Social Networking!

Wow, I can’t believe that there are so many social networking sites out there now. It’s hard to keep up. Some I like and some I just don’t feel comfortable with.

Let’s see…in my research I naturally found the most popular network site which is Facebook (www.Facebook.com) which gives you the opportunity to share and stay connected with friends and making new friends. Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school and region to connect and interact with others. Once you become a member you can add friends, send messages and upgrade your personal profile to notify friends about yourself. I personally don’t like this site for some reason. Maybe, it’s because I don’t care if someone is eating an apple right now or just got through brushing their teeth with sensitive toothpaste! I get many emails inviting me to join their Facebook and half these people, I don’t even know.

Then I found Eons (www.Eons.com) Eons is a social networking site for baby boomers. Once you become an Eons member, you’ll find like-minded people on the site and the Eons team is eager to answer questions, respond to comments and help you get started quickly. This site like all others, allow you to express yourself and share your life and your passions and interests, yes your photos and videos and play games to build your brain and challenge others. I think this site is for the real elderly that is just learning the computer world. A good place to start if you are new to the computer.

I also found another site called LinkedIn (www.LinkedIn.com) which is a business-oriented social networking site. It is mainly used for professional networking. When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional expertise and accomplishments. You can then invite trusted contacts to join and connect to you and I emphasize the word “trusted”. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to a vast number of qualified professionals and experts. I personally think this site can be very useful if you are still employed or looking for employment.

I feel the older generation like myself who are past 60 use and enjoy the benefits of new technology. I find a lot of my friends get frustrated easily trying to learn how to navigate through our increasingly digital world. If it requires more than one click…….they will not step up to the challenge and will not make the effort. They are satisfied with just a simple email back and forth and will stop at that. They also refuse to read a manual to find out how something works or do some troubleshooting! Perhaps, just lazy or simply lack of interest????

Well, there are some high tech stuff that simply does not interest me either like an MP3 Player or Texting Messages. But I love my computer and graphics and writing and I do spend hours and hours per day on my computer which I am self taught because I had to learn it in order to survive in the world for my jobs that I had.

Just when I thought I was caught up with all the new digital devices…..up pops Twitter which is a social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 bytes in length. Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. Do you believe I learned about this by watching the Dr. Phil Show.

How many devices do we need? So, what is your favorite high tech electronical digital device?

I’m happy with my Blogs and feel more comfortable with it than Facebook or any of the above listed sites. This electronical world is getting a tad complicated with way too many gadgets.

Don’t fret, I manage to get my exercise in during the day and clean my house and I still cook! Hey, I’m Italian….we all cook and partake of the vino!

Everybody's Irish on St.Paddy's Day!

I never downed a pint of green beer nor have I ever got pinched for not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day! I'm Italian so I wore Orange! LOL P.S. I hate beer!

I have a friend that is from Ireland and she says it is a religious holiday and the first thing that the Irish do is go to church. She claims that here in America, March 17 is a day of beer-fueled frivolity for many, a secular holiday filled with visions of shamrocks and leprechauns more than penance and prayer. I personally think they are partaking of the green beer in Ireland and she is not admitting it! LOL

She said they never ate corned beef and cabbage on St. Paddy's day either. Really????? Nor is Dublin's River Liffey tinted green, she said, referring to Chicago's tradition of dying its river green.

This year, thousands will celebrate at Irish pubs and festivals throughout South Florida, including parades in Hollywood and Delray Beach as well as the Irish Fest on Flagler in West Palm Beach and the Irish Fest on Atlantic in Delray. And is there a more Irish city in the United States than South Boston?

The festivals are a way to celebrate Irish heritage, its music, food and dance.

"Everybody's Irish on St. Paddy's Day."

Daylight Savings Time

One of the biggest reasons we change our clocks to Daylight Saving Time (DST) is that it reportedly saves electricity. Newer studies are being done to see if that long-held reason is true.

Adjusting the Clock-shifts Affect Risk Of Heart Attack

Adjusting the clocks to summer time on the last Sunday in March increases the risk of myocardial infarction in the following week. In return, putting the clocks back in the autumn reduces the risk, albeit to a lesser extent, according to research in the New England Journal of Medicine.

So, why do we bother to switch the time back and forth every year if it even has a fraction of truth that it could cause a heart attack??????? dah!

Some states do not even change their clocks so what gives???????????????

Where Did I Put My Mind?

Did you ever feel like you are experiencing the “crazies” where you spend a maddening amount of time looking for things you had in your hand only minutes ago or had logically filed away for safe-keeping?

I know many of us multi-task and our minds are on overload. I know on one level I am doing and performing demanding tasks and making decisions and on the other level, I’m confused and upset that just because I’m a widow and alone now doesn’t mean that I cannot take on a challenging task without having to hire someone to do it for me, as I was always an independent woman even when my husband was alive.

I know it is very important to develop interests or hobbies and staying involved in activities that stimulate both the mind and body. I try giving careful attention to physical fitness and exercise as I know it will go a long way toward keeping a healthy state of mind.

I have a bad back now so; therefore, lifting heavy objects leaves me at the mercy of a neighbor or a handyman and having to pay a fee for all these things I used to do on my own in my earlier years. I used to paint and wallpaper….climb ladders, drive through blizzards when I lived in New England and now I turned into a wimp and terrified of driving on I-95 here in Florida. LOL

Yes, I guess I have reached that age where I have to write things down and create my own To Do List otherwise I surely would forget. My memory used to be perfect….now hmmmmmmmmm! Sigh! Gosh, I’m making myself sound ancient but when you feel your memory is starting to fail…….it certainly becomes a serious concern.

I know I have envy lurking in my bones when I see a married couple in a restaurant but at times like that I am better able to relish my unencumbered single-hood as many years has gone by now. I’ve noticed that a little reality goes along way toward restoring a balance between the poor me and the new me. I’ll look over at my girlfriend and realize we don’t have to rush home or be home at a special time after a day of shopping and stopping for a bite to eat.

This same particular day, I joined my friends for lunch and one of my friends who is also widowed looked at me from across the table after I was starring at the same couple I was admiring and she said: “You know, as much as I loved my husband I could not marry him today……not since I found that I have a mind of my own.” That coming out of her mouth took me back a bit. I guess if you were totally dependent upon your spouse and you grew to a new person, perhaps I can understand her feelings. I, on the other hand I had a career and was always capable to taking care of myself and raising my children and my house. I then realized that my friend and I were both missing two different things about being married. I was missing the love and affection and missing being a couple and my friend was cherishing the new found life she was deprived of as a married person by being so dependent upon her spouse. She said if her husband could come back to life, he would not recognize the woman she has become. Interesting how women take different paths after a life changing event.

Life's Good

I've been patiently waiting for the sales on TVs during the President's Day Sales. I can't believe I have been squinting my eyes trying to watch a 13" screen TV in my bedroom for 30 years! Well, these eyes of mine couldn't handle it anymore so I took the plunge.

Wow, I'm impressed with the slick and simple design which is a pleasure to say goodbye to the bulk old TVs. It's hard to imagine there is still more room for improvement with today's picture quality. The resolution is unbelievable. I'm extremely pleased with my decision to purchase an LG.........Life's Good!

My TV is actually a gift from my children. I received monetary gifts from them at Christmas time, as they knew I wanted a new TV. We live in different states and they wanted me to select my preference in a TV. Someone told me to wait until after the Superbowl game and another said to wait until President's Day for an even better sale. It was well worth the wait.

I got a 32" inch with a built in DVD player and I'm thrilled with it. I'm sure the Marilyn Monroe's of today are not pleased with the new technology because it shows every flaw, pimple, blackhead, vein on a person's face..........Yikes.........talk about clarity and great resolution! Unbelievable! I got free S&H and a good $100. off the original price.

I did pull my back out taking the TV out of the double reinforced box it was shipped in within two (2) days! I did have to attach the TV to the swivel stand it came with which is a nice added feature. Not easy trying to put something together all by yourself when the size is big and awkward for one person to handle! It was worth watching HSN that day! I missed the crowds in the store, I didn't have to lug and carry this huge box home and I didn't have to pay for delivery.

Well, I felt like I was at the Movies tonight watching a big screen. The only thing missing was the popcorn!

A special thank you to my wonderful children for such a lovely gift.

The only thing that spoiled my excitement of my new TV was that I thought I'd give my old small TV to the maintenance man here in my condo. He can barely speak English and he was so delighted to be able to take this TV home. It made me happy to make someone else happy.

Well, we have a Bullie here as the President of our Association, you know those "Condo Commandos"....Oh and by the way, he is a snowbird too. He screamed and hollered at the meek poor guy in his late fifties I'd say, that he took the time to walk up my stairs and take the TV and put it in his car. The guy later knocked on my door and said the Bullie fired him. I was livid! The Bullie said he should have waited until 4:00 PM when he was off work to put the TV in his car. Oh, dear Lord, it took him less than five minutes to do this. What was the big deal.

I wrote to the Board Members, the management company, personally spoke to the subcontractor that this poor guy works for, also wrote to the Tallahassee Condo Associations of Regulations.........you name it, I wrote to them........next was going to be a letter to Channel5 and even Oprah! This big buffoon needs a "Cousin Vinnie" to pay him a visit! You know what I mean? This moron yells and swears at everyone even the ladies. I've experienced his razor tongue last year. I'm not afraid of him, he just makes my blood pressure rise and he is not worth getting sick over. I don't want a heart attack over an idiot.

I did vomit from nerves because I was so upset over this poor man Juan that lost his job! I'm a unit owner, therefore this maintenance man, legally works for me as well.....we all pay for his paycheck, so who is this Bullie to fire him because he took all of 5 minutes to put a tiny TV in his car that I gave to him..........It took the pleasure out of watching my brand new TV tonight because I couldn't get this incident out of my head. It will rent space in my head until I can help this poor man get his job back.

The Bullie said that he should have taken the TV after he was through working at 4:00 PM. Poor Juan told me that he asked the Bullie for permission first beforehand............so go figure...........Why do people spend precious hours of their life making others miserable? All that energy can go to good instead of evil.

Mind you, this Bullie is in his late 60s and about 6 ft 4" tall. There were always Bullies in school when we were young but as adults???...........this is ridiculous!

I believe in Karma and I hope what comes around goes around for him.

My husband used to be President of this Association before he passed away and he was a kind, wonderful, perfect, gentleman. So, for all the Bullies out in this world, I hope there is a "Cousin Vinnie" around to knock your teeth out!

Boston is such an amazing city!

Boston is such an amazing city.....I was always enchanted with it even as a young girl growing up in the North End. With the elderly Italian ladies yelling from the window to another neighbor in their Italian language....and the grocery shopping with my mother purchasing the freshest of fruits and vegetables sold from the wooden carts in the middle of the street.....all the coffee cafes with their own unique character....a place to read the newspaper and enjoy a cup of cappuccino and a cannoli.

Wow, the flashbacks of some fond memories. The little old storekeeper across the street...Charlie was his name....I would buy those huge sour pickles from the wooden barrels.

Playing marbles on the sidewalk or hop scotch....the streets were so narrow....didn't have to worry about someone speeding, as most of the kids played in the street or a nearby park.

As a child, I never realized that I lived in such a historic area of Boston. I could view the steeple of the Old North Church where two lanterns were hung, prompting Paul Revere’s famous ride and the start of the Revolution. The Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the people of Boston. I was an adult when I actually took the tour of Paul Revere's house. Never took the Freedom Trail walk.

Boston and adjorning towns serves up slices of history and culture at every turn, it's America's mother city with all the amazing Museums...The Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Science....Oh and the Italian Feasts in the middle of the Streets of the North End....Those were the days!

Can you tell I'm missing home? I miss strolling through the Boston Common and Public Garden, watching the Swan Boats. Follow Beacon Street to Charles Street for antique and boutique shopping, and wander through the maze of narrow streets on Beacon Hill. Lunch on Cambridge Street, then take the Red Line into Cambridge to explore Harvard Square. In the evening, take in a show in the Theater District or dance the night away on Lansdowne Street in Kenmore Square.

Filene's Basement in downtown Boston....where I accumulated all my designer clothes for a fraction of the cost. It was worth the hussel and bussel shopping in the Basement!

You can take the T to the Back Bay, where you can browse in designer shops, as well as consignment stores. If your feet get tired, take a break at an outdoor café. End your day with a traditional Boston seafood dinner or an ethnic meal on Boylston or Newbury Street, then catch a concert at nearby Symphony Hall. Or, if the Red Sox are in town, head to Fenway Park for an old-time ballpark experience and a dinner of Fenway Franks.

What in the world made me think I would love the sun and sand in Florida?....and the frightening hurricane seasons! Look at all that I'm missing in beautiful Boston! And, most importantly my children and family and dearest friends.

How many of you still live in the towns that you grew up in or even the same state for that matter? And, has anyone visited Boston? I’d move back in a heartbeat!

Thank You to Sugar Shack for the Awards!

Thanks Sugar for both of these Awards!

Hugs, Rose
P.S. I feel all of our wonderful Blogger friends deserve these Awards, so feel free to snag them for your sidebar and enjoy!

Walk At Home!

I was enjoying my “Dancing with the Stars” Cardio DVD, as I was a ballroom dancer so the Paso Doble, Cha-Cha, Samba, Jive are all familiar steps to me. Plus, having the handsome Maksim as one of the instructors provided some eye candy!

Perhaps, I was getting bored with the same routine and while I was out last week, I purchased Leslie Sansone “Walk at Home”. I didn’t go out intentionally to buy this DVD, I just happened to stumble across it while out shopping. I really enjoy this DVD.

If you want to walk off weight, this is the workout for you. I found this four mile walking workout challenging. It took my walking to a whole new other level. Walking around my complex was not doing the trick for me. Yeah, I was moving my bones but here in Florida, the heat, humidity causing discomfort for me. So, the privacy of my own home with the a/c jacked to my comfort level is great.

Some people need to go to the gym and out of their house, some for socializing issues and others for serious workouts and using the machines, and some like the company that others are suffering with you. LOL

For me, I get my motivation that pops on my screen and it keeps me walking at the perfect speed to burn calories. It also includes a Firm Band while walking to fire up the intensity of your fat burning and hopefully help me slim back into shape. What a powerful combination!

I’m proud of myself that I stopped smoking two years ago and that was tough but along with that challenge came the weight gain! Perhaps, that was the reason I kept putting off stopping because I knew I would gain weight. Well, I did the right thing. I don’t like the added pounds so I plan on doing something about it.

So far, I’m not bored with the tape and it is my second week. I like that it allows you to choose a 1, 2, 3, or 4 mile invigorating walk that I do anytime of the day. Lately, my internal clock has reversed itself for some reason. I had insomnia for sooooooo many years and was so frustrating. Now, I’m up at 4:30 AM walking with my DVD…well I don’t jump out of bed and pop in the DVD………I need that cup of java first so my eyes will be open so that I’m not groggy from sleep. I used to fall asleep at 4:30 AM….now that is the time I’m waking up so it is a good thing. I am going to bed so much earlier. My only gripe is that I’m missing some of my favorite programs “Desperate Housewives” and “Brothers & Sisters”. I haven’t watched the Late Night Show in a couple of weeks now so I assume this walking program has something to do with the sudden change.

Whatever caused the change I’m grateful. I suppose if I choose to complain about something else, I’d prefer to wake up around 6 or 7:00 AM instead of 4:30 AM!

What is your favorite style of working out?

The Big Puzzle!

I just got through reading a blogger friend’s entry whereas, she mentioned “Sometimes you need all the pieces of the puzzle to get the full picture. Withholding any one piece leaves you depleted, without depth...incomplete.” (Indigo) Kudos to Indigo! She is an amazing author with so much talent.

That one sentence rented space in my head for days and it is so true, we are all like a piece to a big puzzle. My blogger friend was relating this word to her childhood and personal issues but the word “puzzle” would not leave my mind for some reason.

I later found myself searching for graphics relating to “puzzles”, so I knew the word was not going to leave my brain anytime soon.

We all are in such an anxious world now. There is no question that uncertainty seems to have increased dramatically in the last few years. It certainly has left me a basket case! I’ve always been a worry wart when I was younger raising my children on my own being both mother and father to my children and trying so hard to make all the right decisions. Now so much more to worry about, terrorism, war, people losing jobs, people hating the jobs they are in, the stock market crashing daily. We worry about the dangers confronting our children and future generation. It just goes on and on and on.

Sometimes, it is so hard to cut off negativity in my mind. I know I can’t be the only one that feels this way. I try to control what I can and it is so hard to let go of what I can’t. I was taught to take action and control to stay empowered. Now, doctors advise to let go of what you can’t control in order to reduce the stress that drains you because it raises your blood pressure. Yeah, and my blood pressure was surely on the rise!

Has anyone tried meditating? It is not all that easy to do. I have mastered it a few times and it does have a calming effect. Journaling helps me focus on major things and also small things. I guess I can’t sit still long enough to meditate. A dear friend of mine gave me a CD to listen to….it had no words…just sounds of bells, chimes and I tried so hard to listen and close my eyes and wait for a calming feeling in order to go to sleep, as my insomnia has plagued me for years but no such luck.

Well, just listening to the News is enough to make anyone a wreck with all the big name stores closing and more massive layoffs……scary. Even our President Elect states that this will take a long time to correct all these very serious issues our nation is facing.

But, I am an optimist, like most Americans and I believe we will get on from this crisis to a better America. My parents and their generation came through the Great Depression and we too, will come through this economic turmoil. I believe that our new President and his carefully selected cabinet will do what it takes to get the country back on track because we, the American people will not accept anything less. We also know that it can’t happen overnight even though we would love it to happen quickly. We are strong Americans!

Big Inauguration Day tomorrow! I know I will be glued to the T.V.!

Still sick and miserable....Ugh!

Yeah, cabin fever gave me time to give my blog a new facelift again. The Christmas theme is over and it doesn't snow here in Florida, so I thought I'd remove the snowflakes as well. And, Garnett ( a blogger friend) wanted to shoot my cute bouncing snowman! LOL

I was going to add some butterflies flying around.....maybe later. LOL

Celebrating my birthday was put on hold, as I’ve been sick as a dog since December 28th. This sinus/cold thing is lingering on and frustrating me. So, days later of not getting well an antibiotic is required.

What did help a great deal was a Neti Pot and I suggest that all of you purchase one and have it on hand in your medicine cabinet. There are close to 24 different style Neti Pots. This one my son told me was the best. I first heard of a Neti Pot via Dr. Oz when he was on the Oprah show. I love that doctor...he explains everything and discusses everything you are embarrassed to ask your doctor.

I went to the Pharmacy to get my antibiotics; the store was filled with Valentine Displays and all those red hearts to remind us. I don’t need it to remind me, as Valentine’s Day was also my Wedding Anniversary.

Why do we eat those nasty insipid heart candies with messages on them? We certainly do not like the taste....maybe we eat them for inspiration! We send Valentine cards to family and friends that all say "Be Mine Valentine" with hugs and kisses.

Oh, and we can't forget the heart shaped boxes of chocolates...which we all can do without these days!

The florists will all be busy delivering those long stem roses and the restaurants will be packed with all the lovers celebrating the holiday.

Verizon Wireless continues to call me to remind me that my contract is up and I can upgrade my cell phone now. Their “Blackberry Storm” Cell phone certainly has many desired features. But I love my old phone and I’m not ready to turn it in yet. I already have nifty features on it....I really liked the one called EZ Tip calculator....and my GPS system…..Cool Beans! I downloaded the song "And, all that Jazz" (the theme from Chicago) as my ringtone. Everyone cracks up when my cell phone goes off...it's unique and different. I think Verizon’s new phone is amazing but I don’t need a computer on my phone. Heck, I spend hours on my computer as it is, I don’t need it to follow me around while I’m driving or shopping too! I’m into modern technology but sometimes, they just go way overboard with this stuff! Some things should remain simple and useful.

I'm very concerned about the kids today using these features while driving. I personally think they should ban using a cell phone while driving. It has proven to be a safety hazard. I'm guilty of answering my phone while driving but I immediately state I will call the person back so I can pay attention to the road. I don't need to learn how to text....my long nails would get in the way. I do understand how that feature is beneficial in certain circumstances when you do not want someone to hear your conversation on your cell phone.

P.S. I really wish the amazing talented graphic people would not use a white background as they don't look so good with a colored wallpaper. I prefer the transparent backgrounds and I tried like heck to remove the white. But, I was exhausted trying. Look how nice the graphics look without the white backdrops.

In an email, they look fine because the background is white therefore making it invisable.

Yep, today is my birthday!

Yep, today is my birthday! The old adage that “life is not a dress rehearsal” is so true and yet we all act to the contrary by putting off what is truly important or focusing on things that are not.

I really have to exercise more. I was on a roll for a while and doing well but then I came down with a bad sinus infection and couldn’t get my head off the pillow! A week later, just starting to feel better.

As soon as I’m a 100% better, I plan on reshuffling my priorities and exercise first before going on the computer for hours at a time!

I found that the older I get, the more I stay home at night. I don’t have to worry about the alarm clock anymore so actually, I should go out more than being alone in front of the TV or the computer. I think I better stop focusing on my age and get out and about more. Heck, I live in Florida….I no longer have the excuse of the cold New England winters keeping me indoors!

I think somehow becoming a Widow puts you into a rut. I think it’s time for me to get out of my boring routine and start dancing!

Ah, we are approaching the year 2009!

I hope all of you had a deLIGHTful Christmas and that all your secret wishes were fulfilled with the enchantment of Christmas which was all yours to treasure. For some of us, it was a painful Christmas and just waited for the day to come and go quickly.

Next week, we will begin to start writing 2009 on all of our correspondence and writing 2009 on our checks. I recall as a child, it seemed to frighten me every year when the digits changed on the calendar. Strange for a young girl to be frightened of that. As an adult, it frightens me even more but I know why now at an older age.

I read somewhere that many people call New Years Day...."Good Riddance Day"....in which they celebrate in mashing a year’s worth of bad hairstyles, loathed music, fashion disasters and regretted romances into an unrecognizable pulp of bad karma and negative vibes. Well, I guess that is when people decided to make their New Year's resolutions and to start off the new year with a positive attitude to get rid of all the negative vibes from the year just past.

Every year, millions and millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. Is it really made of Waterford Crystal???? Don't you think that in today's devastating economy.....we should not use Waterford Crystal for the New Year's Ball this year?

We all anxiously wait for the clock to start at 11:59 p.m. when the Ball begins its descent, as millions of voices start to count down the final seconds of the year, and celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams........mostly dreams!

I prefer to be at home watching the ball come down. I recall when I was young, I used to love to find that perfect cocktail dress and attend the best parties celebrating the New Year. As I got older, I realized that I would rather be home then be on the roads with the amateur drunks that abuse the beautiful celebrations of welcoming in a New Year.

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I believe that you should be ridding yourself of bad habits and you shouldn't have to wait for New Years to start doing it. New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want and/or more importantly need to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

The resolutions for many are usually the same every year, diet, stop smoking, exercising, etc. All of which do not require a New Year to begin to start living a healthy lifestyle.

So, do you make New Year's Resolutions? Are they usually the same ones year after year? I know Jimmy Sullivan will be out in Area 51 celebrating....so how are the rest of you celebrating in the new year?