I thought that this year would be different; that I wouldn't be posting the usual "I'm grateful for X." But somehow, this morning, with Thanksgiving Day approaching, I've been hit with a sentimental moment. So I'd better strike while the proverbial iron is hot! Thanks for being here and for reading my blog. Being a writer sometimes feels like I'm yelling into the great unknown black hole. I'm so grateful to have real, live people read and/or comment on my words, which I hope touch and resonate with you in some way. I'm always happy - and curious - to read what you have to say, too. This year, our { Read More }
Keeping Up is Hard To Do
If you’re old enough to remember that old saying “Keeping up with the Joneses,” you’re old enough to understand how hard it has become to really keep up. But I’m not talking about the Jonses any longer. That’s old news. I’m talking about keeping up with the wild pace of technology. My father (may he rest in peace), at 89, taught himself to use a computer. But then again, he was always handy and could build a radio or a car engine from scratch, and isn’t technology the modern-day equivalent of those kinds of skills? The Pew Research Center found, in 2012, that more than half of adults aged 65 and { Read More }
Walking: Why Every Step is Special
If you know me, you probably wouldn't be surprised to hear me say that I'm the opposite of a couch potato. I'm of the why-sit-when-you-can-stand variety. In fact, since moving from my house to an apartment, the thing I miss most are my high kitchen countertops which allowed me to stand while working on my computer; perching my laptop on the counters gave me the perfect eye level view. Damn you, new kitchen counters! Can't you just grow about four inches? And on the rare occasions I watch television, you can find me eyeing it while pacing or standing, or jumping up and down at regular intervals to do { Read More }
Five Easy Ways to Take Good Care of Yourself
In just a few days, hubby and I are taking off for Italy (so excited!), our first big vacation together in many years (did I mention that I'm so excited?) Although I've been fortunate enough to travel to some great places recently, he has not. That's what happens when you are too busy to get away. And did I mention that not getting away is making someone very, very cranky and stressed? Don't tell him I told you that. And if you're reading this, honey? I love you anyway. But getting away doesn't have to involve a long vacation, nor does it have to mean spending money. Everyone needs to take a break from { Read More }
Be Kind, Give and Be Happy (and healthy!)
I was so happy the other day when I chose the two winners to the ThinOptics giveaway and promptly got two enthusiastic and grateful responses. (Apologies to those of you who didn't win - but I promise I'll be doing more great giveaways in the near future!) Phoebe Graber, of inmomopause, wrote: Yipee! It's been ages since I've won anything! And I heard this from Dee Margolis, who, by the way, doesn't carry a purse (I'd like to know her secret!) : That is so awesome!!! I'm so excited! This is the perfect solution to my problem!! What a nice feeling I had. Why? Not unusual... turns out that { Read More }
7 Things a trip to Mexico taught me
Last week, Alan and I went on a much-needed vacation to Mexico. Although it was only January, the winter was already wreaking havoc with my mood. I got through each day of bitter cold temperatures and snow by telling myself, "Well... at least you'll be getting away to some sunshine and warmth soon." Well-stocked with plenty of sunblock, my kindle loaded with books, I was ready. I even bought new bathing suits. Oh, and I got a spray tan, since I always burn in the sun. (There's just something about looking tan that makes you feel good better in the dead of winter). But my dreams of an ideal getaway { Read More }
The Secret to Being Happy
How were your holidays? Hopefully full of fun and good cheer. But I know that's not the way for everyone. Some of it might be forced cheer. Maybe you're tired of putting on a happy face. Maybe happiness is just...overrated. Why try so hard? Click on over to my other blog on healthywomen.org, where I let you in on a secret. And please do me a special favor? Feel free to ignore my advice. Do you have any secrets to share on how to be miserable? { Read More }
A Smile for the Day
Holiday Hangover? Coming down from all the excitement can be tough. Here's something guaranteed to make you smile. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThQKtgBloUw { Read More }
Menopause and Anxiety – A Connection?
Note: I'm bringing you this post from my other blog, MidlifeMatters, which runs on healthywomen.org. It first hit the website in 2011, and attracted lots of eyeballs and comments. And a lot of women were relieved and comforted, feeling like "it" was not all in their head. (Midlife Dictionary: It (used to represent a vague sense of unease, only understood by women of a certain age, about to be understood by those same women, or in the immediate context, is capable of producing feelings similar to becoming completely and utterly undone): It is bothering me today, and threatens to unhinge me and everyone { Read More }