Laurie's Journal

  Beyond the Chocolates: Why February is Officially "The Month of You" How was everyone’s Valentine’s Day? I hope your day was filled with all the classic hits—bouquets that smell like heaven, heart-shaped everything, and maybe a little too much chocolate (if there is such a thing). But here’s a secret: just because the calendar flipped to February 15th doesn’t mean the season of love is over. In fact, I’m officially declaring this Valentine’s Month. Now that you’ve showered your significant other with affection, it’s time to check in on a very important person you might have missed. Did you forget to celebrate your other significant other? I’m talking about you. Celebrating the Woman in the Mirror We spend so much time being the rock for everyone else. We are the ones who show up, who cheer the loudest, who dry the tears, and who make sure the holidays feel magical. But when was the last time you celebrated the person who did all that? You deserve a standing ovation for the...

  id Evicting the Storm Detaching from toxic people is a skill I’ve finally started to master. But detaching from the chaos of the world at large? That’s the ultimate challenge. When the "snowpocalypse" finally hit—despite my skepticism—it delivered a metaphorical masterclass in storm eviction. I realized that as long as I remained within the safety of my home, the blizzard was powerless. I’ve started applying that same logic to my "spiritual temple." The chaos of the world and the tempests of volatile people can only harm me if I let them through the door. I have the right to guard my heart against intrusive spirits. By simply raising my shields and refusing the storm entry, I found the most priceless gift of all: absolute peace. Key Takeaways for "Storm Eviction" Identify the Entry Point: Recognize when external chaos is trying to penetrate your mental space. The Power of No: You have the spiritual right to refuse entry to "tempestuous" peop...

  The Great Human Popsicle Experiment: Life at 5 Degrees Congratulations! You’ve survived the transition from "Crisp Autumn Morning" to "Lactose-Intolerant Penguin." It is currently 5 degrees outside. At this temperature, the air doesn’t just "touch" you; it insults you. It’s a personal attack on your nostrils and your general will to live. If you’re currently huddled under a weighted blanket questioning every life choice that led you to live in a place where the air hurts your face, this post is for you. The Stages of 5-Degree Grief We all go through a specific psychological journey when the mercury drops this low: Denial: "It’s not that bad. I’ll just wear my 'heavy' hoodie." (You will be back inside in 14 seconds). Anger: Directing swear words at the thermostat as if it has feelings. Bargaining: "If I remote-start the car for 20 minutes, maybe I won’t lose a toe on the way to work." Depression: Realizing you haven't ...

  The Cycle Ends Here: Why I’m Hitting Delete on Generational Negativity We all have them—those family heirlooms that nobody actually wants. I’m not talking about the chipped china or the dusty velvet sofa in the attic. I’m talking about the emotional inheritance : the cynicism, the "woe-is-me" outlook, and the habit of finding a storm cloud for every silver lining. In my family, negativity wasn't just a mood; it was a tradition. It was passed down like a secret recipe, seasoned with "life is hard" and "don't get your hopes up." But today, I’m hitting the delete button. The cycle stops with me. The Weight of the "Old Way" Generational negativity is a heavy coat that gets handed down from parent to child. You wear it because you watched them wear it. It sounds like: The "Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop" Syndrome: Never fully enjoying a win because you’re convinced a disaster is right around the corner. The Critique Culture: ...

  The Ghost Behind the Door: Why "Moving On" Isn’t Enough We’ve all heard the clichés about letting go. People tell you to "turn the page," "close the chapter," or—my personal favorite—"carry the lessons, leave the baggage." But for years, that advice felt like a lie. I’d "let go" of a failed project, a bridge burned, or a version of myself I didn't like anymore, but I’d still keep a tiny key to that room in my pocket. I’d check the lock every once in a while just to make sure the ghosts were still there. Then, I had a revelation that changed everything. The Illusion of the Rearview Mirror The problem with traditional letting go is that we treat our past like a museum. We walk out of the exhibit, but we still believe the exhibit exists behind us. We assume that because we experienced it, it has a permanent residence in the universe. We think: I’ve moved on, but that mistake is still sitting back there on year 2022’s shelf. This cr...

  Surviving the 2026 "Super Flu": A Personal Battle with Biology and Bipolar If you’ve been following the news lately, you know that the subclade K (or the "Super Flu," as the headlines love to call it) is no joke. I spent the last two weeks in the trenches with it. But for those of us living with Bipolar Disorder , the virus is only half the battle. When the high fevers and body aches of this 2026 mega strain hit, they didn't just attack my lungs—they sent my brain into a tailspin. This is the story of how I survived the "Super Flu" while navigating the crushing weight of a sudden bipolar depressive episode. The Collision: When the Virus Triggers the Void They don’t tell you that severe physical illness is a massive physiological stressor that can snap a stable mood like a dry twig. By day three of the flu, my fever was spiking at 102°F , and the inflammation was doing more than making my joints ache—it felt like it was shutting down my dopamine rece...

  The "Snowpocalypse" That Wasn't: A Survival Guide to Weather Anxiety We’ve all seen the news graphics. You know the ones—where the meteorologist looks like they’re reporting from the bridge of a starship, pointing at a giant, swirling purple blob of doom heading straight for your driveway. They call it the "Storm of the Century." They use words like Bombogenesis and Snowmageddon . Naturally, we do what any rational human does: we sprint to the grocery store to fight an elderly woman for the last loaf of sourdough and buy enough milk to bathe in. Then, the big day arrives. You wake up, ready to tunnel your way out the front door, only to find… a very bright, very cold, very dry sidewalk. Not a flake. Just the sun mocking your three-gallon hoard of 2% milk. Fact vs. Myth: The Weather Edition Is meteorology a science? Sure. But sometimes it feels more like a chaotic improv show where the points don't matter. The Prediction The Reality "30 Inches of Pow...

  Totally Tubular Times: A Rad Look Back at the 80s (from the futuristic year of 2026!) Can you believe it's 2026? We've got self-driving cars, virtual reality vacations, and a smartwatch that practically reads your mind. And yet, sometimes, I find myself yearning for a simpler era, a time of big hair, bigger shoulder pads, and even bigger dreams: the 1980s. Now, before you scoff and tell me I'm romanticizing a decade of neon and questionable fashion choices, hear me out. Yes, we may have been in an "on-again, off-again" recession (a concept that feels quaint compared to today's economic roller coasters), but darn it, we were happy! We found joy in the little things, and maybe, just maybe, our lack of constant digital stimulation contributed to that. Let's talk fashion first, because how can you not? We thought we were the epitome of cool, rocking acid-wash jeans that were so stiff they could stand up on their own, and t-shirts emblazoned with slogans that...

  When the Fever Brings the Fog: Navigating the Flu and Mental Health Getting sick is never just "getting sick" for me. While most people complain about the aches and the chills—which, don’t get me wrong, are miserable—my biggest fear when I see those two pink lines on a COVID test or feel that tell-tale scratch in my throat is the mental slide. I am incredibly susceptible to falling into a major depressive episode when my physical health dips. For the past few days, the flu hasn't just attacked my lungs; it’s gone straight for my dopamine levels. When you’re stuck in bed, the silence becomes loud. The lack of productivity feels like a moral failing, and the physical exhaustion starts to mimic the heavy, "leaden" feeling of clinical depression. It is a dangerous crossover. Here is how I managed to get through these last few days without letting the darkness take over completely. 1. Radical Acceptance (And Lowering the Bar) The moment I realized this was the flu,...

  The "Hump Day" Plot Twist: Reclaiming Your Weekend Space For the 40-hour-a-week warriors, Wednesday is usually the summit—the grueling climb to "Hump Day" where you finally see the downhill slope toward Friday. But what happens when the calendar flips, the routine breaks, and you find yourself standing at the edge of a wide-open weekend that would have been a workday? Suddenly, the "grind" is gone, and you’re left with the big question: Now what? The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing When the structure of the work week falls away, the instinct is often to panic. We feel the urge to fill the void with chores, errands, or "productive" hobbies. Don't freak out. We have acres of time ahead of us. The secret to winning the weekend isn't doing more—it’s using that time wisely by doing significantly less. My Guide to Slowing Down Since my brain has a tendency to sprint miles into the future—worrying about next Monday or planning for next year—...

What you are about to read IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. Please do not replace solid therapy and well laid out treatment plans. These are only (deep dive researched) suggestions from another person who has suffered and understands what you are going through. Finding the right diagnosis can feel like finally receiving a map after wandering in the woods for years. For me, getting the words Bipolar I , severe anxiety , and severe OCD on paper wasn't a burden—it was a relief. It meant I could finally build a toolkit that actually worked for my specific brain. But then comes "Old Man Winter." For those of us navigating complex mental health landscapes, the shorter days and freezing temperatures aren't just an inconvenience; they are a genuine hurdle for stability. If you’re like me and trying to keep your head above water this season, here is how I’m shaking the winter blues while honoring my diagnoses. With OCD and anxiety, sensory overload can trigger a spiral. In the winter, ...

  The Monday Shuffle: Finding the Silver Lining in a Part-Time Schedule Ugh, it’s  Monday . The alarm goes off, the cozy weekend blankets are pushed aside, and it’s time to head back to the grind. We all know that specific "Monday morning" feeling, but my routine looks a little different than the standard 9-to-5, five-day-a-week hustle. Because of my disability, I work a part-time schedule—usually just  two or three days a week . The Trade-Off Living with a disability often means navigating a world that wasn't necessarily built for your pacing. While "working less" might sound like a dream to some, it’s often a necessity for managing energy, health, and accessibility. But if I’m being honest? It comes with a pretty incredible perk:  the 4-day weekend. Why the 4-Day Weekend is a Game Changer When you have a disability, "rest" isn't just about watching Netflix (though there's plenty of that). It’s about: Physical Recovery:  Giving my body the act...

 Honestly, there is something about the combination of a quiet atmosphere, rhythmic speech, and forced stillness that acts like a pressure cooker for the imagination. You aren't alone—some of the best ideas happen when our brains are told to sit still and listen to something else! If you feel a bit guilty about it, look at it this way: inspiration is a gift, and you’re just making sure it doesn't go to waste. To help you keep those sparks flying without feeling like you're being "disrespectful," here are a few ways to lean into the process: The "Stealth" Strategy The Bulletin Method: Use the margins of the church program. To anyone watching, you’re just taking diligent notes on the sermon. The Analog Feel: Carry a small, leather-bound pocket notebook. It looks more like a prayer journal or a spiritual diary than a "plot hole solver." Phone Etiquette: If you use your phone, turn the brightness all the way down and use a dark-mode notes app. I...

  It’s Finally Time to Step Into the Light For a long time, I’ve been content working behind the scenes, keeping my best ideas tucked away like a well-kept secret. I stayed in the shadows because it felt safe there. But safety doesn't lead to growth, and it certainly doesn't lead to  sparkling. Yesterday, January 2nd, I had a transformative conversation with my Senior Editor. We talked about the future, my voice, and the impact I want to have on my readers. He gave me the nudge I finally needed: it’s time to stop hiding. Shifting from Shadow to Sparkle There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you decide to own your space. To "sparkle" isn’t just about being seen; it’s about bringing your full, authentic energy to everything you do. For me, that means opening the doors to a project I’ve kept under wraps for far too long. Breaking the Silence My website has been live, yet "hidden," for months. It was a digital ghost town because I wasn't ready t...

  Chasing the Spark: Big News and 2 AM Inspiration They say the early bird gets the worm, but in the world of writing, the "early bird" usually gets a double espresso and a fresh set of ideas. I have some incredible news to share: My latest article was officially  accepted by my Senior Editor and Publisher!  There is no feeling quite like getting that stamp of approval from the top. It’s a validation of the hard work, the research, and the voice I’ve been trying to cultivate. But the news gets even better. More Than Just a "Yes" During our meeting, I decided to pitch a few "sidebar" ideas—topics I’ve been ruminating on that felt like natural successors to this piece. To my delight, the Publisher loved all of them! What happens next?  The ideas are now headed to his  Staff Editor  for her final approval. Having the backing of the Senior Editor is a massive head start, and I’m feeling incredibly optimistic about building a long-term road map for my work this...

  The Year of the Tilted Halo: Finding Grace in the Mess As I sat down today, January 1, 2026, to reflect on the dawn of a new year, I couldn't help but laugh at the version of myself from just a few days ago. I had spent the final weeks of 2025 on a relentless mission. I was determined that before the ball dropped, every baseboard would be scrubbed, every junk drawer organized, and every speck of dust banished. My logic was spiritual: God pours His blessings into new wine skins. I convinced myself that if my physical environment wasn’t pristine, I wasn’t "ready" for what He had in store. I was channeling my inner Martha, convinced that perfection was the prerequisite for favor. But as it turns out, God has a beautiful sense of humor—and a much better perspective on "cleanliness" than I do. When "Life" Meets the To-Do List The more I demanded perfection from myself, the more Life decided to throw a monkey wrench into my plans. For every room I sanitiz...

  'Twas The Week Before Christmas, And All Through The Store... Pure, Unadulterated Chaos Alright, fellow survivors of the retail trenches, gather 'round. Take a deep breath. Have you finally thawed out from the frostbite you acquired standing by the perpetually-ajar automatic doors? Have the echoes of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" finally receded from your nightmares? Good. Because it's time to talk about it. The Christmas season in retail isn't just a "busy period." It's less like a period and more like an alternate dimension where logic dies, patience goes to hibernate, and the fabric of reality is stretched thinner than a bargain-bin stocking. The Grinch's Demographic First, let's address the species of customer that emerges from the woodwork. You know the ones. The "I need a specific toy that was discontinued in 2007, and it MUST be here because my child will literally spontaneously combust if they don...

  Cheers to 60 Years: Celebrating John Perrone's Milestone Birthday Sixty isn't just another birthday; it’s a "Diamond Jubilee" of a life well-lived. Recently, we gathered friends and family to celebrate my husband John's 60th, and honestly, the planning was just as much fun as the party itself. Whether you are planning a massive bash or an intimate dinner, reaching six decades is the perfect excuse to look back with gratitude and forward with excitement. Here is a look into how we toasted to his big 6-0 . The Menu: Elevated Comfort At 60, you know what you like. We kept the food sophisticated but approachable. Instead of a formal sit-down meal, we did it family "Italiano-style" with Anti-pasta, Bruschetta, Vodka Penne, Italian Caprese salad and, of course, main entrees of choice: Chicken Marsala, Sole Oreganato, or Chicken Francese. For dessert:  We were served various slices of cheese cakes, brownies and carrot cake. And here was the cake for the Guest...

Hello, everyone!  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!  Pre-Christmas stress, preparing for John's 60th as well as attempting to e-mail that important article for the new year was pretty daunting for me and here's why: That "Submit" button can feel like it weighs a thousand pounds. Whether it’s your first pitch or your fiftieth, the moment you send your work off into the void is always a mix of adrenaline and anxiety. There it is. The cursor is no longer blinking at me. The word count is locked. The "Sent" folder has a new resident. I just submitted a piece for my freelance gig at Kearny Life magazine.  If you’re a writer, you know that the five minutes following a submission are a strange, caffeinated blur of relief, terror, and sudden "did-I-miss-a-typo" paranoia. Before I hit send, I did the dance. I read the piece out loud. I ran it through three different spell-checkers. I formatted the headers exactly the way the style guide requested...

 Yes, I have my eccentricities. In my world (circa mid 1980s), New York as we know it in 2025 doesn't exist. Politicians? Who? In my teens, I could care less. I avoid anything that I find unsavory would not fit neatly into my pre-9/11 world.  I don't watch 2025 news, I watch 1980s "nostalgia news."  I feel that this mindset protects me from the horrible realities of 2025.  In my world, 2025 is safely tucked away in the long distance of 40-something years.  My barrier of safety, should I decide to revisit the 90s ends there. See you soon!  In the 80s. xoxo

 I'm trying not to miss my youth with my biological father.  I have to be grateful for the time we (John and I) spent with Papa, Mama Claire, Justin, Kellee, Kiana and Jason.  We WILL return again next July.  I'm almost positive. I just landed a free-lance writing gig with Kearny Life magazine, which is a lifestyle magazine involving everything Kearny, New Jersey.  I am doing my first story on Maxi's Fashions, a formal dress shop right here in town that covers weddings, proms, Sweet Sixteens, Quinces, the works.   Maxi, the owner, is super sweet. As an angle, I will be writing how Maxi makes dreams come true.  I never had a Quince with Papa, so Jack, my editor will be photographing me in a lavender formal Quince gown!  The angle is that it took me 55 years for my dreams to come true in meeting Papa.  Now, Papa will have pictures of me as a Quince I never was!!! Better late than never.  Dreams come true for all ages! Time has nothing...

 Welcome, Summer! In one month and one day, I will be flying off with John to New Mexico to visit with Papa and Mama Claire.  We will also be meeting my youngest half-brother Justin and his wife Kellee and our niece and nephews.  We are Aunt Laurie and Uncle John once again! I am finding it more and more difficult to watch TV, as I want more and more to write! I am slowly answering the questions in my memoir workbook.  Excited to put my memoirs to paper while setting a redemptive tone. Love ya! xoxo

 Hello, again!  Happy May 1st! Every month I get scared that I won't have anything to discuss.  Well, May is going to be awesome!   Last month I began deep cleaning and reorganizing my house.  FYI- keeping your home clean and organized literally sweeps the blues and anxiety away-no pun intended!  This month I will be continuing my stress-free quest by cleaning and organizing my closets.  By the time it comes to seeing my papa in person everything should be ship-shape. Anyway, I bought a book from Amazon called The Memoir Workbook A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Brainstorm, Organize, and Write Your Unique Story by C.S. Lakin.  I sent a copy to papa, who is also working on his memoirs.  This  book really gets your juices flowing when it comes to writing about yourself. In addition, I bought (for me, not for papa) Poetry 30 Day Challenge   and I downloaded another 30-Day Challenge that is sent directly to my inbox. I figure ...