The Shippster

      Well, here we are, folks. It’s January 4, 2025, and if you’re like me, you’re still trying to figure out what to do with all those New Year’s resolutions you made just a few days ago. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to resolve to hit the gym more often when your couch is so comfortably inviting?       I’ll tell you what, I made a resolution to eat healthier this year. But then I passed by the local BBQ joint, and let me tell you, those ribs were calling my name louder than any motivational speaker ever could. I don’t know about you, but when I see a plate of ribs, I can’t help but think that they’re just as good for my soul as any kale smoothie could ever be.       And speaking of resolutions, have you ever noticed how every year they’re always the same? People promise to save money, spend more time with family, and eat less fried food. But come July, we’re back to our old tricks. We’re spending too much, ignoring our f...

      Well, folks, I never thought I’d see the day when our beloved New Orleans, a city known for its jazz, gumbo, and Mardi Gras, would be in the news for something as dark as a terrorist attack. It’s a city that thrives on celebration, where the music flows like the Mississippi River itself. But even the most vibrant places can be touched by tragedy, and when that happens, we’re left to pick up the pieces.      You know, New Orleans is a lot like a good pot of gumbo. It’s got a little bit of everything. A dash of this, a sprinkle of that, and when you stir it all together, you get something magical. But when outside forces come in and try to spoil that mix, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. The resilience of the people there is something to behold, though. They know how to bounce back, and if anyone can turn a tragedy into a reason to celebrate life, it’s the folks in the Big Easy.      It’s hard to fathom why someone would choose to inflict p...

      Well, folks, here we are on January 1, 2025. I don’t know about you, but it feels like just yesterday we were worried about Y2K and whether our microwave ovens would turn into little robots ready to take over the world. And now, a quarter of the way through the 21st century and I can’t help but wonder if we’ve made any real progress or not. Are we just running in place? Sweating and panting, while the treadmill of life keeps speeding up.      I woke up this morning and looked outside. I saw the same old trees, the same old sky, and I thought, "Well, at least the squirrels are still nuts!" But let’s talk about resolutions. Every January 1, people make these lofty promises to themselves. "I’m going to lose weight," "I’m going to quit smoking," or "I’m going to be nicer to my in-laws." But by January 15, most of us are right back to our old habits. Like eating cake for breakfast and avoiding Aunt Edna's phone calls.      Now, I can’t help...

      Well, let me tell you about that New Year’s Eve in the living room. You know how it goes. It starts out with high hopes and a few snacks that are probably older than I am. The TV’s blaring some countdown special, and the lights are dimmed just enough to make you feel cozy but not so dim that you can’t see the pile of dirty dishes in the corner.      I settle into my favorite recliner, the one that’s seen better days but feels like an old friend. The family is gathered around, chatting and laughing. I can’t help but think, “This is where the real party is. Forget Times Square. I’ve got my own little slice of heaven right here.” It is complete with a bowl of chips and a drink that’s more soda than anything resembling adult beverages.      But let’s be honest, by the time the clock strikes nine, I’m already fighting the urge to close my eyes for just a second. You see, New Year’s Eve is like a marathon, and I’m more of a sprinter. I keep t...

      As the calendar pages flip toward the end of December, I find myself reflecting on the year gone by. It’s a time when we all seem to be a little introspective. Like a dog that’s just been scolded, trying to figure out what it did wrong. But instead of dwelling on the year’s troubles, let’s take a moment to celebrate the quirks and joys that made it all worthwhile.      Look at our ever-evolving technology. I swear, every time I turn around, there’s a new gadget that promises to make my life easier. But honestly, half the time I can’t even get my phone to stop autocorrecting my texts into a language I don’t understand! It’s as if my phone is trying to communicate with me in Morse code. And let’s not even get started on the virtual assistants. I asked mine to play a little country music, and it started reciting Shakespeare. I think I’ll stick to singing in the shower, thank you very much!      Then there’s the joy of reconnecting with old...

      Well, here we are at the end of another year, and I can’t help but think about how much has changed and yet, how little has really changed. The world may be spinning faster than a chicken on a barbecue grill, but our family gatherings still revolve around the same old stories that get better (or worse) with each retelling.        As I sit here, sipping my sweet tea and contemplating the state of the world. I realize that while we may have smart devices in our pockets, it’s simple joys like a good laugh with family or a well-cooked biscuit that truly connects us. Here’s to another year of finding humor in the chaos and love in the little things.