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!

The Signs of Aging!

I recall jumping for joy when I received my Medicare Card in the mail because for me, it meant I would have health insurance.  I was denied health insurance for the previous 8 years due to existing conditions which inferiorities me because illegal immigrants get health insurance and I paid my dues all my life and I was denied!  And I was born and raised in the USA!  This is my Country!

It seemed the minute that card arrived I started to decline in age.  I expected gradual changes but one thing after another blew me away.  I hated constantly living in a doctor’s office.

My doctor told me that your body ages depends in part on your family genetic patterns, but lifestyle choices have a more powerful impact on how well your body ages. 

Well, I knew I could control that so I signed up at the gym for Silver Sneakers classes three days a week.  I also became a Vegan but not for aging reasons at the time.  I had a fatty liver due to eating animal fat.  It was hard but I did feel better.

The following is what I have noticed since I have turned 65 and now 68 years old!  Oh, gosh where did all those years go?

Skin: With age, the skin becomes less elastic and more lined and wrinkled. Fingernail growth also slows. The oil glands gradually produce less oil, making the skin drier than before. I use moisturizer every day and night and protect my skin from the sun and I live in Florida!

Hair: It's normal for hair to gradually thin on the scalp, pubic area, and armpits. As hair pigment cells decline in number, gray hair growth increases.  Seems like I’m losing more hair now, as I see it on the bathroom floor daily…………….Ugh.

Height: I have lost as much as 2 in. (5 cm) in height. This is often related to normal changes in posture and compression of joints, spinal bones, and spinal discs.  I recently had an MRI for severe headaches and grateful it came out normal but the bottom part of the report indicated that my brain shrunk!  My doctor laughed and told me to not panic and that it is normal because I shrunk in height!  Damn!

I’m too old to be wearing Stilettos now.  Oh, how I loved my shoes!

Hearing: Over time, changes in the ear make high-frequency sounds harder to hear and changes in tone and speech less clear. These changes tend to accelerate after age 55.  Fortunately, my hearing is still good.

Vision: It started with reading glasses in my 40’s and just recently with my last appointment with the eye doctor, I am now wearing transitional glasses every day!  I should try contacts because I’m so vain.

Sleep: Changes in sleep occur as you age. You will probably sleep less at night, and you may not sleep as deeply as you did when you were younger. I’ve been dealing with severe insomnia for years now and I need a sleeping aid, as my doctor feels the quality of life is more important than going without sleep for 2-3 days at a time.

Bones: Throughout adulthood, men and women gradually lose some of the mineral content in their bones. The bones get less dense and strong. You can slow natural bone loss and reduce your risk of osteoporosis getting regular, weight-bearing exercise (such as walking), getting enough calcium and vitamin D, avoiding lifestyle choices that weaken bones (such as smoking). 

At my last bone density test, I now have Osteopenia which is the beginning stages of Osteoporosis!  I had a fall in the house two years ago and it is just now starting to heal.  Great, I just keep adding to my list of “Aging”.

Metabolism: Over time, the body typically needs less energy, and your metabolism slows. Hormone changes in the aging body result in a shift to more body fat and less muscle mass. The best approach to managing these changes is to take in fewer calories while keeping up or increasing your physical activity. 

Lonely:  I need to get out more.  I never go out at night anymore.  I think this causes more trips to the fridge!  I think Widowhood changes a woman.  I think being a couple keeps you young at heart.  Being away from my family doesn't help either.

Weight gain: The above topic explains this!

Dupuytren: I developed four nodules under the skin of the palm of my right hand.  It hurts.  The doctor told me that nothing can be done for it until my fingers start to curl.  Great, freaking great.  Daily warm soaks help and less time on the computer as well.

Foot pain: Does the bottom of your feet hurt when getting out of bed in the morning?  Another damn symptom!  What gives?

Yet, my body still feels like dancing!

You Don't Need A Fortune Teller!

I honestly believe that the only way to get to happiness is to be happy already. Many people live their life according to the formula:

Do + Have = Be.

You don't need a fortune teller to tell you that you need to detox!

Life's formula does not mean that the only way you can be happy because first you have to do x, y and z.  In other words, you have to have this and that, have to do more, then have to do even more, you have to have lots of money and lots of friends, etc. But why not just be happy?

Gandhi once said you have to be the change you want. Why?  Because the mirror cannot change without you.  And the world is only a mirror.

Remember, you see only your thoughts. When you shift, shift happens. If you don’t, you simply experience more of the same.

In order to be happy, you have to do a friendship detox first.  You all have come across this type of person before;  the drama queen, the attention addict, the relentless pessimist, the exploiter.

We all have difficulty getting rid of the friend that betrays you.  So, when poison pals infect your life, sometimes you just need to say goodbye and good riddance!

Some friends, are just not good for us no matter how hard we try to make things work.  No one needs a control freak, or a manipulating individual taking advantage of your good, kind, generous heart and your wallet!

It all starts with small infractions and then they add up and drag you down.  In the process of ridding yourself of everything that threatens your well being and causing stressful days belongs in the same category with the trans fats that are bad for your health.  You have to read your friends the same way you read food labels.

These type of friends don’t change, so stop giving them second chances month after month.  The truth never fails to show itself, so get rid of that liar of a friend.

You know in your heart when you have a good friend.  You also know in your heart when you have a bloodsucking friend that is using you. 

Keep the friends that love you, as you have many!

Life is beautiful, you just have to make some changes along the way.

I didn't say it would be easy, but it will be worth it for your well being.  

It’s called “Friendship Detox”.  Next, we will start on detoxing your closet!

Confidently Forward!

I’ve had a few difficult days lately and I allowed them to get me down.  My hairdresser really messed up on the color of my hair and a followup appointment for a correction color was even worse!  

I’m a redhead and I walked out of the beauty shop with black hair in the front and flame red in the back.  I expressed my displeasure just seeing the front.  I didn't realize that the back of my head was "screaming" red until I got home and looked in my mirror to view the back.  

Mr. Jerkoff refused to take my son's advice to correct the mess!  So, the correction color several days later, I walked out with "Screaming" flame red in the front and black hair in the back.  Futta, Futta!  

I realized I have other choices.  I can choose to focus on the good places I intend to go to, instead of on the painful places I’ve had to go through.  I choose not to go back to the painful places and endure bad hairdos and write out a check and tip to look bad!

I should jump on a plane and have my son do my hair!  I just can’t afford the plane fare on a monthly basis.

I’m very meticulous about my hair as all women should be.  Everyone should care about their appearance even men!

My son is a hairstylist and the best but he lives in Boston and I’m here in Florida.  I’ve gone thru 32 hairdressers since he moved back to Boston in 1995.  I find it very hard to believe that there is not another hairdresser here in Florida that can be put in the same bracket as my son?  I know he is my son, and people will think I’m just bragging but he truly has magic in his hands and so amazingly talented.

I didn’t accomplish anything to complain about, or to dwell on, but I was hoping that the hairdresser could fix it.  He also begged for my forgiveness and even admitted to “sloppy work”.  But his correction did not warrant giving him forgiveness.  I do believe everyone should have second chances but this has been a constant complaint with me for a long time now.  I came home and picked up the phone and told my hairdresser “I can’t go through this anymore”!

And, months ago, I even sent this Jerkoff new customers!  Well, I personally invited these friends of mine that I gave referrals to my house for lunch to view my hair for themselves.  Needless to say, I didn’t have to discourage them for making another appointment with Mr. Jerkoff.  They all pulled out their cell phones and cancelled their upcoming appointments!  

Mission Accomplished!  Don’t make a woman look bad because of sloppy work as he personally said so himself.  Duh!

Just picture Kelly Osborne years ago with the red bangs and black hair!  Yikes!

Two days later, the check I wrote out to Mr.Jerkoff was sent back to me via snail mail.  No note inside, just my check that fortunately, he did not cash or deposit yet.  I did not ask for my money back but I guess he new better to do so.

I did manage to find a “Colorist” that will go to next month. But I will also need a hairstylist to cut my hair.  I should be looking out of my zip code so the cost will be lower!

My son spoiled me doing my hair weekly for years and I didn’t realize how much money he was saving me as well.  Most importantly, I felt beautiful and even look younger when my son does my hair.

JIMMY, YOU ARE THE BEST!  You truly are!

Listen up all “Hairdressers”, you must go to continuing education to keep up with the new and improved coloring and haircutting techniques!  You just can’t get you license some 30 plus years ago and have no clue what has changed in your profession!

Continuing education applies to all forms of professions.

Health or Disease?

Do you frequent fast food restaurants?  If so, please stop for your health's sake.  

We have too many fast food restaurants on virtually every corner. These unhealthy foods are inexpensive, and the drive-thru makes it easily accessible for people on the run. They are also loaded with calories, unhealthy fats, high sodium levels and are highly addictive. 

Taste is the number one factor influencing our food choices.  Food manufacturers market foods that taste good rather than foods that have nutritional value. 

I’m sharing with you what I was taught by my medical office:

An unhealthy diet is one of the simplest things to change in order to improve your overall health.  Start by skipping the interior aisles of the grocery store that are filled with convenience foods and snacks.  Instead, concentrate on the outer aisles of the store where the more nutritious fresh food is located. 

To make smart food choices quickly and easily, compare nutrition facts on food labels and be aware of portion sizes on packages.  Stay within your daily caloric needs and get the most nutrients out of the calories you do consume by choosing nutritionally rich foods.  Opt for diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy. 

If you are a Vegan, no need to read labels because there are no labels on fresh fruit and fresh vegetables.  Simple!  It was a major adjustment at first and I was bucking it from the beginning.  

Now, the doctor tells me he wants me to eat a steak once a week!  I thought I truly would devour it and enjoy it because of being deprived of meat for two years.  As it turned out, I realized that I was not missing out on much.

I had to learn the hard way but I was fortunate to gain this knowledge after a bad report from blood work indicating a very fatty liver.  I never ate at fast food restaurants but I did eat meat at almost every meal and way too many carbs.  

I cook and eat at home daily with the exception of special occasions.  I sometimes make wrong choices when I'm out grocery shopping as I get cravings too but at least I stay away from fast food places.

Health or disease?  It’s your choice.  Choose wisely. 

 

And if you still smoke…STOP!

Experience!

We have all come to realize that in life, you will experience that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

It’s a no brainer to keep people in your life who truly love you, motivate you, encourage you, enhance you, and make you happy. If you know people who do none of these things, let them go.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

The most beautiful thing is to see a person you love smiling. And even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason behind it.

Choose your relationships wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. Being alone does not mean you are lonely, and being lonely does not mean you are alone.

Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option. Just because one person doesn’t seem to care for you, doesn’t mean you should forget about everyone else who does.

It is okay to be angry. It is never okay to be cruel.

Never do something permanently foolish just because you are temporarily upset. Silence is often the loudest cry. Pay attention to those you care about.

We don’t always need advice. Sometimes all we need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand.

Any of this sound familiar to you? 

Common sense! 

Vitamin F

We all have a variety of friends who are all so different in character?

How is it possible that I can get along with them all?  I think that each one helps to bring out a "different" part of me.

With one of them I am polite.  With another I joke.  With another I can be a bit naughty and with some, I can sit down and talk about serious matters. With another I laugh a lot. I listen to one friend's problems and then I listen to another friend’s advice for me.  We are all very unique.

My friends are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. When the puzzle is completed, they form a beautiful portrait.

I'm blessed with wonderful friends that I treasure.  They are my friends who understand me better than I understand myself. They're friends who support me through good days and bad.

Real Age doctors tell us that friends are good for our health.  Dr. Oz calls them Vitamin F (for Friends and Family) and counts the benefits of friends as essential to our well-being. Research shows that people in strong social circles have less risk of depression and terminal strokes.

If you enjoy Vitamin F constantly you can be up to 30 years younger than your real age. The warmth of friendship stops stress and even in your most intense moments, it decreases the chance of a cardiac arrest or stroke by 50%.

I'm so happy that I have a stock of Vitamin F!

In summary, we should value our friends and keep in touch with them. We should try to see the funny side of things and laugh together and pray for each other in the tough moments.

Some of my friends go way back to the third grade and others are faceless cyberspace friends from blogs online. I know I am part of theirs because their names appear on my computer screen every day and I feel blessed that they care as much for me as I care for them.

Thank you for being one of my Vitamins!

“Take time to be with your family and friends”

Reflect on your family, your friends or the place where you live, and the satisfaction they bring you. Recognizing what you’re grateful for helps keep things in perspective as we all know life is too short.

Gratefulness will always carry you through the tough times, and gives you the strength to surpass the stress of challenges we all face from time to time.  And, we all go through life with some form of stress.

We all appreciate the pleasure when you receive from a phone call with a friend or an email that allowed you to laugh with your children or viewing the old family album and reminiscing when your children were young and so were you.

Sometimes the small things in life outshine the big things – some of my friends enjoy the affection of a pet, and others like me love crafts and others enjoying a day on the golf course or a deep and fulfilling relationship.  

I just recently lost another sibling.  It is painful.  Rest in Peace ……… Sister, Tina.

Each family has its own special history and the shared bonds that are a part of that history. When a sibling dies, the bonds are shattered, and the history forever has a void that cannot be filled.

When your parents die, it is said you lose your past; when your spouse dies, you lose your present; and when your child dies, you lose your future. However, when your sibling dies, you lose a part of your past, your present, and your future.

Take the time to reflect and nourish the gratitude and spend more time with your family.

Sharing "The Old Paths"

I liked the old paths, when
Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!

Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.

Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave.

Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.

Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.

Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.

People loved the truth,
And hated a lie.

They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!

Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.

Cursing was wicked;
Drugs were for illness.

The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!

We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house.

To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called an American was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!

Sharing memories of the old paths! 

'The Old Paths' was written by a retired minister who lives In Tennessee