Traci's Blog

Different governments, officials, and environmental agencies always seem to be asking us to conserve the energy we use in order to save the environment and sustain our continued existence on the planet.  How ironic that on a personal level, we almost never seem to do that for ourselves!  Let’s spend...

I am getting married for the 2nd time in a few weeks. I’m marrying a man who has been married twice before. Seemed like a great time to talk about The Fear of Failure! There is nothing more optimistic than 2 people in their mid-50s thinking they’ve learned enough from their past mistakes to try thei...

It’s hard to believe that a year ago, I was having trouble going up and down 8 steps, which is what my condo had at the time.  Some days, I was having trouble walking.  I got tired very easily.  I was gaining weight.  My hair was falling out.  I had severe brain fog.  I had trouble doing very simple...

After last week’s goal-setting blog, I set some pretty big goals for myself.  And then I looked at my schedule to see when I could work on those goals.  And it hit me…I have a real problem!  

I have not scheduled any time to work on things that are important to me, because I’m too busy running my b...

Perhaps you’ve already made your New Year’s Resolutions, and perhaps you’re still thinking about making your New Year’s Resolutions.  Perhaps you’ve already made the New Year’s Resolution to give up making New Year’s Resolutions!   Most resolutions are broken by January 4th…which happens to be World...

These popular lyrics are often sung by those bringing in the New Year. Auld Lang Syne is from the Scots language and means “old long since.” In practice, it means “old times, especially times fondly remembered.” Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, wrote those words in a poem published in 17...

Ahhh...the holidays!  They're here!  And now, it's time to figure out what the heck is next.  You've rushed around for weeks shopping, preparing food, baking cookies, and wrapping presents.  Your family is on their way, and it's time for the festivities.  Whether your traditions are set in stone or ...

Growing up Italian during the holidays meant special treats…I was surrounded by cookies, pasta, cakes, and bread. All of them were homemade, and each one became a comfort food.  And then in March of this year, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.  One of the first things I read was the impo...

When I was 10 years old, a family friend asked what I wanted to be when I grew up.  

Without hesitation, I answered “self-employed.”  

He laughed.  “What kind of business will you own?”  

“I don’t know that yet, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”

In November of 1995, I moved to Palmetto, Florida,...

The end-of-year holidays are supposed to be all about taking a break from work and spending quality time with friends and family. Unfortunately, with the current economy and inflation, money worries often get in the way of having a truly carefree celebration. 

The pressure to spend comes at you fro...

The holidays can bring out the best…and worst in people.   For some, the holidays are all about reconnecting with family and friends. For others, the holidays are a reminder of family and friends that have passed on, or pissed us off. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of the holiday season...

Ever since being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I’ve been thinking about myself differently. My world was filled with “I can’t wait to…” is not filled with “I used to…”. “I can’t wait to go to dance class” became “I used to exercise 5x a week.” “I can’t wait to go to the club” became “I can...