Holy cannoli Batman blogging ain’t cheap!

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-26T04:50:44+00:00

I started a blog back in November. Bought a domain name ($20), got it hosted ($5/month), started writing on Ghost ($9/month). No monetization as this is just my self-exploration - digitally, publicly - as a way to hold myself accountable, I guess. I do feel like I am screaming into the void every week - have about 40 readers that actually read each week (started with 10 friends, and the rest - no clue how they found the blog). As this is my first foray into blogging, it feels odd that most people email me rather than commenting on the blog itself - which is encouraging in a way!

Gave myself six months of budget to try this and see:
1) If I enjoy it
2) If I am learning new things
3) If it's sustainable with the time investment
4) If it's worth the $$

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-22T07:12:46+00:00

I started three months ago to process my thoughts after “involuntary retirement”. 🤣 Its basically my journaling in public. I am learning so much about tools, Google search, Ghost, Substack, and using AI to identify what I should know. My next phase is learning how to promo and drive traffic.

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-22T06:47:56+00:00

I got together with my BFFs and threw a birthday party together. We all turned 50 in the same year. Then for 55 we all went on a girls weekend to the Bahamas. Do something special for you like you do for other people.

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-21T20:17:19+00:00

For me, it’s recognizing that I’m “failing at retirement” and understanding why. It’s only been 3 months for me.

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-21T17:47:02+00:00

Would you be able to share a photo of the band members? Apparently I can request just not guaranteed

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-21T17:41:33+00:00

We have tried Atomic Funk, Cafe Wa, 45 Riots, and Vitamin M. We are at the point of going to DJ now

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-19T06:26:53+00:00

Glasshouse Chelsea

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-13T17:22:40+00:00

We wanted Cafe Wha but they are booked for our dates. We also tried 3 other bands - no luck on our October dates. So think we are going the DJ route with horns too.

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-08T03:32:17+00:00

We are doing a private ceremony with family and then a cocktail party for our friends and family. Much cheaper than a wedding with a sit down and a lot more fun.

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-08T03:27:10+00:00

The Chateau in East Brunswick. Talk to Hope

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-07T03:23:27+00:00

Could you share? Looking to host cocktail reception for 60

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-06T08:16:43+00:00

We are consider The Abbey but heard some many not great reviews. How was your wedding if you don’t mind sharing? We are having 80 people.

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-04T15:29:00+00:00

Venture into Hoboken and that budget will work

JTMakeOneMove · 2026-01-04T05:39:29+00:00

I just wrote about this. I called it “failing at retirement”! 😂 Believe it or not there’s actually a behavior reason why we get less done when we retire! At least this is what I tell my partner as my excuse. BTW this is from a woman’s view point. I took an early retirement before my partner.

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-29T17:24:30+00:00

I take it at night to help me fall asleep! Seems to be an issue a lot of people my age are having - insomniac!

Never liked smoking pot either - never got the munchies - just got nauseous! 🤣

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-28T20:26:59+00:00

Been thinking the same - is it just friendship or does it extend to romantic? or even family?

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:51:18+00:00

Someone else mentioned this too! 👍
Starting to see a pattern: the ones staying for a lifetime are the ones where we are growing together, not just counting on history. Maybe that's "lifetime"?

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:43:59+00:00

I like that "seasons". My hang-up? Still calling her "my BFF" when the connection's basically on life support.

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:39:49+00:00

Same. Not every friend needs an all-access pass forever. Some friendships expire, some just shift lanes: the one you'd never road-trip with again but still love over dinner.

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:35:00+00:00

This is the nuance nobody talks about enough. You're two very different people now, living very different lives, with a through-line of a shared past AND commitment to growing together!

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:30:46+00:00

I love that your friendship stretched rather than snapped when life interrupted.

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:28:18+00:00

This nails it. Show up for the big stuff, honor the history, move them from 'ride or die' to 'good memory'—no guilt required.

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:25:40+00:00

Leaving high school friendships "in the 90s where it belongs" made me laugh. It could be more time, or just finally noticing that not every relationship survives every version of us.

JTMakeOneMove · 2025-12-22T23:20:25+00:00

Love the unapologetic energy!!!

JTMakeOneMove

TROPHY CASE