SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO START OVER.

It's another year and the most talked about topics include weight loss, financial stability and organization.  What we don't hear about is the need to run from the people we love that are simply incapable of treating us properly.  These are those people who are toxic and make us second guess who we are or strive to be.

Maya Angelou once said "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time".

We've all met someone who seems so perfect, then unexpectedly those red beacons warn us that something is wrong.  Statements like "Should you be eating that?" become the norm.  He or she is always on the phone or computer while you're trying to have a conversation, but what you talk about is discounted as unimportant.  Perhaps you've been expected to agree with someone all the time, and when that doesn't happen, all hell breaks loose.  Your partner gets a new computer and demands that you never look at it,  smilingly promising not to go on chat sites, visit porn on Twitter or instant message any strangers. He insists on his privacy and you just need to trust him.  After all, he's paying all the bills and you should be appreciative. "Bitch" is your new name, and it's getting more and more difficult to hide those bruises and scars.  The way he treats others in public is totally different than how he acts towards you in private.

Eventually, you start to recognize physical signs of discomfort before, during or after being around this person.  Fear, emptiness, frustration, isolation or a sense of hopelessness may be some of those feelings.  But despite all these obvious signs, you're a nurturer, and believe things will change and get better.  Surely, if you keep giving all you have, everything will be wonderful, right?

Sadly, as much as we don't want it to be true, some people are simply unwilling or unable to love others, and the reasons are varied.  Many don't even care about hurting others, and will show no emotion.  If our partners have verbally abused and degraded someone else in the past, we can expect the exact same treatment - eventually.  A man who hits his girlfriend or wife, then seems so remorseful, will do it again and again.  I promise you that the nightmare is only beginning.

What do we do if we see a snake in front of us? We recognize the danger, and of course, we run to get the heck outta there by foot, hover board or jetsonmobile.  Even though wolves are beautiful, they live in the wild and are on a mission, so none of us would spend any time trying to change them, right?  They are who they are.  He or she is NOT going to change, and as kind and loving as you may be, YOU cannot change someone else.  The lying, cheating, punching, name calling, degradation and controlling behavior will NOT stop.  If you lose 100 pounds, get larger breasts, get famous, or even change your face, something will be wrong with the dinner you prepared. There will always be something, and you'll continue to be blamed for things that aren't your fault.  This is a never ending and unpleasant cycle that no one should have to endure.

So in 2018, if you're dating and start to notice signs that make you uncomfortable, it's super easy to just say no before you're emotionally invested.  It's much, much, more difficult, but if  you've been in a relationship for a while which  has caused you to feel fear or unhappiness, and you've lost who you are, cautiously, start making plans to live your life and follow your passion.    

Start taking notes on pieces of paper, a journal, index cards or a calendar.  Hide it well or give the notes to someone you trust. Save money if you can.  But even if some of these things are hard to do, safely be prepared to leave the house with the clothing on your back and get to a shelter, church or loved one. Whenever you can, listen to your hunches and make 2018 the year for YOU.

These famous people will be 70 years old this year:
Stevie Nicks
Samuel Jackson
Richard Simmons
Charles, the Prince of Wales
Billy Crystal
Al Gore
Terry Bradshaw
Phylicia Rashad
Grace Jones

If you've been reading this blog, you may already know that I will travel the world to ride a roller coaster.  I get on rides that even my 33 year old son stays away from, but don't tell him I told you. (lol) If you have a need for speed, be sure to add these to your bucket list.  But there are a few coasters that came out on top in 2017 that have been recently added to my bucket list.  Do you dare?

Ferrari World - Formula Rossa  149 miles per hour

Six Flags - Kingda Ka                128 miles per hour

HARRY POTTER
Can't get enough of Harry Potter?  This March enjoy the new story from JK Rowling as Harry's all grown up with three kids of his own, and working for the Ministry of Magic.  After being sold out in London, the show will debut on Broadway in New York. 

BOURBON BALLS
Traditionally this dessert is popular in the South during the holidays, but I say pull them out any time for a tasty treat.  Even better, they are super simple to make because there's no cooking involved.  There is some waiting however, so you can get other stuff done during that time.

1 Lb Powdered Sugar
1/3 Cup Bourbon (Or use rum if you prefer)
4 Tablespoons Softened Butter
50 Pecan Halves or 1 Cup
1 1/2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 Tablespoon Heavy Whipping Cream

In a large bowl, blend together the powdered sugar, bourbon and butter.  Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.  Shape the mixture into 25 1 inch balls, then gently press 2 pecan halves into opposite sides of the ball.  Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.  With all this waiting for the balls to set up, you may as well go to bed at this point, and get back to it in the morning. (lol)

Recipe came from this amazing cookbook

Line your baking pan with wax paper.  In a saucepan, combine the chocolate and cream and melt over medium heat. Remove from the heat.  Using a toothpick or cocktail stick, dip the bourbon balls into the chocolate and transfer to the baking sheet.  Refrigerate for 1 hour so the chocolate can set properly.

Cary, NC

For those who may remember my crazy obsession with wanting cold weather during the winter, I got my wish here in NC all this week along with 1 inch of snow; but according to reports for next week, things will be blazing in the 60's once again.  

What is considered frigid temps here will cause fountains to freeze, schools to close, and supermarkets to run out of bread and water.

Here's an idea of what I mean:

A mad rush on everything in the store before it snows.

Downtown Charlotte NC

Frozen Fountain - Fayetteville, NC (Matt Plyler)

Frozen Fountain - Valdese, NC

Wow!  In 1953, the very first color television sets went on sale for just $1,175.00 each. 

The equivalent of that same tv would cost a whopping $8,800 today!