The Voice Season 27 Episode 1 (thoughts and spoilers)

I started watching The Voice after visiting my Mother-In-Law and Stepfather-In-Law.  They had been watching whatever the current season was and we sat down and got caught up and I really enjoyed it. I loved how positive the judges were. While I have always loved reality television, my only exposure with a music program was America's Got Talent and I wasn't a huge fan of Simon's. The Voice was a great change of pace from that.  I also love how into the contestants the judges get. Like even though they are famous singers, they go hard for the people that try out and make their team. They truly believe in the idea of following your dream, and are very encouraging to anyone trying to make it in that industry. It is nice to see that. 

I have watched the past few seasons and I have expanded my musical library because of the show. Generally, I add the songs to my playlist. It is a great way for someone who has had a narrow musical library to expand their horizons. (I talk a bit about music and my life in my book...which is coming soon.)

Last, night the first episode of the new season aired. I watch all my television on streaming platforms, so I see it the day after it airs. Thanks to Peacock I get to see The Voice that way. 

Alright, so the new season's judges are: Adam Levine, John Legend, Michael Buble (there is supposed to be an accent on the e but I am not sure how to do that currently...it is on my list to figure out before episode 2's blog...my humblest apologies.), and Kelsea Ballerini. They all performed a song together at the opening of the episode that was just beyond AWESOME!!!

Also, a personal side note...I am SOOOOOOOO jealous of all of Adam's tattoos. Like I have a goal of being that tattooed. I have a whole file on my phone of tattoo's I want and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. 

But I strayed off topic just a bit. 

Okay, so first up was a young lady named Grace-Miller Moody. She sang "Sunday Morning". My first thoughts were I loved her energy and she was a really good performer. And I wasn't the only one that thought that because she got a 4 chair turn in a matter of seconds. She ultimately chose Team Adam. 

Next up was a gentleman named Renzo. He sang "Simple Man" and I absolutely LOVED his voice. He got a 3 chair turn and joined Team Legend. 

Iris Herrera tried out for Season 26 and had no chairs turn, but got LOTS of notes, and took them and did the work and GREW. She came back and sang "You Are My Sunshine" and my first thought was YAAASSSS MAM! Oh my gosh!! It was great!!! She got a 3 chair turn and chose Team Kelsea. In my opinion this is what this show is really about. Yes, obviously it is great to get on the show and win BUT getting to the blind's or further and getting notes so that you can learn and grow in your dream is HUGE!!

On Season 25 there was a man named Bryan Olesen. He finished in third place...this season, his daughter, Jadyn Cree was on the blind auditions. She sang "Still Into You", and my first thoughts were that she was  calm, a natural and I love her voice. She got a 2 chair turn and picked to join Team Michael. 

Next up was a young man named Zack Zaro. He played an electric guitar and put his own spin on  "...Baby One More Time". I loved his version and was SUPER bummed that no chairs turned for him. I hope that he will be on a future season. 

Darius J is a young man with a history/story that is one that makes you want to cheer for him. Plus I love his outfits and how he is his authentic self. He also likes to make people laugh, something I can relate to. He sang "Caught Up", but put his own spin on it. It was amazing. My first thoughts were that he is a performer. It feels like it is a natural thing for him. I also very much love his voice. He got a 3 chair turn and joined Team Adam.

Angie Rey was the next young lady to perform. She sang a Kelsie Ballerini song: "Pent House". Her voice was very magical. Kelsie was the only chair that turned, but Angie really wanted that turn so it was good. On top of that, Kelsie and Angie sang the song together. 

Carlos Santiago sang "Right Here Waiting" and I all I could think was HOT DAMN!! He got a 2 chair turn and joined Team Michael. 

Dan Kiernan was such a great audition! He said something that really stuck with me, like had to write it down, he said "Grief is a chronic illness." After the past couple of years I truly understand that quote. He sang "High Hopes". My first thought was Get it!! He was a show stopper, if you ask me. He got a 2 chair turn, and then Kelsea used her coach rewind button and got him!! What I loved is that she truly wanted to coach him. She wholeheartedly believes in him. 

The second to last performer was Lilli Doll, she sang "Heart of Glass", and I loved her voice and she was also good at performing. She didn't get any chairs to turn, but I do hope she also comes back in a future season. 

The last person for the episode was Ethan Eckenroad. He played the guitar while singing "Northern Attitude". He got  a 4 chair turn and chose Team Adam. 

My favorites that I am cheering for from this episode are: Jadyn, Darius J, and Dan. 

Do you watch The Voice? Did you see this episode? If so, who are your favorites so far? Does watching this show make you wish you had singing skills, or is that just me? I love to think that I could try out, but I can't really sing, but I have fun doing it. Join in the conversation in the comments and let me know!!

Bedtime is upon us so until next time Remember to be kind, smile often and dance lots!!!

Sons of Anarchy and Emma Goldman

 One of my favorite television shows is the Sons of Anarchy. Apart from the incredible good looking actors, and the fact that they are very talented, I just genuinely like the story line. 

I have probably watched the whole season at least three times, if not more. 

Recently, I decided to look into the author behind a quote that we see painted on a rock in one of the episodes. In Season 1 Episode 4 "Patch Over", Jax Teller (played by Charlie Hunnam) finds a rock that his dad mentioned in a manuscript. On the rock, painted in red is a quote from Emma Goldman. 

"Anarchism, then, really stands for the liberation of the human mind from the dominion of religion; the liberation of the human body from the dominion of property; liberation from the shackles and restraint of government. Anarchism stands for a social order based on the free grouping of individuals for the purpose of producing real social wealth; an order that will guarantee to every human being free access to the earth and full enjoyment of the necessities of life, according to individual desires, tastes, and inclinations." (Goldman, Emma. "Anarchism and Other Essays". 2014, 35.) [The red is what is on the rock]

This quote gives me tingles every time I hear or read it. Every. Damn. Time. 

Growing up, the idea that I had of anarchy or anarchism is not a positive one. It seems that so many people paint it in a negative light. Of course, the more that I learn about anarchism, the more I understand why most people might not want individuals to learn about it. 

In my heart of heart, I truly believe that this would be the answer to societies problems. In it's uncorrupted form it is "for the people, by the people" more so than our current system of government. A way of living where everyone had to work together to help one another. I do admit that it almost seems like an old fashioned way of thinking; way of living. Similar to the system one would see in the Old West and such.

With the advancements in technologies we have become more individualistic instead of group oriented. And truthfully, part of that I am okay with as I am an introvert. However, I do not think that is the way for a community to survive and thrive. This "everyone for themself" mentality is probably what has gotten us to the point we are at now. As much as I like to be by myself and avoid people (especially in large groups), we can't do things alone. 

Another one of my favorite shows The Walking Dead, shares that sentiment too. In Season 3 Episode 16 "Welcome to the Tombs", Daryl and Andrea (played by Norman Reedus and Laurie Holden) share a conversation and she says to him "No one can make it alone now." Daryl replies "Never could." 

And yes, it is just a television show, however, the sentiment is truly real. We can't do life without people. We can't be successful human beings without other people. We can't make life worth anything without others. And we can't leave behind a World worth anything for our children if we think that the only way to do things for everyone to think and act like us. We NEED diversity, understanding, and love. We need less government and more people doing things for people.

We have to figure something out and do it soon. At this point in time we are leaving behind a legacy that speaks of division and hatred. Our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and on down the line deserve so much better than that. 

There will be other posts about Anarchism down the line. But these are just some of my opening thoughts. What are your opinions on the subject? Join in the conversation in the comments and let me know!!

Gonna go edit the book some more, so until next time: Remember to be kind, smile often and dance lots!!

January 2025 in Review

 I originally intended to do this last night, but ya know what they say the road to Hell is paved with...

I don't know about anyone else, but January felt a lot longer than 31 days. In complete honesty it feels like it should be the middle of spring by now. And Lord knows I am ready for the weather of Spring. 

Although we are supposed to hit 50 degrees tomorrow and in the 60s Monday so there is that.

But I digress...

January 1st I started walking; every day, for 10 minutes. I put on my headphones and danced and sang myself around my neighborhood. Surprisingly, it did get easier as the days went on. Minus the crazy cold, but even then I got bundled up and got it done. I made it all 31 days!! 

This month I am going for 15 minutes. and I will add 5 minutes on each month. Ideally, I hope I lose some weight with this, but I am realizing that this time out in nature is very good for my mental health. So whether I drop pounds or not, the benefit is still there. 

We also, started up  homeschooling again. It is always hard to get back into a good routine, but I am utilizing more of our Jack and Link manipulatives and that is making it more fun for Kolby. We are also seeing the pay off of using Life of Fred math. For once, in five years of homeschooling, math is making him laugh and he is enjoying it. 

Obviously, I started this blog and I am getting close to being able to send my book in to be copyrighted. Super exciting and I am really loving this!

We got our eyes checked and somehow Kolby still doesn't need glasses!! Given that both Shawn and I wear glasses that is a HUGE miracle. Also, I love our eye doctor because each time we are in there, he takes the opportunity to teach Kolby something. This year it was using the images of our eye pictures that were taken and explaining the different parts, arteries, and vessels. Something that I see as a benefit from homeschooling, is that in situations like these, Kolby is very eager to learn and share the knowledge. This is where making learning a lifestyle comes in handy.

The biggest thing, in my opinion, that January brought was a new president. At the end of January he had been in office a total of 11 days and the damage done already in that less than 2-week span is monumental. I am truly worried about the next 1,375 days (the time til the next election). I struggle to see how anyone thinks that good things can come from this. Just this morning my mom sent me a headline that said there will be more protections for those accused of sexual misconduct and eliminate LGTBQ protections within schools. This is just down right appalling. I am hopeful that things will somehow improve. But I am also, very aware that this is not the time for silence anymore. Watching things being broken down has been hard. As an empath, I have had to learn to guard my spirit and energy, which sometimes means taking a step back. We will see what each month brings us with regard to this. Unfortunately, this is a situation that time will only tell us if it will get better. 

How was your January? Did you make any New Year's resolutions, goals, or intentions? Did anything super fun happen? How was the weather in your neck of the woods? Do you want to come and retrieve the weather that we have been having in good 'ole Muncie, Indiana? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Have thoughts on the first 11 days that the new president has been in office? Join in the conversation in the comments and let me know!!

Tomorrow is a day of writing so gotta turn in and try to get some decent sleep (anyone know what that actually is??? lol), so until next time Remember to be kind, smile lots and dance often!!

Where is the Jetsons transportation?

 I am sick of cars. 

We have had car problems since October. Back then it was that the car over heated all the time and leaked. We took it to a place to fix it, and they said they did and yet, it was still leaking and overheating. So we took it back. We get it back from them and they say it is fine, yet, while driving it, the gas starts leaking out of the car and so once again, back to the shop it goes. Pretty sure it took at least two more trips to get it so it no longer over heats or leaks.

The problem that occurred today is it won't shift into gear. Like you can move the lever thingy, but nothing happens. And it was fine like 10 minutes before. So our car is stuck outside of Hubs work and a nice co-worker of his gave us a ride home. Of course this happened on a day when I had the car, so two people required a ride home instead of one. 

As a kid I watched the Jetsons and everyone was all talk about how that was what the future would be like. And while we do have zoom calls and virtual appointments and school we do not have flying cars. We do not have all the bells and whistles that made the Jetsons super cool.

Why is that?? I would like that. I mean, apart from the fact that I am actually terrified of flying, but I think I could make an exception for a flying car. 

Maybe.

 
Hell, at this point I will take transportation by horse. Actually, that would be super cool. Minus the fact that I would then need a wagon or something to transport things home in. Plus, we would need like a horse per person. And I guess horses need food and a place to live. And while we have a decent sized yard, it is NOT horsed size. 

So maybe horses are not a good route to go. 

I have always wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle. In fact, when Kolby started kindergarten I had began studying to get a permit...but then the pandemic happened, and I started homeschooling and well, that is still on the bucket list of things to learn. 

But I guess that a motorcycle, while fun, would not solve the current problem either, because similarly to a horse, it is not exactly a family vehicle. Although, it does not eat nor really need a place to live.

 
So back to the Jetsons...I feel like we somehow got deprived of some awesome technology. I have my theories on the why of this, but that is probably a topic for another day. 

If it wasn't winter and we didn't have crazy ass weather walking would not be outta the question until we could figure things out. But like, there is still ice on the ground, and no guarantee that it will be nice anytime soon. Plus, we don't live super close to things. Driving we are about 10 minutes from his work, walking...a good hour probably. No grocery stores are close by in walking standards either.

Maybe I need to learn more about cars. Ya know, learn how to MacGyver shit into working. I learned how to change a tire from the dad of the baby I nannied for...and that came in handy, had to do that in a prom dress. But other than that, I am not all that knowledgeable about trouble shooting car problems. 

So, what is the biggest issue you have had with a car? Do you wish we had some Jetson vehicles? How much can you fix on your car yourself before having to find a good auto shop to take it to? Do you have any MacGyver talents? Not just on cars, but any skills that you would like to share. Join in the conversation in the comments and let me know!!

Well, it's nearly 7pm. I have had a doughnut and 2 sticks of cheese all day so I guess I should find some grub. Until next time Remember to be kind, smile lots and dance often!!

Where can I get a How-To Guide?

 Who else needs a How to Guide?

I feel like I need a How-To Guide to this thing called adulting or just life in general. Anyone else? I can't believe that I am the only one who feels this way, but if I am that is fine too. If you have the answers please leave them for me. Or tell me where you got the guide because I need to read it like STAT.

I remember after having Kolby, I had stayed in the hospital for a week (had to have an emergency c-section so wanted that extra time) the minute I was packing up to leave the hospital it hit me. Like, wait a minute, y'all are sending me home, with the baby and what am I supposed to do? Who is going to tell me what to do? Where is the play book for this?  And it was such an odd feeling because I wanted a baby REALLY badly, but suddenly it hit me that like, I was going to be the one in charge. Like, I was the person who needed to have the answers. Talk about a deer in headlights moment. 

And I am sure that all parents, especially moms feel that way. 

Except there are days, lots of days, that I want a How to Guide or a play book to being an adult. Like please tell me how to do all the damn things in the 24 hours that are in a day, while also getting enough sleep and eating and all the things. Like what? How? Cause I refuse to give up sleep. Sorry that is not gonna happen. And I need to do certain things for my mental health. Then I have homeschooling, then recording and prepping for the next school day. Then I like to read, and don't forget about eating, and walking (which is my working out for the year), then dishes and laundry at the very least, then writing and the random crap that pops up from day to day. 

I will be 43 in May and I still have not figured this shit out. At all. It feels like the to-do list grows and the energy drains and I am juggling, the balls are in mid-air but I don't know how to juggle. Truthfully I really don't know how to juggle. 

But this feeling doesn't just pertain to the to-do list but like: here is a "funny" fact about me. I hate to make appointments for me. Like it stresses me out, I panic. HOWEVER, I have zero issues doing it for Kolby. That's easy. I freeze when it comes to stuff for myself. I can and have advocated for my son with no apologies but if it comes to doing the same for me, I am like, "oh, no that's ok". Like I go from Pitbull to doormat. Where is the How-To guide for that situation??

Like were these life skills taught in High School and I missed the class? Is this something that everyone else excels at and I have just missed the mark? 

Or do we need a support group for being an adult? Like a community of people who are like hey I gotcha on that one. Or here is the script on what to say. (Like seriously I NEED this. Introvert problems here!) 

When it comes to the day-to-day life things where do you fall? Do you just have you shit together or are you like me looking for the directions that you must have misplaced somewhere? Are you really good at making all the appointments or do you put it off until the last possible moment because you avoid doing things that you don't like doing? Join in the conversation in the comments and let me know!!

Until next time Remember to be kind, smile lots and dance often!!

 On Being an Aunt

January 28, 2025

6:30pm

Today I spent the day in Indy helping watch my nephew "E" (or Big Dog E as I call him as he was a big baby) while my sister went to an appointment. I enjoy spending time with him. He is currently 14 months old and it's a nice way to get my "baby fix". Especially since I can no longer have kids. Also, he thinks I am hilarious which is pretty nice. 

Although, I would not want to do the baby stage again. This kid has some ENERGY. I forgot how non-stop toddlers were. Or how if you do something one time they like to repeat it over and over and over and over and...you get the point. It is very nice to be at the stage where I love on the baby and then go home to my potty-trained, self-sufficient big kid. 

Anyways, this got me thinking about being an Aunt.

I became an Aunt for the first time at the age of 15. It's a side effect to having siblings that are 15+ years older than you. Ironically, a month after being an Aunt I became a big sister again. Anyways, I had no idea what being an Aunt was as a teenager. Don't get me wrong, I loved (and still love) my niece and I enjoyed spending time with her. The problem was I graduated High School and then went to college and never lived back at home. So visiting was less frequent. 

I did still see her and I got her this really cute Ball State University cheerleader outfit for little kids. But the role I played in her life then, is not the same as the role I am playing in E's life now. 

So of course, me being me, I have to over think it. I kinda feel bad that it is a different dynamic. I can acknowledge that different times of life and all that do make a difference. 

Then I also started to think about the fact that I really don't have any Aunts that I had lots of interaction with.  On my mom's side I have one Aunt and then as a young kid I had three great aunts that I got to interact with.  I probably saw my great aunts more often because when I was younger we spent more time in Minnesota. My aunt married my uncle (my mom's brother) when i was young, think like between 4-6ish years old. She is very nice and every summer we went to Minnesota we would visit. That was just every summer, until I was 17. She did come to my wedding though so that was nice. 

Then on my dad's side the only Aunt that I had in the States, my dad was born in England and a large portion of his family lives in England, lived in South Dakota. We visited her like every other summer/ every two summers from third grade until my junior year of High School I believe. 

Nearby extended family is not something I grew up with. So the fact that Kolby gets to see his grandparents, aunt and uncle more frequently than every summer or every other summer, and E does also, is definitely a good thing.  

Are you an Aunt? Do you have a favorite Aunt? What qualities make someone a good Aunt? Join in the conversation in the comments and let me know!!

Until next time Remember to be kind, smile lots and dance often!!

 January 27, 2025

8:00 pm

I am sure you are wondering what is up with the name of the blog Life After... and the address Life After Religion Book.

Alright, so the book I am writing is titled Life After Religion, but I didn't want to name a blog that because I do not want to only talk about religion. I mean I have a lot to say on the subject, but I want to talk about more things than just religion. 

However, I like the idea of Life After...like everything. What I mean is that in some situations it feels like "how can things go on?" or "how can life keep going?" Or in the case of my book, I was always taught that without Christianity you could not have a good life...but guess what you can. SURPRISE! 

So anyway, that is why behind the title. 

Like I said though, so many things will be discussed here. 

Some future topics:

    Menopause

    Staffy's and Pitbulls

    Discussing my favorite television shows

    Cats

    Chasing your dreams

    Sensory Processing Disorder

    Living in Indiana

    Facing your Fears

    Bucket List

    Music and Dancing

    Religion    

    My book

    Political feelings

    Anarchism

    Homeschooling

    Where do socks go in the dryer?

    Coffee vs tea...and that is just part of the list. I am sure that more things will come to mind as life goes on. 

If you have any ideas on things to discuss or that you want to hear my thoughts on let me know. 

Time for bed...I value sleep...almost as much as I value waking up to have coffee!!

Until next time: Remember to be kind, smile lots and dance often!!