Friday, December 30, 2016

Fiction


Fiction.

I'm actually sending out a request today. I've found over the last several years that I am reading less and less fiction. 

To be honest, this makes me sad, as I've read so many wonderful stories over the years. I've found myself drawn to nonfiction and I'm not exactly sure why? Perhaps my attention span is not what it once was, and I'm having a harder time staying interested in the fiction I'm reading. 

I think also I've read so many books over the years that I'm finding myself with a "been there, done that" attitude. I've become a pro at plot formulation, and find myself losing interest pretty quickly. 

I do know that I seem to be drawn to historical fiction. So dear readers if you've read any really good books lately I'd love some recommendations. My goal is to read one fiction book per month this year. I've included below a list of some of my favorite books.

Book Recommendations
The Boston Girl Anita Diamant
The Aviator's Wife Melanie Benjamin
The Paris Wife Melanie Benjamin
Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline
The Chaperone Laura Moriarty (Read Orphan Train first)



Thursday, December 29, 2016

One Word Resolution


The one word resolution. 

It's that time of the year again. With New Year's just around the corner you might be one of those who are beginning to make a list of resolutions. You'll find that come January 2nd the line at the gym and at Weight Watchers is out the door. Fortunately, if you are still attending in March you'll have found the crowds to have thinned. 

Maybe instead of a laundry list of resolutions which you'll probably end up breaking, you might want to consider a one word resolution. Actually, this is really more of a theme for the year. Words like change, adventure, transition or fun are all examples of using one idea to set the pace for your year. 



Author Gretchen Rubin posted on her blog that her word was re-purpose. Her question is, "How can I make more of what I already have?" If resolutions usually end up being ignored, maybe it might be more productive and fun to choose a one word resolution and see how many ways you can keep it throughout the year. 

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Sleep


Sleep. 

Pretty much my entire life I've slept on basic sheets and somewhat flat pillows. I really didn't know any different. Except that several years ago my family traveled to Las Vegas and stayed at a 5 star hotel. There were three televisions, and I felt like a Kardashian. More over, the sheets were made of Egyptian cotton, and I would have been perfectly content to remain in bed all day. 

When we returned my daughter surprised me with a pair for Christmas. Life was better, but they weren't exactly the same as the Vegas ones. What I really didn't know much about at the time was a thing called thread count. Apparently the higher the thread count the more expensive the sheet. 

Recently it was time to replace those well worn Egyptian cotton sheets, and as I scanned the aisles I discovered that there was actually a thousand count sheet. Now the price was well above what I would have normally considered reasonable, however, sometimes in life you just have to splurge. 

The first thing I noticed when I brought them home was the weight of them. They were significantly heavier than any sheet I had purchased before. Along with these new sheets we have purchased two sets of My Pillows. One for sleeping and one for hugging. Between the comfy sheets and the fluffy pillows I'm sleeping like a baby each night. Another added bonus is that the sheets seem to retain the heat so no heavy blanket is needed. 



Now I'm usually pretty practical when it comes to spending, but if you ever find yourself with extra money I highly recommend splurging on some nice bedding. If you want you might want to consider it a part of healthy living. The words of Ben Franklin laud the benefits of a good night's sleep, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

A Spunky Centenarian


A spunky centenarian.  

I've often wondered about the secret to living a long life?  Is there really a magic formula, or does it boil down to luck and good genes? 

I once saw a special on aging that reported that those who seem to accept loss better than others often lived longer. It definately is true that if you live long enough you will lose loved ones. 

However, I wonder if 103 year old artist Marilee Shapiro might have another secret. In reference to her art work she explains, "I've always been afraid of color. So I'm working on that right now."

The fact that she is willing to continually learn new things might be just what keeps her young at heart. She has a passion for her art, and embraces the creative struggle it brings. 



Finding something you love, and continuing to pursue it may just be the fountain of youth. Of course, age might still have a way of catching up with you even despite your best efforts. Even so, I find people like Marilee to be inspiring. 

Monday, December 26, 2016

The China Syndrome


The China Syndrome. 

I really enjoy listening to Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft's podcast Happier. Gretchen just seems to have a way of zeroing in on behaviors I can totally relate to. 

The other day she and her sister were discussing something they called The China Syndrome. Now this is not to be confused with the 1970's movie thriller, but rather it has to do with thinking that if you have something then you might do something. She gave the example of thinking that owning expensive china might encourage you to host great dinner parties.  

For me my China Syndrome had to do with a Kitchen Aid mixer. Chuck had repeatedly offered to buy me one throughout our married life, but my frugal side could not justify the cost. However, one day my daughter Brittany called and walked me through the most incredible deal on a Kitchen Aid mixer ever. It included price matching, a 30% coupon, and Kohl's cash, all resulting in an Artisian style mixer for less than $200.00. At this price I was all in. 

I envisioned myself elbows deep in flour whipping up cookies and freshly baked bread. There was only one slight problem in my culinary fantasies; I really don't enjoy baking all that much. Give me a chef's knife any day, and something to be chopped and I'm one happy chef; but not so much when it came to the world of baking. 

A few years later I found myself asking for a bread maker for Christmas. Again, I just kept thinking that if I only had a bread maker I'd never have to buy a loaf of bread again. My overly active imagination once again fell prey to The China Syndrome. The whole idea that my life would be completely different if only...

As I guiltily raised my hand to having succumbed to the dreaded syndrome I couldn't help but be reminded of Gretchen's wise words, "I can choose what I do, but not what I like to do," china or not. 


So to sum it all up be careful what you wish for because it just might end up collecting dust. 

Friday, December 23, 2016

A Simpler Christmas


A simpler Christmas. 

Christmas has been a little simpler this year. Earlier in the fall Chuck and I decided it was time to do a little decluttering. We've been kicking around the idea of what to do next in our lives, and selling the house seems to be the direction we are headed. 

We were caught totally off guard at the sheer amount of stuff we had accumulated, as it appears that I'm really good at hiding a massive amount of clutter in a really organized fashion. Part of the process was letting go of Christmas paraphernalia that had overtaken the closet under the stairs. 

Along with paring down the decorations we also parted with our artificial tree which resulted in a fun trip to a local Christmas tree farm to chop down our own. It seemed to beg for a simpler trimming, and we enjoyed stringing cranberry and popcorn, and making our own cinnamon applesauce ornaments. We never even pulled out our extensive collection of Hallmark ornaments this year. 

Decorating the house took about five minutes as only our absolutely favorite things made the cut this year. This included not setting up the Christmas Village which seemed to be mimicking Frisco in its growth. To be honest it's future fate is still yet to be determined. Instead I put out The Night Before Christmas House which lights up as it tells the familiar story. 

Since I made the uncanny decision to limit my sugar consumption in the month of December my baking has been limited to our favorite Molasses Crinkles. The nativity scene was set up simply on a bare mantle, and "the stockings were hung by the chimney with care."

Perhaps the most unconventional thing of all this year is that Chuck and I have decided to not buy each other gifts. It just didn't seem to make sense to bring more stuff into our home after spending nearly a month getting rid of things. Now I don't  anticipate that this will be a regular Christmas tradition, but for today we have enjoyed our more laid back, simpler Christmas. 

We look forward to spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our loved ones, and have enjoyed getting to savor only our favorites which have added to the specialness of the season. Chuck and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!





Thursday, December 22, 2016

My Aunt


My aunt. 

My aunt is my father's only living sibling. She turned ninety this year and is still sharp as a tack. The first time I ever met her was in third grade when she was allowed to return home from the convent after many years. A big family celebration ensued, and the fact that my school had a field trip planned to visit the Statue of Liberty that weekend didn't seem to 
matter much to my dad. To this day I haven't made it back to see Lady Liberty. 

Fast forward about fifty years, and our lives have intersected once again due to my Dad's dementia. We speak regularly to keep her updated about her younger brother. In fact last year she traveled to Dallas from Boston unaccompanied to visit him. I was pretty impressed, and loved her gumption. 

This Christmas I wanted to send her a little gift from Dad. I ordered her a box of See's Candies, and went off on my merry way thinking I'd chosen the perfect gift. It wasn't until the next day that it hit me like a ton of bricks that my poor aunt was a diabetic. Candy of all things was the worst gift possible. I quickly tried to cancel the order, but found that it was already being processed, and was scheduled for delivery. 

Yesterday I received a call from her thanking me for the gift. I confessed my gifting faux pas, and apologized for my gift choice. She quickly assured me that all was well, and that she didn't worry too much about that kind of stuff. I guess a little chocolate is okay when you're ninety. Gotta love her!




Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Charles Chips


Charles Chips. 

One of my fond memories of growing up in Texas was the can of Charles Chips and  chocolate chip cookies that would arrive by deliveryman each month. Because of our large family of eight Mom would always order the super-size can, and we would enjoy the salty goodness for as long as we could. The hearty chocolate chip cookies were the perfect sweet compliment. 

We always were amazed at the age of our deliveryman because he appeared to be much younger than he claimed to be. We were like carnival barkers trying to be the first one to guess his real age. 

Charles Chips or Charlie's Chips as we liked to call them always added to the modest snack choices available at our home. By the end of the month we usually had a few sleeves of saltine crackers, and the left over lollipops no one liked, so those chips and cookies were a real treat. 

Unlike the neighbors next door that I babysat each Saturday morning, who always had a pantry full of Hostess Ding Dongs and Snickers, Mom was a little more discriminating when it came to our snack choices. I must admit though, I think I enjoyed the snacking more than I did the fifty cents an hour I earned babysitting. 


Recently my best friend gifted me with a miniature Charles Chips can for my birthday. It instantly brought back such fond memories that I had to find a place of honor to display it in my home. Each time I gaze upon it I can't help but smile. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Details


Details. 

Henry David Thoreau wisely pointed out that sometimes, "Our life is frittered away by details." 

This is especially true if you are one of those planner, organizer types. Details are second nature to you, and you are always thinking three steps ahead. Couple this with a profession in teaching and years of lesson planning, and details are your life. 

Not only am I ruled by lists and calendars I'm a stickler for accuracy. Before you can say, "Don't you do it," I'm probably annoyingly correcting you. Although, there are definitely times for details, especially when it comes to arrivals and departures, most of the time it wouldn't hurt to chill a little. Wasting precious energy over things that don't really matter is not only a waste of time, but a resource that never will be refunded.  



In Thoreau's attempt not to fritter away his life he chose to live a life of solitude far away from others. Now this may seem a bit extreme, but considering what you really want to focus on might be worth considering. 

Monday, December 19, 2016

The Garlic Press


The garlic press.

As I was making chili the other night I couldn't help but be reminded of my love affair with my garlic press. Prior to its ownership twenty years ago I was a garlic novice. If you had asked me the difference between a clove and a pod I would not have been able to tell you. 

However, many moons ago I purchased a garlic press from Pampered Chef and have never looked back. Up until that time I had relied heavily on garlic powder or garlic salt not really knowing for sure which was used for what? Starting to cook with actual garlic opened a whole new world to me and my family's dining pleasure. Considering how it raised my cooking to a whole new level it was almost criminal that I had waited so long to use it. Between the garlic press, a chef's knife and a large chopping board you would have thought I was Rachel Ray's sister or something. 

Just by adding fresh ingredients I was able to leave behind my old Hamburger Helper days. Of course when you're teaching all day, and taking care of a daughter you really don't have all that much time to spend in the kitchen. I used to brag that I was Queen of the Twenty Minute Meal. Although, we sat down to dinner as a family each night, most of it did come from either a box or a can. 

Once I conquered my fear of getting it wrong, I took to heart the reality that when it comes to cooking you win some and you lose some, but that's okay. Over time you find yourself winning more than losing, and taking that first garlicky step made all the difference. Just ask my husband.



Friday, December 16, 2016

Christmas Cookies


Christmas cookies. 

I just finished baking six dozen cookies for my husband's co-workers for Christmas. I used my son-in-law's family recipe for Molasses Crinkles which have become a favorite of our family as well. 

As I was baking I couldn't help but reminisce about Christmas cookie baking from days gone by. One Christmas my mother divided my sisters and I into Christmas cookie baking teams. I guess she figured that we could divide and conquer several recipes at once. Unfortunately for one team all the ingredients were dumped into the bowl at once without following the directions and resulted in a huge cookie fail. All I can say is thank goodness I wasn't on that team. 

Once one of my younger sisters decided on a whim to bake sugar cookies. On first inspection they looked quite tasty, but after biting into them something wasn't quite right. Apparently, they had been sprinkled with salt instead of sugar, an easy mistake I suppose. However, I think my sister might have actually been ahead of her time when it came to the whole salty/sweet trend of today. 

My daughter and I used to claim that although we didn't do a lot of actual baking, when it came to Christmas goodies we were famous for our variety of chocolate dipped treats. Either way we always had a lot of fun getting things ready for the holidays. Now that she doesn't live quite so close by it has become more of a challenge when it comes to this confectionery tradition. 


However, along with all the other memorable traditions of Christmas, listening to Christmas music and baking cookies made for a fun morning yesterday. 

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Bias


Bias. 

The definition of bias is, "a prejudice in favor or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair." I have found that to some degree we all have our biases. 

In their book Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levity and Stephen J. Dubner they write, "Even the smartest people tend to seek out evidence that confirms what they already think, rather than new information that would give them a more robust view of reality."

I think regardless of our thinking we all tend to look for others who will validate our own thinking. As we read articles on the internet we discount the ones that don't seem to go along with our views. Our choice of news services align already with what we want to hear. 

Interestingly enough, often times those who profess to be the most tolerant only do so if your views align with theirs. The old adage birds of a feather flock together seems to ring true. As much as we might want to be open to other views our biases can get in the way. 


It's easy to point fingers, but maybe we should check our own biases before we accuse. I can't say I have all the answers, but sometimes being aware of something is the first step at better understanding. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Nativity Scene


Nativity scene. 

As a child one of my favorite parts of Christmas was placing the baby Jesus in our family nativity scene. As much as I loved Santa, gifts, stockings, candy canes, and Christmas carols, I always loved being reminded of the true reason for the season. 

A few years ago I received a very special gift from my sweet daughter. She has searched several Hallmark stores to gift me with the beautiful  Willow Tree Angel nativity set. Each year I look forward to displaying it proudly on my fireplace mantle. It holds this place of honor through the Epiphany in early January. 

Several years ago I picked up the Fisher Price Nativity set in hopes that someday I might have a grandchild. On my last trip to visit my grandson I was able to bring along this treasure. He seemed quite enamored by the star that lit up when you pushed the button. Each time he heard the carol Away in a Manger his little legs would begin to dance. He also loved the little donkey cart which he pushed around as if it was one of his beloved cars. Anything with buttons or wheels is right up his alley. 



More than anything, though, I was honored to pass down this tradition to my grandson, and the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Hometown


Hometown. 

When you are an Army brat you have a birthplace, but not a hometown. You don't have those same fond memories that your friends do of growing up with the same kids since first grade. You move about every two years and say goodbye to friends you'll never see again. At the time you don't quite get it that as an adult you might have some difficulty with attachment. 

My dad retired from the Army the year I turned eleven and we made Dallas our home. I actually lived in the same house for eleven years before moving into my first apartment. I 
taught in Cedar Hill for seven years, and made my home in the Duncanville/DeSoto area. 

In 1985 I married my sweet husband, and we moved to Celina. We bought our first home and lived there for the next eight years. During this time I continued my teaching career in Frisco, and began making myself a part of the Frisco community. I liked to tell that when I began teaching there the town had only one elementary school. Almost thirty-two years later there are over forty, and there are more on the drawing board.  I had told my husband that unlike me, I wanted our daughter to begin and graduate in the same school district. 

For many years it didn't matter when or where you went you always ran into a familiar face. Each year you looked forward to the homecoming parade for Frisco High, and enjoyed listening to the children sing Christmas carols at Merry Main Street. You knew the local pharmacist, used the local doctor, and no matter your denomination sent your children to the First Baptist Vacation Bible School. Your children took swimming lessons at the city pool off Main Street, and frequented the newly formed public library down by the Police Station. 
The roads were rarely crowded, and you traveled to Plano for shopping and eating out. 
Over time whether I realized it or not, Frisco was becoming my hometown. In fact, my husband and I used to joke that we could be considered old time Frisco. 


As the years passed Frisco began to grow. It seemed there was no reason to leave town anymore. They said Frisco was one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, but it was hard to wrap your brain around the sheer magnitude of that. All along they kept reminding us that Frisco still had that small town feel. Now that may have been true if you had moved from a bustling large city, but for those of us who had lived here for years it just didn't seem to ring true anymore. Over night Frisco had become too large, too crowded, and too busy. It didn't matter what time of day or night you were out and about you were either sitting in traffic or waiting in line to check out, and don't even get me started about the school zones. 



I keep finding myself quite nostalgic about the old days. Despite the growth I feel quite fortunate that I was able to provide my daughter with a pretty special hometown, and although I don't know if it will remain my residence, it will always hold a special place in my heart as my own adopted hometown. 

Monday, December 12, 2016

Think Small


Think small. 

The idea of thinking small to solve a big problem comes from journalist Stephen J. Dubner of Freakonomics fame. There are many big problems in the world, and to be honest very few of them seem to be resolved. 

As an example, it is easy to say we need education reform, but time and time again we see the same tired methods playing out where reform is needed the most. Solving a big problem is kind of like eating an elephant; pretty much an insurmountable feat. But common wisdom is the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. 

By thinking small we narrow the range of the problem we are wanting to solve. Sometimes by thinking too large we can become overwhelmed by even where to start. Thinking small does not mean you cannot have big ideas, it is just a way of getting started to finding possible solutions. 

Another side to thinking small is to switch your perspective. Dubner gives the example of wanting to attack education reform from the school side, but what if you changed your thinking and worked toward a solution from the home side? What small changes could contribute to reform?



In your own life when faced with a big problem, how could you reframe it to make it more manageable?

Friday, December 9, 2016

The Red Coat


The red coat. 

One of my favorite children's story is Little Red Riding Hood. Of course, the primary article of clothing was her little red cloak. When my daughter was around two I bought her a precious London Fog red coat which made her look just like Little Red herself. 

Yesterday I pulled my own red coat out of the closet for the first time this year, as the weather had finally turned cold. As I was heading into the library I began to wonder exactly how old that coat actually was? I remember purchasing it at Eddie Bauer at the Outlet Mall in Allen. To be honest, I fell in love with it immediately. I loved the color, the weight of the coat and its classic style. It was just perfect for me. 

Well apparently, it has been too perfect because I honestly think that coat might be pushing fifteen years old. Now, it's not that I can't afford a new coat, but there really is nothing wrong with it, and as long as it makes a trip to the cleaners it still seems to work and wear just fine. 



I guess Eddie Bauer must make a quality product, although I don't even know if they are in business anymore. I suppose some day I will replace it, but until then I'll enjoy wearing it. 

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Two Random Chairs


Two random chairs. 

One of the things I love about my husband is that he always keeps me laughing. Yesterday did not disappoint. The day before he had spent time getting our backyard ready for winter. In the process he decided that two faded plastic lawn chairs would serve us better at the farm. He put them in the bed of the truck to take to the farm the next time we were there. 

Yesterday he took his truck to the Toyota dealership to have a sensor light checked, and figured he'd take advantage of their complementary car wash while he was at it.  It just so
happened that I was down the street helping purchase books for my retired teachers organization, and decided to stop by and check on him before I headed home. 

After visiting for a while I hopped in my car ready for some lunch.  Along the way home I couldn't help but notice out of the corner of my eye two random chairs tucked away on the side of the road. Those chairs looked awfully familiar. I immediately called my husband to inquire if his chairs had accidently flown out of the bed of his truck on his way to the dealership? 

He burst out laughing and informed me that he had actually left them there on purpose. You see he wasn't sure that he could get his truck washed if the chairs were in the bed. When it was all said and done he was completely amazed that I had noticed them, and I reminded him that very little gets past me. 



After the truck was finished my husband apparently stopped by and retrieved the two renegade chairs. All was well in the universe again, and I had a big laugh that day. 

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Be Creative


Be creative. 

I've always considered myself a creative person. As a child my imagination ran freely as my favorite kind of play was make-believe. As a teacher I took great pleasure in creating engaging activities that made learning enjoyable. I always encouraged my students to utilize their creativity as well. 

Starting this blog almost two years ago was a way to channel my creativity through writing. What I have noticed lately, though, is that I have been so busy with other things that creativity seems to have taken a back seat. Consequently, I've found myself struggling to come up with ideas for the blog. What once seemed to flow like water now became difficult. 

Perhaps it might have something to do with me not reading much over the last couple of months. I have been busy taking care of house related projects, and my books have remained untouched. Reading seems to be the catalyst to my reflection and creativity. 

In a recent study published by The Journal of Positive Psychology it was discovered that, "People who engage in creative pursuits today felt more energetic, enthusiastic, and excited the next day." I can certainly relate to this in my life. 


Creativity can encompass many areas, and is a personal pursuit, but its benefits enhance our lives. It's easy to push creativity to the side as not quite as important, but in fact it might just be the most important. Make room for creativity today. 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Milestones


Milestones. 

I was thinking about the importance of milestones that happen in a lifetime. This past weekend we celebrated my grandson's first birthday and his baptism. Both of these would be considered milestones. We celebrated with friends and family and my daughter had planned everything perfectly. Her mother-in-law prepared a Pinterest perfect birthday cake just made for smashing. 

As important as those milestones are I thought the words of Rose Kennedy were worth reflection, "Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."

I'm happy to say that we have had many of those moments this past year. Children have a way of reminding us that things don't have to be big or elaborate to be memorable. I count my blessings for all the moments of laughter and all the hugs that have come along the way.  



I look forward to all the other milestones that life will bring, but am happy that the ordinary moments are special too.  

Monday, December 5, 2016

An Interesting Combination


An interesting combination. 

When Mark Twain said, "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure," he may have been speaking tongue in cheek, but there is a lot of truth in his observations. 

Nightly news might find you scratching your head wondering if the inmates are running the asylum? Often times I've wondered how or why someone thought they were the perfect person for the job, and why I felt such little confidence in my abilities  to accomplish the same thing? I think sometimes the more you know about something, the more you realize how little you actually know. 

You discount your expertise because you think there is probably someone else who knows more than you. This very well may be true, but you still may have something of value to contribute. It's interesting how confidence can overshadow ability, and allow some to tackle tasks that are way beyond their capacity to do so. 


My thinking here is that if you happen to know more about something than the average person, then you might have a contribution that needs to be shared. Don't allow those with less expertise be the ones to call all the shots. Stand up and share your gifts. 

Friday, December 2, 2016

Destination


Destination. 

Author Henry Miller wrote, "One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of seeing things." This is an interesting way of looking at things. It's easy to get caught up in thinking about the future. The next new home, vacation or move, and how somehow that next new place is going to be better than today. You might be correct, but as good as it might sound nothing is ever perfect.  There will always be pros and cons to any destination. 

As my husband and I dream about our retirement years we like to envision ourselves living the country life on our farm. Although, there are many advantages to that life our beloved city conviences will be no more. On the other hand my daily struggle with the surrounding traffic makes the peace and solitude of the country even more appealing. 

But, the reality is that this move will probably not happen anytime soon, so placing today on hold is not really a wise decision. What I have learned and have to agree with Mr. Miller is that life is really more about the way you choose to look at it. My happiness does not have to be based on a destination I may or may not reach. What is more valuable is the time I am given wherever I might reside. That is the resource that cannot be renewed. 



I don't want to waste the time that I've been given wishing for a different life. I'd rather adjust my attitude and enjoy the journey.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The Right to be Wrong


The right to be wrong. 

Author and professor David M. Burns has an interesting take on life. "Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life." 

When you are so concerned about not getting it wrong, you limit the risks you are willing to take. When you stake your reputation on always being right you begin to lose your approachability. 

Aspiring to high standards is honorable, but allowing yourself some grace is better still. Being willing to put yourself out there in the name of new learning may require some courage on your part, but the payoff could be immense. 

We learn early in life about success and failure, and find ourselves gravitating toward what we know we can do well. However, it is in our failures that we become wise. 



One of the beauties of getting older is the opportunity to be less concerned about what everyone else thinks. It is a chance "to move forward" as Burns suggest to a less perfect life, but a successful one at that.