Category: Modern Life

2024’s Worst New Year’s Resolutions

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2024’s Worst New Year’s Resolutions

Cate has been going through her list of resolutions for 2024. Enjoy the fun.

2024’s Worst New Year’s Resolutions

By Cate Rees-Hessel 

Editor: At the beginning of each year many of us examine our lives and in many cases decide we need to make some changes; thus the New Year’s Resolution List.  So with that said, here are Cate’s 2024’s worst New Year’s Resolutions.  

  1. Resolving AGAIN to lose weight – this is the most common resolution. It lasts until maybe mid-January most of the time. I no longer bother to resolve to do this, I just resolve to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and exercise.
  2. Resolving to join a gym but never visiting there – canceling can be a major hassle.
  3. Resolving to get a permanent eyeliner and lip liner tattoo. Nope. I’ve resolved to get up ten minutes earlier in the morning to line my eyes and  sometimes I  even skip the lip liner.
  4. Resolving to get plastic surgery or Botox in order to appear younger. I instead will embrace the beauty of aging.
  5. Resolving to clean out your closets, ridding yourself of any and all junk. A good idea but overwhelming if you decide to do it all at once – try doing it in smaller sections.
  6. Resolving to never, ever, ever again, drink, soda, alcohol, or expensive coffee beverages. Let’s face it, not going to happen – just remember moderation is the key here.
  7. Resolving to only drink diet soda. Are you aware of the chemicals in those?
  8. Resolving to play the lottery. Don’t gamble on this one – just start a savings account instead.
  9. Resolving to give your boss a piece of your mind – this is the same as resolving to join the unemployment line.
  10. Resolving to be adventurous. Skinny dipping in winter, bungee jumping over a frozen lake, twerking in public – this is called stupidity.
  11. Resolving to accept as many blind dates as you can – this is also called stupidity.
  12. Resolving to drunk text your ex on New Year’s Eve or maybe Valentine’s Day – this is called beyond stupidity.
  13. Resolving to stop reading the labels at the grocery store. Since the majority of boxed, canned, frozen, and even alleged fresh foods are GMO these days, this is not a wise resolution. Preservatives, artificial colors, and the like don’t make for a happy New Year, either.
  14. Resolving to start jogging 5 miles a day. No, just no – start slow and stay safe. Maybe a walk around the block today and two blocks tomorrow.
  15. Resolving to skip COVID vaccine boosters. You will have plenty of time to read the books you are resolving to read while you’re in quarantine, presuming you are not in a hospital on a ventilator. Whatever you do, don’t binge watch the last six seasons of the “The Apprentice” – you are already sick.
  16. Resolving to dance like nobody is watching in front of a window – no, nope, not good-somebody is always watching.
  17. Resolving to give that creepy date a second chance; after all Valentine’s Day comes shortly after New Year’s. I think not – this won’t end well; creeps just get creepier.
  18. Resolving to conquer your fear of heights by taking flying lessons or trying a zip line. My fear is that this too will not end well.
  19. Resolving to invest half of your paycheck in cryptocurrency. You may want to rethink this one, because the last I heard all those hot cryptocurrency guru’s are serving 99 to life.
  20. Resolving to take pickleball lessons, learning to play the tuba, or enrolling in a circus arts course at the community college- think these over before you shell out any money. I think you’d be alright with the pickleball classes, but I’d definitely forget the tuba training and the high wire act.
  21. Resolving to be a do it yourself plumber – once again, this can’t end well.
  22. Resolving to vote Republican. Don’t go there – ever… No, not ever.
  23. Resolving to buy a boxed set of “The Apprentice” on clearance at Walmart and binge watch it. First of all, why would anyone do such a thing and secondly, why are all those lousy old videos still around? Because they’re lousy of course.
  24. Resolving to never again attend a multi-tiered market party no matter the hype, to find out why, see below.

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Take a Fresh Look at Isometrics

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Take a Fresh Look at Isometrics

Isometric exercises are easy and show quick results.

A Fresh Look at Isometrics

By D. S. Mitchell

Testing the 30-Minute Rule

Health experts agree that to stay healthy we need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise; but getting that 30 minutes of exercise everyday seems an impossible challenge. Somehow the minutes and hours slip away, and we never commit to adding that 30-minute “health” block to our schedule. However, recent studies are telling us that the ‘30-minute rule’ isn’t hard and fast. In fact, experts are now realizing it is okay to sprinkle activity regularly throughout the day, even in one-minute increments. You heard it here; it is possible for you to get the same blood pressure, cholesterol and waistline benefits as people who exercise more vigorously in longer more structured intervals. The secret behind this is isometric exercise.

All About Muscle Contraction

Isometric exercise is a type of strength training in which the joint angle and muscle length do not change during contraction. Isometrics are done in static positions. In the process, you tense your muscles but don’t actually move. In such positions the muscle fibers are activated, but since these are equal forces against each other, there is no movement. Imagine putting palm to palm and pressing against each other as hard as possible for 10 seconds and then release. Just remember to squeeze it–hard. Since you are not relying on movement to fatigue your muscles you need to squeeze hard, which just means you tighten your muscles as tight as you can and then hold. And don’t forget to breathe. Breathe from the lower belly.

Proven Benefits

Isometrics strengthen and condition muscles, improve control over our bodies (bowel, bladder, breathing), improves body posture and spine alignment, helps prevent injury, improves bone density and strength, increases resistance and endurance, can be done anywhere at any time, no equipment needed, keeps body posture straight and erect and can be done by young and old.

Try it Yourself With These Quick Exercises

1.) While sitting around watching TV or during a work break: Keep a tennis ball next to your favorite chair or in your desk. At least twice a day, grab a ball and squeeze tightly for at least five seconds then release slowly. Repeat 10 to 15 times with each hand.

2.) While standing in line at the bank or the grocery store: A full body exercise can take your mind off the wait. Begin by tensing your butt 10 times. Tighten your stomach muscles, hold for five seconds, then release slowly. Stretch your arms downward behind you and squeeze your triceps 10 times. Rise up on your toes and squeeze your calves 10 times.

3.) While you’re brushing your teeth in the morning and evening try this: As you age your balance deteriorates. To reverse that natural loss stand on one foot for 60 seconds and tense your butt and upper thighs, then switch legs. When that becomes easy, try balancing while lifting your leg to the side and hold for 60 seconds.

4.) If your job is tying you to a desk it is endangering your life: You have probably heard, “Sitting is the new smoking,” sitting is hazardous to your health. If your job has you doing a lot of desk time change your usual chair for a stability ball for 20-30 minute periods throughout the day. A stability ball builds core strength and is recommended for reducing back pain. Don’t forget to get up and walk around every half hour.

5.) While the spaghetti is cooking: Place hands on the wall, shoulders wide apart. Lean into the wall, supporting your body on your toes, and keep your palms on the wall. Push as hard as you can. Keep pushing with the same force for 15 seconds. Relax. Repeat at least 5 times.

6.) While the coffee perks: Try to do a light stretch each morning. Stand at arm’s length from the wall and place one foot behind the other, keeping heels down and knees straight. Lean toward the wall and place one foot behind the other, keeping heels down and knees straight. Lean toward the wall, bracing with your arms. Bend your forward leg to stretch the calf of your back leg. Hold for thirty seconds and then switch legs. *Plantar Fasciitis is a common complaint and it can be prevented by keeping your calves and Achilles tendons from getting tight.

7.) When standing up: Every time you stand up from or sit down in a chair use just your legs. Do this 10 times a day and you can congratulate yourself for doing 10 squats. If you need to use one hand at first to steady yourself you can do that initially.

8.) If you are sitting at a red light: Counter gravity’s effects on bowel and bladder by tightening your pelvic floor muscles. Just pretend you have to pee and are “holding it.” Hold for a count of 10, then release for a count of 10.

9.) While watching season six of Breaking Bad or your personal Netflix marathon lie on your side and do three sets of 15 leg lifts, then three sets of leg circles. Then switch sides.

10.) Wall sit: Stand with your back against the wall. Flex your knees and lower your body as you would while squatting. Hold position 5-7 seconds and then release. Repeat 10 times, increasing the hold time gradually. Make sure your back remains flush against the wall at all times.

Although the above 10 suggestions are quick and easy exercises be sure to strive for a combination of isotonic and isometric exercises. Isotonic exercises include squats and stair climbing. Exercise should be fun. Include a weekly bike ride, roller skate at your local rink, take a hike, play a round of golf, hit the pool, or just take a walk.

The choice is yours. Choose to be healthy.

 

 

Call Me Cate, An Adoptee Moves On

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Call Me Cate, An Adoptee Moves On 

I was adopted. They changed my name and now I have changed it back to my birth name

Call Me Cate, An Adoptee Moves On

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

A New Beginning…

As I’ve passed another milestone birthday, my thoughts have wandered to my birth.  I was privately adopted as a newborn by an older couple that were never meant to be parents.  Through DNA testing and the state of Pennsylvania finally opening original birth certificate availability to adoptees a few years ago, I have been blessed with finding my biological family.  I now have multiple siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. My cousin Michelle has become one of my dearest friends; she has encouraged me to reach out to my new kin, and maintains our family tree with the accuracy of a brain surgeon – a truly amazing lady. There are so many branches, my one BFF joked my cuz is the “Director of Forestry”…

Oh Yeah, I Blend…

My adopted family was abusive and ashamed of my multi racial ethnicities.  I, on the other hand, am thrilled to be an Irish, Italian, Iberian, Iraqi Jewish Christian.  I was cheated out of growing up with sibling camaraderie and arguments, but I do have dear friends that have become my family.  My spouse and I are truly grateful.

Choose Carefully

When I was adopted, my birth name was completely changed.  This irks me; a name at birth should remain through a lifetime.  Hopefully parents will take this into account before choosing overly unusual names.  What we are called should be special, and should be treated with reverence.  When we brought home our most recent lovable Puggle, we kept her beautiful name Sasha.  In Hebrew it means defender of mankind.  I will admit we changed our new kitten’s name from Hazel to Prada – one of my two spiritual mothers was a Hazel, that name being exclusively hers. Besides our cat is a constant reminder for my husband to buy me a Prada purse.

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The Rotary Four-Way Test

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The Rotary's Four Way Test is a good way to lead your life.

 

Editor’s Note: The genesis for this article came from my neighborhood advertising circular, the Sneak Preview. The December 2023 issue had a wonderful article by a local businessman, Steve Roe. Mr. Roe is the 2023 recipient of the Louis Schultz Distinguished Service Award, given each year to (Grants Pass, Oregon) community members who give their time, knowledge and resources to help improve our local community. In his beautifully written article Steve mentions the Rotary’s Four Way Test and how he personally and the Rotary, use the Four Way Test to evaluate what we think, say, and do. 

 

The Four-Way Test

Has Us Question What We Think, Say, and Do.

By D.S. Mitchell

 

A Long Time Back

In 1905, in Chicago Illinois, Paul Harris and three business friends got together and created the Rotary; the worlds first service organization. It wasn’t until 1943 that the club adopted Herb Taylor’s, another Chicago businessman’s, Four-Way ethics test. The Four-Way test is now a center of Rotary thought and action. The Four-Way test guides the Rotary’s unique approach and process to address conflicts, solve problems and make decisions to achieve desired objectives. The four questions are to be asked of the things you think, say, and do. Considering the abusive nature of today’s public and private discourse, I think putting the Four-Way test in operation, before we open our mouths, or take any action, might be a good place for all of us start; especially since it is supposed to be a joyous time of year.

A Clear and Positive Vision

Superbly simple, the Four-Way test offers a clear and positive vision for turning people away from vulgarity and back to civility; only joking, because what we have going on now may be unfixable. Sorry, for the negative insertion, but I am at this moment frustrated with the outrageous antics of the Republicans in the House of Representatives. However, not to digress; the Four-Way test is to be used in what we think, say, and do. Clearly the challenging part of the Four-Way test is that all four questions must be satisfactorily answered to reach an answer to the question. The four ethics questions the Four-Way test asks are;
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Rotary over the last 120 years has grown into a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs around the world with empathy and concern; they may be onto something here.
Constructive Not Destructive

The test is not a rigid process.  Below are ideas for using The Four-Way test and conflict transformation concepts for constructive change without quite importantly, violence.

  • Is it the TRUTH? Act with integrity and high ethical standards.  Acknowledge and define the problem including the root causes. Gather information by asking questions and with the use of critical thinking identify the difference between facts, beliefs, assumptions, and opinions. Such actions build trust.
  • Is it FAIR to all concerned? Keep in mind both the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule. Okay. I  had to look this one up. The Golden Rule is; “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Well, the Platinum Rule is, “do unto others as they would have you do unto them.” Hmm. Okay. I get it. Identify and include all interested and affected parties in discussions. Attempt to understand the other points-of-view in the context of conflict and reaching shared goals. Such actions foster accountability.
  • Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Promote civility by projecting an air of respect and openness. Be open to looking at new things and old things in new ways that can lead to creative and innovative solutions.  Discuss and agree on desired outcomes until consensus is found. Respect for what everyone can contribute  promotes fellowship.
  • Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Keep an open mind and a curiosity for new ideas, novel applications and different points-of view. Consider many options and build on different ideas. Come to mutually beneficial solutions that are sustainable and repeatable.

The Four-Way test is an adaptive process. It takes into account everyone’s point-of-view and concerns, as well as their needs and wants. The process is designed to build goodwill and earn trust so a particular end result is mutually beneficial, sustainable and fair with repeatable outcomes.

On the Home Front

Just in time for Christmas get togethers. I’m laughing, but, I’m deadly serious at the same time. I encourage anyone reading this article  consider using The Four-Way test to address conflicts in the public square and at private dinners with cranky relatives. Remember the questions start with What We Think, followed by what What We Say and lastly, What We Do.  

Making Bubble Hash, Part 2

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Making Bubble Hash, Part 2

Making Bubble Hash, Part 2

Dave and Bill are back to finish up the lesson on making Bubble Hash. So sit down take a puff and watch the pros teach you how to take flower or leaf and with a whole lot of love and knowledge, turn it into Bubble Hash. Enjoy.

I Wanna Be Barbie, That Girl Has It All

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I Wanna Be Barbie

Barbie hit 60 this year but she looks good and is just hitting her stride. I Wanna Be Barbie, That Girl Has It All…

 

By Anna Hessel

 

“Barbie” Boom

Pink is in and so is Barbie. I just saw the new Barbie movie for the first time, and it’s totally awesome. How can you miss with a cast that includes America Ferrera, Rhea Pearlman, Will Farrell, Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, and narration by Helen Mirren? I must commend Mattel for having the courage to make this movie happen. Culturally diverse Barbies and Kens abound in Barbieland, including wheelchair and plus size perfect Barbies – I want both of those dolls. I agree the park bench scene with pink Western attired Barbie and the older lady is a scene worthy of an Oscar. This Christmas my nieces and nephews are getting Mattel toys: Barbies, Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars. Toys for Tots will be blessed with Barbies, too.

Back in the Day…

I happen to pride myself on knowing my Babs history. I know her middle name is Millicent and I have owned many a Millie. I actually gave my dolls choppy haircuts, marker make up, and even tattoos. Weird Barbie, I understand will be the doll to have this holiday season. Eons ago, I came up with the idea of cellulite Barbie, and, of course, have written about it – you heard it here first, folks.

No Boxing

I played enthusiastically with my collection – no doll of mine stayed in a box. Barbie in her black and pink case accompanied me to my first sleepover and my first day of school. She took mud baths in puddles after the rain, and Malibu Barbie and Ken went to the beach with me. I had the Barbie airplane – she was the pilot, Midge the copilot, and Ken was the flight attendant on my airline.

Be All That She Can Be

Ever the feminist, I campaigned for a Shirley Chisholm and “That Girl” dolls. I already had a nurse “Julia” doll. My fashionista Barbie was a lawyer, astronaut, ballerina, and veterinarian, complete with plastic cat and dog. She was a marine biologist, swimming with plastic dolphins. I had equestrian Barbie, who also ran a day care center. Cute baby Barbies came with my baby sitter set. I had the growing up Skipper; crank her arm and she grew boobs. Lucy in the candy factory Barbie. Hair color change Barbie. Ice Capades Barbie. Farm girl Barbie. Teacher Barbie. That’s just to name a few. Ms. Barbara Millicent Roberts was a professor, first female President of the United States, a senator, and judge. Ken was nurse to her doctor. All of my fashion diva dolls held important positions: opera star, actress, independent film maker, news anchor, author, nuclear physicist, private detective, rocket scientist, and, of course, journalist.

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Tips On Staying In Style In This Economy

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Tips On Staying In Style In This Economy

Anna Hessel offers common sense ideas to save money in these inflationary times

Editor’s Note: Anna Hessel with a little help from hubby, Wes, have been offering up 10 tips a week on How to Stay In Style In This Economy. Thanks Anna, we need all the help we can get. Next week will be the last week of her suggestions. Watch for it next Tuesday, but right now here are their suggestions for this week.

By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel

Inflation is being beaten back but basic costs are still high, and service providers are charging more, but there is hope out there. Saving money has always been a challenge but in this current economic climate saving money can be get a bit tricky,  but there are certainly ways to shave your budget without losing out on things you need and want, here are today’s suggestions:

  1. Online survey sites can bring in some money. Even the legit sites sometimes have bad surveys that don’t pay, but overall, there is money to be made. You won’t get rich but a few extra dollars can add up over time.
  2. Side gigs can be fruitful but make sure to factor in things like gas and supplies to ascertain that you’re actually making a profit.
  3. Use your interests and hobbies to make money. If you bake great cookies or are a crafter, rent a table at a flea market or craft show to sell your wares, or sell to friends and co-workers. Check local ordinances before hand for any requirements.
  4. Old-fashioned side jobs like babysitting, grass mowing, car washing, errand running, etc., are not just for teens, these days.
  5. Check state treasury departments or the equivalent to find out if anyone owes you money in unclaimed property like lost accounts or credits. We found insurance and utility companies that owed us refunds…
  6. Event venues, places with concessions like pools or sports parks, and restaurants sometimes offer discount food near closing time.
  7. Summer time can bring free movies in the park, free outdoor concerts, or free splash pads for hot days…
  8. Try homemade options such as making a scrub from sugar or salt and olive oil or honey – it’s great for dry skin, cellulite, or crepe skin. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or baby lotion added to bath water can have spa-like benefits.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

  1. Many people are eligible for government-subsidized (most often free) cell phones with service and/or internet – more than you would think. See the FCC site (https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers) or other government websites for details.
  2. Apply for energy assistance if you’re at all eligible, and ask your utility companies if they have additional programs to help with your household fuel costs, such as budgeting options or discounts for using energy-efficient appliances.

Simplify Your Way to Wellness

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Simplify Your Way to Wellness

Reduce stress and improve life

Simplify Your Way to Wellness

Getting rid of things taking up too much space in your home and mind and you will regain calm and improve your health

By D. S. Mitchell

I was flipping through a four-year-old Prevention magazine waiting for my name to be called at the women’s clinic when an article caught my eye. I’m a retired RN and I love finding articles about health and wellness, and tips on how to improve everyday life that I can pass on to my Calamity News readers.

According to this 2019 article by Kate Rockwood, more than half of the country’s population felt “lonely” and “40%” were more anxious than the previous year.  Wow, I thought to myself, this is all pre-COVID-19 information. I can only imagine what the loneliness statistics are today, off the charts, I’m sure.

Ms. Rockwood tells the reader that mental states such as anxiety and loneliness can affect us physically as well. Anxiety and loneliness can increase cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol levels have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Outside of seeing a therapist, she suggests the following.

Get Busy.  Smart Phones, Zoom,  PC’s and other technologies are great, but such technologies cannot replace in person interaction. Join a garden club, a book club, or volunteer. Volunteering 2 hours a week results in decreased loneliness and social isolation. Check out volunteermatch.org for local opportunities that fit your interests and skill set. Set a regular lunch date with an old friend. Touch, hug.

Organize Anxiety. To keep “worries” under control start by jotting down specific worries that are stuck on repeat. Then set a specific time to focus on that list of “worries”.  This little trick can help keep those “worries” from hijacking your brain at unwanted times. When the scheduled time to focus on the “worry” list comes around it is possible that the worries are no longer an issue.

Sweat Shop. We all know that physical exercise is important for good physical health, more and more evidence support the notion that physical exercise is good for mental health as well. Thirty minutes of walking can equal the effect of medication or psychotherapy at lifting mild to moderate symptoms of depression.

Clearing the Environment. Environmental disorder can seriously increase our stress level. Studies have linked cluttered environments to decreased self-control and increased anxiety. Pros suggest that you do not try to tackle the whole house at once. Start with one messy area of your home. Snap a before picture. Set the timer for 20-30 minutes. Begin straightening and cleaning. I find it best to start in one corner and just work my way around the room. When the timer dings force yourself to stop for at least 10 minutes, or the whole day if you feel like it. It is imperative to swap open ended cleaning sessions for a specific time window. It is far less overwhelming. Comparing the before photo to the post cleaning picture is solid proof that a little effort can make big dents in seemingly overwhelming projects.

Move Things Around. Want to lose a few pounds, take on a kitchen redo. Hide the cookie jar and bring out a bowl of fruit for your table’s center piece. In your panty move healthy staples like nuts, quinoa, to the front of eye level shelves and put unhealthier snacks and sweets on the top shelf where they are harder to see or reach.

Return to a Former Passion. Re-engaging with an activity you once loved-a sport, an instrument, a hobby-can bring you fun and and new people into your life.

Change it Up. Consider pursuing that sport or hobby in a more social way. An example could be, you as a life long gardener, take a neighbor under your wing and teach her the joys of working in the garden.

Reconnect.  Do you find yourself reminiscing about old friends? If you do, it  may be time to reach out to them (social media is a great resource) and attempt to reconnect. Sometimes it will be like you never had a disconnect, in other instances there will be no re-blossoming of the relationship, but you made the effort and that’s the important part.

I hope you found a couple of tips to help undo the side effects of stress in your life.

8 Reasons To Keep Working After Retirement

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Working After Retirement

Research shows that working after retirement is good for the mind, the body, and the pocketbook.

Research shows that working during retirement is good for the mind, the body, and the pocketbook

Keep Working After Retirement

Here are 8 Reasons to get a job after retiring

D. S. Mitchell

Measurable Benefits

Working after retirement, seems like an oxymoron, but that isn’t necessarily true. Just because you are no longer practicing your primary career doesn’t mean you should walk away from all money making endeavors. Part-time, free lance or consulting work, volunteering- doing that something you always wanted to do. A friend of mine, who worked for UPS for years, does wedding and anniversary photos as his new side hustle. Another friend works for a home health care company and does light housekeeping chores for several elder clients. I write freelance articles. I always wanted to be a writer; well now I am. Working can add to your retirement satisfaction and give your  life structure. And there are of course, the financial benefits of a paycheck. After a bit of thought and research I’ve come up with eight specific reasons a retired person may want to consider re-entering the job market.

  1. Researchers have concluded that working helps maintain good mental health.  Do not presume this is just because those with better cognitive health are better able to work. There is a particular benefit noted by researchers when the retiree switches to a different type of job than the one held prior to retirement. That benefit comes from learning new things-known as “novelty processing.” Novelty processing appears to slow cognitive decline. Who doesn’t want to stay sharp?
  2. Having a regular paycheck is a powerful means to increase the money available in retirement, without drawing down your savings, and it gives you an extended opportunity to save. Remember, you are not out searching for some high power position, with a six figure salary and every benefit ever imagined. Earning just a small portion of your previous salary will make a significant difference and substantially improve retirement security.
  3. Transitioning to part-time or even volunteer work, doing work unrelated to your prior career appears to be associated with fewer physical disabilities and declines and overall better cognitive health. University of Maryland researchers linked a post career job with fewer major diseases and functional limitations.
  4. A recent Harvard study found that retirement well-being depends on having good quality relationships. Folks who seem to enjoy retirement the most are those who replaced old work relationships with new ones. Working, whether full-time, part-time, or as a volunteer creates an environment for new interactions that can potentially develop into those new quality relationships.
  5. Finding a sense of purpose for living after retirement is critically important. A ‘little job’ can be a motivator to get you out of bed everyday. A common theme researchers hear is the need to find meaning and purpose-continuing to work in some capacity is a great way to achieve that sense of purpose, which in turn makes the retiree feel younger and more connected.
  6. Retirement allows the retiree the time and opportunity to help others. Volunteerism is one great way to ward off depression and provide inner satisfaction. That sense of well-being disappears quickly once volunteering stopped, according to recent studies from the UK.
  7. Work at what you like. Often our careers don’t match our passions. So as you think about re-entering the labor force, focus on fun and challenge. If you love to garden, how about a part-time position at the local nursery? Make sure you are spending time with people you like; in an environment that matches your hobbies or interests. Getting involved in activities you enjoy and care about can bring you in contact with new people you have things in common with.
  8. Every store in my little town has a “HIRING” sign in the front window. According to the Labor Department, there are 9.6 million job openings today in the United States. With such a severe worker shortage finding a job to better your life should be relatively easy, plus you would be helping a local business (and thus your community) that is struggling with staffing issues.

Beat The Heat By Looking Cool

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How to Beat the Heat by Looking Cool

This has been one hot summer and its only half over. Stay cool. Stay happy.

Look Cool And Beat The Heat

By Anna Hessel

In these “dog days” of August during this nationwide heatwave, it’s hard to not look wilted. The state of Arizona has had over a month of 110 degree days. So how to stay looking attractive and well groomed during humidity and extremely hot temperatures? Here are some helpful hints and tips:

  1. Stay hydrated. Drink liquids, especially water, and minimize alcohol, which is drying, and caffeine, either in energy drinks, colas, or coffee, since it rushes fluids through and out of your body.
  2. Use a clarifying shampoo, don’t over condition hair, and use a light volumizing mousse. Carry dry shampoo in your bag for touch ups.
  3. Use a toner before applying base or foundation.
  4. Use powder lightly to set make up, and consider a setting spray or perfecting primer base under foundation, etc.
  5. Use water proof mascara and liners on your eyes, and keep shadow simple to avoid creasing.
  6. Use moisturizing lip balm, lipstick, or gloss.
  7. Less is more when it comes to accessories in the summer months. Metal jewelry can get hot and uncomfortable against the skin. Putting metal jewelry in the fridge before putting it on, however, can help cool you down, especially bracelets or necklaces.
  8. Keeping toners, lotions, lipsticks, and sunburn creams in the refrigerator area is a great way to feel cooler and avoid products melting.
  9. Remember to wear sunscreen. A BB or CC cream with SPF is a great alternative to a heavy foundation or concealer during these dog days of August.
  10. Reapply deodorant/antiperspirant often – carry a small or travel size in your purse or pocket to make keeping up easier.
  11. Choose light airy fragrances – try all over body sprays.
  12. Moisturizing is important. Avoid ones with heavy oils, particularly mineral oil, but opt for a gel or water based lotion. Moisturizers should help maintain water content of your skin, not make you feel sticky.
  13. Wear loose but not baggy clothes that flow away from the body. Cotton, linen, and sheer fabrics in light colors are best to beat the heat. Materials made to wick away water can help keep sweating wetting to a minimum.
  14. Wear sandals or flip flops to avoid wearing socks. Of course, never ever wear socks with sandals – that’s not an attractive look on anyone, including grandpa.
  15. Heavy large totes and purses can weigh you down in the heat, as can cross body bags, which could block heat from escaping where they rest against the skin. Choose smaller options when you can.
  16. A dip in the pool or some aqua-cize is a great way to exercise during the high heat.
  17. You are what you eat and in summer salads, fruits and lighter fare will keep you full and refreshed.
  18. Avoid staying in a wet swimsuit en route home from the pool – or any where for that matter-it can be detrimental to your intimate health.
  19. We all now know the dangers of talc in powders but corn starch or baking soda can be used to stay fresh.
  20. Baking soda baths and moisturizing bubble baths in moderation go a long way to staying refreshed.
  21. Increase your daily shower or bathing to more often, just blotting dry enough to not drip on the floor. Nothing feels better than clean skin. But keep the water temperature to lukewarm or tepid – all cold water might send your body into warm up mode.
  22. Try a refreshing gel mask – watermelon is my favorite. Use an eye mask from the freezer also. I actually have gel filled plastic eye rounds with a watermelon motif on them for tired peepers.
  23. Make your own beauty scrubs and masks. Recipes can be found online and at the end of this article.
  24. Attractive hats can be worn to shade from the sun.
  25. Carry a cold washcloth in a ziplock bag to cool down your neck and wrists.
  26. Remember that heat opens pores, so astringents, deodorants, and perfumes can sting and burn when applied, so use caution.

Recipes for easy homemade skin care products:

Exfoliating scrub for dry, crepe skin or cellulite: mix equal parts sugar, table salt with enough olive oil to create a firm grainy texture that is still loose enough to rub over skin. Great for feet, hands, and lips also. Keep in the refrigerator.

Moisturizing face mask: mash an avocado with a small amount of olive oil or water. This can also be done with an over ripe banana, no need for oil or water in that case. Leave on for ten to twenty minutes, and rinse with cool water.

Outdated yogurt makes a great facemask but please not too outdated – do not use if it smells rancid or otherwise off. Apply to the face, avoiding the lips and eye area. Rinse off after ten to fifteen minutes.

In addition to enhancing drinking water, cucumber, lemons, limes, and orange juice are great additions to bathwater or for a refreshing face rinse, added to water.

The age old boobs in ice water trick, women of a certain age can attest to, still applies. Soak them for as long as you can, about three to five minutes.

Cucumber slices on the eyes while laying down still depuff and cool off.

Stay refreshed and be fabulous all summer long…look cool, be cool.