Year In Review 2024

 2024 - The Year in Review

1. What did you do in 2024 that you hadn't done before?
Spent the night at a hotel with my kids after not being able to get home due to the forest fires across from my home. 

2. Did anyone close to you give birth? My niece Amanda

3. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully I don't recall losing anyone close to me. Thank you God

4. Did you travel? I have not travelled this year. The first time we didn't head to Florida in 3 years. 

5. Best thing you bought?
I bought an app Bookly for my iPhone to use when I read. It keeps track of my books and reading time. I can also save quotes. Motivates me to read. 

6. Where did most of your money go?
Probably taxes this year.

7. What do you wish you had done more of?
I wish I got together with my friend more. This seems to be something I wish for every year.

8. What do you wish you had done less of?
Watching TV. I do love it and it is what I do with Joe but not often things I want to watch. 

9. What kept you sane?
Knowing things can always be worse. I know how to TRY to keep things in check and appreciate every good moment.

10. What drove you mad?
Probably thinking about money and feeling underappreciated at work and home sometimes.

11. What made you celebrate?
Anything that allowed the 4 of us to spent anytime together.

12. What made you sad?
Not feeling as if I am doing enough for my life, my family

13. How was your birthday this year?
It was relatively quiet. I am happy when it is just acknowledged and don't require much hoopla.

14. What political issue stirred you the most this year?

The presidential election. I was annoyed that there are still so many who appear blind by what is going on in the world

15. Were you in love in 2024?
Yes with hubby and my kids

16. What would you like to have in 2024 that you didn't have this year?
Mo Money, Mo, Money, Mo Money!!! 

17. What date from 2024 will be etched in your memory and why?
Nov 10th when the kids and I had to head to the hotel due to the fires closing East Shore

18. What song will remind you of 2024?
Billy Joels we didn't start the fire because it played in my head every time I looked out the window.

19. Compared to this time last year are you happier?

I guess I was happier last year but that was because I was coming off of vacation with the family but i am torn because last year there was so much stress with work and the holiday. This year I didn't have any of that.

20. Biggest achievement for 2024
Leaving my job on a positive note!

21. Biggest disappointment 2024?
Not getting together with Teresa, Diane or Susan this year.

22. What is the one thing that would have made you more satisfied?
Going place. I stay home too much.

23. Best new person you met?
My co-monitor Sharon and bus driver Julie

24. A valuable life lesson you learned?
You don't need to cram religion down your child's throat. They will find their own way.

25. How was your health in 2024?
I guess I feel better than I have physically but my eye has become a problem. It aggressively detached in the back and has changed my vision and way more floaters

26. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions.

27. What countries did you visit?
Ummm...none.

28. What would you like to have in 2025 that you lacked in 2024?
Money

29. Did you suffer hardship in 2024?
No! As challenging as it was I would not consider it hardship compared to how bad things could always be.

30. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My kids. They seem to be doing okay even though they are both home for long periods of time with no car or way to go anyplace. 

31. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Thankfully only 1. A friend has decided that she will no longer be a friend because I didn't do something for her child. 

32. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to spend Christmas with my in-laws. We haven't done this in 16 years.

33. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter 
iii. richer or poorer? Richer

36. What was your favorite TV program?
The Bear

37. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No

40. What did you want and get?
A new phone for my birthday

41. What did you want and not get?
I have all that I want

42. What was your favorite film that you watched this year?
Beetlejuice. We don't go to a lot of movies.

43. What one experience do you never want to repeat from this year?
Having my eye detach

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2024?
Wear what you are comfortable with

45. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None. I don't really care but I guess Jeremy Allen White from The Bear

46. Who did you miss?
Gabrielle

40. Quote that sums up your year:
It can always be worse.

41. Was 2024 a good year for you?
Yes

42. What was your favorite moment of the year?
Playing Uno with my nieces, kids and Joe

43. What was your least favorite moment of the year?

My eye which is still a problem

44. Where were you when 2024 began?
At home with my family

45. Who were you with?
My husband and my kids

46. Do you have a new year's resolution for 2025?
Oh hell no, who has time for that?

47. What was your favorite month of 2024?
December. Christmas. The house decorated and seeing my in-laws

48. What was your favorite song in 2024?
Wildflower by Billie Eilish

49. What was your favorite record from 2024?
Hit Me Hard And Soft

50. How many concerts did you see in 2024? 2
Metallica and Poison cover bands

51. Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2024?
No! I am not a drinker

52. Did you do a lot of drugs in 2024?
Nope I don't do drugs. However I did some over the counter Advil more often than usual this year. 

53. How many people did you sleep with in 2024?
One unless you count the times I slept with Skye while pet sitting.

54. Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
No

55. What was the worst lie someone told you in 2024?
If someone did tell me one..I am unaware of it.

56. Did you treat somebody badly in 2024?
Not to my knowledge

57. Did somebody treat you badly in 2024?
No

58. What was your most embarrassing moment of 2024?
I am not embarrassed easily

59. If you could go back in time to any moment of 2024 and change something, what would it be?
Not a thing. Everything happens for a reason.

60. What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
Spending time with my family. More quiet time with my husband, my kids and friends.

Home Plumbing Maintenance Tips: Ensuring Smooth Flow All Year Round

 

Key Takeaways

• Regular maintenance of plumbing systems can prevent costly repairs.
• Being proactive about plumbing upkeep enhances home safety and water conservation.

Understanding the Basics of Your Home Plumbing System

Every home relies on a functional plumbing system to ensure a seamless flow of clean water and efficiently remove waste. Understanding the basic layout of your home's plumbing system, which includes pipes, valves, and various fixtures, is essential. This knowledge empowers homeowners to quickly identify and address minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs. For example, if you know where your water main is located, you can swiftly shut it off during a leak, preventing further damage. If you encounter issues beyond your expertise, seeking professional assistance from Afford A Rooter Plumbing can offer peace of mind and expert solutions.

Having foundational knowledge about your plumbing system also helps during emergencies when time is of the essence. For instance, knowing how to turn off water supply lines and drain valves can prevent water damage and save you from unnecessary hassle and expense.

Routine Plumbing Inspections and Why They Matter

Conducting routine plumbing inspections is a crucial element of home maintenance that should always be noticed. These inspections should be carried out at least once a year. By doing so, homeowners can identify issues early and tackle them before they become significant problems. Start by systematically checking all visible pipes for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Pay close attention to areas under sinks and behind cabinets where problems go unnoticed.

In addition to checking for leaks, inspect common areas like the kitchen and bathroom where plumbing fixtures are used frequently. Check around faucets, showerheads, and toilets for leaks or water pooling. Spotting issues early, such as rust or residue on pipes or fixtures, could point to potential leaks or pressure problems that require attention.

Advanced Maintenance and When to Call a Professional

While DIY maintenance covers many basic tasks, some plumbing issues require professional intervention. Persistent low water pressure throughout the house, frequent clogging, or unexplained spikes in the water bill suggest more complex problems. Identifying these issues early is crucial. Selecting a skilled and reliable professional is essential—seek recommendations, read reviews, and check credentials before choosing.

Seasonal Plumbing Tips

As seasons change, so do the plumbing challenges homeowners face. Winter, in particular, poses the threat of frozen pipes. To prevent freezing and potential bursting, insulate exposed pipes. Disconnect and store outdoor hoses to prevent trapped water from freezing. Additionally, ensure indoor plumbing is prepared for colder temperatures by keeping heating consistent and opening cabinets to allow warm air to circulate pipes.

Implementing Water Conservation Techniques

Water conservation is an eco-friendly choice and can lead to significant savings on utility bills. Implementing small changes can have a substantial impact. Consider installing water-saving fixtures like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets. These can reduce water usage without compromising on comfort. For a comprehensive list of water conservation ideas, consult resources like the Family Handyman's routine maintenance checklist, which offers practical tips for conserving water.

Innovative Plumbing Technologies for the Modern Home

With the rise of smart home technologies, plumbing systems are also benefiting from technological advancements. Smart plumbing solutions like leak detectors provide instant alerts to help you manage leaks in real time, preventing water wastage and avoiding costly repairs. Smart faucets and shower systems also track usage patterns, helping you understand consumption and make informed decisions to conserve water. To discover more about integrating these smart technologies, explore articles and updates on TechCrunchthat delve into the latest innovations.

Keeping Plumbing Safety a Priority

Beyond maintenance, ensuring the safety of your plumbing system is paramount. In an emergency, all household members should know how to quickly shut off the main water lines to prevent significant flooding. Implement simple safety measures, such as installing anti-scald devices on faucets and securing moving parts that could pose risks, especially in homes with young children. Regularly educating your family on these safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a secure living environment.

Teach Children That Giving Is As Important As Revieving

 Gift-giving is a universal way we show love, gratitude, and care. Whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday, or “just because,” the act of giving a gift can be as joyful as receiving one. Children, of course, adore the excitement of opening presents. But learning to give and to embrace generosity is an essential skill of early childhood development that helps children grow into thoughtful, compassionate adults.

Let’s explore the fascinating science behind generosity, the best ways for children to learn this vital value, and some fun, meaningful ways to practice giving as a family.

When Should Children Learn About Generosity?

While it’s never too early to introduce kindness and sharing to children, it’s important to keep their developmental stage in mind.

• Under 2 Years Old: At this age, children are naturally self-focused and aren’t able to understand the concept of giving. That’s perfectly normal at this stage of their childhood development!
• Ages 4-5: By preschool, most children begin to grasp generosity and empathy. This is the sweet spot for teaching them how to give and why it’s meaningful.

You can start small—modeling generosity through your own actions or having simple conversations about kindness. Over time, these lessons will stick and blossom into lifelong habits.

The Science of Giving

You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive.” Well, science agrees! Studies show that giving doesn’t just make others happy—it can rewire our brains to make us happier, too. This finding has interesting applications to understanding early childhood development. 

The Good Feelings of Generosity…

In one study, researchers asked participants to spend money on themselves or on others. Brain scans showed that people who spent money on others had more activity in the areas of the brain linked to generosity and pleasure. These same participants also reported feeling happier after the experiment.

The takeaway? Generosity creates a powerful cycle of happiness: the more you give, the better you feel—and the more likely you are to keep giving.

… and When Giving Feels Hard

Of course, not all giving feels good. Anxiety and stress about finding the “perfect” gift can sometimes overshadow the joy of giving. Sound familiar?

Dr. Scott Rick, a behavioral researcher, suggests reframing your idea of what makes a good gift. “A good gift involves some sacrifice—money, time, or both. It shows that you understand the person and can surprise them.”

For children, this might mean helping them focus less on the price tag and more on the thoughtfulness of their gift. Teaching them that it’s the effort and love behind the gift that counts can take the pressure off and make giving fun again.

How Children Can Practice Giving

When most of us think about generosity, we picture gifts that cost money. But giving can take many forms! Here are three simple ways your child can express generosity:

1. Give Their Time

Time is one of the most valuable gifts anyone can give. For example, encourage your child to:

• Help an elderly neighbor rake leaves or shovel snow, with your supervision or assistance.
• Spend extra time with a friend or family member who needs company.

2. Share Their Talents

Every child has unique talents they can share.

• An artistic child might make handmade cards for patients at a hospital.
• A budding musician could play a mini-concert for residents at a nearby nursing home.
• Even baking cookies together and sharing them with neighbors can teach the joy of using talents to spread happiness.

3. Give Thoughtfully

Material gifts are still a meaningful way to give. Instead of defaulting to items they no longer use, help your child think about how they can give with intention.

• Donate gently used toys to foster children or families in need.
• Use their allowance to buy food for a family experiencing food insecurity.
• Choose a cause they care about, like animal shelters or environmental groups, and contribute to it as a family.

Let Your Child Lead the Way

One of the most effective ways to teach generosity is to let your child choose how and where they want to give. When we encourage children to give items away that they would rather keep for themselves, they are likely to associate generosity with loss. Instead, involve children in the decision-making process. Here are some ideas to help them decide:

• Do they love animals? Ask them if they would like to visit a local shelter, and get them excited about volunteering one day when they’re old enough.
• Do they enjoy being outdoors? Participate in a park cleanup day or plant a tree.
• Do they hate getting cold? Ask them if they’d be kind enough to donate their old coats or help distribute them through a local charity.

The closer their giving aligns with their personal interests, the more they’ll enjoy—and remember—the experience.

Be a Role Model of Generosity

You’ll notice that in our blogs we often emphasize the importance of parents modeling the values they want their children to learn. Generosity is no exception! Here are some ways you can show your child what it means to be generous:

1. Share Your Own Stories: Talk about times when someone’s generosity touched you, or share why you’ve chosen to give back.

2. Get Your Child Involved: Include them in your own acts of giving. For example, bring them along when donating to a food drive or buying a gift for a loved one.

3. Celebrate Their Generosity: When your child gives, make sure they see how proud and happy you are. Your enthusiasm will reinforce the positive feelings associated with giving.

Turn Gift-Giving Into a Learning Moment

Sometimes, teaching generosity comes with its own challenges—like navigating a shopping trip where your child suddenly wants everything for themselves. Here are some tips to keep the focus on giving:

• Before heading to the store, remind them of your purpose: to find something special for someone else.
• Help them brainstorm what the recipient might like and why.
• After the gift is given, talk about how they think the recipient felt and how it made them feel to give.

By involving your child in the process, you’re helping them see giving as a joyful and thoughtful act.

Giving isn’t just about gifts wrapped in paper and bows. It’s about time, kindness, and love—and it’s a value that children carry with them for life. As parents, you have the incredible opportunity to teach your child that generosity isn’t about how much you give, but about the heart behind it. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, sharing their talents, or donating to a cause they care about, you’re showing them that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

Early Christmas Gift For Me

 

Friends will always be a show I will rewatch over and over as will many of my friends. It was one of the best shows on TV and I will sit and watch it whenever it is on.

6 actors, only 1 big name Cortney Cox and I only knew her from a Bruce Springsteen video but I was hooked immediately. 

When Friends first aired in 1994 I was living with two male roommates after living with two female roommates. I could totally relate to the show and loved Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe, Rachel, and Monica. There was something about all of them I could see in myself and my roommates.

Each episode was funny, lovable and relatable. 

My husband asked me why I didn’t this since you can find the shows on TV sometimes as well as on our paid channel but not anytime you want to watch them. Paid channels have contracts and sometimes the contract runs out and you can’t always see that movie or TV show you wanted to. TV you can see whatever one they are airing but some shows are a must for me. Friends is my younger self’s happy place and I am happy to watch it in it’s entirely or whatever show pops in my head. 

Great gift idea for fans of the show or new fans.

The holidays are shared best with FRIENDS and family, and after your delicious meal is devoured with love - we hope you and your family can relax around the living room and celebrate all you have to be thankful for - including that FRIENDS: The Complete Series is now available to own on 4K Ultra HD!

 

Get ready to gobble up this ultimate collector’s set that includes over 110 hours of content – including all 236 original broadcast episodes released for the first time in 4K Ultra HD, plus over 20 hours of extra features to feast on - including all-new bonus content!!

 

Please find 2 clips from the all-new bonus feature “Through the Peephole” to take you behind the scenes with some of the iconic props and costumes from the series: 

Friends Through the Peephole - Costumes

Friends Through the Peephole - Props

 

As FRIENDS marks its 30th anniversary this year, the beloved TV series continues to hold an enduring place in popular culture and hearts worldwide. With its witty humor, relatable characters, and memorable catchphrases, FRIENDS transcends generations with its universal appeal, making it a classic that continues to bring joy and laughter to fans around the world.

Gift Shop Of Gratitude

Visit a museum, a national park, a Castle in Europe or even the local zoo these days and you’ll likely exit through the gift shop. As award-winning journalist Peter Lovenheim realized on his recent family travels, a gift shop can be a metaphor for life.  That’s the inspiration behind his new book, GIFT SHOP OF GRATITUDE: A Journal to Explore the Journey of Your Life (

Perfect for the parent or grandparent in your life, GIFT SHOP OF GRATITUDE prompts readers to recall and organize all the things in life for which they’re most grateful.  Through the lens of 20 common gift shop souvenirs, consider the snow globes and ball caps, the t-shirts, postcards, and jewelry you have accumulated.  What people, places, and life experiences do you hold dear and what memories do each of these items bring back for you?

After reading a chapter on scented candles, reminisce about the aroma of your mother’s cooking?  Do key chains prompt memories of a friend or mentor who opened important doors for you?  Does a bobblehead recall a beloved teacher or athletic coach? What legacy does each memory leave for your family?

This special journal will surprise and delight you with the stories it evokes.  Then, by journaling in the Gratitude Pages your answers to its thought-provoking examples, you’ll create a personal memory book of all the things in life for which you’re most grateful.

GIFT SHOP OF GRATITUDE is the 

• Perfect gift for parents and grandparents to chronicle their family legacy
• Evokes cherished memories that can be shared for generations
• Become co-author of this book about your own life
• Create a treasured family heirloom for children, grandchildren, and all those whom you love.

The gift shop of gratitude provides you with an abundance of suggestions to help you remember and appreciate your past. 

Gift shops are meant to preserve the core ideas of wherever they are stationed. So the idea of curating one based on you and your legacy is a novel idea. Your own personal gift shop! 

He writes of the things you would normally find in a gift shop like playing cards, TShirts, spoons, scented candles, coffee mugs, magnets, snow globes, bobbleheads and more, provides a little history on them and then gives you lined pages to write.

For instance: candles! What candle smells make up your life? 

One of mine would be the smell of Sunday Dinner at Grandma’s house. Sauce that has been cooked from the morning, with meatballs and Parmesan all cooking in the bubbling deliciousness of the best sauce I ever had and will never have again. 

Toy Animals: I would have a blue cream Persian cat who always lies under my knee or sits in the corner of the hall so she can see everything. 

This is a great memory book perfect for gift giving or to fill out for yourself. Remembering our history is pivotal for preserving our legacy for future generations.

ABOUT PETER LOVENHEIM: Peter is an author and journalist whose articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Parade, Politico, The Washington Post, and other publications. He is Washington Correspondent for the Rochester Beacon, an online source of news and commentary for his hometown of Rochester, NY.

His books of non-fiction include Gift Shop of Gratitude: A Journal to Explore the Journey of Your Life (2024), The Attachment Effect (2018), an exploration of how early bonds with parents shape personality throughout life, In the Neighborhood: The Search for Community on an American Street, One Sleepover at a Time (2012), winner of a Barnes & Noble Discover Award and the First Annual Zócalo Public Square Book Prize, and Portrait of a Burger as a Young Calf (2002), a first-hand attempt to understand the food chain, and three other books.

Lovenheim holds a degree in journalism, summa cum laude, from Boston University, and in law from Cornell Law School. He has taught narrative non-fiction at Rochester Institute of Technology and at The Writers Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and splits his time between Rochester, NY and Washington, DC.

Entertaining Zoo Adventure Perfect for Children’s Holiday Wish Lists

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2024 — A magical menagerie of mammals and more awaits visitors at the Lincoln Zoo — a special place where “chatty” animals share their private thoughts with an elderly zookeeper, who would do Such is the setting for the wonderfully whimsical, Amazon five-star book from authors Larry Belling and Art Twain, The Lincoln Zoo Rebellion, which immerses young readers in the story of aging zookeeper Reggie Goodenough, who dreams of more land and roomier habitats — better environments for the beloved animals in his care. Reggie is hopeful when newly elected Mayor Ralph Throttlebottom promises to do good things with the zoo, but hides from Reggie that he and his greedy cronies actually want to turn the zoo into an amusement destination — at the expense of the animals.

 

A rebellion of plucky kids plus the zoo’s wildly intelligent animals band together to find a way to save the zoo. Will it be enough?

 

Written with tweens and teens in mind, but popular with adults, The Lincoln Zoo Rebelliondeals with today’s important themes of animal rights and preservation in an entertaining and humorous way, making it an engaging read for kids ages 8 to 14 and young-at-heart adults.

 

The book is earning uproariously good reviews, with a 10-year-old reader calling it, “One of the best books I have read,” and librarian Alice Kaplan commenting, “It will have broad appeal to both boys and girls … I had some good laughs in between holding my breath as the action accelerated.” 

 

“We hope our book gives you a new appreciation of creatures, whether domesticated, in the wild, or in the zoos,” the authors wrote in their book. “After all, we’re related. We’re all animals.”

 

The Lincoln Zoo Rebellion

Publisher: Speaking Volumesu

ISBN-13: ‎979-8890220363 h

Paperback: ‎230 pages

Available from Amazon.com, Ingram, Barnes & Noble and other fine online bookstores

 

Favorite Christmas Reads This Month

This year I decided to read Christmas books beginning November 4th!

Honestly, I don’t know why I never did this before. It’s been so fun and has put me in the holiday spirit. 

Here are the 5 I have read so far including the one I am currently reading in no particular order. 

They are all sweet, heartfelt reads that will make your heart happy. Most are cozy Christmas Romances that will keep you warm in the cold weather. 

Purchase 

Great story.
Great love!
I love Rachel and Sam who lost a baby and became foster parents. They fall in love with a boy staying with them that they are going to adopt but as can happen he is returned to his mother.

After such heartbreak they lose their way and their relationship suffers. Since they are still on the foster list 3 children arrive who need a family.

I love how Teresa worked a little mystery into the very heart filled story without going off the rail.

Sam and Rachel will stay with me for a very long time.

Purchased

Purchase

I love Christmas stories and this one had so much heart.

Hope and her son Zach visit estranged Grandpa to help him clean out the house for a move. Ties are fixed, new love blossoms, traumatic pasts are calmed and family is everything! This is everything you want in a Christmas story.

Purchase 

Purchase

I use the Bookly App to log my reading and keep track of my books.