As I mentioned in my last post, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. But 10 days into this year, I think I may have to make an exception.

I’ve been working like a crazy person trying to tie up loose ends from the end of the year and plan and prepare for the new year. Our two little businesses take up a lot of time and energy and some days I am completely drained. At the end of the day, when everyone else is asleep or at least occupying themselves in their own spaces, I sit down and enjoy a little TV. I recently discovered The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime.

I have no idea how I managed to miss this show for the last few years. I don’t really watch a lot of TV without The Beard and this isn’t a show he would enjoy. But as soon as I realized it was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino I knew I had to watch. I mean, Gilmore Girls was and always will be my absolute favorite show of all time. I watched it when it aired and have watched it from start to finish twice since it ended. I also thoroughly enjoyed the short lived Bunheads. So, I knew, if this show was anything like those two I would enjoy it.

**Contains spoilers**

A short description of what makes this show worth watching:

Set in the late 1950s, Miriam “Midge” Maisel is a housewife living in Manhattan with her husband and two children. She has everything her Jewish parents wanted and planned for her and she is happy with her life. Unexpectedly her husband packs his bags and admits he’s been having an affair. Midge is left shocked and hurt and has to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She stumbles onto the stage at a nightclub one night and discovers she has a knack for standup. This show follows Midge’s life as she tries to maneuver the very male dominated world of comedy.

As I watched this show it was surprising how much I could relate to the female lead. Sure, I am nothing like a 1950s housewife and really have no desire to go back to that time but I have went through a similar situation and have similar outlooks on life.

Miriam Maisel is a beautiful young woman with a wardrobe to kill for and the ability and knowledge to do hair and makeup for just about anyone. She is also very naïve and lives a sheltered, privileged life. Luckily, she has a built in support system (as long as she follows what they believe to be the right path for her).

But she is also strong-willed and a hard worker. She faced going through a divorce with grace and decided to put her children’s’ need to have a father before he feelings of betrayal. She eventually also realizes that she doesn’t have to choose between being a mother and having a career. I should also add that she has a few gorgeous men in her life.

Let’s talk briefly about these men.

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Joel: The husband (ex-husband). He cheated. He realized what a huge mistake he made. He asked to come back. Midge originally told him no. She then changed her mind and wanted to make it work. But once he found out about the comedy, he decided he needed to let her pursue her career. He’s supportive and a good dad.

Benjamin: The fiancé. A doctor. A surgeon. A super tall, hunky eligible bachelor who just hasn’t found a “weird” enough girl to get his attention. Until Midge. He’s interested in everything that makes her tick. He jumps through lots of hoops to get her father to agree to allow them to marry (something Joel did not do). Midge chooses comedy over marriage without consulting Benjamin, who is furious about it.

Lenny: The comedian. They found themselves in a police car together the first night Midge does comedy. They bond. Lenny becomes somewhat of a mentor for Midge. She’s a supportive friend. They have mutual respect for each other. Season 3 ends with them enjoying a night out in Miami, dancing and staring at each other. Lenny wants to take it further, Midge stops at his door and promises it will happen before he dies. (The real Lenny Bruce dies in the mid 60s).

As I said before, my New Year’s resolution is to be more of a Maisel. Here’s my thought pattern.

I’ve spent the last 20 years dressing for whatever job I have. The years I worked at a clothing store as a manager I exclusively wore their clothes, clothes that didn’t always fit my style or my figure. The nearly 15 years I worked in a pharmacy, I wore scrubs. And for the last year I’ve worn jeans and t-shirts. I ‘ve never really found my style or clothes that fit me properly. I often shop secondhand and I will continue to do so but be a little more intentional and picky when shopping for myself. So, this year I want to figure out what “MY STYLE” looks like and make a better effort to find clothes that fit me and my figure. Taking pointers from Miriam Maisel herself, I resolve to make myself a priority and look as good as I feel.

These days my jobs consist of taking care of two small businesses, dog walking / pet sitting and taking care of my family and house. Watching Midge juggle being a mom and working a career that is very time consuming I’ve come to realize that I too can ask for help sometimes. Just because I’m putting a lot of time and energy into my businesses, it doesn’t mean I’m a bad mom. If I was a man this wouldn’t even be a discussion.

Lastly, I resolve to build a better relationship with my ex-husband. Midge and Joel work hard to provide for their children but they also work together to make it work. Their situations are not ideal, Joel is living in his family’s business’ warehouse and Midge is living with her parents but they figured it out. I’ve been working on this for a while and sometimes it’s easier than others but I know I can try harder and set expectations so it’s manageable.

Have you seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? If so, what are your thoughts? Are you looking forward to Season 4? Have any predictions. I hope you guys have made some time for a little relaxing and TV watching. Until next time…