The Only Child Diaries Podcast
Not just for only children! Info, stories and life experiences for anyone who feels like they didn't get the How-To brochure on life! Host Tracy Wallace, who has been a business owner, a successful fundraiser, a stand-up comedian, a caregiver and an animal lover, shares stories from the front lines of adulting to help others in this journey called life. She does this while finding the humor in the all situations.
Episodes
In this episode, we're continuing on with some of the things I've learned about being married.
People change. We evolve. I'm certainly not the same person who met my husband decades ago – I'm more confident for one. I'm also more tired! But yes, also carrying lessons from countless experiences that have shaped me. Marriage becomes an extraordinary adventure when we recognize this ...
Spring has arrived with its characteristic light green foliage, flourishing plants, and yes—even weeds. This season of renewal offers the perfect backdrop for reflecting on transitions in both personal and professional life.
After four years of working on my garden, I've finally feel like I've accomplished something. Like I'm maintaining more than I'm redoing and creating now. It's ...
Have you ever had that coworker whose energy completely threw you off balance? The one who talks non-stop, interrupts conversations, or - and imagine this in a professional setting - sings? Until you're ready to scream? You're not alone.
In this deeply relatable episode, I dive into the complex world of workplace triggers and how to navigate them with grace. Drawing from a recent personal experience...
Have you ever felt that true friendships become more precious as you age? That's exactly what we explore in this heartfelt episode of Only Child Diaries. Friendships aren't passive connections—they're active relationships requiring cultivation, maintenance, and mutual investment. Unlike family relationships that come with built-in connections, friendships must be deliberately chosen and preserved throug...
The uncomfortable and often frustrating truth about healthcare is that being heard by your doctor isn't guaranteed—it's something you must sometimes fight for. Through relatable personal stories about navigating my husband's chronic conditions, I explore why questioning medical authority isn't just acceptable, but necessary for proper care. The bottom line is I care deeply for my husband, and I&ap...
A gabapentin recommendation at the emergency vet triggers my inner monologue: "Yeah, this isn't my first rodeo." After a week that included a pre-dawn drive to work, a $1,200 emergency vet visit for my beloved diabetic cat Bubbie, and a marital squabble over proper cat-medicating techniques, I'm sharing the rollercoaster of a birthday week with equal parts frustration and humor.
The chao...
Grief finds its own way sometimes. As I find myself at the one year anniversary of losing my beloved horse Dallas, the day culminated with several other losses and calamities that left me feeling DONE for the day. This episode takes you through the reality of what happens when the universe decides to "pile it all on" during an already difficult day. I should have just stayed home!
What began as a ...
Grief has a way of marking our calendars doesn't it? What was once just March—my birthday month—has become a landscape of painful anniversaries that I'm still learning to navigate with grace.
This deeply personal episode explores the losses that have transformed my usually happy birthday month. From the sudden passing of my barn friend Manny in 2019, through the difficult COVID period that took both...
Unpredictable moments can redefine our outlook on life in profound ways. This episode of the Only Child Diaries features two riveting narratives, both laced with lessons on resilience and the importance of community. I reflect on a recent visit to a nursery devastated by fire, confronting the stark realities of loss and the slow journey toward recovery. You’ll hear how witnessing the aftermath in person created a wave...
Ever feel like you missed the how-to guide on adulting? Join me as I unravel the complexities and surprises that come with marriage, particularly from the perspective of an only child. This episode dives deep into my 17-year journey leading to my marriage with Bill, where we explored the meaning of commitment beyond traditional timelines. I'm also talking about the unexpected benefit of marriage, at least to me -...
While winter lingers, I'm on a mission to infuse a little spring cheer by revitalizing my garden's aging hedge with new plants. From my weekend adventures at the local nursery to the delightful (and sometimes prickly) surprises hidden within my hedge, this episode is packed with garden insights, and a bit of gardening tips – even if some YouTube advice doesn't quite fit our unique climate.
Tun...
The Super Bowl is more than just a game, it's a cultural phenomenon that unites us all, right? So who cares if I actually watch the GAME? This week I'm exploring the allure of the Super Bowl, even for those of us who aren't die-hard football fans. Through the lens of my own experiences, particularly, I reflect on the ritual of gathering with friends and family, the excitement of the pre-kickoff show,...
Recently I questioned if my self-analysis was correct. Was my insight meter in good shape? I've always thought my instincts, my insights were good. But a recent experience made me question that, and if I did all I could. This week I'm discussing that very topic, and also not having regrets. No matter what you do, it's important to do what you need to do so that you don't have lingering regrets...
This episode reflects on the fragility of life in the face of unexpected disasters, specifically a recent house fire in the neighborhood, unveiling insights about community resilience and personal loss. How grateful are we all for first responders who risk their lives to protect others?
• Personal account of witnessing a fire truck response
• Discussion about the immediate community impact after a fire
...
This episode reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. while addressing the personal and societal challenges of racism and environmental crises like wildfires. Through personal anecdotes and community reflections, it emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversations around equity and safety.
• Honoring Martin Luther King Day as a time for reflection
• Personal stories of growing up in a community...
Ever found yourself trapped in an electric recliner during a power outage while your Christmas decorations take flight in a windstorm? This week I'm sharing tales about a week of unexpected chaos and resilience in Los Angeles, marked by the anniversary of my mother's passing. Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life, I recount how a simple morning spiraled into an adventure involving a power outage, mi...
Reflecting on the new year, this week I'm exploring the tensions between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities. The conversation delves into themes of identity, sacrifices, and strategies for prioritizing self-care while embracing the new year’s possibilities.
• Personal productivity during the holiday season
• Cultural expectations tied to the new year
• Insights from the film &qu...
This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the transitions we face as the year turns, addressing themes of letting go, setting achievable goals, and embracing the new year with positivity. I try to focus on small wins and personal engagement while looking ahead to 2025.
Some discussion points in this episode:
• Reflecting on the year past and setting intentions for the new year
• Insights from the po...
Have you ever found yourself caught up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations, only to realize that spreading joy is the true gift? On this joyful episode of the Only Child Diaries podcast, I'm sharing my personal adventure of transforming my front yard into a festive wonderland, culminating in winning the "Best Theme" category in my city's holiday decorating contest. With an array of delightful ...
As this week's episode goes live, I'm still waiting to hear if our festive front yard Christmas decorations were judged a winner or not! Oh the waiting is the hardest part! Tom Petty was a genius! Here about the night the community judges visited and woke up my neighbors!
There's also a personal celebration on the horizon—our upcoming wedding anniversary. While we reflect on these joyous ...
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