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Rain soaked Los Angeles, the Rose Parade turned soggy, and my holiday lights kept tripping like they were on a timer from the weather gods—so I used the mess as a nudge to start fresh. I share how a wet week, a sick spouse, and a very determined 14-pound chihuahua pushed me to restart my daily walks, rethink my habits, and listen to what my body and data keep telling me.
We get practical about movement with cranky joints: what helped my feet, how copper socks lowered the barrier to longer walks, and why walking in short bursts still builds strength and eases back pain from arthritis. I unpack a local research lab visit where I tested lipoprotein(a) for heart risk and opted into a blood-based screen tied to early Alzheimer’s risk. The results were a mixed bag—good news on risk, an A1C at 5.7 nudging me toward steadier routines—and they landed right as holiday stress made better choices feel harder. Instead of aiming for perfect, I map out realistic daily steps: move more, keep meals simple, and let sleep and stress management carry their weight.
Our little dog Brownie steals a few scenes too: refusing backyard drizzle but marching miles on a leash, guarding me from the mailman like a fluffy sentinel, and somehow knowing when our car turns onto the block. Those small moments reminded me that accountability can be playful and that consistency often starts with a leash, a timer, or a friend. If you’re facing rainy weather, borderline lab numbers, or a calendar that keeps slipping, you’ll find ideas here for building momentum when conditions aren’t ideal—plus a link to the socks that saved my feet.
If this resonates, tap follow, leave a review to help others find the show, and share it with someone who needs a gentle push to get moving today. What tiny change will you commit to this week?
"Magic" copper compression socks mentioned in this episode:
To participate in the research study and find out about your risk for heart attack and Alzheimer's, here's the link to sign up, plus you will receive a stipend for your participation. Locations throughout the United States.
A holiday decorating contest turned into a masterclass in rolling with the weather. The atmospheric river drenched our front yard display, shorted the circuits, and left our ten-foot Yeti with gravity-defying soggy fur. We didn’t take home the win, but we did find something better: perspective, humor, and a reminder that the brightest moments often come after plans go sideways.
From the driveway, the season threw another curveball—a couple inches of water pooled on the driver’s side floor of a ten-year-old SUV. We talk about quick fixes, patience, and the reality of aging seals when the sky refuses to cooperate. While mapping out an early-morning plan to catch the stealth bomber fly over the Rose Parade route, we navigate recovery needs and choose accessible viewing spots that make the tradition doable without a hike. Along the way, we reflect on the artistry behind parade floats, the powerful glue that holds petals and bark in place, and what happens when rain threatens months of volunteer work.
Back at home, our rain-averse dog adds comic timing to the mud and maintenance, and we get honest about what communities save—or don’t—when stormwater rushes to the ocean. Sleep becomes our north star, fueling recovery and the small daily choices that add up to resilience. If you’re juggling holiday expectations, weather setbacks, and the hope for a dry New Year’s moment, you’ll find solidarity here and a few ideas to make next time gentler and more fun.
Love what you heard? Follow and subscribe, leave a rating or review to help others find the show, and share this episode with a friend who needs a good story and a laugh.
Holiday cheer meets home reality as a Southern California storm rolls in and puts a target on outdoor lights, inflatables, and carefully planned yard magic. I talk through the tradeoffs of beauty and safety—what happens when circuits shut down, mud takes over, and the sky ignores your calendar. There’s relief that it’s rain and not wildfire winds this year, plus a real wish that weather would wait until the decorations have their moment.
The season’s other curveballs pile up in honest, relatable ways. A mysterious wet patch in the backyard becomes a puzzle for the plumber, complete with delays and a side of anxiety about water damage. Caregiving shapes the daily rhythm as I clear paths, move pet obstacles, and celebrate the small win of steady walking inside the house. Fatigue shows up without warning; sleep helps, but the bigger fix is giving myself permission to slow down. Rest becomes a strategy instead of a last resort.
I also share the ongoing washing machine saga: laundromat trips, machines judged by smell, parts on backorder, and why a working washer might be the most underrated holiday gift. We keep the celebration simple—no indoor tree, no gift exchange, just a low-key plan with movies, easy meals, and dog walks that shift when neighbors travel. Through it all, the show’s community grows to 68 countries and nearly 700 cities, which feels like a gift of its own.
If you’re juggling storms, repairs, caregiving, and the pressure to make it all feel festive, this one’s for you. Press play for humor, practical perspective, and a reminder that “good enough” can still feel good. If you enjoyed the conversation, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend who could use a calm, cozy listen.
Joy doesn’t always arrive in a big moment; sometimes it shows up in a box that claims “25 minutes” and actually takes four hours, a friendly text from a great PT, or a yard that glows just enough to make strangers slow their cars. We set out to simplify holiday decorating after two hospital stays shifted our bandwidth, and we found a sweet spot between ambition and energy. With a giant Bumble from the 1964 Rudolph classic anchoring the display, seven inflatables, and a sensible trim of poinsettias, the lawn became a gentle celebration of resilience, community, and choosing what truly matters.
We walk through the real calculus of “scaling back” during recovery: getting help from a friend who can lift and assemble, honoring a body that’s still learning to sit up again, and embracing the small victories that rebuild dignity at home. Our farewell to Frank, our stellar home PT, marks a tender transition toward outpatient care, and we share the routines and mindset that bridge the gap. Along the way, the city’s holiday contest becomes less about winning and more about finishing something joyful, on our terms.
If you’re navigating a tough season, you’ll hear practical takeaways for right-sizing traditions, setting boundaries that protect your energy, and designing a celebration that sparks delight without tipping you into burnout. From neighbor reactions to the quiet satisfaction of a completed project, this story pairs twinkle lights with honest talk about healing, support, and the power of choosing one bright thing. Listen, share with a friend who could use a lift, and if the show brings you value, follow, rate, and leave a review so more listeners can find it.
Caregiving rarely looks like the neat checklist people promise. We open the door on a week of small wins and stubborn setbacks: a partner recovering from bulging discs, the push to trade bed rest for hallway laps, and the work of finding motivation when every step aches. The house hums with real life—pets reacting to disrupted routines, a cat throwing up from stress, a dog glued to our sides—and we talk about how self care shifts from bubble baths to basic sleep, food, and the nerve to ask for help.
To keep our spirits up, we lean into seasonal rituals. A supposedly “eight-minute” Rudolph build becomes a comedy of tiny screws and a paperclip-sized hex key, and a storm-tossed Halloween hearse gets reborn as a Christmas carriage with garland reins. It’s playful, sure, but it’s also a blueprint for resilience: turn what’s broken into something joyful and keep moving. Along the way, we get honest about the creative itch that caregiving often sidelines. A late-night show about comedians sparks a question—do you miss writing?—and the answer sits with the limits of time and the promise to find space for art again.
We also pause to honor a friend’s dog, Boomer, and the kind of grief only people who love animals truly understand. That goodbye opens a wider reflection on the comfort pets bring and the gratitude they teach, even as loss lingers. If you’re navigating recovery, caregiving, pet anxiety, or the tug-of-war between daily demands and creative dreams, this conversation offers practical warmth and real companionship.
If the story resonates, follow and subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so others can find Only Child Diaries. Your notes and shares help us keep this community strong.
Caregiving isn’t a tidy checklist; it’s a constant recalibration of energy, emotion, and logistics. In this episode, I'm talking about life after back-to-back hospital stays and what it takes to keep a home running when helpers still need help, the dog thinks every visitor is a threat, and the cat needs a calming plan to handle the foot traffic. That swirl forces hard choices, and I get candid about the small moments that protect sanity—like holding a long-delayed hair appointment as a promise to myself.
The heart of this conversation is practical compassion. We talk about why “put your oxygen mask on first” sounds simple yet feels impossible when physical therapy schedules collide with neuropathy flares. Thanksgiving becomes a lesson in doing less on purpose: skipping big cooking, embracing reheats, and spending a sunny afternoon in the garden reclaiming calm leaf by leaf. From there, we reset expectations for the holidays—lighter decorations, a friend’s help to swap seasonal boxes, and permission to live with a garage that looks like life happened, not like it was staged for a catalog.
We dig into the essentials that keep us steady: guarding sleep, making peace with imperfect routines, and treating the 20-minute dog walk as a micro win for body and mind. Working from home makes this season possible, but the weight is real, and we share the honesty of sore backs, tired mornings, and friendships that get fewer check-ins than we’d like. If you’re navigating caregiving, chronic illness at home, or just a season of overwhelm, this story offers validation and a playbook of small, repeatable choices that add up to resilience.
Subscribe, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your notes and stories mean the world—tell us one small boundary you’re keeping this week.
Dry turkey on one side of the family, rum-soaked pudding on the other—somehow neither tasted like home. This week it's a re-release of my favorite funny Thanksgiving episode, and I'm pulling you into a holiday world where salt was outlawed, bay leaves did all the heavy lifting, and stuffing came from a box you didn’t want seconds of. It’s funny because it’s true, and it’s tender because it’s about more than food: it’s about learning to rewrite rituals, find the middle between deprivation and excess, and choose the kind of Thanksgiving that actually feeds you. The scary part? This actually happened to me!
I trace the arc from childhood meals that missed the mark to the first adult revelation of a table with real flavor—where seasoning has courage and the stuffing finally delivers. There’s a detour to Skid Row with a volunteer badge and an unexpected lesson about impact when good intentions outnumber the plates. Then comes the career war story: an all-nighter on government proposals, a nap on a dining room floor, and a raw-turkey showdown at dawn that turns into a crash course in timing, triage, and gravy without a safety net.
By the end, we land in a realistic, humane place: smoked turkey, smart store-bought sides, one ambitious homemade dish, and the logistical comedy of someone who really wasn't raised to cook. The heart stays steady—gratitude for partners, pets, and the freedom to craft traditions that fit real lives. If you’ve ever laughed at a lumpy gravy, dodged a crowded grocery store at 8 a.m., or wondered how to make the holidays yours, you’ll feel seen here. Listen, share a laugh, and tell us your most chaotic Thanksgiving victory or fail. Subscribe, leave a review, and pass this one to a friend who salts first and explains later.
Twelve days in the hospital can blur into a single, sleepless memory. After an ER stretch that felt endless, we finally brought my husband home—but not before the big question families everywhere wrestle with: skilled nursing facility or recovery at home.
I share a past experience guiding my thinking: my dad’s fall, a stint in rehab, and an underwhelming version of “more PT” that didn’t translate into real progress. That history didn’t force our hand, but it sharpened our questions about quality physical therapy, rest, and dignity. This time, community made the difference. Neighbors stepped up to walk our high-energy dog. Our pets—confused, then subdued—lit back up when he returned, reminding me that emotional care is part of medical recovery. Thirty steps from the car to the bed became a milestone, not just movement.
Caregiving is logistics and love in equal measure. LA traffic, parking, security lines, long hallways, and longer worries take a toll that numbers don’t capture. Choosing home shifted us from system-led routines to human-centered care: a no-fall rule, simple meals, structured rest, and steady check-ins from people who know us. The week’s rain—an atmospheric river—forced a slower rhythm and gave us the space to notice progress: better sleep, less pain, more calm.
If you’re on the edge of a similar choice, this story offers a practical lens: prioritize sleep, demand meaningful therapy, and build a small circle that shares the load. We’re not chasing perfect; we’re building momentum. Subscribe for more candid looks at adulthood’s hard decisions, share this with someone navigating care choices, and leave a review with your best home-healing tip so others can learn from your experience.
The healthcare system doesn’t hand out a manual or a how-to brochure for that matter about how to deal with health issues. After a hospital discharged us with no pain meds and no clear plan because we declined surgery, we faced a stark choice: wait and watch strength fade, or push for access to a team that could actually help. In this episode, I walk you through the messy middle—how we navigated private medical transport when an ambulance wouldn’t cross districts, how a simple wheelchair pivot got us through ER doors, and why a 26-hour stay still felt like progress once a thoughtful plan came together.
You’ll hear what advocacy looks like at eye level. I talk about the emotional load: the exhaustion of showing up every day, the friction when a long-time diabetic gets talked down to, and the constant triage at home with pets, traffic, parking, and the Halloween lights that stubbornly stayed on while life and its challenges kept moving forward.
This conversation is for anyone who loves someone in pain, anyone juggling chronic conditions with acute crises, and anyone who suspects that “trust your doctor” needs the companion phrase “and verify the plan.” We share the small wins that sustain momentum, from a wheeled recliner that gave needed sleep to a care team willing to explain their thinking and aim for a selective nerve block once blood thinners clear. It’s a candid look at how to move from helpless to purposeful, one decision and one question at a time.
If this resonated, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need the courage to advocate today. Your story could be the nudge another caregiver needs.
This week's episode is abbreviated to say the least with my husband's health issues taking center stage! Short updates on things going on. Did you listen to last week's interview by the way?
If this resonates, follow the Only Child Diaries Podcast on your favorite app, leave a rating and review to help others find us, and share the show with a friend who needs a thoughtful voice in their feed. Join us on Instagram at Only Child Diaries and Facebook at Only Child Diaries Podcast, and tell us what you want to hear next.
What if the quiet of an only-child home becomes the engine for a louder, fuller life? Tracy sits down with Leslie Berlin to trace that arc—from a childhood shaped by early divorce and Sunday dinners with dad to a grown-up world built on cousins, neighbors, and in-laws who feel like true family. Leslie’s warmth and candor turn familiar worries into practical wisdom: how to learn confrontation without sibling sparring matches, how to make small holidays feel rich, and how to carry a caregiving load without carrying it alone.
The conversation opens a window into the everyday realities only children often face as adults. Leslie shares what it looked like to support her father through decline, then to become the point person for her 91-year-old mother—text threads, emojis, and all. She reminds us that siblings don’t guarantee shared responsibility, and networks don’t build themselves; you invite people in before life gets heavy. We also explore marriage into a big family, the beauty of seeing her two sons lean on each other, and the honest joy of a house that finally feels busy.
One of the most powerful parts of Leslie’s story centers on food allergies. Two decades ago, finding safe milk substitutes and nut-free options required detective work. Instead of staying anxious, she wrote a children’s book to help kids feel normal and included, even if that meant showing up with their own cupcake. It’s a blueprint for turning fear into service: notice the gap, do the work, and leave something useful behind. Along the way we trade comfort picks—Grease, Cars, and cake—and capture the simple advice Leslie would give her younger self: most people aren’t thinking about you, so live larger.
If this conversation resonates, follow Only Child Diaries, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s redefining what family means. Your support helps more listeners find stories that make them feel seen.
What do you hold onto when the week unravels—when a hospital discharge turns into a maze of home care, a storm flattens your Halloween decorations, and the cat needs an ER visit at 1 a.m.? I walk through a stretch of days where everything asked for attention at once and explain how I kept moving by choosing a glass half-full approach.
We start with my husband’s recovery plan: two bulging discs, a broken rib, and a team effort that includes a visiting nurse, physical therapy, a wound specialist, and a weekly aide. A standout moment arrives when our PT coaxes a first walk—20 or so steady steps that feel like a miracle. From there, the scene shifts to the front yard, where rain and wind test my Halloween display. An eight-foot headless horseman topples. Inflatables deflate. Lights go dark. I share the hacks that brought it back to life—tarps, patience, and an unglamorous amount of duct tape.
Mid-chaos, my own chest cold demands a slowdown, and then our diabetic cat crashes—vomiting, lethargic, glucose running high—pushing us into the overnight vet grind. IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, a dawn drive home, and a long nap later, he’s eating again and the house relaxes. These aren’t tidy plot lines; they’re the lived lessons of caregiving, pet health, and home logistics. Through it all, I keep returning to gratitude as a daily decision: a way to find small wins, protect energy, and set priorities that actually fit inside a human day. Recent losses in our circle underline the point—time is not guaranteed, and attention is our most powerful tool.
If this resonates—if you’ve juggled caregiving, recovery, or just a week that wouldn’t quit—tune in, ride along, and borrow what helps. Follow the show, leave a review so others can find it, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that small wins count.
A cascade of pain, four falls, and a fractured rib turned a quiet week into a high-stakes navigation of hospital systems, protocols, and hard choices. We walk you through the unvarnished reality of being a caregiver when the lights of the ambulance meet the glow of Halloween decorations, the dog won’t stop barking, and the chart misses the most important details. From the ER intake to a five-day stay that demanded constant vigilance, we dig into medication mix-ups, the pharmacist “went home” moment, and why hydration and wound care can’t be afterthoughts for patients with fragile kidneys and complex histories.
The diagnosis—two bulging discs—forced a pivotal decision between surgery and conservative care. We share how a trusted endocrinologist stepped in to coordinate with a young spine surgeon, why steroids made sense but required tight glucose management, and how we pushed to secure prescriptions before discharge to avoid a weekend without relief. If you’ve ever had to repeat the same facts to every new face who enters the room, this story will feel familiar: advocacy isn’t optional; it’s the backbone of safe care.
Back home, we reset the house for recovery—clearing paths for a walker, coordinating a visiting nurse and PT, and trying to rest while fighting off a cold, wrangling taxes, and protecting inflatable Halloween classics from the rain. Along the way, we offer practical, field-tested tips: keep a one-page medical summary, build a go-bag, script your must-say lines, and create a backchannel with at least one clinician who will actually pick up. Press play for honesty, small wins, and a roadmap for anyone caring for someone they love in a system that doesn’t hand out how-to brochures.
If this resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a solid dose of validation and a few hard-won tactics.
The week started with hope—physical therapy was finally helping my husband to build strength and balance—then it swerved into a nerve flare that turned my husband into a bedridden dependent partner that made me worry and exhausted at the same time. Caregiving isn’t glamorous; it’s small adjustments repeated with patience: finding a position that eases pain, measuring the day by steps, and choosing what gets dropped when everything can’t fit. I share how “in sickness and in health” moved from wedding language to lived logistics, and why love often sounds like, “I’ve got you—again.”
Between rounds of care, life kept arriving. I hosted a cultivation lunch for 25, then stood with friends at a memorial mass, trying to show up for grief with grace. To keep my head above water, I turned to Halloween—DIY ghosts, an inflatable, and the headless horseman my husband usually engineers. I’m not an animatronics person, but I learned on the fly. Early doubts turned into small wins, and those visible wins mattered when the rest of the week felt like quicksand. Sometimes you need proof that effort still produces joy.
We also wrestle with taxes, timing, and the eternal question: finish the paperwork before the decorations, or protect your sanity with a creative break? I admit the guilt, name a real deadline, and explain the hidden economy of hard weeks—how priorities flex without losing what matters most. If you’re navigating caregiving, chronic pain, household projects, or just a schedule that won’t behave, this conversation offers practical perspective, a few laughs, and permission to let something be imperfect while you care for someone you love.
If this resonates, follow Only Child Diaries on your favorite app, leave a rating and review to help others find us, and share this episode with a friend who’s juggling more than seems possible.
Have you ever broken a promise to yourself for something that unexpectedly connected you to someone you've lost? That's exactly what happened when I subscribed to The New York Times after vowing never to accumulate publications again.
When we moved from our apartment a few years ago, we discovered mountains of magazines and newspaper clippings tucked away in closets and corners—evidence of my fundraising career, my husband's modeling hobby, and our shared love of reading. The sheer volume prompted a solemn vow: no more paper subscriptions. Yet here I am, with daily delivery of The New YorkTimes in all its physical glory.
The newspaper has become more than just a source of information. With its quality reporting and surprisingly superior paper texture, it has unexpectedly transported me back to memories of my former boss Ruth, who always had The New York Times with her in the office. This month would have been her 76th birthday, four and a half years after her unexpected passing. As I turn each page, I feel connected to her unique, quirky personality that left such an impression on everyone she met. The newspaper has become a bridge between past and present, a tangible reminder of someone important.
Now I face a new challenge: the practice of "reading and letting go" rather than saving interesting articles. It's a small but meaningful exercise in impermanence that feels particularly poignant as I simultaneously help organize a memorial service for a friend's mother and set up Halloween decorations in the sweltering heat. Life continues its flow, and perhaps this newspaper subscription is teaching me to appreciate the moment without needing to preserve everything physically.
Join me next week as we tackle another topic together. If this resonated with you, please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast, leave a rating, and share with a friend who might enjoy these conversations about navigating adulthood with humor and light.
Have you ever had a revelation when someone you've known for years suddenly reveals themselves to be completely different from who you thought they were? Maybe you suddenly started spending a LOT of time with them and finally got to really KNOW them? That somewhat jarring disconnect between perception and reality forms the heart of this episode's exploration into the complicated layers of our closest relationships. And let's face it, sometimes we just give people the benefit of the doubt, right?
Drawing from a recent experience with a friend who surprised me—not in a positive way—I reflect on what happens when we discover someone isn't as intelligent, insightful, or aligned with our values as we once believed. This revelation led me to consider the implications for marriages and long-term partnerships: What if you make a lifetime commitment only to discover fundamental incompatibilities later? How well can we truly know another person before taking that leap?
My husband and I knew each other for 17.5 years before marrying, which gave us an unusually thorough understanding of each other. Yet even then, surprises emerged. This raises important questions about relationship navigation: What are your "hard nos" in a partnership? At what point does disappointment in someone's character or capabilities change how you value the relationship? These aren't just philosophical musings but practical considerations for anyone building meaningful connections. There's no one on this earth that I feel I would align with 100% but I'd like to be close, at least for a spouse.
Between updates on my upcoming interview with Leslie Berlin, tales of tax preparation woes, and excitement about our elaborate Halloween decorations (we're the first in the canyon to start setting up!), this episode marks four years of the Only Child Diaries podcast. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and growth. What unexpected discoveries have you made about people in your life? Share your thoughts and follow along as we continue unpacking the complexities of human relationships together.
The choice to drive drunk can destroy lives in an instant. On September 7, 2017, my husband Bill and I were enjoying a vacation in Las Vegas when a drunk driver slammed into our rental car at approximately 80 miles per hour. The impact was so violent that I genuinely believed I wouldn't survive. Our world transformed in that moment—from carefree vacation to a 20-month nightmare of physical recovery, emotional trauma, and an exhausting fight for justice.
This is my annual re-release of my story about the crash and subsequent events, including the dramatic courtroom scene.
What makes this story particularly devastating is what we discovered months later. The driver who hit us had a blood alcohol level of 0.25%, more than three times the legal limit. Even more shocking, just two months after our crash, she received another DUI—this time with her baby in the car and a blood alcohol level of 0.49%, just below what medical professionals consider potentially fatal. These weren't mistakes; they were catastrophic choices that endangered countless lives.
The aftermath tested us in ways we never imagined. Bill required a second neck fusion surgery when we discovered the crash had shifted a vertebra that was "literally hanging by a thread." Had it given way, he would have been paralyzed. Meanwhile, I developed PTSD symptoms while driving—panic attacks triggered by screeching brakes or tailgating vehicles. The legal system offered little comfort, requiring relentless advocacy just to be heard. When we finally reached the sentencing hearing after nearly two years, both Bill and I delivered emotional victim impact statements before the driver received a 12-48 month sentence.
Every year since that day, I've shared our story publicly because I believe it matters. With over 12,000 people dying from alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the US in 2023 alone, these aren't just statistics—they represent real lives forever altered or ended. If retelling our experience prevents even one person from making the deadly choice to drive impaired, then reliving this trauma is worth it. Remember our story the next time you're faced with the decision to drive after drinking. Every day truly is a gift, especially when you've come so close to losing everything.
This week I'm celebrating three years of the Only Child Diaries podcast, reflecting on the journey and expressing gratitude to listeners across 58 countries worldwide. The podcast has grown into a global community where experiences of being an only child are shared with humor and insight.
• Upcoming interview with Leslie Berlin, a fellow only child with a different background including divorced parents, multiple cousins, and her own children • Podcast demographics reveal listeners in 58 countries across 6 continents with the US, Mexico, Germany, and Hong Kong having the highest listener counts • My recent appearance on the Canadian podcast "Lead From Within" with Michele Thomson discussing emotional intelligence • Personal updates including an emergency vet visit for my diabetic cat Bubbie • The emotional process of cleaning out a horse stall after 23 years • A humorous mishap with watering a tangerine tree resulting in using 1,320 gallons of water in one day - OOPS!
Please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast on Apple Podcasts or other platforms, consider rating and writing a review, and share with friends who might enjoy it. Visit Instagram or Facebook pages at Only Child Diaries.
Yeah, you get to a certain age, and you think, okay, there are some things I can do well....or at least good enough. Discovering you've been watering trees wrong your entire life is not something I expected to learn about myself after hiring an arborist to help me with our aging tangerine tree. A beloved 50-year-old tangerine tree planted by my father back when I was a teenager. But I did learn something new and I'm hoping I can nurse it back to some level of better health.
The journey began two years ago when water restrictions and scorching temperatures hit Southern California hard. Our tangerine tree, which had just produced a magnificent harvest of hundreds of fruits, started dropping yellowing leaves at an increasing rate. Caught between conflicting advice—one expert saying it needed more water, another claiming it needed less—I watched helplessly as this living family heirloom continued to struggle, its branches becoming increasingly bare.
What the arborist revealed was both simple and revolutionary: trees don't absorb water near their trunks. All those years of carefully directing water to the base of our trees had missed the mark entirely. The fine, absorptive roots exist farther out from the trunk, and proper watering requires reaching these distant zones. She showed me how the tree was literally folding in on itself to conserve resources, a silent cry for help I hadn't recognized. The experience transformed my understanding not just of our tangerine tree, but of our majestic redwood as well. Sometimes the most profound gardening lessons come when we least expect them, and usually after decades of doing something the wrong way. Want to hear more stories about navigating life's learning curves with humor and heart? Subscribe to Only Child Diaries wherever you get your podcasts, and join me in figuring out this adulting thing together.
If you're a regular listener you already know I've talked a lot about grief. It gets to be a bigger part of life as you go along.
Saying goodbye isn't a single moment but a journey that unfolds in unexpected layers over time. After keeping my horse Dallas's stall for over a year following his sudden passing, I 'm finally facing the last tie with the barn - giving up his stall. This wasn't just about emptying a locker filled with dusty memories, but about acknowledging that a 23-year chapter of my life had truly ended.
Throughout my life, I've navigated numerous losses with relative success—parents, friends, pets, colleagues. Yet the grief of losing Dallas hit differently. He wasn't just my horse; he represented a 25-year passion that structured my daily routine, introduced me to lasting friendships, and brought my husband and me together in shared joy. When Dallas died without warning, everything changed abruptly.
The night visit to the barn to begin clearing out his belongings brought mixed emotions—the comfort of touching another horse's soft nose, the ache of remembering our routine, the tears that came after whispering "Good night Dallas, I love you" one final time. That moment captured the essence of grief: sometimes it waits until we feel safe enough to let it surface. For anyone struggling with loss—whether fresh or lingering—the most important advice I can offer is simple yet powerful: be gentle with yourself. There's no timeline for healing, no perfect path through pain. Closure comes not when we force it, but when we're finally ready to accept it.
Join me each week as we explore the challenges of adulting with honesty, vulnerability and gentle humor. Whether you're an only child or simply someone navigating life's complexities, you'll find companionship, wisdom, and permission to be exactly where you are on your journey.
Homeownership can feel like navigating uncharted waters without a compass. That sinking feeling when you hear an unfamiliar noise in your house? It happened to me recently, and what followed was both educational and let's face it, expensive.
When I moved into my parents' home, I quickly discovered that years of deferred maintenance meant something broke literally every day. It became a running joke – what would give up the ghost today? Eventually, things settled down, and I thought I'd conquered the major issues. Then came the mysterious sound from the kitchen that only occurred when running hot water.
My investigation led me outside to the water heater, where I discovered not just a malfunctioning appliance but a dangerous situation – carbon monoxide was leaking, and the entire setup wasn't properly ventilated or up to code. The solution? A complete replacement with a tankless system that required additional electrical work. As I watched the numbers add up, I couldn't help but wonder: when did everything get so expensive?
This experience highlighted how unprepared many of us feel for the realities of maintaining a home. There's no comprehensive manual (though "Home Maintenance for Dummies" does exist!), and the learning curve is steep when you're making expensive decisions about systems you barely understand. While apartment living offers the simplicity of calling maintenance for repairs, homeownership demands you become the project manager for every problem.
The most valuable lesson I've learned? A house repair that you delay is like postponing car maintenance – it only gets worse with time. Despite the stress, expense, and constant worry about what might break next, I'm gradually building the knowledge I need to be a more confident homeowner. Join me as we navigate the ups and downs of adulting together – because sometimes the best way to learn is through sharing our stories.
Have you experienced a home maintenance emergency that caught you completely off guard? Share your story or follow the Only Child Diaries podcast to join our community of fellow adulting adventurers!
Tracy celebrates three years of podcasting with the Only Child Diaries, now reaching listeners in 54 countries and 593 cities worldwide. She shares personal updates including her recovery from a recent fall, exciting news about her first podcast interview appearance, and her early preparations for Halloween decorations.
• Recovery update from last week's fall with painful but healing rib injuries • Celebrating the podcast's third anniversary with growing global listenership • First-ever interview appearance on "Lead From Within" with Michele Thompson podcast discussing emotional intelligence - here's a direct link https://leadfromwithin.podbean.com/e/120-fostering-emotional-intelligence-with-guest-tracy-wallace/?token=bf9ce2cd0fcc99ad3f1f215c93d48cb4 • Time for my Halloween decoration planning including DIY ghost projects and challenges finding materials - can't wait! • Ongoing gardening struggles with heat-sensitive plants despite choosing supposedly sun-loving varieties - and....cactus vs succulents?
• Unexpected car repairs due to rodent damage, ironically caused by the same ground squirrels....and I'm an animal lover!
Please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast on Apple Podcasts or other platforms, rate the show, and consider writing a review to help others find us. Visit Instagram @OnlyChildDiaries or Facebook @OnlyChildDiariesPodcast.
Ever wonder what happens when you try to support someone through a cremation ceremony and end up sprawled across cemetery steps instead? Life has a way of mixing profound moments with unexpected comedy.
Death remains one of our most challenging transitions – something many of us approach with hesitation, especially when supporting loved ones through the process. After losing my friend Neliya (who began as my friend's mother before becoming my friend too), I joined her daughter for a witness cremation ceremony nearly four weeks after her passing. The experience brought back memories of my own parents' cremations – the unexpected peace I found seeing my father looking restful, and the personal touches I added for my mother despite our complicated relationship: a letter, a camellia bloom, and her beloved See's candies.
What I didn't anticipate was taking a dramatic tumble outside a tiny cemetery bathroom, hitting my ribcage on concrete stairs while being rescued by mortuary staff. True to the phrase "no good deed goes unpunished," I continued supporting my friend despite the pain, only discovering at urgent care later that while my rib wasn't fractured, I had an unexpected lung condition requiring follow-up. Yet amid the physical discomfort came profound insight – watching my friend find peace after witnessing her mother's cremation confirmed something beautiful about honoring those we've lost. She found her own perfect way to say goodbye.
This episode explores how being present through someone's final journey – whether human or animal – represents one of our deepest expressions of respect and dignity. Join me for a conversation that balances raw honesty with gentle humor as we navigate life's most challenging transition together.
Have you ever wondered what will happen to all your possessions when you're gone? After the recent loss of a friend, I found myself contemplating the mountain of stuff we accumulate throughout our lives and the burden it places on those left behind to sort through it all.
In this week's personal exploration, I introduce the concept of "Swedish Death Cleaning" – a practice with an unfortunate name but a compassionate purpose. While initially skeptical (and questioning the PR choices behind the name), I've come to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind gradually decluttering your possessions while you're still alive. Having experienced the challenges of sorting through my parents' belongings after their passing, I understand firsthand how overwhelming this process can be during a time of grief.
The conversation takes a particularly poignant turn as I reflect on my position as an only child without children. Who will handle my estate? Who will be burdened with deciding what happens to my collection of Snoopy Christmas ornaments, books, and other treasured possessions? This unique perspective highlights why mindful consumption matters – not just for our current living space, but for those who will eventually handle our affairs.
Between my adventures with a new Roomba (which seems determined to create more chaos than cleanliness) and contemplating mortality, this episode offers both light moments and deeper reflections on life, legacy, and the stuff we leave behind.
Follow the Only Child Diaries podcast on your favorite platform and join our community on Instagram and Facebook. Your reviews help others find us, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you're handling your own "stuff" dilemmas. How would you approach Swedish Death Cleaning? Who would you trust with your possessions? Let's continue this conversation together.
What if the secret to happiness isn't complicated at all, but simply requires us to choose joy daily? After losing someone who was like a second mother to me, I've been reflecting deeply on how we navigate life's challenges while still maintaining our sense of purpose and happiness.
June has mysteriously become a month of pivotal moments in my life - when pets joined our family, jobs began and ended, and sadly, when loved ones passed away. This pattern of beginnings and endings prompted me to examine how we respond to both joy and grief. While supporting a friend through the uncomfortable process of making funeral arrangements at a decidedly creepy local mortuary, I couldn't help but consider how differently people approach hardship.
Some individuals face chronic illness, tremendous loss, or ongoing struggles yet maintain an inspiring positive outlook. Others seem determined to focus on what's wrong despite having their basic needs met. The contrast is striking and begs the question: what makes the difference? As a self-proclaimed "glass half-full kind of gal," I'm challenging you to evaluate your own life. If you're not enjoying most of your days, what changes might you need to make? Is it your job causing the most discomfort? Your relationships? Your living situation?
The reality that none of us knows how much time we have isn't just a platitude - it's a profound truth that should inform how we live. Every day truly is a gift, and recognizing this can transform how we experience even the most mundane moments. Join me as we explore finding joy amidst life's inevitable challenges, and discover why choosing happiness isn't selfish - it's necessary.
What brings you joy today? I'd love to hear your thoughts as we navigate adulting together with humor and light.
Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is step back and breathe. After releasing episodes consistently for almost three full years, I found myself at a crossroads when Neliya – my late friend Gina's mother and someone who had become like a second mom to me – entered the hospital with sudden liver failure.
The physical and emotional toll of hospital visits, coupled with the ordinary responsibilities of life, created an extraordinary weight. Neliya's quick decline took about a week before passing peacefully surrounded by her daughter and close friends. This loss reopened the wound of losing my friend Gina years earlier. Losing Neliya meant losing another connection to Gina's memory, another keeper of stories that only she could tell.
During this episode, I share glimpses of Nelia's remarkable life as a Miss Universe runner-up in the 1950s and actress in "The King and I," alongside her marriage to artist Mario Zamparelli. For my fellow overachievers, I offer permission to occasionally set down our self-imposed obligations when life demands space for grief and processing. The podcast serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is simply pause.
Join me for this vulnerable conversation about loss, links to our past, and learning when to give ourselves grace. And stay tuned for news about my upcoming guest appearance on another podcast in early August – I can't wait to share that experience with you all. Have you ever struggled to give yourself permission to pause? I'd love to hear your stories of balancing achievement with self-care.
Facing overwhelming challenges requires intentional self-care and perspective. This episode explores personal struggles with a broken washer, community concerns about ICE raids, and a family friend's health crisis, while offering reminders about maintaining healthy habits during difficult times.
• Broken washing machine leads to laundromat visits and unexpected complications with replacement • Social and political concerns about ICE raids taking an emotional toll • Close friend's mother hospitalized with liver problems, triggering grief responses • Reminders about the importance of sleep, nutrition and hydration during overwhelming times • Exciting news about first guest appearance on another podcast discussing leadership and emotional intelligence • Host of that podcast is also an only child who may appear as future guest
If you like this episode, please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast on Apple Podcasts or other platforms you might listen on and consider rating Only Child Diaries and writing a review. It helps others to find us. Please share it with a friend you think might like it as well. Visit my Instagram page Only Child Diaries or Facebook Only Child Diaries Podcast.
Amidst sensationalized headlines and political rhetoric claiming Los Angeles is "burning," I'm pulling back the curtain to reveal what's actually happening on the ground in my city. Having spent over two decades working in the heart of downtown LA, I offer perspective that goes beyond the dramatic footage you've seen on the news.
Let me take you on a journey through LA's complex geography—a sprawling county of 4,000 square miles and 88 distinct cities—to understand why what's happening matters, but also why it's not representative of daily life for most Angelenos. The protests and rallies you've seen on television are largely confined to approximately one square mile of downtown, centered around City Hall and municipal buildings. Compared to my experiences with the widespread 1992 riots following the Rodney King verdict, there are stark differences between then and now.
Beyond the protests, I open up about something deeply troubling occurring in our communities: ICE raids that are creating fear among immigrant populations who form the backbone of our economy. I share the heartbreaking story of a U.S. citizen with diabetes who was detained without access to his insulin—a moment that broke me personally as the wife of someone who depends on insulin to live. These human stories reveal the real crisis unfolding away from the cameras.
Whether you're politically liberal or conservative, this episode offers insight into the complex realities of living in modern Los Angeles during turbulent times. Join me as we seek understanding, empathy, and perhaps a moment where "nothing bad happens." Subscribe to Only Child Diaries and follow me on Instagram or Facebook to continue our conversation about navigating life's challenges together.
Taking care of yourself is vital to both physical and mental health, yet it's often neglected during busy periods. After working 50-hour weeks for a major fundraising event, I share my experience with post-event exhaustion and the importance of intentional recovery.
• The challenges of being an overachiever/perfectionist when planning events • How intense work periods cause basic self-care and household tasks to be neglected • The necessity of rest and recovery after high-energy projects • Learning from my former boss who worked herself to death (really) • Why we need to "adult ourselves" by setting boundaries around work • The special importance of self-care for only children and single people • The reality that no one reaches the end of life wishing they had worked more
If you like this episode, please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast on Apple Podcasts or other platforms you might listen on and consider rating Only Child Diaries and writing a review. Visit my Instagram page Only Child Diaries or Facebook Only Child Diaries Podcast.
Coming off a lot of work, putting on a fundraising event, this week I'm reflecting on the importance of teamwork. I'm exploring how communication, relationship-building, and humor create stronger workplace connections and better outcomes despite the challenges faced by only children.
• Working on a major fundraising event t • Recognizing that no single person, regardless of work ethic or perfectionism, can accomplish everything alone • Building team rapport through intentional communication and relationship development • Using humor to break down defenses and create comfortable collaboration environments • Adapting communication styles for different personality types • Understanding that only children may need to develop teamwork skills more deliberately • Feeling part of a team leads to being a happier, more productive employee
Follow the Only Child Diaries podcast on Apple Podcasts or other platforms you might listen on and consider rating Only Child Diaries and writing a review. It helps others to find us. Please share it with a friend you think might like it as well.
Summer has officially arrived with Memorial Day weekend, bringing with it a mix of challenges and simple joys in Southern California's unpredictable weather patterns.
• Constantly postponing car washing due to intermittent rain cycles • Questioning how people working outside the home manage to keep up with daily tasks • Using delivery services for groceries and meals to save time • Marveling at backyard wildlife including voracious hummingbirds, huge raccoons, and various critters • Planning ambitious Halloween DIY projects • Discovering the rabbit hole of DIY and home organization videos on YouTube • Self-identifying as "organizationally disabled" when it comes to household management
Please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform, consider leaving a rating and review, and share with friends who might enjoy it. Visit our Instagram and Facebook pages at Only Child Diaries and Only Child Diaries Podcast.
A simple compliment from a stranger about my "nice energy" sparked this heartfelt exploration of how kindness shapes our world. When someone acknowledged the very quality I'm always cultivating, it validated a philosophy I've built my adult life around: the transformative power of approaching others with compassion and positivity.
My journey toward kindness wasn't innate – it developed through life experiences. Working retail in my college years became an unexpected classroom for human connection. Facing difficult customers day after day, I discovered something profound: when I entered interactions expecting the worst, negativity inevitably followed. But when I consciously shifted my mindset to expect the best from each person, the entire dynamic transformed. Not every interaction became perfect, but the overall experience improved dramatically for everyone involved.
And then there was Princess Diana. She became a powerful influence in my evolution. Watching her genuine compassion for others showed me what it meant to prioritize kindness in a way that changes lives. After her passing, I committed to carrying forward her example in my own interactions. This doesn't mean becoming a pushover – boundaries remain essential when facing truly inappropriate behavior. But choosing kindness as our default setting creates ripples we may never fully see. The world truly is what we make it, shaped by thousands of small interactions where we each decide what energy to bring. What kind of world are you helping to create today? Join the conversation on social media and share how you strive to positively impact others in your daily life.
Motherhood comes in many forms, and for some of us, our furry companions become the children we nurture and protect with fierce devotion. This Mother's Day weekend took an unexpected turn when my diabetic cat Bubbie began experiencing concerning episodes of vomiting that sparked an all-night adventure at the emergency veterinary clinic. Again. We're regular visitors there.
For pet parents with special needs animals, these moments carry extra weight as symptoms could signal more complicated underlying situations. The diagnostic journey involved sedating my notoriously uncooperative cat (a diplomatic way of saying he transforms into a whirlwind of claws and fangs during vet visits), resulting in inconclusive findings but supportive treatment for his inflamed GI tract.
The comedic yet exhausting finale to our 4:30 AM homecoming involved donning protective gear—yes, actual jackets and gloves—to remove persistent vet wrap from Bubbie's back leg while he expressed his feline opinions on the matter. Though my middle-aged body no longer handles sunrise bedtimes with grace, seeing Bubbie recover brings the kind of relief only fellow pet parents will truly understand. Whether you're responsible for human children or furry companions, the emotional investment, sleepless nights, and unwavering dedication reflect a form of parenthood that deserves recognition. Share your own pet parenting war stories with me on Instagram @OnlyChildDiaries—and maybe send some coffee my way while I recover from this adventure!
Spoiler Alert! Every now and then, our favorite forms of entertainment betray us in unexpected ways. After becoming emotionally invested in the TV show 9-1-1 during my recovery from knee surgery, my husband and I made it our weekly ritual. We loved the creative emergencies, the ensemble cast led by Angela Bassett and Peter Krause, and the camaraderie among the fictional firefighters of the 118. Then (spoiler alert!) came the episode that changed everything.
When the showrunners decided to kill off Captain Bobby Nash, I wasn't just surprised—I felt genuinely betrayed. While I understand their desire to honor the reality that first responders sometimes die in the line of duty, I couldn't help but question: isn't entertainment supposed to provide escapism? With real grief already weighing heavily in my life, particularly the loss of my beloved horse Dallas, I just said NO to watching the show rather than subject myself to an hour-long funeral episode. Sometimes protecting our emotional wellbeing means saying no to extra sadness.
This experience prompted deeper reflection on how we consume entertainment and where we draw emotional boundaries. I share the story of my friend who volunteered in animal rescue and refuses to watch any content featuring animals—a perspective I questioned at first. Whether you're navigating grief, managing your mental health, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the world, remember that it's okay to be selective about the emotional content you consume. Have you ever had to step away from a beloved show or book series because it hit too close to home? I'd love to hear your stories. Please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast and share with a friend who might appreciate this conversation about entertainment, boundaries, and the courage to protect your peace.
In this episode, we're continuing on with some of the things I've learned about being married.
People change. We evolve. I'm certainly not the same person who met my husband decades ago – I'm more confident for one. I'm also more tired! But yes, also carrying lessons from countless experiences that have shaped me. Marriage becomes an extraordinary adventure when we recognize this constant evolution and choose to grow together rather than apart. But is it a choice?
Looking back at proposals I declined in my youth (at 18 and again at 21), I'm grateful for understanding I needed independent experiences before committing to marriage. These decisions, though difficult, ultimately led me to a partnership that could flourish because we both had the emotional maturity to navigate life's complexities together. It just took longer than I had hoped.
What makes relationships last? I've discovered it's about compatibility across multiple dimensions – intellectual stimulation, emotional connection, and physical attraction working in harmony. Not surprisingly, I've noticed my husband shares certain characteristics with my father, highlighting how we're often drawn to the familiar. The difference lies in awareness and how we respond to these patterns.
Marriage involves compromises, certainly. But the reward is profound – not just connection with another person but a deeper understanding of yourself. Through challenges and triumphs shared, we discover aspects of ourselves that might otherwise remain hidden. This dance of growth, adaptation, and mutual support creates a partnership that's worth every effort it demands.
Want to continue exploring relationships together? Subscribe to Only Child Diaries, leave a review, and join me next week for more honest conversations about navigating life's most meaningful connections.
Spring has arrived with its characteristic light green foliage, flourishing plants, and yes—even weeds. This season of renewal offers the perfect backdrop for reflecting on transitions in both personal and professional life.
After four years of working on my garden, I've finally feel like I've accomplished something. Like I'm maintaining more than I'm redoing and creating now. It's a good feeling. Anyone who has undertaken a major project understands the profound satisfaction of shifting from constant development to simply maintaining what you've built.
Meanwhile, my fundraising work continues with both challenges and unexpected victories. Working with a new organization means building sponsor relationships from scratch, yet we've already surpassed last year's results and secured a local TV news anchor as our event MC. This partnership is already showing results with our social media!
Creating my first online silent auction has proven both challenging and rewarding, with over 60 prizes secured already. One prize that used to be easy to secure was a Las Vegas hotel. Now things are different and Las Vegas is transforming from the days of complimentary rooms and affordable dining to today's landscape of parking fees and reduced staffing.
Whether you're tending a garden, building professional relationships, or simply appreciating the changing seasons, I hope you'll join me in recognizing patterns of renewal in your own life. Follow the Only Child Diaries podcast, share with friends who might need these reflections, and let's navigate this season together.
Have you ever had that coworker whose energy completely threw you off balance? The one who talks non-stop, interrupts conversations, or - and imagine this in a professional setting - sings? Until you're ready to scream? You're not alone.
In this deeply relatable episode, I dive into the complex world of workplace triggers and how to navigate them with grace. Drawing from a recent personal experience, I explore the delicate balance between maintaining your professional composure and addressing potentially disruptive behavior. Rather than simply reacting with frustration, I share how stepping back to understand the underlying causes changed my perspective and also calmed me down.
Beyond workplace triggers, I explore fascinating parallels between effective leadership and good parenting. Both roles require providing guidance, direction, and constructive feedback without micromanaging. The secret ingredient? Communication. The best leaders I've encountered throughout my career have all been exceptional communicators who created cultures of transparency where team members felt valued and included. This stands in stark contrast to the "wall of secrecy" too many organizations hide behind, leaving employees feeling disconnected from decisions that directly impact them.
Whether you're dealing with difficult workplace dynamics or aspiring to become a better leader, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate professional relationships with greater awareness and effectiveness. Listen now, and let me know if you've faced similar situations in your workplace journey. How did you handle them? I'd love to hear your stories and continue this important conversation.
Have you ever felt that true friendships become more precious as you age? That's exactly what we explore in this heartfelt episode of Only Child Diaries. Friendships aren't passive connections—they're active relationships requiring cultivation, maintenance, and mutual investment. Unlike family relationships that come with built-in connections, friendships must be deliberately chosen and preserved through changing life circumstances.
As someone who grew up without siblings, I've always placed immense value on my friendships. These relationships taught me crucial interpersonal skills and provided connections that enriched my life in countless ways. In this episode, I share personal insights about how I worked especially hard to develop and maintain friendships as an only child, sometimes feeling awkward but ultimately learning valuable lessons about human connection that continue to serve me well today.
We also dive into the unique dynamic of neighbor relationships—those special connections with people who share our physical space but often maintain different boundaries than traditional friends. From childhood memories of mysterious neighbor tensions to apartment living experiences that shaped my perspective on noise tolerance, we explore how proximity creates its own relationship category that significantly impacts our daily well-being. I reflect on how different people establish varying boundaries with neighbors and how these relationships contribute to our overall sense of community and belonging.
The most valuable friendships often turn out to be those that stand the test of time—the people who carry our shared history and understand references without explanation. As I've gotten older, I've come to treasure these long-term connections even more, recognizing how rare and precious it is to have someone who has witnessed different versions of yourself throughout the years. Follow the Only Child Diaries podcast and join our community as we navigate adulting together with humor and insight!
The uncomfortable and often frustrating truth about healthcare is that being heard by your doctor isn't guaranteed—it's something you must sometimes fight for. Through relatable personal stories about navigating my husband's chronic conditions, I explore why questioning medical authority isn't just acceptable, but necessary for proper care. The bottom line is I care deeply for my husband, and I'll fight for what he needs. That doesn't mean it's always easy.
After accompanying my husband to nearly 100 doctor visits over the years, I've witnessed firsthand how communication breakdowns between patients and physicians can lead to frustrating, and sometimes dangerous, healthcare gaps. Our recent encounter with a dismissive pain management doctor who repeatedly talked over us highlights a critical problem in medicine today: the difference between hearing and listening.
Most striking was the generational divide revealed when my aging parents confessed their complete, unquestioning trust in doctors—a concept that made my head "nearly explode." Today's healthcare landscape requires patients to advocate fiercely for themselves while balancing respect for medical expertise with healthy skepticism. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or simply attending routine check-ups, the skills of self-advocacy, preparation, and persistence have become essential tools for receiving proper care. Remember: the doctor is a person, not a god, and the "squeaky wheel" approach sometimes becomes necessary when your health is at stake. What experiences have shaped your approach to doctor-patient relationships?
A gabapentin recommendation at the emergency vet triggers my inner monologue: "Yeah, this isn't my first rodeo." After a week that included a pre-dawn drive to work, a $1,200 emergency vet visit for my beloved diabetic cat Bubbie, and a marital squabble over proper cat-medicating techniques, I'm sharing the rollercoaster of a birthday week with equal parts frustration and humor.
The chaotic week began immediately following the one-year anniversary of our horse's passing, discussed in a previous episode. Despite the universe seemingly throwing obstacle after obstacle my way, I still found moments of joy in unexpected places – feeding neighborhood wildlife before sunrise, celebrating the first sweet pea bloom in the garden, and enjoying the thrilling Grizzly Bear Rapids ride at Knott's Berry Farm with my husband and grieving brother-in-law.
Between bloody cat scratches and veterinary discharge instructions explaining concepts long mastered, I'm reflecting on one of life's most common annoyances: receiving advice for problems you've already tackled from every possible angle. Follow the Only Child Diaries podcast to join me each week as I navigate the complexities of adulthood with wisdom, vulnerability and a dose of laughter.
Grief finds its own way sometimes. As I find myself at the one year anniversary of losing my beloved horse Dallas, the day culminated with several other losses and calamities that left me feeling DONE for the day. This episode takes you through the reality of what happens when the universe decides to "pile it all on" during an already difficult day. I should have just stayed home!
What began as a simple commemoration quickly snowballed into a week of collective sadness—friends losing jobs, a brother-in-law putting his dog down on his birthday, and even a chance encounter with a grieving widow that left us both in tears. Sometimes the kindest gestures (like unexpected flowers from a new friend) can unleash the emotions we're trying so hard to contain.
When even my attempt at comfort-movie escapism was thwarted by a power outage, I found myself where I often do during life's hardest moments: in my garden. Despite the weeds thriving after recent rains, this "last bastion of hope" provided the healing space I needed. I share the small victory of finally adding a fountain to my backyard sanctuary—proof that even on our darkest days, we can create pockets of beauty and peace.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from this vulnerable episode is permission to honor your melancholy days. As I discover again and again, sometimes you need to respect your grief before you can move beyond it. While I promise to return with more uplifting content next week, I hope this raw conversation reminds you that it's perfectly okay not to be your "usual joyful self" when navigating life's difficult anniversaries and unexpected emotional storms.
Follow the Only Child Diaries podcast and join me next week as we continue exploring the art of adulting with humor and light—even when we need to acknowledge the shadows first.
Grief has a way of marking our calendars doesn't it? What was once just March—my birthday month—has become a landscape of painful anniversaries that I'm still learning to navigate with grace.
This deeply personal episode explores the losses that have transformed my usually happy birthday month. From the sudden passing of my barn friend Manny in 2019, through the difficult COVID period that took both my mother and my boss Ruth within months of each other, to the devastating loss of my beloved horse Dallas last March after 23 years together. Each loss carries its own weight, its own lessons, and its own timeline for healing.
Some losses eventually transform into fond memories that bring smiles rather than tears, while others remain raw no matter how much time passes. As I approach the first anniversary of losing Dallas on March 17th, I share the reality of grief that comes in waves—how sometimes I've coped by not thinking about him at all, how his photo remains my phone's lock screen, and how a memorial wind chime occasionally offers moments of connection when the breeze catches it just right.
Through tears and vulnerable reflections, this episode speaks to anyone who has marked their calendar with both celebrations and sorrows. Though I make no promises about next week's topic being happier, I invite you to join me as we remember together that every day—whether joyful or painful—remains a gift worth unwrapping.
Unpredictable moments can redefine our outlook on life in profound ways. This episode of the Only Child Diaries features two riveting narratives, both laced with lessons on resilience and the importance of community. I reflect on a recent visit to a nursery devastated by fire, confronting the stark realities of loss and the slow journey toward recovery. You’ll hear how witnessing the aftermath in person created a wave of empathy within me.
Switching gears, I recount a chaotic memory from an Oscar night when the mundane duties of my retail job turned surreal as robbers attempted a daring heist in the jewelry department. The adrenaline, the sense of vulnerability, and the quick decisions we make in the face of fear compel the listener to consider their own experiences with chaos and courage. Life may not always go to plan, but resilience shines through unpredictability.
Join me for these enlightening stories that weave humor, introspection, and vital lessons on how we can better navigate life's ups and downs together. Let's share our stories of strength and support; come along for the ride, and don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who need a reminder of community resilience!
Ever feel like you missed the how-to guide on adulting? Join me as I unravel the complexities and surprises that come with marriage, particularly from the perspective of an only child. This episode dives deep into my 17-year journey leading to my marriage with Bill, where we explored the meaning of commitment beyond traditional timelines. I'm also talking about the unexpected benefit of marriage, at least to me - emotional security - and how it transformed my relationship with Bill after finally tying the knot.
Throughout our journey, I highlight the lesser-discussed aspects of married life, including navigating challenges like health issues and household chores. I share humorous anecdotes that not only entertain but reflect the reality many couples face together. The peace and support we gain from each other through life's ups and downs speak volumes about what partnership truly means.
This conversation invites everyone—whether you're married, navigating singlehood, or contemplating commitment—to reflect on the nature of love and how timing influences relationships. My discussion emphasizes that each journey is unique, and understanding this can bring deeper insights into the dynamics of love and companionship. Join me, and let's explore these intricacies together! Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and consider leaving a review to help others find us.
While winter lingers, I'm on a mission to infuse a little spring cheer by revitalizing my garden's aging hedge with new plants. From my weekend adventures at the local nursery to the delightful (and sometimes prickly) surprises hidden within my hedge, this episode is packed with garden insights, and a bit of gardening tips – even if some YouTube advice doesn't quite fit our unique climate.
Tune in to hear tales of overcoming stubborn oak growth, the art of maneuvering a giant plant pot with a little help from kind strangers, and the unexpected challenges of navigating outdated hedge plants. Whether you're an only child or simply someone who appreciates life's quirky moments, this episode promises to brighten your day with relatable insights on adulting and a humorous take on life's little trials. So grab your gardening gloves and a cup of tea, and join me for a delightful romp through the trials and triumphs of garden life.
The Super Bowl is more than just a game, it's a cultural phenomenon that unites us all, right? So who cares if I actually watch the GAME? This week I'm exploring the allure of the Super Bowl, even for those of us who aren't die-hard football fans. Through the lens of my own experiences, particularly, I reflect on the ritual of gathering with friends and family, the excitement of the pre-kickoff show, and the shared moments that transcend the sport itself. From the dramatic tributes to the entertaining halftime show, this episode captures the spirit of what makes the Super Bowl a beloved event for so many. And hey, it's a great time to go shopping! LOL.
Recently I questioned if my self-analysis was correct. Was my insight meter in good shape? I've always thought my instincts, my insights were good. But a recent experience made me question that, and if I did all I could. This week I'm discussing that very topic, and also not having regrets. No matter what you do, it's important to do what you need to do so that you don't have lingering regrets down the line.
This episode reflects on the fragility of life in the face of unexpected disasters, specifically a recent house fire in the neighborhood, unveiling insights about community resilience and personal loss. How grateful are we all for first responders who risk their lives to protect others? • Personal account of witnessing a fire truck response • Discussion about the immediate community impact after a fire • Encounter with a man who lost his home but maintained a positive outlook • Reflections on climate change and fire risks in California • Importance of recognizing the dangers of smoke • Expression of gratitude towards first responders and their dedication
This episode reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. while addressing the personal and societal challenges of racism and environmental crises like wildfires. Through personal anecdotes and community reflections, it emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversations around equity and safety.
• Honoring Martin Luther King Day as a time for reflection • Personal stories of growing up in a community with a racist history • Understanding the impact of racial inequality and the need for education • Concerns over the regression of DEI initiatives in society • Navigating family dynamics in a politically divided environment • Update on the wildfires in Los Angeles and their personal impact • Managing poor air quality and environmental challenges • Practical steps taken to improve home air quality • The intersection of personal histories and broader societal issues • Encouragement for community engagement and active discussions
Ever found yourself trapped in an electric recliner during a power outage while your Christmas decorations take flight in a windstorm? This week I'm sharing tales about a week of unexpected chaos and resilience in Los Angeles, marked by the anniversary of my mother's passing. Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life, I recount how a simple morning spiraled into an adventure involving a power outage, mischievous winds, and the Los Angeles fires escalating to a mandatory evacuation order. Amidst these unforeseen events, I find humor and strength, drawing on past experiences with fire threats and the challenges of living surrounded by canyons.
The community's response to recent emergencies has been nothing short of inspiring, despite the chaos spurred by mistaken evacuation orders and shortages of crucial supplies like flashlights and bottled water. This episode shines a light on how adversity has deepened my appreciation for home and reshaped my relationship with my late mother. Celebrating the indomitable spirit of Los Angeles, I highlight the tireless work of firefighters, volunteers, and the outpouring of support for local organizations such as the Pasadena Humane Society. Together, we explore how life's unpredictability can foster gratitude and a renewed sense of community amid the storm.