The One About Affirmations & Allergies & Assertiveness, Oh My!

/ Ally Bean

The Affirmation Part

As I’m sure you realize, my little cherry blossoms of joy, there’s a difference between quotes and affirmations.

Quotes are thoughts said by someone. Ideally a quote, when properly sourced, is from an authority— maybe a person like a novelist or poet or songwriter OR from a well-known book or movie or TV show. When examined in their context quotes add depth to your thinking, speaking, writing.

Affirmations on the other hand are sayings that provide generic emotional support or encouragement. They tend to be popular ideas, often reflecting the existential angst of the era in which the affirmation originates. While an affirmation may be motivating for one person, it could just as easily be dismissed as poppycock by another person. 

So keeping the foregoing in mind I share an affirmation that dropped into my sneezy life as I was scrolling along the interwebs. It stopped me long enough for me to muse upon its meaning | wisdom | value.

And how it could be a reflection of the times in which we live. The need to feel some control over something is powerful in the best of times and doubly so in our socially-mediated times. Maybe more so than in the past.

N’est-ce pas?

The Allergy Part

Without a second thought I can tell you the 3 months I like the best: October [at the top] – May – January. Then there are six other months I’m indifferent to, followed by the 3 months I dislike the most: February – August – April [at the bottom].

I apologize to people with April birthdays and wedding anniversaries, but for me April is a lousy month. This is because of ALLERGIES.

You see, I suffer from what the allergy doctors refer to as Rose Fever, the springtime equivalent to late summer’s Hay Fever [which I also suffer from].  While Hay Fever makes me tired, Rose Fever makes me irritable & leaves me feeling churlish.

It aggravates me in ways that fuel my natural penchant for being snarky, which I admit may work to my benefit. People tell me it’s my sassiness that draws them to this blog.

Thus this is where I find myself today, a woman muttering about her drippy nose, eyes that won’t focus, itchy skin, a mild never-ending headache, and the ability to sneeze loudly enough to startle Z-D when I’m downstairs and he’s upstairs on the other side of the house.

True story, really happened!

The Assertiveness Part

While researching something unrelated to that which follows I stumbled over another interesting online test that I had to take. I have a thing for them and from what I can tell so do my bloggy friends.

I realize I’ve been known to say that I believe life is one big ole test with a few pop quizzes along the way. I was being figurative but maybe for me it’s a literal thing.

Anyhoo I took the simple + fast Psychology Today’s Assertiveness Test that helps you determine how confident | bold | decisive you are.

From my results I learned that on a scale of 0 to 100 I rate 73. This puts me in the Somewhat Assertive range which means I’m an “effective communicator” who respects other people.

It also confirmed that I know that my “thoughts and feelings have value.”

Since becoming an adult I doubt there has rarely been a time when I didn’t know that my thoughts and feelings had value, but it’s good to have outside confirmation.

I guess…

Questions of the Day

Keeping your destiny in mind what have you created lately?

What is your favorite month of the year? What is your least favorite month of the year? What are your reasons for your choices?

Do you have seasonal allergies? If not, how’d you get so lucky?

If you took the test, what is your assertiveness score? Does it seem accurate to you?

~ ~ 🩷 ~ ~

211 thoughts on “The One About Affirmations & Allergies & Assertiveness, Oh My!”

  1. When I was teaching, I used to have a coffee mug that said “My favorite months are June, July, and August”. It was true at the time – not because I didn’t love teaching. I did, but because the feeling of freedom to make my own schedule during the summer appealed to me.

    Thinking about it now, my favorite months are April, May, and June.

    As a kid, I loved Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day. I love the anticipation of good things to come. Hazy, hot and humid? Bring it on! I love to sweat the second I step out the door. If it was up to me, I would never turn on our air conditioner.

    I know…I’m a weirdo.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Laurie, as a teacher’s daughter I totally understand the message on your coffee mug. My mother would have had one of those if they’d been around back then.

      I hadn’t thought about months in the framework of anticipation for what is to come. Fascinating and understandable. As for no AC in the summer, you’re on your own with that. But by all means enjoy. Good for you, not for me.

      Like

  2. Keeping your destiny in mind what have you created lately?

    Vegetable Noodle Soup
    Stir Fried Bok Choy
    Sauteed Green & Rice

    What? A girl has to eat if she is to create her own destiny. 😀

    What is your favorite month of the year? What is your least favorite month of the year? What are your reasons for your choices?

    Summer used to be my favorite season . . . especially during school years. Now that we live in Florida, summer is my least favorite season. My favorite DAYS are those when the weather is warm enough to get outside and enjoy walking, biking, picnicking, hanging out, etc., but not oppressively hot and humid. No Hot Yoga for me. Ever.

    Do you have seasonal allergies? If not, how’d you get so lucky?

    I do have MILD seasonal allergies ~ but nothing to complain about. And I do feel lucky not to have constant itchy eyes, etc. Hope you get some relief soon, Ally.

    If you took the test, what is your assertiveness score? Does it seem accurate to you?

    My assertiveness score = 85 . . . but I took the test with a figurative chip on my shoulder, picturing times when I stood up for myself and ignoring other times when I backed down too easily. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I’m a 70, somewhat assertive as well.
    You have my sympathies with the allergies. Though I don’t suffer I know it’s a miserable way to spend spring and summer.
    I’m with you though, October is the best month. Crisp fall air, pumpkins, apples, turning leaves. I love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    • River, hello Somewhat Assertive friend without a drippy nose and watery eyes who enjoys October, THE BEST MONTH of the year. I’m with you about why I like October so much. 🎃 🍎 🍁

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Drippy sneezy nose here tonight, so I empathise. To use a famous and originally Persian quote, This too, shall pass.
    Assertivness is important. It plays a crucial role in maintenance of our self-esteem. If we can’t respectfully advocate for ourselves in situation, we might feel unhappy or beat ourselves up about it. Better to err on the side of assertiveness than not. (Respectfully of course).
    I hope you feel better soon. Allergies suck!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Amanda, sorry about your drippy nose. Quite the bother, isn’t it? I didn’t know that quote was Persian. I think of the TV show M*A*S*H when Col. Potter said that.

      I agree with your explanation of why assertiveness is important if we are to live happy lives. Took me a few decades to understand that, but now that I have I have boundaries.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Interesting! My assertiveness score was 76…sounds about right for this hay fever (but not rose fever) suffering gal who hates January…loves May…and is desperate to cook up a batch of rigatoni and meatballs. Creating…comfort food. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Actually, I’ve done things but I haven’t created anything much lately.

    My favourite month is September. The extreme heat has passed – it gets into the 40s (100s F) here for a lot of July and August – so the days are usually very, very nice. May can be similar. I’m not fond of January and will often take a southerly beach holiday during that month. It’s dark and cold.

    I have eczema which is year-round and nasty. All the sanitizer during COVID made it a lot worse and it hasn’t really improved all that much since then. Summer heat (see above) affects it badly and humidity can cause it to spread everywhere. Ugh. I sympathise with you about the rose fever/hay fever. You’re sneezing and I’m scratching.

    I did take the test but it wanted my postal code at the end and I won’t submit that info or phone numbers, etc. Actually, I know myself on this quite well. I often won’t argue but will go ahead and do what I think needs doing which depending on your pov could either be assertive or passive aggressive. I can ignore criticism too if I think it’s inappropriate. I’m Gen X so women of my age group weren’t supposed to be assertive and we faced a lot of overt discrimination, too. We had to figure ways around it.

    Interesting questions. Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, I feel the same way. I’ve been doing things, but nothing feels like it’s been creative. Maybe once allergy season is over I’ll jump-start my creativity.

      Eczema is lousy. More so than seasonal allergies. I’m sorry. At least I know there is a beginning, middle, end of my suffering. Again, I’m sorry about your itchiness. Condolences.

      I wasn’t asked for my personal information when I took the test. Different country, maybe? I understand about being a Gen X woman, reared to be more passive than assertive. Heaven forbid you ruffle feathers, but also it didn’t really matter because as you said we figured out ways around it. Quietly creative, baffled then bemused by expectations.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. My score was 72 so I’m somewhat assertive which I’m happy with as for seasonal allergies..don’t hate me but I don’t have any…December is my favourite month as I love the run up to Christmas and the New Year…January is my least favourite as I am collating for our annual visa renewal in February and it stresses me…

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Created lately? Hmm. Well, if seed snails and table toppers count, then there it is. 🙂 I love May because I can work in the garden without sweating and watch everything come to life. I have eustachian tube issues which is kind of like allergies in that my ear(s) plug up, open up, and my nose runs. More than you wanted to know. 🙂 Interesting enough, I scored 73 on the test. In my younger years, I would not have scored as high. I was way more concerned about other people and what they thought of me. Happy Wednesday, and today happens to be my husband’s birthday. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, your reason for liking May is the same as mine. Outside is the place to be, finally. I have a friend with the Eustachian tube problem like yours. It’s weird and annoying and I’m sorry.

      Like you if I’d have taken this test even a decade ago I’d have not scored as high as I did now. Maybe for some of us non-assertiveness has to be experienced first for us to learn to employ our assertiveness. Or we just got older!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Weather reporters show high pollen counts of both pine and oak. I respond by wearing masks on walks or using nasal spray. Soon the air will clear.

    BTW, I don’t need to take an “assertiveness” test. I think I know where I stand. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marian, we have high elm and oak pollen counts here today. My true pollen nemesis is mulberry which has yet to join the sneezy party. I use OTC meds, so I do better but not perfect [as in no symptoms].

      To thine own self be true. You can assert whatever number you want. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I’ve been working on my work in progress, and organizing my house. I feel my destiny is to write and have a calm household.y favorite month is May. Birth month. Great weather. Flowers. Warm enough to enjoy Sunday afternoon baseball game. Yes to benedryl season. Ugh. 77 on the score. Which I think is accurate

    Liked by 1 person

    • LA, I’m with you about having a destiny that involves writing and a calm house, my work in progress. 😉 Hadn’t thought about that, but I’m the same. I like May, too— not as much as October but close. I thought my score seemed accurate.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I am actively creating my destiny, what I call Phase 3. Per time lime, Phase 1 of my life covered the years from childhood up through early marriage. Growing up and learning. Phase 2 covered the busy years, raising kids and working. Now, at the beginning of Phase 3, I am retired and starting new hobbies like traveling, blogging, painting, reading, volunteering, and more. Also, I have been building and furnishing a new retirement home; cleaning out about 75% of our current possessions; and preparing to move. I am creating a whole new environment in a different location. Not sure what destiny has in store, but I’m getting ready to find out.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gwen, I like your way of parsing the decades of your life. I know that entering retirement years, which is something we’re on the cusp of, will bring changes to our priorities and lifestyle. It sounds like you’re tackling that straight on. I’ve been part of cleaning out 3 of my elder family members’ houses, it’s a chore. I do adore the idea of living in a new environment as a way of signaling a new phase in life. You go girl!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I didn’t bother to take the test, but I guess I’m a 70 something. Like Judy, I would have probably scored 20 in my 20s.
    The only thing I created thus far today is a mess in my kitchen, but the day is young,
    My favorite month is April because the snow finally goes and I can see green sprouts and everything is possible in the garden, there are no bugs, no weeds, no humidity, and no overgrown zucchini.
    My least favorite month is April because I have a mold allergy that kicks in as soon as that aforementioned snow actually does melt and the leaf mold fills the air.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Keeping your destiny in mind what have you created lately?
    I may’ve claimed to have manifested myself an apartment in a Jane Austen home 🙂

    What is your favorite month of the year? What is your least favorite month of the year? What are your reasons for your choices?
    I don’t have any particular favourites – but my favourite season is autumn/fall. Spring has moved a lot higher up as I no longer suffer with hay fever.

    Do you have seasonal allergies? If not, how’d you get so lucky?
    I got hay fever in my 30s. It was hellish, and had a hugely negative impact on how I lived. I seem to have all but grown out of it now.

    If you took the test, what is your assertiveness score? Does it seem accurate to you?
    My score was middling – unfortunately, I think this is accurate, but it is something I’m working on.

    Like

  14. Haven’t really thought much about my destiny honestly, except that I’m sure each year keeps getting shorter and shorter until that final sunset comes along. I guess if I have a destiny I better get busy figuring out what it is!

    September into October- just naturally gorgeous time of the year here in WA. January into February- so, so tired of the cold by that point.

    Tree allergies for sure so these past few weeks have been hell. I try to take a break from allergy meds starting in the fall through winter. Did not remember to start them soon enough this time. I had days that I thought I had developed COPD overnight, for no reason until the meds kicked in.

    Did not take the test but…I can be assertive when I need to be assertive if that makes sense.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, well now that you put it like this, sure we all should be focusing more on our destinies. Mine so far seems to be blogging and design, but there could be another act coming.

      Our Septembers can be lovely and kind of a pre-October experience. Although with global warming they’re staying hotter longer.

      Your experiences with allergies sound familiar. I kicked myself for not starting on Flonase a week ago, but I didn’t so now I’ll have to wait for my symptoms to lessen.

      Your take on assertiveness makes sense. I’m the same way. My motto is: do no harm, but take no shit. ‘Ya know?

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I am suffering from allergies too. There’s something in the air! I find a Neil Med sinus rinse and Allegra helps. Lately I’m spending most of my time learning photography. I’ve got a month left of my class.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Keeping your destiny in mind what have you created lately?
    Nothing much, to be honest besides writing blog posts.

    What is your favorite month of the year? What is your least favorite month of the year? What are your reasons for your choices?

    Favorite? One of the summer months or late spring ones, like April or May. The least favorite is probably January or February. Not a fan of winter and the darkness.

    Do you have seasonal allergies? If not, how’d you get so lucky?
    Nope, but I struggle with other things, I’m not mentioning here, because they’re probably far worse. I do not consider myself lucky here 😂.

    If you took the test, what is your assertiveness score? Does it seem accurate to you?

    62. Not really accurate. It should both be higher and lower depending on the context.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Define destiny. No such thing. Nor is there any such thing as fate – except that you will die – that’s everyone’s fate. I don’t think anything is predetermined. We are born with potential – of various types and levels – what we do with it is the question. Of course there are aspects of life we have no control over – other people for instance. That doesn’t make them fate or destiny. Just makes them effin’ annoying.

    October is my favorite month. One,because it is my birth month and two, because it is the most glorious month of the year climate-wise. Any month that is hot and humid is my least favorite month.

    And no, I have no allergies, seasonal or otherwise. I am lactose intolerant and I have a bad reaction (labeled ‘allergic’ in my medical records) to a certain medication that is not essential to my health and well being.

    Oh and I scored 79 on the assertiveness test – totally meaningless.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Grace, so you’re saying that this affirmation is poppycock! Not saying you’re right or wrong, but you prove my point about affirmations in general are dubious. Thank you.

      Another fan of October. I like it for the reasons you mention, including it being your birthday month. Not a fan of heat and humidity either.

      I’m allergic to certain meds, too. Like you they don’t impact my general health so I avoid them, when necessary loudly telling all medical professionals of my allergic reactions.

      So the meaningless test says you’re a 79. That’s the highest score anyone has gotten so far, yet you dispute it. How very assertive of you. Love it!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Oh for pete’s sake I completely missed the ‘affirmation’ – I just thought it was some random graphic and scrolled right past it. If destiny is predetermined then you can’t create it! Yeah, I think affirmations are dumb – at least those kind. Now I have to look up the definition of affirmation. I just looked up the definition – I talk to myself all day long – can’t say it’s always positive or that it adds to my self-esteem – but I make myself laugh – and I suppose that’s just as good if not better – (“What the hell are you doing girl? Get it together” followed by laughing. Does that count?)

        I’ll take any test, any time, anywhere. I have always ‘tested’ well. I’ve always just thought of them as games, really. Except typing tests – as bad a typist as I am I do even worse on tests. A test is a competition with myself – and that’s the only competition I ever participate in. “Personality” tests either annoy me or amuse me. When they don’t offer you an answer that actually applies to you – annoyance. Yeah, yeah – generalizations – not helpful when dealing with an individual. But still – these tests are fun. I’m glad nothing in my life depends on them.

        Liked by 2 people

        • Yes, it’s meant to be an affirmation. I think many affirmations are merely a reflection of the times or way in which a person lives. Not something that will be repeated over the ages like a quote.

          I like to take online tests, but am pragmatic so the results often amuse me rather than define me. If nothing else the questions you answer make you think and I like to think. Sounds like you’re the same way.

          Liked by 1 person

  18. October is also my favorite month. While we don’t have the color in SoCal that made it my favorite, it is the start of the holidays (at least in my mind). December is probably my next favorite month. My least favorite month is March, because of the change to DST (the devil) and because if a pet or loved one doesn’t die in March, the anniversaries of their deaths surface anyway. I am also adaptively assertive and “stand up for myself” (except, apparently, with my in-laws). I have year-round food allergies (mostly minor), as well as environmental allergies that are mostly controlled with a steroid nasal spray at night. Could be worse.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Autumn, I get what you’re saying about October being the start of the holidays. I think of Halloween being the beginning of the Eating Season that extends to Valentine’s Day. During that time every activity involves food somehow. I’m sorry March is a bummer for you, but we all have weird memory-filled months like that. July is mine.

      I thought the categories of assertiveness according to the test were interesting. They describe degrees of assertiveness that I’d not considered.

      Like

  19. January (my birthday month) is my least favorite. Both parents died in January (different years), two significant relationships broke up and it’s freaking cold out. I like September (except that it’s closer to winter than I like) but summertime is my time. We are doing some “hard” downsizing (stuff that isn’t easy to find a home for). Today I found a place willing to look at one of my specialty sewing machines and possible buy it from me. Score! I’ll hopefully get enough to fund my Starbucks mocha addition for a week. Except that we won’t get out of the 40s today, it’s a good day.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Keeping your destiny in mind what have you created lately?
    I have no answer for this question.

    What is your favorite month of the year? What is your least favorite month of the year? What are your reasons for your choices?
    December and January I dislike. But the other seasons I like.

    Do you have seasonal allergies? If not, how’d you get so lucky?
    Now to say I like summer as one of my seasons, as long as it’s not scorching hot, I do suffer with hayfever. I usually have hayfever from middle of May to early September. But my hayfever has known to catch me out times and start as early as mid-April.
    My eyes itch, I sneeze and the roof of my mouth may itch at times.
    If I wasn’t dairy-free then I would suffer with catarrh at times.
    Asthma can be triggered by hayfever. But since being on a new inhaler the last few years, it has been more under control. When my asthma used to be put of control in summer, or if I had a cold or chest infection in the colder seasons, then phlegm would be a problem. So this is why I have been dairy-free for a number of years now, to reduce or have no ussues with phlegm. Because I used to feel like I was choking while coughing badly.

    If you took the test, what is your assertiveness score? Does it seem accurate to you?
    The test was asking for my postcode. So didn’t proceed. So I don’t know what it would have been.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Liz, I don’t know that I have an answer to the first question too. I’ve not been feeling creative lately.

      I find that I have specific months about which I have opinions, but not strongly held ones. You sound similar.

      I hear you about hay fever symptoms. They get to me every which way. It makes sense, the hay fever/asthma connection. What a situation with dairy and asthma! I can understand how it happens and am glad you’ve found a way to work around it.

      I didn’t need to share any personal information on the test. Sorry about that. I wouldn’t have proceeded either.

      Like

      • Yes. I seen in your comments how you didn’t have to do anything like that. So how strange how we are seeing it differently.

        Yes. Being dairy-free works for me. When I have allowed a bit of dairy in, I have seen how it will affect me again. So this is definitely the best way for me, to be dairy-free.

        Like

        • Couldn’t begin to explain why some people get to do the test and others do not. Another mystery of life.

          I try to eat dairy every day, the calcium for my bone health, but it is a challenge for me. I’m not inclined to want it…

          Like

  21. I scored 60 on the test – in the middle. I’m not surprised. I’m assertive if something really matters to me. Otherwise, I have no problem letting things go. I love the words “adaptively assertive”. I can’t find who said that in the previous comments, but it’s genius!
    My favorite month is October, and my favorite season is Fall. I used to say March was my least favorite month, but now that we’ve retired from retail work, things have changed so much! Now I’d say July is my least favorite month because it’s too hot and there are too many hours of daylight. (more daylight = more heat)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Michelle G., your score and approach to assertiveness makes perfect sense to me. The phrase “adaptively assertive” is from the test’s description of people who it calls Somewhat Assertive. I agree it’s a wonderful way to think about assertiveness.

      Another fan of October! Yay! I understand about how retirement can change your take on months. I don’t like lots of daylight and heat either, although I lean into disliking August. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Yes, I have seasonal allergies. I’m dealing with an allergy-related headache today.

    I scored a 70 on the assertiveness test, so I’m in the Somewhat Assertive range with you. In my twenties, it would have been a different story.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, my sympathies. Earlier this week my head was pounding relentlessly but today it’s drippy nose time.

      I’m with you about knowing who I am now would not have been who I was then. If we’re lucky we mature into strength.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I’m a 71 on the scale. I can be assertive even though I’m shy. April is a month of definite extremes – taxes and chocolate bunnies. Regarding allergies, when I lived in the Midwest I really suffered but living here we’re close enough to the coast that they’re not too bad. A lot of snot and sneezing but none of the headaches and general malaise. Could be the fog.

    Like

  25. I like September, October, May and July. August is great too because it’s usually nice weather and my birthday month. March (too rainy) and December (too many anniversaries and holidays) are my least favorites. I try to find something good about every month though. Some are just harder than others. I’m off to take the test–you know I have a weakness for them!

    Like

    • Margaret, answering the question about months is as much about where you live maybe more than the actual month. I knew August was your BD month so no wonder you like it. I feel about July like you feel about December. You make a great point that there is something good in each month if you look for it.

      Like

  27. I scored an 87. As a middle daughter, I had to learn to speak up and stand up for myself or I’d be overlooked, which, in fairness, was easy to do since I was bookish and no trouble as a kid. But, I soon realized that the world at large was also happy to ignore me–a woman of short stature–so I made sure that I kept speaking up, showing that I was smart and informed. If Certain Men couldn’t handle it and saw it as Aggressiveness or Being A Bitch, that was their problem.

    As a matter of fact, my own father once told me, “Nance, you’re goodlooking and smart, and that makes you bad company for most men.” Luckily, I wasn’t interested in Most Men.

    Like

    • nance, I like your attitude about being potentially called a bitch. Who cares? I understand how you needed to up your assertiveness considering your middle daughter place in the lineup.

      As for your father’s assessment of you, accurate and oddly prophetic. After all he was right that you’d be with someone who was better than most men.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. I can relate to your allergies. I don’t have allergies to plant life. Just dust, cows, and cantaloupe according to the skin tests I’ve had done over the years. Weird allergies right. My allergist told me I have the worst kind of symptoms to treat because my sinus’ react to the barometer. When the pressure drops the pressure rises in my head and my nose drips all the time, and I sneeze all the time, and my face aches.
    When she told me about the barometer affecting my sinus’ I replied, ” I’m an airhead. Literally!” She cracked up. 😂
    We’ve been having mixed weather here some sunny days and lately rainy, snowy days so my I’m feeling it. I’ve got raw spot on my nose from blowing it so much now. UGH! TMI?
    I’m deep into my sinus cleanse routine until we get back to constant 30 % on the barometer. My happy place. I hope you have a good system and a few meds to get you through and back to your happy place so these months are tolerable for you.

    Like

    • Deborah, I’m laughing about you being an airhead. That’s an accurate description of you physically but not mentally. I’m sorry for your strange allergies [cows and cantaloupes?] but it does make you a lady of mystery!

      Our weather has been random. 40º low yesterday, predicted high of 80º today. Then there’s the rain. I’m taking a few OTC meds that are effective but tire me. It’s not like I have a lot to do this time of year, it’s the principle of the thing that bugs me. What if I wanted to be all spunky now and couldn’t be?

      Liked by 1 person

  29. I hate allergies. Ugh. And yes, there are horrible this time of year. I am always jealous of people that don’t have seasonal allergies. They are the bane of my existence and I basically have to take an antihistamine to get through each day.

    I scored a 70, so I’m in the same vicinity as you! I like that amount of assertiveness! I’m not a push over, but I’m not overbearing. Right???

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, yes I’m into antihistamines right now and of course they make me sluggish which makes me more irritable. You understand.

      Your description of yourself rings true for me too. I’ll never be called a doormat, but am agreeable enough to tread lightly on my pursuit of something. We’re two peas in a pod.

      Like

  30. I scored 70 – but, as always with these tests, I’m not absolutely sure that all of my answers were what they really should be. Do I see myself as I really am? That’s the question. As to favorite months – probably May or June, although it could be whichever month I start to see new green growth sprout – because to me that’s a sign of spring and nice weather. My least favorite month is February, because by then whatever charm winter might hold – and whether it has any charm is questionable – has passed and I’m weary of it all.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Carol, yours is a perfect comment. I’m laughing out loud at your self-awareness about questioning whether you are self aware enough to answer the questions truthfully. You nailed it.

      I’m with you about disliking February when winter has over-stayed its welcome. I’m weary in February every year, just waiting for something better. Nice to know I’m not alone.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Sorry, I also meant to answer your questions:
        Yes, I do suffer with allergies so it’s Benadryl most nights and/or Flonase most days.
        My favorite Season is Summer because I love the heat! The cold and wind wreaks havoc on my Migraines.
        I do love December though. It’s my Birthday & Christmas month when most people are nice to one another.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Venus, I use Flonase, too. Plus Alavert because Benadryl puts me to sleep. Good point about one benefit of December, people do tend to lean into kindness more. That’s something to consider.

          Like

  32. Well now, I’m not sure if I’m assertive enough to say this but I scored a 77 and even though usually I am happy with the information I glean from Psychology Today, I don’t think this test was well constructed. Take the helpful salesperson question. If it’s a car salesperson, he or she can be very very very helpful and I still won’t buy a rolling dumpster (which technically is trademarked) but a counterperson extolling the virtues of a particular flavor donut over another, I’ll usually buy from even if I really wanted a croissant.
    Also I’m am assertive enough to say good for you that you know you have rose fever. I am a fellow rose fever sufferer and it can be miserable. Many with rose fever have never heard it described as such which isn’t surprising because it really isn’t.
    Oh, and October. Definitely October. All the others come in place except for March which I despise because it cannot decide what season it wants to belong to. Haooy April!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Micheal, great examples of how some of the questions on the test may need to be a little more nuanced. No car for you, yes donuts for you. This you tell me but the test did not discern.

      I only know I have rose fever because a doctor told me what it was called. He was an allergist so I figured he knew that of which he spoke.

      Love October, too. March can be fickle, not in an enjoyable random way, more like in a pouting 3 y.o. way.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. January is your favorite? That is confusing to me. It’s the heart of winter AND has 31 days. February’s only redeeming quality is that it’s short. I struggle with SAD most in September and March. So those are the bottom four months. Top four are obviously October, July, August, and December. LOL. I didn’t realize I had such strong opinions on this until just now.

    Liked by 3 people

    • NGS, yes I like January. The December holidays, that I don’t entirely enjoy, are behind me and there’s no yard work to interfere with my reading time and some years it is gloriously pretty here. Agree about February. October is the best month, of course— but not everyone seems to understand that. Good to have strong opinions of things that make zero difference to anyone except yourself.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. My line was always, you are the product if you’re own decisions, which is pretty much the same but works really well for negative whiney people.
    I don’t really have a favourite month. I enjoy most of them except February. I really struggle in February.
    I only have a couple of allergies and am lucky that they don’t bother me much. I feel for you and your runny nose though because I know people who suffer as you do.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jenn, I like how you phrased that. It’s truthful and versatile and slightly subversive when you want it to be.

      February is a tricky month in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s short but ridiculous. No allergies is good. I don’t usually moan about mine, too much. It’s gets boring, the symptoms are dull, the lack of spunk is dull, allergies are dull.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. I created a tourism job for myself, then a writing job, and now a web content editor job, according to my interests. Also created travel opportunities and lived in places I wanted to (abroad). Right now, I’m pursuing 3 hobbies that were on my wish list for a long time and I was just saying to a friend I feel so great about that! I don’t really like affirmations (and I’m so tired of the quote trend), but the affirmation you had here is something I believe true to an extent. You do need lots of persistence and determination to create good things for yourself, as well as a plan. It doesn’t just happen like magic! Anyway, I suffer from allergies, too, and spring is my least favourite season, along with winter (with Xmas making an exception, I do love Xmas, despite ours coinciding with winter. And it’s rarely white like in the post cards).
    As if allergy symptoms weren’t enough, isn’t it lovely how the antihistamins make you drowsy! 🤪

    Liked by 1 person

    • Snow, you’ve created many wonderful and fulfilling situations for yourself. I’m impressed. I bet your three hobbies will pay off in ways that you like too. I agree and am happy to see you mention:“It doesn’t just happen like magic!” That’s a good way to temper the sentiment in the affirmation. Well done. 🫡

      Hear, hear about the antihistamines. They make me sluggish just when spring is springing and I want to be peppy. I realize seasonal allergies aren’t a huge medical problem but they are annoying.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Sigh, I didn’t have bothersome allergy symptoms until I turned 30 and since then I have made up for lost time. This time of year and early Autumn are the worst. With that said, I do love this time of year because the weather is starting to be not-awful and we get teases of spring. My least favorite time of year is Nov – Feb because of the cold and dark.

    I’m smack dab in the middle for my assertiveness score. Not a surprise! I’m someone who thinks a lot of things that I do not say. It’s great for staying employed, and has downsides in other parts of life.

    Like

    • Birchwood Pie, I’m sorry about your allergies because you can’t escape them short of moving to Alaska. I’m with you in theory I adore spring, the colors, the fresh starts, BUT in reality I’m a sneezing machine.

      I get your point about your assertiveness score. I don’t say everything I’m thinking but maybe sometimes too much. It’s a line to walk.

      Like

  37. I have created nothing but memories, my favourite month is December as I love Christmas, my least favourite now is April it is a sad month as both my parents died in the month of April so it is a sad month. I have no allergies thankfully and I did the test scored 45 and thought it sounded right

    Liked by 1 person

    • Joanne, creating memories, eh? Hope they’re good ones. I can understand why you don’t like April, who would considering your parents deaths. My dislike is more selfish, I sneeze too much. It’s an interesting test, never thought about how assertiveness varies until I took the test.

      Like

  38. The test told me what I already knew – I am not assertive. As to allergies, funny enough I never had them until we moved here. Now it seems to be a year round thing for me. *sigh*

    My favorite seasons are spring and fall because spring and fall here in NC are PERFECT.

    I was going to say that I haven’t created anything lately; but I just remembered I whipped up two batches of homemade brownies for our cul-de-sac block party last weekend – so I’m going to count that as creating.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gigi, oh no! Not allergies year round. That’s awful. I’m sorry.

      I’m almost jealous that you get two perfect seasons, but then I remember your allergies. We get some good months, but not entire seasons. The weather is fickle here.

      YES! Making brownies is definitely creating your own destiny. In a yummy time-honored way. I haven’t had any brownies in a while, might be time to correct that.

      Like

  39. Rose fever – I’m so sorry. That doesn’t sound very fun. But I love the way you rolled into this post and affirmed that our thoughts and feelings had value by asking us questions!

    I think you are a very effective communicator and I have no idea about the assertiveness scale but if you got a 73, that’s probably a good place to be on the scale!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Wynne, rose fever, hay fever, are both stupid. There I said it. No need to pretend anything good comes from these allergies other than a blog post once in a while. 😉

      I don’t truly know how accurate the assertiveness test is but it was fun to take. I can be happy with a 73, I seem to get by okay.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, lovely way to state your answers. Good answer, creating a peaceful life seems perfect. You like July, huh? Around here it’s hot, hot, hot so not my favorite.

      No allergies! I know many people have no problem so being one of them means you’re forced to hear the rest of us whine.

      I’m with you about determining if the situation is one that warrants full-on assertiveness or one that can just slide by. The older I get, the more I let slide by.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. I have a number of writing projects underway.

    My favorite month is October. It’s beautiful in New England and I’ve always managed to get a lot done during October. My least favorite month is March – I just don’t trust it.

    No allergies. Sorry. I didn’t take the test.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dan, your writing projects sound like something good. Ever onward.

      October is the BEST month so I agree with you! I understand about how tricky March can be. The weather does the word ‘random’ proud, but at least I don’t sneeze my way through it. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Ugh, allergies suck, I’m sorry you suffer. We all suffer from them in both spring and fall here, though we don’t suffer the same. Mine aren’t as bad as my husband’s and daughter’s. I’m sorry yours are so crummy.

    I took the test, I got 77, close to yours. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • J., the thing about allergies is that they’re stupid. I mean, what a waste of time and energy you go through to deal with something that serves no discernible purpose bettering my life. YET here we all are. Sorry about yours, too.

      Hello 77! Whatever works for a person, without harming others, seems like a good number.

      Like

  45. I’m about 68% assertive. Really I think it depends a lot on the situation. I do put up with a lot but when I blow I blow! I’m lucky I don’t have allergies. I don’t really have a favorite month either. I like March because that’s my birthday month but I don’t celebrate all month long like some people do. You posted this a day late for the A to Z. Today is B – LOL.

    Liked by 1 person

  46. My fave months are May and June because all of summer is ahead. Least fave is January. Too long and too cold!

    My only allergies are skin related. The older I get the more I get ‘contact dermatitis’ (dermatology’s pat answer for we don’t know wtf you have). I even have toothpaste issues.

    Oddly, I also scored a 73. I’m assertive about a lot of things, but also hate hurting people’s feelings.

    Like

    • Bijoux, good reasoning for why you like May and June. They can be beautiful times of year which adds to their charms.

      I know of contact dermatitis but haven’t been diagnosed with it [yet?]. Toothpaste issues‽ Oh that is lousy x 100. I cannot imagine how you cope.

      Good point about being between assertive and being nice. There’s a line of course.

      Like

  47. I feel extremely lucky that I don’t have any allergies to speak of (I can get a little sneezy in the morning, but that’s all and it’s over quickly). I don’t know if it’s because I am truly not allergic to anything or do I live where the thing I’m allergic to doesn’t grow?

    I love October too! Tourists are gone, kids are in school, and it’s still summery here. And… Halloween!!! I’ve learned to love January… tourists are gone, kids are in school (notice a theme?), and… my birthday!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, I wasn’t allergic until I moved here where things grow that make me sneeze. You might discover that in other regions you have allergies. THEREFORE my unsolicited advice is don’t move elsewhere. 😁

      I like your criteria for why you like certain months. It rings true with me and leans into my love of January— fewer people underfoot. October I like just because it is pretty.

      Like

  48. 1. Destiny? Not sure about what that means. I’m working on colored pencil pieces derived from photos (usually mine). Also planning gardens. And revising some essays I wrote years ago.
    2. I can’t say I have special month preferences, but May and October might be tops.
    3. I am allergic to sagebrush and some other plants in the Asteraceae family. Used to just be fall, but now pushing into summer and spring.
    4. I got a 66 (middle). I thought this quiz actually had some validity.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Eilene, well you know we all define ‘destiny’ differently which is why some people find this particular affirmation to be poppycock. Just saying…

      You sound busy doing some fun and personally rewarding projects. I like October and enjoy May too. I like the weather and the natural colors of each month.

      As sagebrush allergy! Never heard of it but then we don’t have sagebrush. Sorry it is more than one month, though. That seems unfair.

      If nothing else the assertiveness test got me thinking about what it means to say I’m assertive and when I am apt to be so. Glad you found validity in it, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. Lordy… note to self… comment on Ally’s blog as early as possible 😉
    I don’t feel I have created much lately, outside of a 15-minute morning reading ritual. I need to keep working on organising myself and surroundings.
    Favourite months of the year – I am an April baby but I think I prefer May because, up here in Montreal, spring will really spring then. This is closely followed by October because it’s got all the colours, the weather is perfect – not too hot, not too cold.
    I almost feel guilty that I don’t suffer allergies. At all.
    I am rather surprised I scored only a 69%. Then again, I have reached a point in life where I back away from conflict and don’t really invest my energies in things that serve me no real purpose.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dale, a 15-minute morning* reading ritual! That’s brilliant. I need to get more organized in my daily schedule too.

      April babies are everywhere. I worried I might offend someone with my opinion, but it’s not personal toward people. It’s personal against Mother Nature.

      The assertiveness test is interesting. The results are one thing but exploring what is assertiveness seems equally fascinating. I’m with you in that I don’t invest energy in any situation wherein being assertive leads to a hollow victory. I call it aging gracefully.

      * Autocorrect initially changed ‘morning’ to ‘moaning’ which also could be a morning ritual. 😜

      Liked by 1 person

      • As a result, I am 5 books ahead of my Good Reads goal! I really do love starting the day off like this. I make my coffee and while it is brewing, I put together my lunch. By the time coffee is ready, I set my timer and read.

        Hahaha! We are! (Although I am alone in my family)

        It is interesting because the way the questions are asked force us to go lower than maybe we would be in certain situations. But hey, I am way good with calling it aging gracefully because I do believe it is.

        Buahahaha!! Love that! 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  50. Well I took the test Ally and was a 65, but then I really couldn’t respond accurately because I live alone and don’t work, but even hypothetically for those instances, I went with middle of the road.

    I am an April baby, but because I am a weather worrier, my birth month is not my favorite month as you can get ice/snow and bad storms … which was our day today beginning with a wintry mix, then several thunderstorms and just when I thought we might be getting by without the predicted severe weather, there are rumblings outside and the NWS message to stay alert until 11:00 p.m. due to hail and strong winds … mercifully no tornado they say, though it was in the picture all day.

    October is my favorite month of all for the color, chill in the air and the ambiance. May is my next-favorite month as the “greening” is complete and we have color everywhere again.

    I have had allergies most of my life. If you ever wonder if allergy shots work, they do. I took allergy shots for Summer hayfever plus grass, pollen, mold and dust allergies from 1975 – 1995. My allergist retired and said “you can cease the shots now – you are good forever.” Right … he retires, I can quit and he wasn’t very bright – more on that in a minute. He said the new allergist had no weekend/night hours like he did, just 9-5 four weekdays. So I quit, based on his recommendation and I’d have had to either come in late or leave work early. About eight years later, 2003, my allergies returned and I had to go thru the entire once a week shots for so many months, then every other week, every third week until maintenance i.e. every four weeks, where I am now. I still take an OTC med (Alavert 24-hour) from April 1st through 4th of July, even with shots. It does NOT make me weird or sleepy and they have a 12-hour OTC formula as well. You dissolve it under your tongue.

    This time around, I have the same allergies, but hayfever (August) not so much, but Spring allergies are rough now once the trees, bushes and grass come out.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, your assertiveness number makes sense under your circumstances. Plus as many commenters have said specific circumstances play into how you answer the questions.

      You had a lousy mixed-up weather day yesterday. Weather chaos like that lends credence to not liking a month. I trust you survived without any major problems.

      We had extreme highs yesterday during the day then dramatic thunderstorms with hail at night. No tornadoes, but lost our electricity for 12 hours. That’s why I’m replying to blog comments later in the day today.

      Your two favorite months are the same as mine. Yay!

      I took allergy shots a long time ago. Mine was a seven year protocol that started weekly then eventually ended yearly. They helped, but like you mentioned getting to the office for the shots while working full-time was difficult. Now I take Alavert and use Flonase in the spring when, like you, I suffer the most. And complain loudly about it! You understand. 🤧

      Liked by 1 person

      • I thought you might have had severe weather because we were expecting hail and tornadoes and they stayed south, so less severe weather than predicted. This was the second severe weather threat in three days and last night I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. because the winds were high and it was storming heavily. I worry about all the trees around and the soggy ground with high winds.

        So, I just went to bed and the weather alarm went off for flooding in the Rouge River (not near to me, but I have programmed the radio for all Wayne County severe weather events and it was six inches above flood stage.) I fell back to sleep and then heard a terrific boom which felt like a short time later. I didn’t get up right away, my mind wondering what happened and still half-asleep. When I got up, the news said a house exploded three miles from here. The whole Downriver area heard it and it was felt citywide in Southgate. We have a lot of natural gas explosions – this one leveled the house, the neighbor’s house caught on fire and the debris field was scattered for blocks, including a couch that went airborne. The news video was incredible and the man landed out on his lawn, his wife was injured in the debris and later died. Too much going on anymore.

        I would have liked a seven-year protocol for allergy shots. The allergist that took over the practice sold it shortly thereafter due to his own health problems. The current allergist had walk-ins instead of appointments, but changed that after COVID, so not a fan of that, especially in Winter. I’ve never done Flonase and I like the Alavert as it doesn’t give me weird side effects.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I worry about old trees, soggy ground, and high winds, too. Not a good trifecta.

          A house blew up?!! That’s incredibly awful [I say stating the obvious]. What a weird thing considering the intense weather being a weird thing to begin with. I’m without words about how I’d react to that scenario.

          I’m sure it must be tricky being an allergist. The only way to get patients to do the protocols is to be open when patients can get there which is like almost being a 24/7 place. Not quite but you get my drift. Flonase makes me little wacky, Alavert doesn’t, BUT together my allergy symptoms disappear.

          Liked by 1 person

          • No, that trifecta is not good. We have another inch of rain coming overnight/tomorrow. The weather is crazy. Meanwhile, our power went off at 1:30 a.m., just long enough to mess up the digital clocks. I checked our Residents Forum on FB and it was a blown transformer and that momentarily affected half the City. Usually when that happens, the power is out for a while, so I’m skeptical that was the issue, but I wondered if it had something to do with the explosion, like DTE was testing something.

            I can’t get that explosion out of my mind … the house next door will be condemned as it was burned and listing. An elderly couple lived there. Who wants to start over? I sure wouldn’t.

            I wear a paper surgical mask whenever I go out of the house, even to the Park. When COVID began, I was not getting shots and it was at the worst time of the year, so when I walked, I had a mask (a bandana – in those days you’ll recall no masks were available as all PSP went to first responders), so the mask helped and it helps now. Yes, I get sarcastic comments from people, but I ignore them.

            Today the forsythia bushes were out so it won’t be long for everything else. You can get a pollen count for what irritants are highest that day for your area on pollendotcom – I think you just put in your zip code. I just checked and it came up my city as I’ve gotten an daily e-mail from them for years.

            Liked by 1 person

            • The exploding house would be on my mind too. I know about pollendotcom, used to use it, but gave up on it when porn showed up instead of pollen counts. Now I have the Yahoo Weather app that includes pollen count info.

              Like

              • Today I saw a neighbor’s Ring doorbell showing the explosion – incredible! The husband is in a coma with life-threatening injuries, including severe burns. There were two dogs and a cat lost in the explosion as well. There have been no more updates as to the cause, except DTE (our energy provider) has confirmed there was no gas leak.

                Well, that was a surprise for the day’s pollen count. I never got that – hmm. I just looked on my weather app, AccuWeather and they give the day’s pollen count. I never scrolled that far down!

                Liked by 1 person

  51. Hmm, I’ve never though of the favorite month question before, though I sure liked October for Halloween when I was a kid. Since candy was scarce in our household, that was the one time I got away with enjoying it for several weeks. I’m pretty sure some smuggling was involved.

    I feel for anyone who has to deal with allergies, though I actually like the feeling of an explosive sneeze.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pete, I’m laboring your reason for liking October… CANDY! While I emoting about the beauty of the month you’re reminiscing about your childhood priorities. Love it.

      Sure, one sneeze is a delight, but five sneezes in a row are an annoyance. An April annoyance in my case. 🤧

      Liked by 1 person

  52. Today I created a big sign to carry in a “Hands Off” rally on Saturday. It says: “No kings, we’re a democracy. Respect the constitution.”
    July and August used to be my favorite months because they were warm enough for swimming, picnics, and other outdoor activities. That was before global warming. In the last few years, sometimes the air is too smokey because of forest fires. Now I like April and late September, early October. The tulip fields north of here are amazing in April, and the fall colors are great in early fall.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, excellent sign. Accurate and to the point. Well done.

      I get why you’ve changed your preferred months. It gets unbelievably hot and humid around here now in July and August. When we were younger the weather was only like that in August. We also have difficulties with smoke. Ours comes from Canada.

      October colors! Yes, for the win. I bet your tulip fields are something to behold. Nothing like that around here.

      Like

  54. Here are a few vaguely connected thoughts. First, none of us knows our destiny. We may set various destinations at different times of our lives, but ‘destiny’ can’t be predicted or created. On the other hand, we do have some ability to create the worlds in which we live. For example, my decision to live without television and social media means I live in a quite different world from many of my friends; when the conversation turns to the latest celebrity scandal or streaming series, I listen politely and smile.

    When I was a kid in Iowa, I was terribly allergic to corn pollen. After a couple of years of shots, I never had any more problems — until I moved to Texas. Now, the cedar pollen in January can get to me, but I’m mostly free of pollen annoyances.

    I decided to take the assertiveness test, but just for grins I entered a Montana zip code. Whether that makes a difference I can’t imagine, but I ended up with a score of 86, which seems about right. On the other hand, I have a finely honed ability to ignore stupid or boring, which helps to keep me less annoying to those around me. I also try not to impose my quirks on others, like my visceral reaction to ‘quotes.’ ‘Quote’ is a verb; ‘quotation’ is a noun. I make the distinction in my writing and comments, but I never make a big deal about it when responding to others. On the other hand, my other little niggle involves ‘less’ and ‘fewer.’ I got so irritated by the “fifteen items or less” signs at my favorite grocery that I mentioned it to the manager. (There’s that assertiveness.) Lo and behold, they actually changed the signs to “fifteen items or fewer.” It’s been a decade since that happened, and I still think of the experience as proof that change can happen!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, yes you’re right. We do have some control over the worlds in which we live. Of course with the myriad of social medias and streaming services and podcasts, it seems like no one is ever in the same world as I am. Probably for the better, I don’t know that most people would enjoy my world as much as I do! 😁

      I had 7 years of allergy shots and they were helpful, but as I’ve gotten older their effectiveness has waned. Corn pollen got to you and now cedar pollen. My sympathies. It’s always something.

      I didn’t know there was a difference between ‘quote’ and ‘quotations.’ That’s news to me. Therefore I take it you didn’t like my paragraph defining what a quote is!

      I do know the difference between ‘less’ and ‘fewer’ but realize they’re often used interchangeably. Years ago our local Kroger changed the signs from ‘less’ to ‘fewer’ and it made me unreasonably happy. I get why you’re proud of your effort to get the sign corrected.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I didn’t dislike your ‘quote’ paragraph at all. It just reminded me of my little quirk. Here’s another: when people talk about something ‘decimating’ a population, they usually mean the population’s wiped out. In fact, it means that one-tenth is eliminated: think decimal point, etc. These are the quirks of someone who spends way too much time with the Online Etymology Dictionary!

        Liked by 1 person

        • I didn’t know that about decimating and it makes good sense, yet we all misuse it. Thanks for the link to the Online Etymology Dictionary. I’m not sure that I’ve ever visited there and it looks like wordy fun. Another time waster that’ll provide me with rabbit holes.

          Liked by 1 person

  55. Ugh, sorry you have such bad allergies! My husband and son both do as well, although they can manage their symptoms with daily medication if it’s taken early enough in the season. My son always had the worst allergies in May when we lived in Calgary, that was when the poplars were blooming. It’s not so bad here now. Reactine works its magic for them I guess.
    I like to say I don’t have a favourite month, but I do love April as it’s my birthday month, and all the little greens are popping up. And I love December. I also love summer. I don’t have a least favourite month though. I find it interesting that you list January as a favourite! Not many people would say that. I like January too, it feels all fresh start-ish. Although I didn’t love when we lived in Calgary that it would be in the minus 20s and 30s, that was tough.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicole, I take some OTC allergy meds that do okay, but I still have drippy nose and watery eyes. It’s the price to pay for living here, but also infuriates me a little because I adore the pretty colors of spring. I just can’t be out in them too long at a time. My tree nemeses are mulberry and elm.

      Another April birthday! I know quite a few of you spring kids and wish you no ill will. I just don’t enjoy the weather this month. I like January for the fresh start angle and because it can be gloriously clear here. Frozen cold but with blue skies and beautiful bare branches on the trees. By February and into March it gets gray and gloomy so I try to focus on the prettiness of January to remember during the next few months.

      Like

  56. As a guy with an April birthday, all I can say is, harumph! But I get it.

    What is your favorite month of the year? What is your least favorite month of the year? What are your reasons for your choices?

    October/November is a toss-up, because I love autumn (who doesn’t?) and the buildup to the holiday season (Thanksgiving being my favorite). The scent of wood smoke in the air, the first frost, picking out pumpkins…all these things make me happy.

    Do you have seasonal allergies?

    I do, but mine is ragweed (I think), which overlaps with my favorite month. See? It’s possible to love a month that causes you misery! Don’t be an April hater! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mark, I do apologize to those people who are April babies about my stance on the month. I just don’t like it, I’m too sniffly and itchy and sneezy for my own comfort.

      I like October as it morphs into November, too. Our Novembers can be gloriously clear, but not always, while October never fails me.

      Liked by 1 person

  57. I am working on a chapter book for kids. So I’m creating a series out of the characters. I didn’t take the assertiveness test, because I know I need more assertiveness and didn’t want to see a low score.
    October also is a favorite month. I totally get the dislike for April. This is my birthday month, but it is an expensive month due to my car insurance and taxes being due. So, sadly, I don’t have a ton of fondness for it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, a chapter book for kids sounds like a wonderful project. Way to create your own destiny!

      I took the assertiveness test wondering where I’d come out on it. I don’t consider myself a pushover, but also not a total hardass. I thought my score seemed spot on.

      Yes about this month being marred by paying taxes. That’s a good point. And I don’t like April Fools’ Day either.

      Like

  58. Those awful allergies ugh! I have suffered with them in the past, mostly late summer into Fall. Yet some years are worse than others. Do you find that too?
    I enjoy most months, but summer days always feel the the most simple and freeing. I love cotton dresses and flip flops. They mean summer to me.
    And thanks for sharing the test. Apparently I’m assertive. I’ve learned along the way. I do think it also builds with age.
    Hope your allergies get better.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Life with Alegria, yes I do find that some years almost do me in while other years I barely notice the pollen. What’s up with that!

      Your summer outfits sound perfectly in tune with the season. I love anything made of cotton so count me in on that point.

      Assertiveness is something you have to learn— or at least I did. Now I’m mellow because I know my personal boundaries. As long as someone doesn’t cross them there’s not need for me to be assertive.

      Liked by 1 person

  59. I have been creating a lot of terrible art lately. I’m playing around and learning about watercolors and acrylic inks, and I’m perfectly happy with the mess of it for now. My favorite month is… I don’t know. Any month that isn’t hot and humid. I am very much a winter person so bonus points if there’s snow to go with the cooler temperatures. But! I love the flowers of spring and the colors of autumn.

    I did not have allergies until after we lived here for a few years. Spring and fall are Claritin time for me now. My poor husband’s allergies around about ten times worse than mine.

    I scored a 72. That’s more assertive than I thought given how I don’t know my own mind when it comes to a favorite month. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • Robin, I know that for me creating some terrible writing gets me into the groove of writing some good stuff. I bet it’s the same way with you and your art. I like winter but not all of it, yet when the snow is fresh it is pretty.

      Sorry about your allergies. I used to take Claritin but found Alavert works better for me [even though I think they have the same drugs in them].

      72 seems like a great score, says she who is a 73! 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  60. I’ve created nothing today so far. I’m relaxing on my bed after a satisfying yoga class and grocery shopping.

    For sentimental reasons, August would be my favorite month as it is the month in which we married. But that is its only redeeming quality since it’s hot as hell here in August. When I lived in NY, it was October because of the fall colors. My least favorite month is December because of the Christmas hype. People seem to get mean and surly the closer it gets to Christmas. BUT it’s often the coldest month of the year here and so the best month for outdoor activities.

    This time of year we have a lot of pollen. I didn’t have allergies until I moved to Florida. And it was after our move that I learned that Tallahassee is considered the allergy capital of the U.S. (perhaps even the world … I wouldn’t be surprised).

    I scored a 47, somewhat unassertive. The explanation of the score made so much sense it gave me goose bumps. I guess I could go into therapy if I wanted to be more assertive. They offered a rather long list of therapists right here in Tallahassee. But actually I think I’m more assertive now than I was 10, 20 years ago. Because at my age … I couldn’t care less 😉

    Like

    • Marie, I like not creating days too. I think it’s healthy to just be some days. I don’t like to be hot so there’s no way I’d like August where you live. I hear you about December. It’s a month that can be filled with kindness or also filled with stress… depending.

      Didn’t know that about Tallahassee and allergies. Isn’t that just wonderful for you? 🙄

      You got a list of therapists! I like that, not that I think you need one, but that the resources are there should you need them. I agree that as I’ve gotten older I’ve also gotten less worried about things. My motto is: do no harm, but take no shit. 🤷‍♀️

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Affirmations are always welcome–except for the occasional cheesy ones, I suppose. Hilarious about the allergies making you more snarky. I was about to comment on that being a good thing when I saw that that had already been posited. I started to take the quiz, but then thought I ought not let myself be sucked in to this time commitment, no matter how short right now! Ach! But I imagine my score would be similar to yours.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ilsa Rey, it’s the cheesy affirmations that people who dislike affirmations seem to remember. I get that. If you think they’re all poppycock, then you’re going to focus on the stupidest ones.

      The assertiveness test got me thinking about how differently we all envision what it means to be assertive. I’d not thought of it as being a nuanced concept, but it is.

      Liked by 1 person

  62. I’m sorry you have rose fever. I’d never heard of it and it sounds rotten. I have allergies, grew up getting shots and taking awful meds like Chlor-Trimetron (or however it’s spelled) and I’m happy to report all my seasonal allergies have improved with age. Yay me!
    I love October. So much beauty and often substantial relief from the heat.
    I dislike December most. It’s too dark. Makes me want to carb up, hibernate, and sleep. At the same time, the holidays add enormous expectations and demands. December doesn’t have enough light, energy, or time. Then I sorta drag my overused body through January. Oh December. Ugh.
    I’m 75 assertive. I think sometimes I am 110 assertive and tenacious and sometimes I am 20 assertive because I can’t care about it, maybe sometimes it’s December, ya know?
    Destiny in mind, I am always cooking. I also made a Pinterest collage. It was fun. I maybe should play more often.

    Liked by 1 person

    • joey, I’m impressed that you’ve risen above your allergies. I’ve remained about the same. Had shots as a young adult, got better but not great, stayed not great as I’ve aged. Despite the content in this post I complain less about allergies noow than in the past.

      I love October. too. Your reasons for disliking December are valid. We all deal with the darkness and the forced frivolity in our own ways.

      Other commenters have said the same thing as you about how assertiveness is situationally dependent. I like your approach to destiny. I haven’t messed around on Pinterest in years. Kind of forgotten it exists.

      Like

  63. I’m sorry about your allergies. The Husband has them, too, so I have some sense of how miserable they can make a person. As for creating things, I’m TRYING to create a blog post about our recent trip to Mexico, but LIFE keeps getting in the way!! My favorite months and seasons changed when I became a teacher. June and July rank pretty high for reasons you can probably surmise. Before I was an educator, fall was my favorite time of year. If I ever make it to retirement, it’ll be interesting to see if it changes again. I don’t need to take a test to know I’m not terribly assertive, but I like that as I age, I just naturally get more assertive.

    Liked by 1 person

    • The Travel Architect, the allergy situation is what it is. It’s stupid to have allergies to seasonal pollens but it’s also common— but no one is allergic to the same pollens so it is uncommon, too.

      I understand about how life can get in the way of blogging. Live first, blog later.

      I totally get why your favorite months are June and July. My mother was a teacher and she’d have said the same thing. After she retired she liked fall the best. Partly for the beauty, partly because no school.

      Most women I know have gotten more assertive as they aged. Myself included. My motto is: do no harm, but take no shit. I think of that as assertiveness in action. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  64. Favorite month: April—birthday month and spring blooms. (Sorry about your allergies!)

    Least favorite month: Either August or February. August because of the unbearable heat, and February because I just want winter to be over.

    My allergies aren’t too bad, but they manifest as migraines.

    I scored in the middle on the assertiveness test—higher than I thought I would! 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kari, I knew April was your birthday month so I figured you would like it best. With you about how icky August is, not a fan of humidity.

      Allergies as migraines! I’ve not experienced that. My condolences. The assertiveness test is interesting. There’s the score, but the question themselves got me thinking about more than just who I am. Like clues about what makes other people tick.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. When I lived in New England my favorite month was October, because of the cool crisp air, mugs of hot apple cider, and spectacular autumn leaf colors. My least favorite month was August, when all the jelly-fish would arrive in the water at the beach, and the yellow-jackets would start ruining the pleasure of eating outside in the summer. Now I’m floundering and haven’t yet figured out a favorite or least favorite North Carolina month. It’s been disorienting!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, I can imagine how disorienting it’d be to move to a different climate and then try to decide which month makes you happiest. Hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right.

      Liked by 1 person

  66. Destiny is such a big word Ally, though I did create the perfect hot chocolate this evening which is sitting nicely with my destiny of contentment.

    My fave month is probably August because the kids are home from school & there’s birthdays. My least favourite is January because of New Year’s resolutions & general fed up of cold-dark-night-ness.

    Good job on the startling sneeze, I love a good loud sneeze, much more satisfying than a quiet, polite one.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rae Cod, I agree about ‘destiny’ but would say your hot chocolate would be a perfect example of it within your contentment framework. Life, and therefore your destiny, is in the details! 😊

      August has some fun elements to it. I don’t like it because of allergies. Most sensible people seem to dislike January, but I find it a relief after the December holidays.

      Ha! I like your reasoning about sneezes. Definitely more satisfying, the louder the more drama.

      Like

  68. It’s so interesting reading about your favorite and least favorite months. April, with all the allergy issues seems like a good choice of Loser Month for you. I too have been sneezing a lot, but other than that, I feel pretty good. *knock on wood*

    Do I have a favorite month? I’d have to guess it’s November, with Thanksgiving being such a great time. But January in Florida is LOVELY weather…so it’s hard to choose.

    I took the test and got 79, which is surprising since I’m not an OVERLY assertive person, but perhaps I’m becoming more so as I age.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, I’d think more highly of April if I didn’t sneeze from the pollen. I’ve been in southern FL both in November and January. You’re right both months are delightful. *sigh*

      I’ve come to believe that sensible women become more assertive as they age and are tired of dealing with all the… stuff. 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.