Unimportant Hills I’m Willing to Die On

(a completely unserious blog about the things I care too much about)


There are a few things in life I feel very strongly about. Family. Good friends. Real butter.

And then there are the other things. The little, possibly irrational, completely unimportant things that I’ve somehow formed deeply rooted opinions about over the years. Things no one asked me to have an opinion on. Things that probably wouldn’t make a dent in anyone else’s day.

But for me? Oh, I care.

So in the spirit of keeping things light this week—and also because I needed a break from overthinking—here’s a roundup of the completely trivial things I care way too much about.


 Toilet paper: Over, not under

🚽 Toilet Paper: Over, Not Under

It’s not just a preference. It’s a principle. Over the roll like a waterfall, not under like a raccoon trap. If I’m at your house and I quietly flip it around, just know I still love you. But also… do better.



✍️ Pens: The Hill I Will Actually Die On

I have one favorite pen and if it disappears, I spiral. It’s black, gel, smooth like butter, and never skips. Blue ink? Too casual. Ballpoint? No thanks. Those pens at the bank that barely work? I’d rather scratch my grocery list into stone.


🚘 Use Your Turn Signal or Don’t Leave the House

It’s literally a lever. A flick of the wrist. A simple way to say “Hey, I’m not trying to cause a five-car pileup today.” I will never understand people who act like signaling their next move is an optional suggestion. It’s not. It’s civilization. And do it BEFORE you're halfway into your turn. 


 Hot Drinks Should Be Hot. Period

☕ Hot Drinks Should Be Hot. Period.

If I wanted to drink my tea at room temperature, I’d leave it in my car for two hours and come back disappointed. I’ve reheated the same mug three times in one morning, and I will continue to do so until it’s warm enough to comfort my soul.


🧻 Paper Towels: Select-a-Size or Nothing

Full-sheet paper towels are wasteful and chaotic. Select-a-size is the only acceptable option. Don’t make me tear a giant towel in half like some sort of uncivilized brute just to wipe up a single water drop. Extra points if they're Viva brand. Not sponsored by Viva. Probably should be. 


🧴 Lotion Belongs in a Pump Bottle, Not a Tube

I will never not get irrationally annoyed at trying to squeeze lotion out of a floppy, half-empty tube. Pump bottles or bust. I don’t want to do hand-strengthening exercises just to moisturize.


 Leftovers Taste Better Cold - But Only Certain Leftovers

🍕 Leftovers Taste Better Cold—But Only Certain Leftovers

Cold pizza? Yes. Cold meatloaf? Sure, if it's in a sandwich. But cold Chinese food? Absolutely not. Some things were never meant to chill, and I will not be taking questions.


📱 I Will Judge You By Your Texting Etiquette

One-word replies? Dry. No punctuation? Lazy. Giant wall-of-text messages without a single paragraph break? Unreadable. Don't even think about coming at me with no capitalization. There’s an art to the casual text convo and I take it seriously.


🍽️ Food Shouldn’t Touch—Except When It Absolutely Should

Thanksgiving dinner is the only time I accept gravy migration across borders. Any other time? Please keep my peas out of my mashed anything. I’m not trying to eat a stew of regret. We'll cover the order in which foods on a plate are to be eaten in a future blog 

 Blankets Belong Folded a Certain Way

🛋️ Blankets Belong Folded a Certain Way

It’s not just a blanket—it’s part of the room. Don’t hand me a crumpled fleece blob. Fold it in thirds like you’ve got some pride.


🎶 Playlists Need a Flow, Not Just Chaos

You don’t follow up Simon & Garfunkel with aggressive techno. I’m not here for musical whiplash. We’re setting a mood, people.


🧦 Matching Socks Are a Non-Negotiable

I know some people live for the “quirky mismatched sock” thing. That’s not me. My toes want symmetry. My soul demands balance.

 Bar Soap That Gets Mushy? Absolutely Not.

🧼 Bar Soap That Gets Mushy? Absolutely Not.

If it turns into a slimy blob, I’m tossing it. No one should have to chase a dissolving soap patty around the shower like it’s a fish.


🛒 Self-Checkout Should Come With a Diploma

If I wanted to scan, bag, and troubleshoot my own groceries while a red light blinks accusingly above me, I’d apply for a job. And no, I don't know the code for spaghetti squash. Don't even get me started on pumping my own gas.


🔔 Microwave Beeps Should Stop After One Alert

Why is it yelling at me like I’ve abandoned it? I know my leftovers are ready, microwave. I just got distracted. Again.


🧠 It’s Fine. I Know None of This Matters. But Still.

I know these things aren’t life-altering. They won’t change the world. But in a life that sometimes feels messy, unpredictable, or just plain exhausting, caring about the tiny stuff can actually feel kind of grounding.

So if you’ve got a strong opinion about sock folding, how people pronounce “pecan,” or what the best grocery cart is (the small one with the deep basket, obviously), just know—I see you.

And I’m probably nodding in agreement.





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7 Comments

  1. You are a great writer. You should write a book about your grief process. Lots of your annoyances are mine, but my toilet paper is under. Another of mine is when my husband washes an eating implement he used and leaves two other things at the sink unwashed. Prayers for you!
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  06/30/2025 05:28 AM Central
    You're so kind! A book is a good idea! Maybe once I get to a point where I feel like I'm mostly done writing blogs about it, I'll compile them into a book about my grief process.
  2. You are a great writer. You should write a book about your grief process. Lots of your annoyances are mine, but my toilet paper is under. Another of mine is when my husband washes an eating implement he used and leaves two other things at the sink unwashed. Prayers for you!
  3. Thanks for sharing these mini hills that I’m willing to die on as well. I’m with you on all fronts! lol
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  06/29/2025 10:16 AM Central
    Right on! ✌🏼
  4. Thanks for sharing these mini hills that I’m willing to die on as well. I’m with you on all fronts! lol
  5. Shelly Wriglesworth  06/29/2025 07:16 AM Central
    I’m with you on all hills, especially the toilet paper and correct punctuation. For another one of mine, usually at work, it’s using the last copy of something without making another one for the next staff to have.
  6. I'm with you with those paper towels but I'm not so picky about the TP. I'll do better... waterfall it is. Lol. My hill ill die on... when they use the last item in the box in pantry and leave the box ( granola bar, cookie, etc) Thank you for letting it there to remind me to buy more but really!! Love you and your blog!!
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  06/29/2025 06:37 AM Central
    Atta girl! 🧻
    Oh! That's another good one! Those empty boxes drive me batty. 😆
    ❤️
  7. 😊... yes to all....but the toilet paper! 🥰
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  06/29/2025 05:48 AM Central
    Oh well... it's been nice knowing ya!
    😉 😆😆😆

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*This blog centers the GenX experience, simply because that’s the lens I live through—but anyone looking for connection, natural wellness, grief support, or a little real-talk in this messy stage of life is more than welcome.

Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there! I’m a GenX empty-nester - and recent widow - who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products we used growing up. Our parents didn’t know, and honestly, we were clueless too. But now, I’m all about sharing the details and helping others kick those sneaky chemicals to the curb for a healthier, happier life. 🌿

Life threw us a curveball in 2018 when my amazing husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia. And then a second type of cancer in 2023.  Supporting him through his treatments was challenging, but it also inspired us to make some positive changes. We embraced holistic wellness practices, worked to transform our home into a toxin-free sanctuary, and incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation, music therapy, and aromatherapy into our daily routine.

Caring for and supporting Eric deepened my commitment to living well. From choosing natural products and prioritizing nutritious foods to finding strength in vulnerability, we built a daily routine focused on positivity and wellness. 

I’m passionate about sharing our story, the lessons we learned, and the simple steps we took to enhance our overall well-being.


Creating a Nurturing Space Together

We focused on creating a nurturing environment where both of us could thrive. It was a process of resilience, love, and continuous learning that I'm determined to carry forward from here. I’m eager to share our experiences, the lessons we picked up along the way, and the small changes that made a big difference in our lives. Whether you’re looking to make minor adjustments or dive into a complete wellness transformation, I hope our story can inspire and support you on your own path.

Here’s to embracing change, supporting each other, and living our best lives—together! ✨

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