night on the town watching the US Open with Yankee superstar Aaron Judge. Will, a big tennis fan, was obviously checking on last night's action, saw that pic and thought of me. Will knows I have been concerned (OK, obsessed) with Rizz' health/well being and he knew that happy snap would make me happy.

It did. Even more, I'm happy that we're getting to know one another better and that he was so thoughtful. I can't have too many friends!

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 29

Today's happiness: I'm not diabetic.

My 2024 Happiness Icon

That may seem like a strange thing to be happy about, but I was worried. My late friend John was diabetic. My oldest friend is diabetic. My friend Kathy is diabetic. Mindy's husband Alan is diabetic ... It seems like all the kids I run with are diabetic!

I had bloodwork this morning and my A1c is 6.0. Yes, it's higher than normal (5.7) but it's not in the diabetic range (6.5% and above). It's also lower than it was last year (6.1) and 2020 (6.2). I guess drinking more water and doing yoga really is making a difference to my health.*

 

I am not only happy with these results, I'm grateful. To have a test in the morning and then see the results within hours is a wonderful thing. To have the results show I'm moving in the right direction is super terrific.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

*Now my cholesterol has gone up, though. I expect to be getting a message from my doctor within a couple days. (I'm aware we're going into a holiday weekend and I'm not an emergency.)

Thursday Thirteen #374

13 "other" things to do with your cell phone. I still have a landline, and when I want to make a call, it's still what I reach for. Similarly, if you want to talk to me in real time, you're more likely to connect with me on the landline. When I'm home, my cell is often in my purse.

But really, cellphones aren't really telephones anymore. They are portable computers and personal assistants. Here are 13 things I do with my cell phone that have nothing to do with (verbal) conversation.

1. Take pictures

2. Send texts

3. Respond to Messenger

4. Check Facebook

5. Check email

6. Summon rideshares

7. Get real-time transit information

8. Confirm my work schedule at the card shop

9. Get cheap eats through Too Good to Go

10. Listen to baseball through MLB app

11. Turn to Google Maps for directions

12. Access my library's music selection and stream tunes

13. Listen to podcasts

How do you most often use your cellphone?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 28

Today's happiness: Uncle Charlie

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Once again, my 2024 Happiness Icon reflects today's happiness. I rewatched a really good classic film: Shadow of a Doubt. 

Uncle Charlie suddenly travels to Northern California to visit his sister's family. His oldest niece, Charlotte, is called Charlie in his honor and she just idolizes her Uncle Charlie. It soon becomes obvious that there's a dark reason for his impromptu visit.

Of course there is. This is a Hitchcock movie. In fact, it's Hitch's favorite of all the movies he did.

I can't wait until my movie group discusses this one on Monday night. I know it's a particular favorite of our moderator, Will, so he will bring lots of enthusiasm to the meet-up. I'll be right there with him.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

 

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up.

1. What are you currently reading? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I would be hard placed to think of a more influential novel than this one. Scarlett O'Hara is the prototypical diva heroine, strong-willed and beautiful who has a lot to learn about life. Would we have had Erica Kane on All My Children or Rose in Titanic without Scarlett? Then there's Melanie, the yin to her yang. Selfless, honest and eager to see the good in everyone. GWTW is one of the best selling books -- and, when you adjust for inflation, most profitable movies -- of all time. And it's got three-dimensional women at its core! Imagine that!

 

It's also insanely entertaining. Margaret Mitchell keeps us inside Scarlett's head almost the whole time. We see the war and the fall of a civilization through this girl's eyes. We meet at least a gazillion other citizens of Atlanta or The County: Tarletons and Fontaines and Munroes and Calverts and Merriweathers ... Yet I never get them confused. Mitchell draws even the minor characters sharply and uniquely. Brava!

All of this is not to say it's not disturbing at times. The way the Confederacy is portrayed -- as though there is moral equivalency with the Union and that The Cause is admirable -- is skin crawly on its face. Slavery is presented as acceptable and even benign. Again, skin crawly. No, obscene.

We live in a country where people continue to revere the  Confederacy without taking single moment to consider how that makes their neighbors of color feel. GWTW is a constant reminder of America not only in the 1860s but well into the 20th century and beyond. At a time when school boards resist telling our young people the truth about our history of race and slavery, this book remains highly relevant.

 

2. What did you recently finish reading? The Boys by Clint Howard and Ron Howard. I enjoyed this joint memoir enormously. "Opie Cunningham" and the kid from Gentle Ben have some terrific stories to tell! While the setting is Hollywood, the vibe is universal and highly relateable.

It's got popular and promising young Jean giving up her own acting career because she doesn't ever want to be separated from the love of her life, husband Rance. Then there's Rance, a struggling working actor, facing the fact that his pre-school aged son Ronnie is a more marketable commodity than he is. How does a family navigate all that and maintain their values? Rance and Jean were not perfect, but they were admirable. They are the heroes of this book, and I liked Rance and Jean very much.

 

PS I'm happy to report that Andy Griffith showed up for Ron Howard's wedding, and Henry Winkler is an all-around mensch.

3. What will you read next? Don't know.

 

 

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 27

Today's happiness: "I'm glad you were here today."

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Monday was a bad day at the card shop. I'm glad I wasn't there yesterday. The store was robbed by a homeless man, likely off his meds. He grabbed a lot of stuff from the gift rack beside the register -- hair clips, headbands, brushes. Never once asked anyone to open the register. He just filled his arms and left. It was very disturbing for the women working there. It was aggressive, yet it made no sense because nothing he took had any resale value. Ceecee, the manager on duty, pressed the button near the register that alerts the local police. Laney went in back and phoned regional headquarters. It went to voicemail. Both women acted just as they were trained to. No one was hurt. Nothing of value was taken. But it was upsetting nevertheless.

When I got to the store this morning, Ceecee and Jen were both there and both very upset. No one from corporate had called the store back. No one inquired about how the staff was doing. In fact, the head of our region sent Ceecee an email to cancel their previously-scheduled meeting.

They vented to me, separately. I learned that Corporate's apathetic attitude was a turning point for them both. Jen is actually going to sit down with her husband, "crunch numbers," and decide on how soon she can quit and look for another job. Ceecee wondered aloud why she worked so hard for a company that cared so little about her physical/emotional well being.

I told Ceecee that, though I'm new to retail, I'm not new to corporate. OF COURSE they don't care as much as she does. Ceecee is a Mama Bear, looking out for her cubs (us). To her, the robbery was a big deal and she wants support in making her team feel safe. To corporate, it's just something that happened to just one of the nine stores in this region. No one was physically hurt, not much money was lost. What's the big deal? She thanked me for the perspective.

I advised Jen not to act hastily. She's upset now. But she knows the store so well and cares so much. She shouldn't leave it to get out, she should leave to go to something. Something she will find fulfilling. Instead of figuring out when she can afford to quit, she should take a breath and choose what she wants her next chapter to be.

I was very glad to give back to the two women who have done the most to ease me into this new job. As she was leaving, Jen said, "I'm glad you were here today. Thanks." That made me so happy.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

Teaser Tuesday

Here's how to play.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were. In her face were too sharply blended the delicate features of her mother, a Coast aristocrat of French descent, and the heavy ones of her florid Irish father. But it was an arresting face, pointed of chin, square of jaw. Her eyes were pale green without a touch of hazel, starred with bristly black lashes and slightly tilted at the ends. Above them, her thick black brows slanted upward, cutting a startling oblique line in her magnolia-white skin--that skin so prized by Southern women and so carefully guarded with bonnets, veils and mittens against hot Georgia suns.

Yes, I'm spending the waning days of summer with Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. I haven't read it in years and it's good to spend time with my old friends in Atlanta and The County. Everything ties together so beautifully. It's well written, meticulously plotted, and highly entertainingly.

It's also beyond problematic. Maybe it's because I was raised in The Land of Lincoln, but I have never understood the fetish for the Confederacy. The Southerners were the least patriotic people in our history. They fucking fired upon the American flag, people! (No wonder those rioters on January 6 were carrying Confederate flag.) There is nothing "noble" or "brave" about them, regardless of how many times Melanie says it.

Then there's the language. I can throw "fuck" around with the best of them, but I never use really obscene words, like racial epithets. The way blacks are referred to on these pages makes me shudder.

Which is not to say I'm not enjoying the read. I don't like Scarlett, but I get her -- and at times I am her. Melly, Miss Pitty, Rhett, Ashley, Pa and Miss Ellen ... I feel like I know them all and I've missed them. When I put it down, I tell myself it won't be long until I can pick it back up and get back to them. Is there any higher compliment for a book?

And I think GWTW important. I don't think we should ever forget how popular these words and concepts once were, and question why for some convoluted reason The Glorious South and its culture are still celebrated today.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 27

Today's happiness: My credit card stayed in my wallet

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Monday was my doctor day. In the morning I went to an orthopedist for the first time time. He took x-rays of the knee that's been troubling me all month. Turns out I have a "slightly torn" meniscus and (here's the bigger problem) arthritis. While I am certainly not happy about this, I am relieved to have a diagnosis, grateful it isn't more serious, and glad to have a treatment plan.

In the afternoon I went to my PCP for my annual physical. I adore her. She listens! I have to go back after fasting for 8-10 hours and then have bloodwork, and she wants me to get a shingles vaccine.

Best of all:

•  Both of these doctors are within walking distance -- even with arthritis and a slightly torn meniscus.

•  I paid nothing out of pocket because of Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance.

I am very lucky to live here.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 25

 Today's happiness: I'm a Proud Auntie

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Sunday my nephew posted a column about the St. Louis Cardinals and their "dwindling playoff aspirations." Amid the comments, only one was negative. A reader dismissed my nephew's take because the website shouldn't "let Cubs fans do articles about the Cardinals."

Now this was silly on the face of it because my nephew's observation was based on math. The last game of the Cardinals' season is September 29, little more than a month away. The Cards would have to win the vast majority of their remaining games to earn a wild card berth.

EIGHT different readers leapt to my nephew's defense.* Here are the highlights:

•  "He is a professional journalist. You are not."
•  "Don't slander a paid journalist we all read."

 

Well, will you look at that! My nephew is respected by his readers, who think of him as a pro. If we had an August "Beyond Happiness" Challenge, this would rank.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

*None were his mom or me.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 24

 Today's happiness: Cheap Eats

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Saturday I met my friends, Nancy and Paul, for lunch at a fast food place in my old hometown, just around the corner from where I got my hair cut. I got 2 pieces of broasted chicken, fries, and cole slaw for just $8.79. Paul got a hamburger and Nancy had the pita club. In this world of chains, it's nice to support a small, independent business.

 

It was also nice to see them. Especially since this time it was Paul's idea. Nancy texted me earlier in the week and said, "Paul is asking when it's time for your hair cut so we can get together." That made me happy, since Paul "got" me when he married Nancy. It's nice to know I'm his friend now, too.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Sh-Boom (1954)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) 70 years ago this month, the Crew Cuts were singing that life could be a dream. When you awaken, can you recall your dreams? I'm glad I remember Thursday night's dream because it was so ridiculously random! My favorite ballplayer, Anthony Rizzo, and I were sitting on the sidewalk, our backs up against a brick wall. (I don't know where we were.) He was making me laugh. Then a car pulled up. Apparently we were waiting for my former coworker, Jamie, to pick us up. Only Jamie wasn't driving, he was in the passenger seat and beckoned us to get in. Alan Alda was driving. Of course he was.

2) The lead singer refers to his girl as "darling," "sweetheart" and "baby." Have you used an affectionate endearment lately? If yes, who were you speaking to? I just called my cat "Baby Girl."

3) Two members of this Canadian quartet are brothers, born 15 months apart. Do you have siblings? If yes, how close in age are you? One sister is just over a year older, the other is 8 years my junior.

4) A hit in Toronto, the Crew Cuts traveled by car to appear on TV in New York. How are your wheels? Would you give your vehicle a tune up before embarking on a 1,000 mile (500 miles each way) road trip? Since Alan Alda drives me places, I'll leave this decision to him.

5) In 54 and 55, they had five Top 10 hits. Then the Crew Cuts fell off the charts. Founding member Rudi Maugeri suspects it's because they were a "teen act" and teenage music tastes can change fast. Who did you listen to when you were in high school? I listened to the Beatles and Barbra Streisand. None of my classmates did, though. They were all into Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and James Taylor.

6) A well-maintained crew cut should be trimmed every 2-4 weeks. Is there an appointment with a hairstylist on your calendar? I may be at the stylist as you read this.

Let's look at the summer of 1954.

7) 70 years ago, Chicago Bears great Walter Payton was born. Today more than 1200 students are enrolled in Chicago's Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. Was your high school named after anyone? No, it was named for the town.

8) J.R.R. Tolkien's Fellowship of the Rings was published. It's the first of three volumes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Have you read the books and/or seen the movies? Nope.

9) Sports Illustrated was first published. As a special promotion, the premier issue included baseball cards. With the introduction of online communities and trading apps, collecting baseball cards continues to grow in popularity. Are there any card collectors in your life? Not personally, but I feel like I do. Jen, my coworker at the card shop, gave her husband a display case for his baseball cards as a Father's Day gift. She agonized over choosing the right one.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 23

 Today's happiness: AAdvantage E-Shopping

My 2024 Happiness Icon

I love to earn extra miles. Especially since my annual spring flights from ORD to LAX are loooong and expensive. Saving on airfare and/or getting an upgrade does this old miles whore's heart good.

Which is why I'm tickled to have discovered AAdvantage E-Shopping. I get up to 3x the miles on stuff I'd buy anyway! When I'm done with this post, I'm going to order Icy Hot patches from Walgreen's. Who knew buying something that utilitarian would make me this happy? (Sing it with me: California, here I come!)

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 22

 Today's happiness: A box of cards

My 2024 Happiness Icon

At my suggestion, the employees at card shop where I work agreed to create birthday cards (and get a headstart on Christmas cards) to include in the lunch deliveries for our local "meals on wheels." I got the idea from Letters Against Isolation. Ceecee, my boss, likes it that we are concentrating our efforts to our neighborhood. 

Thursday I discovered a shoebox under the counter filled with beautiful, handmade cards! The women I work with are so talented and willing to pitch in during the shop's slow times. It's good for business, too. When customers come in and see us making stickers or embossing, it promotes the crafting tools we sell. No wonder I came home happy.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 21

Today's happiness: My City

My 2024 Happiness Icon

As I'm sure you've heard, Chicago played host to a get together at the United Center. I couldn't be more proud. Not only of Harris-Walz, not only of our very own Barack and Michelle, but of how beautiful and hospitable my city looked. It is the best place to live, you know. I'm glad the rest of America is now in on it.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Thursday Thirteen #373

13 ways my life is different this year. "The days are long but the years are short." So wrote author Gretchen Rubin. I feel that more at this time of my life than ever before. Often my days run so seamlessly, one into the other, that I don't notice how much my life has changed over the last twelve months.

1. Henry's precipitous decline. Because I've been so consumed with his condition since his accident back in October 2018, I hadn't noticed how Henry himself had slowly disappeared from my life. I'm not talking about monitoring his medical care and physical well-being. I was always alert for news and forever researching what might be done or where. But I hadn't noticed how inexorably Henry himself had receded. Once he became unable to dial his own phone, I stopped hearing from him regularly. Somehow I truly didn't see this in real time so it was a blow when he died in June.

2. John died. Last summer, John and I were talking baseball. This July we would have celebrated his 69th birthday. I planned to take him to Reunion Restaurant on Navy Pier because he would've enjoyed dining on cuisine prepared by the Obamas' chef. Alas, he died in April. I miss him every day.

3. I restricted Kathy. Last year at this time, my friend Kathy was hassling me. She suffers from some sort of cognitive decline, but I'm reluctant to call it dementia or Alzheimer's because to my knowledge she hasn't been diagnosed. But she would text me, asking me to call her. I would and maddeningly, she wouldn't pick up, turning around to text me again as soon as I hung up. She would send me IMs and then, when I responded, scold me for using instant messaging because she believed "they" could access her messages. Day after day, often more than once a day, this happened. I finally restricted her access to my Facebook page. I felt like a bitch when I did it, but now I'm relieved. I don't think she understands how to communicate anymore, and I believe our relationship was causing me more stress than it brought her pleasure.

4. Back to work. My job at the card shop is not especially difficult and my take home pay is only between $50 and $100/week. But it gives my weeks structure and purpose. Last summer I was retired and more than a little uncomfortable with how slothful I had become. I began working a 40-hour week when I was 17, and realize I need to work.

5. Ceecee and Jen. They are my two supervisors at the card shop and the women I've become closest to. Now such a big part of my life, it's hard to believe I had no idea who they were a year ago today.

6. My back is full of surprises. Last year at this time I was slow to move in the mornings because my back was stiff. Yoga and adjustments from my chiropractor remedied that. But now my left knee is freaking KILLING me! My chiropractor suspects its because I'm on my feet so much at the card shop, and that has had an impact on my gait and the way back aligns. Sometimes my body feels like the space capsule in the movie Alien. I know there's a monster onboard, I just don't know where it's going to pop up next.

7. I wear a mouth guard at night. My dentist thinks my messed-up bite is wearing away at my teeth (and all his quality work) at an accelerated rate and hopes this will help.

8. Kiehl's. For at least a decade I used Clinique Repairwear Correcting Eyecream. I loved it. The bastards discontinued it. Now I used Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I love it, too, despite the green color. (Avocado, don't you know.)

9. No caffeine after 8 PM. I don't drink coffee but I do have Coke every day. Usually two 7.5-oz. mini cans, but sometimes I make a 20-oz. bottle last throughout the day. Anyway, I've found I sleep better if I cut myself off at 8 PM.

10. New vet. After more than 30 years, my vet sold his practice. The new vet in charge is someone who subbed for him on occasion so Connie, Roy Hobbs and I know her. She's made some significant upgrades in terms of equipment/capabilities, which is nice.

11. I lost Elvis. I used to carry a Graceland mug filled with water with me from room to room. I accidentally broke it. The King has been replaced with my queen. I now sip from my Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years mug.

12. New glasses. Kate Spade Tianna. Affordable because of my new insurance. (See #13.)

13. My own insurance. Last year at this time I was still on CORRA for my dental/vision insurance. I assumed, incorrectly, that since the multi-national corporation I formerly worked for selected it, it was the best choice. I did my own (mind numbing) research and switched to CIGNA. It's only a wee bit more expensive than I was paying and the deductible is lower, so it's better than a wash. On the one hand, I'm proud of myself for doing my homework and making the switch. But I'm pissed at myself for assuming the economies of scale and trusting that COBRA and my former employer was a better deal. It wasn't.

How has the last year made a difference in your life?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.