The Christmas List

“She had less strength than she let on to those around her. She could feel herself growing weaker each day like a clock running down.

…it’s a special day for her, marrying the perfect man. You only get one of those.

Barely nine o’clock, and she was already exhausted. The single mother routine never seemed to get easier.

“If you want to make friends, join a book club. If you want to make money, go into business. Only a fool confuses the two.”

“Listen to yourself! You’ve become your own worst enemy.”

Exasperated /ɪɡˈzasp(ə)reɪtɪd,ɪɡˈzɑːsp(ə)reɪtɪd,ɛɡˈzasp(ə)reɪtɪd,ɛɡˈzɑːsp(ə)reɪtɪd/ — intensely irritated and frustrated.

End-around AMERICAN FOOTBALL — an offensive play in which an end carries the ball round the opposing flank.

How do we want to be remembered? That question has motivated our species since the beginning of time: from building pyramids to putting our names on skyscrapers.

See to it — to make sure that something is done.

Bash — a party or social event.
"a birthday bash"