Saying goodbye
I remember once an older person saying that they had a funeral a month to attend. I thought it was an exaggeration. Now I understand. 5 memorial services in the last five months is part of my 2017. It turns out that even though I am a cry baby, I really enjoy listening to people share about their loved ones. While it is a little heartbreaking hearing the loss in a voice (thus my water works), the stories told always bring a smile and maybe even a laugh as the best of a person is shared with the group that has gathered.
Best Podcast(s)
Blue Babies Pink is by far the best series podcast I listened to this last year. In addition to making me think about my own biases, Bret Trapp has written and recorded a story so compelling I would take a walk just to put my earbuds in and listen to the next episode. This is a must listen regardless of your background and belief system. The website is here where you can read more.
The Popcast with Knox and Jamie makes me laugh out loud every week. I look forward to this dropping in my podcast app every Wednesday and am almost disappointed when an episode ends because I have to wait another week before I get to enjoy their witty banter. The website is here.
Best Kitchen tool
Hands down Kirkland Signature parchment paper from Costco. Almost anytime I put a sheet pan in the oven I line it with parchment paper. I previously used foil but always felt a little guilty when it was balled it up and throw it in the trash. Used parchment paper can be recycled in the yard waste. Just helping the environment one little change at a time. And, yes, I STILL drink packaged water. I know you can string plastic water bottles around the earth a few times, but for me this concern is out weighed by the fact that I am drinking more water than less with this convenience. Trade offs.
Kindle E-reader
Oh the joy my Kindle brings me. I was hesitant to initially move to an e-reader. I have always loved to read and thought I would miss being able to dog ear pages and easily flip forward (yes, sometimes I just have to know how it ends to see if its worth the read) or back. I am now on my 2nd upgrade from the original gift. The backlight and the light weight make reading a book so easy. (Have you ever tried to read a 1000 page hardback in bed?) And, the Kindle app seamlessly updates from device to device. Honorable mention goes to the King County Library system for all of the books now available for checkout in digital format.
Saying hello
Of course the highlight of my year is that darn cute, adorable, lovable, sweet, mischievous, busy, can’t stop, won’t stop Hank. Hank the new love in my life. When I was feeling sad and blue, instead of brown paper packages tied up with string, it was Hank our daughter/son-in-law’s new puppy that brought a smile to my face every.single.time.
So, I never thought I would put memorial services on my worst and best list. And, when I was just so sad I wanted to unplug from everything the best way was always a good book. And, nope even though I love Hank, we won’t be getting a puppy of our own anytime soon. And, now I carry a pack of tissue in my purse because being caught at a celebration of life without a Kleenex? Well, ugly.
How about you? What are some of your favorites of 2017?
