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Strap in as we take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.  Picture this: A blissful vacation in Las Vegas suddenly morphs into a chilling tale of survival when a reckless drunk driver crashes into our car. This traumatic event left us battered, bruised and a little broken, but the rapid response from our friends, Betty and her husband, who sprinted to our aid, was a shining beacon of hope in the midst of chaos.

As we move forward, the labyrinth of legal proceedings unravels. We reveal the pivotal role that Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and our attorney played in guiding us through a daunting legal maze. We share our heart-wrenching discovery about the driver's previous DUI, a revelation that stung like a slap in the face. Despite everything, we found the strength to stand tall, to advocate for our rights, and to seek justice with unyielding determination.

Finally, we transport you into the courtroom, the arena where we stared down our fears and confronted the driver. The anxiety, the regret-filled apology from the driver, and the empowering moment of sharing our impact statements - we lay it all bare. The gavel falls, and closure finally comes as the driver is sentenced to 12 to 48 months in jail. Our tale is more than just a survivor's story. It's a raw, emotional testament to the power of friendship, the pursuit of justice, and a fiery plea to raise awareness against drunk driving. Hold on tight, this ride is about to get real.

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Ever found yourself pulling your hair out over the labyrinth of software and app passwords? Join me as I voyage through the modern-day maze of password frustration. We'll laugh, commiserate, and maybe even shed a tear over the complexity of today's digital life. I promise you, by the end of this episode, you'll feel less alone in your password misery and maybe even find a little humor in it.

I bet you can relate to the agony of forgotten passwords, but have you ever grappled with the sports streaming platform logins? The hurdles of accessing blackout games and spiraling streaming costs are just the cherry on top. I'm not a huge sports fan, but when my husband got me to buy the NFL package, I quickly realized the added complexity. So, let's share a chuckle over the ironies of modern convenience and empathize over the universal struggle of keeping up with our digital lives.

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Ever wished a friendship could last forever? As we celebrate the first anniversary of the Only Child Diaries podcast, we honor the life and passing of our dear friend, Walter, a 21-year-old former barn cat who taught us valuable lessons on resilience, companionship, and survival. His charming personality and regal demeanor left an indelible mark in our hearts, and his tales of courage and persistence are a testament to the beautiful bond that can exist between humans and their animal companions.

Life, however, has a way of moving forward and throwing unexpected challenges our way. And so, at the same time during this week, I found myself grappling with our cat Bubbie's new health scare and diabetes diagnosis. From learning to administer insulin shots to coping with the emotional turmoil that comes with caring for a sick pet, my journey with Bubbie has been a rollercoaster. I promise that this episode will touch your heart and offer a new perspective on the intricate dance that is the human-animal bond.

In addition, review some of this year's episodes, and find out where our listeners are in the world!  And what are the top five episodes? 

Most of all, welcome to Season 2! 

Thanks for listening.   

If you'd like to support Walter's care, here's the GoFundMe link:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/walter-hospital-care?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Or my Venmo is @Tracy-Wallace-77

PayPal is [email protected]

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This week I have a confession for my listeners!  Discover my post-double knee surgery weight journey, punctuated by the trials and tribulations of adulthood, weight struggles, and the perplexing world of healthy eating, which will hopefully resonate with those of you dealing with similar health and weight issues. 

Get candid insight into the realities of a post-surgery sedentary lifestyle, and how it led to, once again, an unwelcomed weight gain. Even as I grapple with the fact that I had to stop eating to lose weight, my experiences and the lessons learnt offer some valuable guidance, hopefully, to help others.  

Riding the rollercoaster of nutrition and weight loss challenges is not for the faint-hearted. I share my struggles with maintaining a nutritious diet. Unravel the paradox of how certain veggies, like beets, are not always our best friends. Also, get a sneak peek into my not-so-secret dessert indulgences, and how sugar can sabotage us in more ways than we might realize.  Join me as we laugh, learn and navigate our way through the labyrinth of health, adulthood and nutrition, but in a funny, lighthearted ma n ner.  

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Ever wondered how you'd survive the peak of summer without air conditioning? Let me tell you - it’s quite the adventure. Join me for a candid, heartwarming, and sometimes hilarious discussion about my family's journey through a SoCal heatwave with no AC. Listen as I share our creative solutions, from timing the opening of windows to the cooler parts of the day, to going as far as shearing our cat to help him deal with the heat.

The saga hasn't been without its struggles, especially when it came to fixing our 38-year-old central cooling system. Discover the challenges we have faced, from finding a reliable repair company in a pandemic-stricken world to managing the exorbitant cost of the repairs and installation. Managing the cost?  I mean, trying not to lose sleep!  But with the help of fans, swamp coolers, sugar-free popsicles, and a little ingenuity, we are managing to get by. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, empathy, and some useful tips if you ever find yourself in a similar predicament!

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Ever grumped about that mountain of laundry that's solely your responsibility? Well, you're not alone. In this candid episode of the Only Child Diaries, I take you down the hilarious yet thought-provoking tales of my personal laundry battles and how various women in my life have handled this mundane task. From anecdotes involving my mother-in-law Ellie's meticulous housekeeping habits to the ingenious laundry-dodging strategies of a friend at the barn, join me in unraveling the complexities of adulting and managing household chores.

Ready to chuckle and maybe discover a new perspective on your household duties? Brace yourselves as we embark on a quirky exploration of juggling adulthood responsibilities, all triggered by the seemingly trivial task of doing the laundry. You'll hear how my encounters with these strong-willed women stirred me to rethink my approach to household chores. This episode promises a generous dash of humor, a sprinkle of wisdom, and possibly a new outlook on 'adulting'. You won't want to miss this laundry saga!

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Are you prepared for the inevitable changes that come with aging? Have you considered how you'll manage your parents' senior years, or is it a topic you've been avoiding? With simplicity and grace, Star Bradbury, an aging life care specialist and CEO of Senior Living Strategies, shares tips from her book, "Successfully Navigating Your Parents' Senior Years". She emphasizes that it's not a matter of IF, but WHEN aging parents will need help. She breaks down a comprehensive guide into four digestible sections – develop a plan; location, location, location; when your parents need more help and care; and a prepared exit plan. 

The reality of aging parents is often daunting. We delve into the frank truth about approaching the topic with  parents, which is often met with at least some resistance.  It's a challenging conversation but a necessary one, as we navigate the intricacies of accessing healthcare and making informed decisions about how they will live independently as long as possible.  So many family members are caught off guard when their parents hit a crisis.   With 25 years of experience, Star shares behind-the-scenes valuable information. 

Tracy also provides her own experiences - both positive and negative - on how she navigated all this with her parents, and Star reflects on how it might have been smoother.   

Managing your parents' senior years from a distance can add further stress. Tune in as we discuss the importance of building a support team to ensure their well-being, and that of the caregiver! Star shares insights into the advantages of senior living facilities for long-distance caregivers and emphasizes the importance of self-care during caregiving. We uncover the resources available on Star's website and through the Aging Life Care Association, underscoring the importance of understanding the full range of options when vetting senior living communities. Star will talk about her lists of questions for evaluating assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, including WHY you need to ask these questions.  This episode is packed with invaluable advice, resources, and strategies to help you and your loved ones navigate the senior years with confidence and care.

And as an only child with no children, this information is invaluable for us as well. 

About Star Bradbury: 
For information about how to buy the book, schedule consulting or find online resources, visit
www.starbradbury.com

Aging Life Care Association - mentioned by Star during the interview: 
https://www.aginglifecare.org/

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How do you find hope? 

Strap yourself in for a rollercoaster of emotions as we journey through the heartwarming narrative of my furry friend, Bubbie. When your beloved pet is in crisis, does it feel like your world spins out of control? Discover the raw and real account of my struggle with Bubbie's health scare and the deep realization of how our well-being is intertwined.

Venture into the second part of our story where hope and healing take center stage. I reflect on the power of unwavering hope, even when everything seems bleak. Learn how a glimmer of hope emerged from an unlikely source - a repeat x-ray that I had to push to get!  Imagine if I hadn't suggested it!  Through this journey, our understanding of pet care evolves, and we learn the immeasurable value these companions bring to our lives. Today, Bubbie's story serves as a poignant reminder of the gifts of love, hope, and resilience we receive from our furry friends.

Then I give an update on Walter, the 21 year old former barn cat, who now lives with us as well, and who broke his foot last year.  Talk about hope!   

Join us for an unforgettable episode that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for your beloved pets.

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Growing up as an only child can be quite the adventure - and that's exactly what Amy Brick and I explore in this funny and insightful episode! We chat about Amy's unique experiences navigating childhood friendships and social situations, while also reflecting on the reasons her parents decided not to have more children. As a parent herself, Amy shares how her own upbringing affects her parenting skills. 

But that's not all - we also dive into the world of stand-up comedy, discussing how Amy's humor was inspired by comedy icon Robin Williams. Hear about her incredible journey to performing at The Comedy Store and the challenges of returning to the stage post-pandemic. Prepare to laugh along with us as Amy finds the perfect balance between humor and real-life awkwardness.

Finally, we explore Amy's compassionate and understanding approach to real estate, particularly when her clients are faced with selling property due to difficult circumstances like death, divorce, or relocation. Amy shares her thoughts on her favorite comedic performers such as Jim Gaffigan and Leanne Morgan, and offers up valuable advice for those looking to succeed in the real estate industry. Don't miss out on this entertaining and enlightening episode with the funny Amy Brick!

Follow Amy Brick on social media or contact her here:  

AmyBrick.com for Real Estate 

And AmyBrickComedy.com

Amy Brick Comedy is on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok 

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Strap on your historian's cap as we journey into Philadelphia, a city that effervesces with both the birth pains and the triumphant strides of American history. Amidst the rich tapestry of its past and the vibrancy of its present, join me, Tracy Wallace, as I engage with the city's heritage, share the tale of our visit to Betsy Ross' House, and delve into the nuances of its public art and diversity that make it such a compelling destination. Happy 4th of July! 

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