Share 4 Somethings – September 2024
For the 2024 edition of “Share 4 Somethings,” Jennifer asks us to share each month:
- Something loved and/or disliked
- Something accomplished
- Something improved upon and/or that needs improvement
- Something noticed
I’m also sharing my previous month’s One Second Everyday video . . .
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Something Loved
- CHERISHED FAMILY TIME AT THE BEACH
Last week, we spent a blissful time at the beach with our youngest daughter and her family. The laughter of our grandson, the sound of waves, and the warmth of the sun were so wonderful. The only thing missing was our oldest daughter and her family. I wish they could have been with us, too. I try not to let what I don’t have take away my joy of what I do have. We can feel two things at once, right? Joy and sadness coexist in me.
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Something Accomplished
- DOING ELECTION WORK
Every election feels monumental, but this U.S. Presidential election seems especially weighty. Last Tuesday our book club wrote postcards to encourage voters in Georgia to make a plan to get to the polls on November 5.
Georgia is a swing state where each of their votes might make a difference in tilting the election one way or the other. Living in Alabama, the outcome is predictable, which makes my vote seem less impactful. Nonetheless I’ll still cast my vote on election day, and whether my candidates win or lose, I’ll know I did what I could.
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Something that Needs Improvement
- CUT THE CORD OR NOT?
For the past few years, Jeff and I have toyed with the idea of dropping our AT&T U-Verse TV package because it seems too expensive. We already pay for a few extra services here and there in addition to it.
But this month when AT&T lost ESPN right as college football season was beginning, it felt like a breaking point (we have it back now though, War Eagle). Do we make the switch to YouTube TV, perhaps? Another carrier?
I’m grateful for all the choices available to us, but sometimes I miss the simplicity of just turning on the TV and not having to decide between all the streaming options.
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Something Noticed
- LAUGHING IN COMMUNITY
Earlier this month, Jeff and I went to see one of my favorite guys on Instagram, Landon Talks. If you’ve never heard of him, Landon is hilarious on Instagram, explaining all our quirky Southern sayings and traditions.
Seeing him in person was everything I expected, but what surprised me was how much joy also came from laughing with everyone else in the room. There’s something healing about sharing that kind of experience with others. It was a reminder that I need more of those moments—where laughter brings people together in the best way.
What is something you are loving, accomplishing, improving, or noticing this month?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
I’m linking at these blog parties
I love you had that time at the beach with your family. I always say emotions run on parallel tracks and have so embraced the path of different emotions at the same time. I have Hulu tv and like it, but have heard good things about YouTube TV too. I will have to look up this comedian. I always like to find a new person and also enjoy laughing with others. Have a great weekend!
“emotions run on parallel tracks” – I love that analogy. So true. Thanks, Marilyn! We currently have Hulu (along with UVerse, ugh) and there are quite a few good shows on there right now.
I’m so glad you had family time at the beach. I grew up near Padre Island in Texas, and going to the beach was a regular thing that I miss. I’m sorry your oldest daughter’s family wasn’t there, too. I agree, we can feel contrasting emotions at the same time.
I get frustrated with so many streaming services–like they expect we can pay for every one. We have to be selective and add or delete them according to our preferences and wallet.
Our church’s youth group went to Padre Island in Texas one year (I’m not sure why? I think they were doing missions somewhere nearby and needed a day off). They loved it. I can’t imagine having the beach nearby on the regular. Did you ever tire of it? I definitely get tired of sand everywhere after just a week. ha. But maybe you adjust to that.
I didn’t, but we only lived in that area until I was thirteen. And I wasn’t the mom dealing with sand and wet laundry. 🙂
When we moved to TN, I almost felt a little claustrophobic about living in a landlocked state. We’ve always lived in a state with a coastline, even if we didn’t get to the coast very often. But it’s funny, we’ve been around water here more than anywhere we have lived since we’ve been married. It’s at lakes and rivers, which are not quite the same as a beach, but still nice.
Your time at the beach looked amazing, Lisa! We’ve had YouTubeTV for a long time and it works for us. I love college football, so I’m happy we can still see those games.
Blessings!
How wonderful to spend time at the beach with the family! I know what you mean about feeling joy and sadness at the same time and I think it’s inevitable that we’re in those emotional balancing acts, and that it’s healthy for us to hold conflicting emotions together. Laughing together with others is so healing – glad you experienced that. I haven’t heard of Landon Talks but he looks like a lot of fun. Have a great week!
Hi, Lisa – What an upligting post. I love that photo in the water of you and your grandson – such joy. I also strongly appreciate your election advocacy. Finally, sharing jouous laughter with others – what could be better?
I felt the same way when we went to a comedy show earlier this month! It does feel good to laugh with a crowd.
Oh Lisa, joy and sadness do co-exist. I hear your heart. You are so right. God help us live within the reality of this truth. And give us Your peace as we aim to do so.
love your beach time and your dedication to the voting cause. I know we are traveling during the election but plan to vote early. In Ohio my vote won’t make much difference either but I will vote anyway and make my voice known! It is so important.
For some reason my comment didn’t post but I did want to tell you that I enjoyed your video…as always.
I’m so glad that you had a good week at the beach with your family. And, yes, you can feel two things at the same time. ????
Hi Lisa, yes you can have two feelings at the same time! Thanks for joining us for #WBOYC with your lovely post. The trip to the beach looks perfect! All the best for October.
You absolutely can have joy and sadness simultaneously and one doesn’t negate or dissipate the other. We have compulsory voting here in Australia so I still find it strange that sometimes the biggest hurdle elsewhere is getting people to care enough and cast their vote. Good on you for doing what you can – every vote matters.