Minerva Wanders

 Say you have a cold, congestion, coughing, the works.  The generally accepted course of action is lots of rest and liquids.  Maybe OJ, and/or chicken soup.  Now all that's ok, but if you ask me, changing climate works the best.  It should be humid!  It should be hot!  Lounging next to a pool with a bar takes care of the rest and liquids part.  They probably even have OJ.   Back in November, I had a cold.  It was purely coincidental that I had an Orlando trip planned.   The sun and humidity was a balm, but the idea of alcohol when I'm sick is unappealing.  Still I 'struggled' thru.  What I did learn was NEVER mix alcohol and cold medicine.  My friend (who planned the trip) laughed and laughed.  "I have never seen you so fucked up".  Think glassy eyes, paralyzed limbs, saying "Hunh?" a lot.  The fact that I'm quite over weight probably kept me from OD'ing.   Anyway, the climate agrees...

 I was told the other day that singles often hate certain holidays.  The most obvious being Valentine's Day, but New Years and Christmas were second and third on the list.  It made me reflective.  Being single suits me.  Not to cast blame, but I had to embrace solo life whilst married.  Thanks?  what ever the reason, here we are.  I like being home for the holidays.  I like my Mom.  I like to cook.  I like to be able to take a nap whenever I feel.  I like to go without a bra, or socks.  Thus I love Christmas and New Years.   For most, holidays often mean familial obligations, so going places and making small talk and no naps, and wearing clothes.  The lack of napping is the worst, because I can't help but partake in the food and the drink and the sitting on the comfy sofa.  Come on!  I want a nap!  But I can't go home till the husband takes me home.  Now, though my in-laws are lovely peop...

 It was the best times of his life.  He was young.  He was living on his own.  Ok, he had a roommate but the house was big, and he was away from his parents and older sister.  It was the freest he'd ever felt before or since.  JT was 18 years old, going to the University of Akron, had a job thus spending money, a cool car and the world was his oyster.  He's told me (in recent times) that my friendship meant a lot to him back then.  He's older now.  He has a beautiful wife, three great kids, house in the suburbs, and an impressive job title.  Still when his oldest went off to college, he was jealous.  "Soak it all in", he said.   I'm happy I was part of that time for him.    I also look back fondly, but it's not the same.  I was still living under my parents' roof, though I went to the same school and had the same job.  I had a boyfriend in the military so long distance was our thing.  Those were my...