The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Happy Things Friday: 17 January

Honestly? It feels like my “new year” only started late this week. The holiday season bled well into January when my sister and niece came to visit shortly after my brother and his wife…

Colbert Questionert* (*Not a Typo!)

The first time I saw these questions (posed by Stephen Colbert to various and sundry celebrities), it was on Stephany’s blog. I meant to answer them during 2023 NaBloPoMo and then…forgot. Alexandra posted answers…

Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Personality Insights, Random
Jan, 16, 2025
27 Comments

I Ask You. You Ask Me.

Jim: Question. What kind of bear is best?

Dwight: That’s a ridiculous question.

Jim: False. Black bear.

It’s question time.

First up, questions for you.

Best slow cooker recipes. Please tell me your favourites in the comment section. My…

Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Christmas, Favourite Things, Home, Personality Insights, Random
Jan, 15, 2025
59 Comments

You Can Find Me Over at Lisa’s House!

When Lisa asked me to do a guest post, I jumped at the chance to spend time hanging out in her corner of the internet. Why don’t you stop by for a visit!

Header photo…

Blogging, Friendship, Guest Post, Personality Insights
Jan, 14, 2025
2 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 10 January

Well, the first Happy Thing on my list is a surprise visit from my sister who flew up from South Carolina yesterday with her oldest daughter (who is currently expecting my parents’ first great-grandchild)….

Chapter Twelve: December + 2024 Book Title

I’m back! It’s a rare two-post day on the blog. For reasons that will soon be revealed, this space will be (mostly) silent on Monday and Tuesday next week. Also, we’re well into 2025…

Creativity, Life
Jan, 09, 2025
23 Comments

It’s Time To Talk 2024 Finances (Yes, There Is a Pie Chart)

Hot on the heels of discussing Christmas gifts, I figured I might as well do a budget roundup from 2024. I find posts of this ilk are either deeply fascinating or horrifically boring depending…