The Susan Sequel

Happy New Year everyone! Miss me? I took a week off from writing because of Christmas and a long, overdue family vacation. We got back last night from an amazing time in Mexico (if interested, & why wouldn’t you be, feel free to follow my personal Facebook page for the details & photos of the trip)! Relaxing by a pool and beach for a week is exhausting and I was barely able to keep my eyes open for the ball drop last night (I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I was asleep by 12:03am). If it weren’t for wanting to play HQ at 11:45, I don’t think I would have even made it that far (yes, I love HQ; no, I am not good at it and yes, Scott Rogowsky irritates me). Having walked in the door after 6pm, it was a quiet New Year’s Eve, but it worked for us and I think I am mentally prepared for whatever 2018 decides to bring my way!

I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s Eve, never have been. When you’re younger, it’s a lot of pressure (where to go, what to do, what to wear, etc.) Once you have kids, it’s not worth the price of a babysitter to go out on what is more commonly known as “Amateur Night”. And, when you’re finally past the babysitter age, you generally don’t have anywhere to go anyway (much less somewhere that you would even want to be). Last year, I was a BIG SHOT and went out on New Year’s Eve for the first time in twenty years (yes, you read that correctly).  We went to the Billy Joel concert and I can say, with HONESTY, that it was a lot of fun. Sadly, we weren’t back in time this year to go to the concert last night, but I’m sure that MY LIFE will permit me to make it there next year (no PRESSURE, Frank).

This was a very good year for me. My family & friends are healthy, my puppy is perfect and I have amazing people in my life. I traveled a lot, watched my kids flourish and turned fifty (and even had a great time doing so). I feel exceptionally fortunate and think 2018 might be even better (I am not an optimist so this is actually quite a statement coming from me). Without repeating stories about my year, I thought I would do my own “best of” list from 2017 (since you all are dying to know what I think about everything). Without further delay, I hope you enjoy my take on 2017:

Entertaining Television: Good Behavior (TNT) & The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime) (before everyone jumps all over me, there were lots of excellent TV shows this year; these 2 just happen to be ones that I particularly enjoyed, each for different reasons);

Overrated TV Show: This is Us (sorry folks, you know my feelings on this one already) and Designated Survivor (I love Keifer Sutherland & really wanted to like this one but, alas, it was not meant to be);

Best Movie: The Big Sick (if you didn’t see this, you are totally missing out on one of the most enjoyable films made in a long time);

Best Way to Piss People Off: Tell them Die Hard isn’t a holiday movie (it isn’t) and that you’ve never seen A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life (I haven’t). In my opinion, Elf is the best holiday movie, followed by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (I clearly don’t ask for much depth in my holiday entertainment);

Worst Movie: Baby Driver (yes, I know everyone loved this movie but I did not; it was loud, dumb and tiresome. And no, I didn’t think Baby was charming, cute or endearing. I found the whole thing annoying & I only enjoyed it for the popcorn);

Movies I Missed & Need to Watch: Get Out (dying to see) & Battle of the Sexes (because who doesn’t love Emma Stone);

Show I Am Waiting Patiently to Return: The Man in the High Castle (if you have not watched this stellar, scary show, stop whatever you’re doing and start it, this second, on Amazon Prime);

Worst Holiday Trend: upside down Christmas Trees (who thought of this moronic idea and, more importantly, why);

Worst Word of the Year: nothingburger (not only is this the dumbest saying ever invented, but its repetitive use is making me despise hamburgers and that just won’t do);

Best Place I Visited: St. Petersburg, Russia (yes, I went to Israel & it was unbelievably amazing; however, ever since I could remember, I have wanted to go to Russia and St. Petersburg did not disappoint. As an added bonus, I even got to pose for pictures wearing a big, fuzzy, fur hat! Now, I am also dying to go to Moscow and Morocco, but that’s another story).

Best Unexpected Activity: Attending Dear Evan Hansen Fan Day (as you all know, Hannah won free tickets and we went to this amazing show, spending a girls weekend in NYC. Now, if she could only win us tickets to see Hamilton, my 2018 would be complete in January);

Most Confusing Thing: Bitcoin (look, I’m no mathematical genius, which is partly why I went to law school, but this whole cryptocurrency thing has me totally confused. I’ve been busy reading up on it and can at least discuss it without sounding like a moron but I still don’t totally understand the whole concept or the need for it to begin with); and

Biggest Disappointment: Donald Trump Supporters (I know you all thought I would say Donald Trump but I am a woman of many surprises! Donald Trump is an absolute moron so I am most disappointed in anyone who still supports him. This divide is no longer a political disagreement; rather, it’s a personal one. Trump is a vile man, a horrible leader and an international disgrace. His supporters are either as racist/sexist/anti-semitic, etc. as him or are willing to overlook these traits based on whatever personal agenda they might have. Neither circumstance makes it any better or any less reprehensible; thus, while some of these supporters may be scientifically intelligent, they are, by no means, smart).

Of course, I could go on and on with my thoughts but I think I should stop before you all fall asleep (or is it me who is always tired).  I would love to hear what some of the best & worst moments were from your own 2017. A very happy & healthy 2018 to each of you and those you love. Thanks for reading and for all the support. Cheers!