Favorite Pet Peeves

Dealing with emergencies.  This is something that as humans we are going to experience.  The question is, how do we react and can we learn to react better? 

Emergencies can take many forms.  In this episode, I will tell you about my experience with floods that take over living spaces, dealing with my husband's diabetes and horses.  I recount the upheaval of my friend's recent flood experience and the intricate dance of managing my husband Bill's type 1 diabetes—two tales that teach us about the calm amid the storm and the art of preparedness.

Amid these tales of turmoil, we also examine the subtleties of offering a helping hand. It's often a fine line between support and suffocation, and I share the steps I've learned to ensure Bill feels bolstered, not burdened. Our conversation might just arm you with the grace to face the next sudden turn, and the wisdom to build a community that can stand strong together. So, tune in and let's navigate the tightrope of life's emergencies with poise and a touch of humor, promising a beacon of light for the path ahead.  And don't forget the paper towels!  

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Do you ever misplace your keys?  Well, of course you do.  It's just something that happens, right?  These small yet crucial things often send you into a tailspin?   They sure do me!  That's the chaos underpinning today's episode of the Only Child Diaries podcast, where we unlock the power and pitfalls of those tiny gatekeepers of our lives: keys.  I'll share a story that involves my lost key pet-sitting adventure gone haywire, where the disappearance of a little metal object leads to a much larger narrative about the intricacies of trust and the unexpected weight of everyday responsibilities. Through a comedic lens, we examine how these pint-sized tools can cause outsized problems and compel us to consider the unspoken elements that maintain the rhythm of our daily existence.

I'll share other thoughts about keys, and my own frustrations with them.  I know I can't be the only one! 

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I started by pondering where are my episodes going?  And where have we been?  As our 80th milestone episode unfolds, I'll take you through the enchanting lessons gleaned from my garden and the admiration for a redwood giant that stands as a testament to endurance. It's a journey that also revisits the bittersweet echoes of my friendship with Gina, whose legacy in the beat of Los Angeles's music pulse taught me the harmony of holding dear the past while stepping forward. These tales are not just narratives but life's intricate melodies of kindness, connections, and the art of gracefully letting life flow.

Unearthing the profound within the everyday, this episode is an exploration of survival, be it against the raw forces of nature or the daily challenge of sorting mail with a back that protests. Inspired by the stark honesty of Mary Oliver's poetry, we contemplate the purpose woven into our existence, but also the motivation we need to push towards our goals. Join me as we navigate the profound buried in the mundane, appreciating the importance of life's lessons learned through both control and surrender. It's more than just a podcast; it's a weekly rendezvous where we uncover the significant insights hidden within life's smallest moments. I think you'll find this episode inspirational. 

To listen to The Brochure on A Big Tree (Episode 26), you can go here:  https://www.theonlychilddiaries.com/1967416/12237084-the-brochure-on-a-big-tree-resilience-strength-personified

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Ever reminisce about the whimsy of childhood gardens and the silent wisdom of trees? Join me, Tracy Wallace, as I take you back to the roots of my family's legacy in the Only Child Diaries podcast. With memories ripened like the tangerines from the very tree my parents planted back in the 70s, we'll share the sweet and sometimes nutty tales of backyard gardening. From the nightly raccoon rendezvous in the walnut tree to the peculiarities of a not-so-perfect plum tree, these stories are not just about the growth of the trees but the nurturing of our souls.

As the canopy of our tangerine tree provides a natural haven, we discuss the challenges and victories of gardening within the dappled shade of majestic canyon oaks. This isn't just a podcast episode, it's a journey through the subtleties of nature's resilience, the joy of biting into homegrown produce, and the lessons we learn with our hands in the soil. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or simply someone who appreciates the understated beauty of a well-loved garden, this episode promises to plant seeds of inspiration and cultivate a newfound appreciation for the simple treasures that abound right in our backyards.

Food Forward - helping harvest backyard fruit - https://foodforward.org/

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Ever found yourself sipping tepid coffee at dawn, wondering when 'me time' turned into 'squeeze in a five-minute shower time'? You're not alone! Join me, Tracy Wallace, as I humorously tackle the juggling act of self-care in a life cluttered with distractions. This episode of the Only Child Diaries podcast is an open diary entry on the art of self-prioritization, where I reveal my personal battles to slot myself into my own busy schedule. From the emotional support of my furry friends to the surprising sanctity found in a simple walk in the rain with my dog, I share how self-care often shows up in the most unexpected moments.

Strap in for a candid ride through the everyday chaos as we discuss everything from the underestimated act of staying hydrated to the underpinnings of mental and spiritual well-being. I don't just talk the talk; I walk the walk—quite literally—discovering how a routine stroll can evolve into a treasured self-care ritual. It's a reminder that looking after ourselves needn't be a grandiose event but can be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. No guests, no distractions, just real talk about finding balance, and a few laughs along the way.

Hey, if I need a reminder about self-care, probably you do too! 

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As I stood amidst the pouring rain, watching my horse dance restlessly in his stall, a melody played softly in my head—reminding me of the solace music offers even on the stormiest of days. This episode of the Only Child Diaries is a homage to the timeless power of music, a journey through its profound impact on our lives, from the way it shapes our emotions to the memories it etches in our hearts.

Embark with me, Tracy Wallace, as I share tales from the equestrian world and how a good downpour affects us horse lovers. My recent streaming sessions led to an enlightening reflection on "The Greatest Night in Pop" and the captivating story of Ken Kargen's role in "We Are The World" and "Hands Across America." A reminiscent glance at this year's Grammy Awards brings a blend of artists and eras into the spotlight, featuring heartfelt tributes by Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox and Joni Mitchell in the "In Memoriam" segment. This isn't just a podcast episode; it's an emotional odyssey set to the rhythm of life's symphony, celebrating the artists and anthems that resonate with us all.

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Do you visit places in your mind?  The places you might have spent your childhood or countless hours of your life?  Every corner of a home holds a story, from the creak of a floorboard to the hum of the fridge. This week I unwrap layers of nostalgia that envelope the places of my past.   It's not just a trip down memory lane; it's an homage to the spaces that molded me and a reckoning with the artifacts of lives once lived—those bittersweet keepsakes that stir the heart upon every glance.

The resonance of a sticky piano key in my grandparents' living room, a silent witness to decades of life's symphonies, becomes the launching pad for this episode's heartfelt narrative. I'll share how a single object like a well-worn piano can encapsulate the essence of family history, carrying the weight of stories untold and melodies unfinished. Whether or not you've had the unique experience of being an only child, this exploration of loss, remembrance, and the small legacies left behind is something we can all relate to. So, fix a cup of your favorite comfort drink, settle in, and let's traverse these emotional landscapes together, finding companionship in our collective memories.

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Life keeps surprising me!  Recently I found myself cooking.  Cooking?  What??  What happened to me?  The kitchen is a place where that feels somewhat unnatural to me.  But here I am, putting on an apron.  Well, okay, not really.  Join me as I serve up a feast of laughter and the occasional kitchen disaster. From the lofty expectations of healthy home cooking to the gritty reality of balancing a budget while deciphering cryptic recipes, this episode is a smorgasbord of relatable tales from my kitchen to yours. Expect to hear about sewing misadventures that weirdly mirror the trials of cooking, and the health-driven motivations that have my husband Bill and me reluctantly swapping our delivery menus for spatulas.

Anyone who is skilled in the kitchen will laugh hysterically at my idea of meal prep!  I'm also sharing some of my struggles with our conversations over the years with dieticians.  These well-meaning folks have often ended up berated me and shaming me because I didn't cook healthy meals every day for my husband.  All I can do is sigh. 

As I tie the apron strings on the latest entry of the Only Child Diaries, I extend a big, warm hug of gratitude to you, our listeners. Your ears and hearts have turned this podcast into a globe-spanning gathering of only children and kindred solo spirits. I'm nudging you to become more than just a listener; let's get chatty on social media and continue to build our one-of-a-kind community. So, grab your headphones and let's dish out some chuckles and camaraderie, one episode at a time.

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Have you ever found yourself grappling with the relentless ebb and flow of change, much like the never-ending cycle of falling leaves each autumn? Join me, Tracy Wallace, as I muse on the universal constant of change, framed by the simple yet poignant task of raking leaves in the Only Child Diaries podcast. This episode, enriched by personal tales and a dash of humor, delves into the reflections on the inevitability of life's transformations. Consider how the cycles of nature can teach us to embrace the shifts we face in our own lives.  And the all important question, how do YOU embrace change?

This week, let's wrap ourselves in the comfort of familiar activities that shape our routines, like preparing for the suburban ritual of trash day amidst a yard blanketed in autumn's remnants. As we look forward to next week's adventure, I encourage you to join our growing community by following and reviewing the Only Child Diaries on your chosen podcast platforms. Connect with us on social media to keep the conversation going, and I eagerly anticipate our next encounter where, together, we'll continue this enriching expedition through life's many seasons.

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Ever had an interview where you aced every question but still didn't land the gig? Join me as I share my recent not-so-glamorous story of job hunting. This week on the Only Child Diaries podcast, we're peeling back the curtain on the hunt for the perfect remote job, wading through a sea of applications, and trying to keep our sanity intact across multiple time zones. I'll share some personal tales that'll have you nodding in agreement, from the maddening quiet of potential employers to that all-too-familiar jig with imposter syndrome.

Make sure to spread the word, share the love, and hit us up on social media for even more camaraderie. And remember, whether you're in your PJ's or power suit, we're in this together—navigating the wild ride of adulting, one podcast at a time. Until our next episode, keep that chin up; we're not just surviving, we're thriving with every challenge!

And if you're looking for a job, check out Get Hired on Apple podcasts.  

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