Ditch the workout and join the party!

Ditch the workout and join the party!  Zumba is so much fun.  When you are dancing, it doesn’t feel like exercise. 

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness class that blends booty shaking with international music and an intense calorie burn.

It looks fast and intimidating at first but I just started out at my own pace and eventually I was catching up with the others.  I had a blast!  I was also surprised to see so many men in the class.  Everyone walked out with drenched T-shirts.  You certainly break out a sweat.

Different instructors throw in their own flare which is interesting.

It was a great one hour class and I plan on going back for more!  I found it exhilarating!

I remember when..................

I remember when I was young, I couldn’t wait to turn 16 years old so my mother would allow me to wear lipstick and then turn 18 to get my license to drive.  But, I never heard people say, “I can’t wait until I’m old”.  I do hear people say, “I can’t wait until I retire” but they do not prepare themselves that it is an ending and they like myself have to learn to reinvent yourself.  I was not prepared and I have many friends that were not prepared either.

Planning for all the what-ifs of senior life is especially important if you are living alone. And let's face it, even if you have a partner and/or kids, there's no guarantee any of them will still be around when you need them. Do you know who is going to be there to step in with comfort, guidance and rational medical advice when you are old? 

More people are single for a variety of reasons, some have delayed getting married and eventually let go of the idea and others are single because of divorce or entered widowhood unexpectantly, an experience that can be especially difficult economically for women. What's more, those marrying later may choose (or be forced to choose) not to have children.

The choices we make as young adults have ripple effects through life. No one prepared me for the lessons when I was young to enter old age and no one advised me of the many resources needed.

So many adults live alone and are learning new and often richer ways of living by going solo. Still, it is difficult to grow old alone.

Your life maybe different if you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and/or received an inheritance which made your financial life better.  It is hard for a woman to struggle alone and raise your children by yourself.  I’ve been on both sides of the track and understand completely.

I hope the younger generation learn to prepare for their retirement now, as it is crucial.

Embrace Life's Little Pleasures!

There’s a lot to appreciate in life’s little pleasures.  I know that my daily journey would be much lighter, brighter and easier if I don't try to carry my entire past and future around with me.  I have to remind myself to take a break.  By letting go of my obsession with yesterday’s struggles and tomorrow’s never ending to-do list, I’ve learned to force myself to simply enjoy the beauty of what’s right here, right now.

Just enjoying the little things…..you know the ones that put a smile on your face…….no price tag that comes with it.  Cooking something special just for me!   Seeing the beauty in a day filled with sunshine and flowers is a day to behold.  Enjoying a glass of wine while reading a good book on my Kindle. So many little things that we all take for granted.  But, to a Widow, they become big things.  Because for the most part, they are the only things.

I get so overwhelmed sometimes because I miss having my husband around to fix something for me.  It is hard for a woman to do things alone and as I got older, it gets even harder when you add all the aches and pains that come with the “golden years”.  Too expensive to keep hiring a handyman for so many things that need “fixen”!   And, too old to get on a ladder again!

Sometimes you have to stop thinking that some new richness will fulfill you, so you can fully experience the richness that's already yours.  You can’t keep looking back when things were easier.  Those days are gone.

Of course, during difficult times in your life and we all have them, you have to give yourself the gift of patience. 

Patience is the main ingredient necessary to get through difficult times.

Yes, it’s hard to be patient!  But, without patience, you would have no hope and no direction to turn to.  I've been blessed with being a patient person. Some days, it's not so easy but for the most part I'm just fine.

  
Patience helps nourish both compassion and empathy.  So, embrace patience.  Ultimately it really makes you stronger.  Wouldn’t it be nice if everything was organized for you without complications but I’m not sure if that would be the answer to make things better.  It is hard to make major decisions when life throws you some curves but we all seem to get by when you think clearly and weigh the pros and cons to the situation.

Today was not a productive day due to the weather but nonetheless, a good day just chatting with my cyber friends.

Life is good!

Listen Up! Protect yourself from No See Ums

 No-See-Ums.....

They go by many names, and while "Biting Midges" may be technically one of the more accurate ones, No-See-Ums fits the best as you never seem to see the little buggers!

They are so small, they can even enter through my screened in patio.

Years ago, I went to the doctor and got steroid injections to try and relieve the pain and itch.  It was a very painful procedure since I had over 100 bites all over my body.

Treatment after you get bit? Well, not much works. I use antihistamine for relief from the severe itching.

I mentioned my dilemma to my son and he suggested Lavender.  So, I did my research and found that Lavender is excellent to use for No See Ums!

~ The Herb To Grow ~

This flowering herb is one of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy and has medicinal, culinary and beauty uses with therapeutic benefits when used dried, fresh or infused with oil.

I also found some relief from using Avon's Skin So Soft.

I read an article that if you drink down a shot of apple cider vinegar, it will keep them at bay!  I'll try anything at this point.

I'm getting bit in my house while watching TV in my den.  They claim the little buggers are attracted to light.  I just may stop using my battery operated candles too.  Yet, real lavender lit candles help.

I have also landed in a hospital many years ago from sand fleas!  I was enjoying my first trip to Florida on the beach with several girlfriends and I'm the only one that got bit all over.  It ruined my first vacation as a young woman in my 20's.

~ Ideas and Tips ~

Rub lavender oil or even lavender flowers on your pulse points of the body which are also the hot spots. Include under arms, behind ears, neck and on the inner arm area behind the elbow to repel insects.

Basil is also said to be a great bug repellent so make sure you have that in your garden growing or in a container planted up.  I also have kept fresh Basil leaves one on each shelf of my cabinet that contains grocery items.  This I found does work!

White vinegar rubbed into the skin has proven successful for keeping No See Ums, mosquitoes, gnats and fleas away.

If anyone has any successful tips, please send to me!  Thanks!