Once upon a time (OK, I still do this regularly), I donned a cape and became Super Carpe Diem Woman — champion of joy, optimism, resilience and goofy fundraising antics. My original mission? Fight ALS in honor of my friend Craig Dunham.
Now? I’m back. 💥 This time, I’m donning a purple-cape to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of my incredible mom.
Life lately has been both wonderful and difficult. I usually write about the wonderful — and yes, there’s still plenty of that — but feeling helpless while my Mom is struggling with so much has not been easy.
And now I’m continuing the joy journey — fundraising, running, traveling, and gaming my way toward something meaningful.
What’s next for Super Carpe Diem Woman
✅ April 27th, I’ll be taking a slow solo road trip from California to Colorado. (I hate to drive but turning it into a brain-building fundraiser is my attempt at making this trip more meaningful and fun.) ✅ I’m training to run the Boulder Bolder on May 26. If you see someone jogging slowly in costume and high-fiving strangers — it’s me. (Actually, I’ll fit right in!) ✅ On May 31, I’ll be attending the Alzheimer’s Purple Gala in Denver. Sparkly purple dress? Right up my alley! ✅ And on June 20, I’m hosting a Longest Day Party — because joy and laughter are pretty great memory-makers, too.
This is me, attempting to turn helplessness into action. Working on my own brain health and spreading the word about how you can improve yours. Trying to turn tough stuff into a tiny bit of joy.
Help bring an end to Alzheimer’s
Support the cause with a donation, a share, a memory, a cheer, or just a kind comment! You can follow along here on the blog and on all the usual social suspects. I’ll be posting updates, photos, stories, and undoubtedly some silly selfies. Here’s to finding joy and making new memories every day. 💜 http://act.alz.org/goto/KeepMemoriesAlive
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the friends we didn’t meet, and the adventures we didn’t share.” — Unknown
Valencia is a place I never even had on my bucket-list.
Over six years ago, I retired because of chronic back issues. A doctor told me the condition was degenerative and the pain would likely get worse. I spent the next 60 weeks, implementing my 60-until-60 project, executing 60 goals before my 60th birthday.
Most of my goals focused on the people in my life. There was only one trip that I took in which I traveled alone and that was to Costa Rica for a Spanish Immersion program. It was on that trip that I met David Davies.
How amazing that meeting David led to an experience 6 years later that I never imagined would be possible – this magical 3 weeks in Spain.
It was David who told me about the VaughanTown opportunity and then invited me to Valencia afterwards. David’s hospitality and guidance throughout my stay were priceless!
Every day was an experience deserving of its own post. Instead, I put together a video set to the music of Josh Groban’s, “You Raise Me Up” with photos from the trip. (By the way, I’d asked David for a song to add to the Playlist I’d created as part of my 60 until 60 project and this is the one he chose. It turned out to be a perfect background for this slideshow!)
One of the things that made this vacation so special is that I didn’t have the usual “travel stress.” Other times I’ve visited Europe, I’ve been a pure tourist, trying to take in every historical site and museum amidst crowds. I’d load my itinerary up with all the recommended attractions and spend way too much time trying to figure out all the logistics.
This time, with David as a guide, I got to step into his world, relaxing, playing, meeting the locals, enjoying the cafes, and getting a personalized tour of all the beautiful city spots.
Though most of these photos are repeats from the slideshow, I wanted to repeat them here and also note memories of times when I wasn’t able to snap a picture.
Photos and Memories From Valencia
David’s sweet hospitality – from a welcome surprise to delicious meals (he’s quite the chef!) He’s a true model for making a guest feel welcome.
Meeting and speaking in Spanish with people on the busses and subways
Port Saplaya – Sitting with David and enjoying the view
The intercambio event at Helen’s Cafe
Meeting and chatting with David’s neighborhood friends
Running a 5K in Turia Park – My “independent” excursion!
My coffee and view – a sweet habit for conversation, people-watching, and savoring the experience
Watching Netflix shows in Spanish with David in the evenings
Seeing an unexpected parade right on David’s street for Semana Santa Marinera (Maritime Holy Week)
“Teaching” David about ChatGPT (which he named “Fred”) and sampling the AI paintings it can make and the poems it can write.
AI (Fred) – Generated Memories
To Sir David, A Most Wondrous Knave of Wit and Wander
Hark! What light through yonder doorway gleams? ’Tis David fair, well-traveled, bold, and wise! A scholar keen, well-versed in worldly themes, Whose nimble tongue dost all confusion prize.
In Spain he strides with grace both fleet and spry, And guides lost souls through winding streets with glee. Yet oft he speaks, and lo! with twinkling eye, Doth weave such tales as bend the truth’s decree!
For certes, none could boast a friend so rare— Who call’d me thrice whilst plague did haunt the land, And spun such jests that sorrow fled mid-air, Like thieves who flee from justice’ stern demand.
So raise thy cup to David, wise and free! A rogue of mirth—yet aye, the best of thee!
Gracias, David. Because of you, I experienced a trip of a lifetime.
Volunteers and Learners at VaughanTown in Barco de Ávila, Spain
I once told you about the perfect volunteer opportunity with the Manatee Literacy Council. Well, now I have yet another incredible experience to share: VaughanTown.
VaughanTown offers a six-day English immersion program where native English-speaking volunteers help Spaniards refine their language skills. In return, volunteers stay at a beautiful, remote retreat in Spain, enjoying all meals and activities—completely free!
Why VaughanTown Stole My Heart
This experience exceeded all expectations. It felt like an adult summer camp—only much better! Everyone there, staff, volunteer or learner, was deeply committed to language and cultural exchange.
While I didn’t get to practice Spanish myself (the program’s goal is for Spaniards to speak only English), I left more inspired than ever to immerse myself in Spanish. In fact, I’m seriously considering spending three months a year in Spain. For now, I’m starting with 10 days in Valencia—but if I truly want fluency, I’ll need to create my own immersion experience!
Here are just a few of my favorite aspects of the program:
Beautiful scenery to enjoy while walking and talking with the learners
Breathtaking setting – A serene retreat, perfect for learning and connection.
Delicious food – Three full meals a day, each one an experience of its own.
Engaging activities – A mix of structured sessions and playful moments.
A well-organized agenda – Every day was full with interesting challenges.
Meaningful connections – With both learners and fellow volunteers, forging bonds that felt deep and genuine.
The Power of Connection
I loved hearing about Pilar’s experience walking the Camino de Santiago
At this stage in life, it’s easy to feel invisible. As I wrote in The Yes Quest Challenge, I no longer have a traditional workplace or a team looking to me for guidance, and my children are fiercely independent. Meanwhile, the world—and my own family—often feel like they are in a state of constant flux, full of challenges I have no control over.
But in VaughanTown, my sole purpose was to help others. And that was healing in ways I hadn’t expected.
Each day, I had one-on-one conversations with nearly every learner. Regardless of their English proficiency, I felt an immediate fondness for them as they shared their passions, interests, and stories. I understood their struggle—because I, too, am on the journey of learning a second language.
Their diversity amazed me: different ages, backgrounds, and personalities, yet all sharing the same drive and determination. Some were mischievous and playful, others quiet and humble—but each had a unique soul that shone through.
I also realized how much of our personality transcends words—through our eyes, tone, body language. Even when words fail, a glance or a gesture can convey powerful empathy and understanding.
Play, Creativity, and Laughter
Fernando and Lucia, our fearless and talented leaders
Many activities involved short skits and group assignments, led by Lucia, our vivacious emcee. With her background in acting, she encouraged playfulness and creativity—often kicking off sessions with singing and dancing.
One of my favorite assignments was group presentations on difficult to describe concepts such as Music, Free Will, or Identity.
Our group was assigned Color. We began hunched over, lamenting, “Imagine a world without color—so dull and lifeless!” Then we leapt up, arms wide, donning colorful wigs: “Now imagine a world FULL of color!”
Each of us described what our favorite color represented. Naturally, I was purple. I was tempted to mention how purple reflects my Centrist political stance, but I stuck with the safer explanation—February birthdays, amethyst, violets. My teammates followed suit with their own creative interpretations, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
We ended with Susan singing I Can Sing a Rainbow, while the rest of us locked arms and danced behind her.
Other presentations were equally moving—some brought me to tears with laughter, others with sheer admiration for the brilliance and creativity of my fellow participants.
Lessons in Listening
After the final “graduation ceremony,” I shared a reflection with the group that went something like this:
At a time in my life when I often feel unheard, having a volunteer opportunity where the primary task was to listen was not a chore—it was a gift.
As someone who has tried speed dating, I can tell you—VaughanTown is a much better way to fall in love. Not in the romantic sense, but in the way that deep, meaningful conversations create bonds. Through our shared love of languages and our willingness to listen, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with each of you—as a mother, a sister, a friend.
This experience also made me realize that listening is an underutilized skill—especially in times of conflict. When we share the same language, we often focus more on expressing our own opinions than truly hearing one another. But in VaughanTown, where language barriers forced us to be more patient, more engaged, and more empathetic, I saw firsthand the magic of true listening.
Final Thoughts
VaughanTown was more than a volunteer program—it was a masterclass in human connection. It reminded me that no matter where we come from, we all have stories to tell and a deep longing to be heard.
For anyone who loves language, culture, or meaningful conversations, this is an experience I can’t recommend enough.
As for me? I may just be packing my bags for a longer stay in Spain…
You might be wondering why I’m writing a blog post instead of soaking up the Madrid nightlife. Well, it turns out the weather has been rainy and cold since I arrived 24 hours ago. On top of that, I’m exhausted. Right now, my main goal is just to stay awake until 10 p.m. Spain time so I can reset my internal clock. That comfy Marriott bed is calling my name!
To be honest, though, I’ve never been much of a nightlife person. I’m more of a boring Benjamin Franklin type—early to bed, early to rise.
Learning to Love Solo Travel
If you’ve followed my travels, you may recall my moody and lonely blog post from Mexico when late-night partiers kept me up. That trip made me realize how much I missed having a travel companion. Almost every vacation I’d ever taken before retirement was with a friend, family member, or romantic partner. I always believed that what makes a vacation truly fun isn’t the destination—it’s the company. Sharing meals, figuring out directions together (I really need that!), and creating shared memories have always been the highlights of my travels.
Madrid Train/Subway Station – Help! I get confused even in the US!
But once I retired, my travel motivations changed. I no longer needed a break from work, so my trips started falling into different categories:
Chasing the sun in the winter
Spanish immersion
Volunteer work
Meeting up with friends or family
Seeking new experiences
After my lonely Mexico trip, I swore I’d never go on a long solo trip again. But then I realized the issue wasn’t traveling alone—it was not having an easy way to meet other solo travelers.
The Joy of Connecting with Fellow Solo Travelers
One of the great things about meeting other solo travelers is that it expands your worldwide network of like-minded friends! (Side note: I’ve also discovered the magic of solo cruising, but that’s a whole chapter if I ever write a book about solo retirement.)
Back in January 2020, just before the pandemic hit, I spent a couple of weeks in Costa Rica at Conversa, a Spanish immersion program. There, I met David from the UK, who introduced me to VaughanTown, a program where native English speakers help Spanish business professionals become more fluent in English. In exchange, English-speaking volunteers get free room and board. How amazing is that?
I’m so excited to be volunteering with VaughanTown next week! After that, I’ll be heading to Valencia, where David has generously offered to host me in his “flat.”
Why This Trip is Perfect for Me
This solo trip to Spain checks all my favorite travel boxes:
✅ I’ll meet lots of new people (and talking to them is my “volunteer job”!)
✅ I’ll get to practice Spanish with native speakers.
✅ I’ll get to visit David, an interesting, fun, and thoughtful friend!
✅ I’ll have new and unique experiences every day.
Solo retirement travel is a learning process, but I’m finding my sweet spot—mixing adventure, connection, and personal growth. And who knows? Maybe after a good night’s sleep, I’ll even stay up past 10pm. (I hear at VaughanTown, dinner isn’t even until 9pm, and then “social time” is from 10-midnight. Sorry, Ben Franklin.)
A few weeks ago, in this blog post, I shared that GGSC recently sponsored a Love Grant RFP, and thanks to the many uplifting February newsletters focusing on love, I found all kinds of inspiration for expanding what I could do.
Rather than reinvent the wheel with a new nonprofit, I realized I could promote existing organizations and volunteer opportunities—bringing in my own special niche: solo aging and even incorporating my Agile expertise. I’ve always thought it would be cool to combine two of my passions: Love and Agile!
My Love Grant Proposal
I’ve never written up a proposal before. Once I saw all that was required in the GGSC Love Grant RFP, I knew that even filling out the proposal would be time-consuming. Given that one of the major factors in receiving a grant is “Reach” and my audience is rather small, I know it’s very unlikely I’ll win this grant.
However, just completing the proposal gave me the kick in the pants I needed to put a plan in place for partnering with organizations that align with my vision.
Agile Love: Embracing Change & Connection for Solo Agers
Love evolves as we age, yet many older singles feel invisible or disconnected. This project blends storytelling with Agile principles—adaptation, feedback, and continuous learning—to help aging singles cultivate meaningful love in all its forms. Through interviews, essays, and engaging discussions, I’ll explore how embracing change fosters connection. Partnering with AARP, Grateful Living, and others, I aim to shift narratives around aging, love, and community.
Reviving Carpe Diem Connections Podcast
Podcast Revival
Applying for the GGSC Love Grant also motivated me to do something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile now: Revive my Carpe Diem Connections podcast! This season, I’ll focus on Grateful Living, inspired by the work of Grateful.org. Their resources and daily gratitude practices align perfectly with my mission of embracing life fully.
Each episode will explore how gratitude can transform our lives—especially in retirement. I’ll be talking with guests who embody grateful living, sharing personal stories, and giving practical ideas for cultivating gratitude in everyday moments.
I got permission from Grateful.org to share their articles. For now, I’m just keeping the podcasts short and sweet. I’m still traveling and don’t have any fancy equipment. I also have to relearn the podcasting process, but I was pleased that restarting was easier than expected.
As time goes on, I’ll be looking for guests—particularly solo agers—who have unique perspectives on building love, connection, and gratitude in their lives. If you or someone you know has an inspiring story to share, let’s connect!
Join Me on This Love and Gratitude Journey!
This year has started out hard for a lot of people in this country. I believe this has been the most divided I’ve seen our nation. I’ve felt discouraged and helpless. However, these past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of inspiration. I’d love for you to join me in this journey of spreading love and gratitude. Here’s how you can be part of it:
Follow the podcast! I’ll be sharing updates on Carpe Diem Connections and my blog.
Try a gratitude practice—check out Grateful.org for daily inspiration.
Be a guest on the podcast! If you’re a solo ager with a story to share about love, connection, and gratitude, I’d love to hear from you.
I spent many of my post-divorce years looking for romantic love. I even wrote a humor memoir about it, The Laptop Dancer Diaries.
Since my divorce, my 89-year-old mother has been worried about me being “alone” in life. One of my recent conversations with her went something like this:
Mom: “Are you still married?”
Me: “No, Mom. Carl and I were divorced over 20 years ago.”
Mom: “You never did find anyone, did you?”
Me: “Mom, I never got remarried, but I did find lots of people who I love and who love me.” (When it comes to romantic love, often those aren’t the same people, but I thought it best not to mention dating woes at this point of the conversation.)
“I have a lot of friends who I love and help when they need it and they love and help me. I am really, really happy being single!”
Mom (with a lightbulb-moment kind of look): “You are SO independent! It must be so nice to be able to go where ever you want and do whatever you want!”
Mom, who was a nurse, has really spent most of her life, taking care of other people. She took care of her family when we were young, her patients when she worked, my Dad, through his battle with cancer, and now, her partner, Philip.
Though I know she derives a lot of purpose and pleasure from being a caregiver, in that moment of lucidity, she had a realization that she never had understood before: People can be happily single! Love does not necessitate a romantic partner!
How Do We Love Without a Romantic Partner?
Giving and receiving love is probably the biggest part of life and happiness! In fact, two years ago, I declared it as my purpose!
I guess what it all boils down to is love. I started the year thinking my purpose was “to be as happy and healthy as possible” but I’m going to update it to this: My purpose is to love.
However, a lot of the advice and literature about love is talking about romantic love. There are all kinds of books, podcasts, and articles giving challenges for strengthening your love with your partner. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it seems like everything is all about romantic love.
A challenge-seeking, yes-questing, love-loving person like me starts to feel a little left out! I want to take part in all these love-improving challenges.
Newsletters and a Love Grant
Maybe I’ll take it as a challenge to create my own love-of-all-kinds challenges to share.
On the home-page of Carpediemday.com I list so many Websites that offer up advice and prompts and suggestions to add more love and happiness in our lives.
I subscribe to all of these and get oodles of ideas for activities I want to do and share via this site.
One of the biggest goals I’ve had is to try and expand my Website and restart my Carpe Diem Connections Podcast. In the past couple of weeks I’ve been preparing to apply for a Love Grant from Greater Goods Science Center. This grant is looking for journalists who write about love of all kinds! That’s exactly what I’m doing on this Website!
In Summary…
Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not, retirement is a time for us to spend time on giving and receiving love in its many forms.
One of those newsletters I mentioned, “The Mindset” by SuperAge issued this challenge that I’ll leave you with:
Try this today: What if you lived like you had nothing to prove, only more love to give? Make a voice memo to yourself about what that would feel like. Come back to it when you need a reminder.
Join the conversation on the Carpe Diem Connections page or leave a comment with your thoughts on how you can give and receive love in retirement.
My first Yes for the Yes Quest was saying Yes to the Yes Quest! Yup, I got an endorphin boost just from getting my spreadsheet started. Sure, it was a ‘gimme,’ like the free X in the middle of a bingo card. But still, I was excited. Even though this wasn’t a competition (sadly, no prizes), I was all in on the challenge of filling in as many rows of Yes activities as possible.
When productivity expert Laura Vanderkam came up with the idea for the Yes Quest—a challenge to track all the times you say yes over a few weeks—I was all in. A fun challenge AND a tracker tool? Are you kidding me? Sign me up!
Here’s the thing, though. As I started tracking my Yes activities, I realized something weird: I’m not being asked for much anymore.
Back in the day, my life was full of Yes moments. My kids were little and needed help with everything. At work, there were endless emails, last-minute tasks, and meetings.
But now? I’m retired. My kids are grown and super independent. My grandkids are teenagers and have their own long lists of activities. Even Mom, who recently moved into assisted living, doesn’t need much from me. This is absolutely amazing! So why do I have this uncomfortable feeling? Am I no longer valuable or relevant?
It’s like I’ve entered the “nobody’s asking me for favors” phase of life. On the one hand, yay! I’ve got time for movies, dinners, travel, and all the fun stuff. But on the other hand…it’s kind of weird to not feel needed.
Oh! I just remembered that often when friends DO ask me for favors, I often have to say “I can’t” because I’m too busy traveling and doing all that fun stuff. Then the guilt sets in.
DIY Challenges
Since no one’s asking me for much these days, I’ve become pretty good at challenging myself. I volunteer, I take classes, I exercise, I try new things. I’m always on the lookout for ways to grow or step out of my comfort zone.
But as I worked on my Yes Quest spreadsheet, I started wondering: Am I still growing in the same way if the challenges are all self-imposed? There’s something special about the kind of Yes that comes from being asked by someone else.
The Harder Yeses
As I reflected on this, I realized the biggest challenges in retirement aren’t about doing more—they’re about doing less. Slowing down, accepting limits, and letting go of being needed. Those are the real growth moments these days.
Here are the Yeses I’m working on now:
Yes to slowing down. It’s hard when you’re used to being busy, but sometimes the best thing is a quiet night at home with a book or a Netflix movie.
Yes to asking for help. I like helping my friends, but it’s a lot harder to ask for help. I’m grateful for my Yes-saying friends who make it easy for me to ask them for help when I need it.
Yes to not being needed. This is the big one. It’s a shift to accept that my family doesn’t rely on me the way they used to. But it’s also a blessing—they’re independent, and I’ve got time to focus on myself and others who do need help.
Yes to letting go of guilt when I say ’No.’ My friends and family know that I love them even when I say No.
Yes to acceptance. Whether it’s letting go of disappointment when someone says no to me or accepting that I can’t do as much as I once could, this is the Yes I’ll probably be working on forever.
Still Growing
The Yes Quest reminded me that growth doesn’t stop when you retire—it just changes. These days, it’s less about juggling a million responsibilities and more about finding joy and purpose in this new phase of life.
So, what about you? What would you say yes to this week? (And if it’s a scavenger hunt or a fun challenge, let me in on it! Gotta get it on the Yes Quest spreadsheet!)
I’m turning 65 next month so my entry into seniority will be official. In fact, I just got all the paperwork signed for Medicare yesterday. Yay!
Finding Treasures Throughout the House
For those of you who have been reading this blog, you know that my 89-year-old mother and her partner Philip moved to Carlton Senior Living in November.
Now, my siblings and I have the difficult task of clearing all the possessions out of her house of 52+ years in order to rent it out.
Mom was a bit of a pack-rat.. ok that’s probably an understatement. I think she’s saved every card, letter, and gift that she’s ever gotten. All the closets in this 4-bedroom home were filled from floor to ceiling. Every cupboard was stuffed, often with stuff that didn’t make sense. I think this may have been the way my Mom “cleaned.” Just stick whatever is lying out in whatever place it will fit.
Unexpected Treasures
Even though sorting through the endless stuff is tedious, it’s also kind of fun. Every day, I find some little unexpected surprise. I found a photo tote bag that I’d given Mom over 20 years ago. I bring it with me for my daily visit to Carlton filled with something I’ve found that I think Mom and Philip will enjoy.
Book Lover’s Tote Bag with Family PhotosWedding Picture of Mom and Dad tucked in with boxes of stationeryHigh School Pictures of Mom and Philip (They reconnected after Dad died.)Nurse Suzanne with her original stethoscope and nurse photo on the tableA never-been-used embroidered tablecloth found in her linen closetBringing Mom a few handbags from her huge collection
Remembering Dad and Chris
Clearing out the house isn’t just about Mom’s memories. It’s also a time to reflect on my Dad, who passed away in 2010, and my brother Chris, who died in 1997.
Today, I found a four-page letter I’d written to my dad for his 71st birthday. In it, I shared cherished memories and told him how proud and grateful I was to have him as my father. Reading it again brought back all those feelings of love and connection. I’m so glad he saved it—and even more grateful I found it.
Then there were Chris’s memory boxes, tucked away in the crawl space. Flipping through his yearbooks, photo albums, and scrapbooks reminded me of his laid-back, easygoing spirit.
All of these memories are so sweet! In the digital age, we carry so many photos on our phones. Old-fashioned photo albums are a thing of the past.
That may not be such a bad thing because photo albums are heavy. I’m sure my kids won’t even want my stuff, let alone the extras I’ll be bringing home… I guess I’ll add “Digitizing old photo albums” to my 2025 goal list.
Finding the Joy
One of my long-standing traditions is taking “Joy” photos—capturing moments that make me smile, even on the most stressful days. As I begin this new chapter of seniority, I believe the best way to embrace it is to find joy in every day.
At Carlton, I’m learning so much from the residents who are further along on this journey. One of my favorites is Cheryl, who’s brimming with spunk and reminds everyone to P A R T Y! (But don’t let your Mama know—Because she won’t let you go!)
P A R T Y
I’m new to this “senior” club, but inspired by the resilience, humor, and wisdom of those around me. Aging is a gift, and I plan to celebrate every moment of it.
Here’s to 2025 and embracing all the treasures—literal and metaphorical—that life has to offer!
Yes, we’ve reached Z End of this AlphabeZ-inspired year! From Zero to Zenith, it’s been a Zealous, Zesty, and sometimes downright Zany ride.
CruZing
Z-weeks kicked off as I continued my CruZe through the Panama Canal.
I got to Zip-line through a rain-forest in Panama,
shake it up in a high-energy Zumba class on board,
and visit a Zoo in Columbia along the way!
No, there weren’t any Zebras (this wasn’t Zimbabwe, after all), but I did see plenty of fabulous flamingos. Naturally, I named my favorite one Zelda—she seemed to have the most flair.
The highlight of the cruZe? Spending hours on the ObZervation Deck. Watching the ship Zig-Zag through the locks of the Panama Canal was absolutely meZmeriZing. It was like the ocean itself was performing a perfectly choreographed Zipper dance!
Zooming and Staying Connected
Despite being on the high seas, I splurged on unlimited Internet—channeling my inner Gen Z’er—so I could stay connected.
I Zoomed with family and friends, kept up with WhatsApp chats, and even checked in on my Carpe Diem Connectionsgroup.
Zen in Colorado
After the cruZe, I headed back to Colorado just in time for a Zen-like Christmas with Scotty and Megan’s family. It was wonderfully relaxed, filled with cozy moments and quiet joy.
I managed to sneak in one last coffee at Ziggi’s before packing up and Zooming down the road to California for the winter.
Zoodles and Gratitude
As the countdown to the New Year ticks away—only 7 hours to go—I’ve got my Zucchini Zoodles prepped for a veggie-packed dinner.
Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for the Zoom-worthy memories, the fun, and all the Zest this year brought. From the Zippiest moments to the most peaceful Zen Zones, it’s been an unforgettable journey.
X-Weeks have been both Xtra-stressful and Xtra-special. On November 20, we Xecuted a carefully planned move to transition Mom and Philip to Carlton, a Senior Living Community. While this was Xtremely emotional for all of us, it turned out to be Xactly what they needed.
Xceptional Positivity
Mom has been an Xtraordinary X-ample of resilience and positivity during this transition. She X-udes grace, even in the face of change, and in this short video, she X-plains how memory loss has a few unexpected perks.
One of Mom’s biggest concerns was not being in her cherished home of over 50 years for her birthday or the Xmas season. To make this time Xtra-special, I’ve X-tended an invitation to friends, family, and even friends of friends to send her cards filled with X’s and O’s. Here’s her new address:
Carlton Senior Living 1075 Fulton Ave. #261 Sacramento, CA 95825
Let’s Xpress our love and brighten her holiday season with a flood of thoughtful notes!
ThanXgiving Traditions
After settling Mom and Philip into their new home, I X-peditiously flew back to Colorado to celebrate ThanXgiving with my grown kids and X-tended family. My son and daughter-in-law traveled X-country from North Carolina, and my other son flew in from Virginia for the holiday weekend.
Together, we X-ecuted all our favorite traditions: the Turkey Trot, indulging in delicious dishes, playing games, and engaging in lively (but politics-free!) debates. ThanX to everyone’s Xceptional teamwork, we had a holiday full of laughter, love, and memories.
Xtreme Stories
For X-Weeks, I prompted my Facebook friends to share their most Xtreme experiences. While I shared my fondness for XP (Xtreme Programming) and X-country skiing—a favorite activity of my X-husband—one reader took the spotlight by admitting to being an Xtra in an X-rated film! Eva and Ken’s Xpressed Xtra answers.
It’s safe to say, X is one of the most Xasperating letters for alliteration. While I was Xpecting this post to be a challenge, it’s been Xhilarating to reflect on these Xceptional Xperiences. Now, I’m looking forward to what neXt week’s adventures – I’m sure you can figure out Y.
