This infographic, especially for us baby-boomers, is a great overview on what one can (or cannot) do as he or she ages. It also provides some great tips for staying healthy as we do age. [Read more…]
Busted! Hooray!
My first wife was employed by a non-profit organization that took care of developmentally disabled adults.
Although affiliated with a nationally known organization, her particular office was managed more like a franchise. They got use of the brand but seemed to run independently — and with callous disregard for what was right and appropriate.
She would rant about the conditions in which she served, most notably about the unrealistic budgetary constraints provided to feed the residents. One example that stood out was that she was instructed to feed six residents with one can of tuna.
That was the tip of the iceberg. There were so many that the parent organization forced them to amend their name by adding “…of (our city)” to it. (Why they didn’t just make them drop it altogether I do not know.)
Eventually, after my wife complained loudly and forcefully enough, they took action: firing her.
Anyone who has ever been axed harbors revenge fantasies. Usually however, time paints them over and, despite a residual dislike for ex-employers, we move on, hoping for karma to do its thing.
Most of the time, we never know. Once in awhile, we get to see it in action.
Months after her dismissal, the national TV news magazine, 20/20, aired a report on fraud in non-profits, which, joy of joys, was focused where she formerly worked. We watched with smug satisfaction as Geraldo Rivera, microphone in hand, chased her ex-boss across the parking lot, trying to get him to “answer a few questions.”
Like I said, once in awhile, justice prevails.
Setting Realistic Goals During the Holidays
It’s okay to change your goals due to circumstances.
Simply because you have set a goal does not mean you are never allowed to change it.
As we move deeper into the holidays, it might be more difficult to stick to your goals (such as losing weight). That’s not a rationale for “giving up,” rather it’s an indication that you might want to adjust. After all, sticking to your program in January, when everyone else is doing it; is much easier than in December, when you feel like you’re all alone.
Adjust your goal to meet the conditions. Be realistic.
A goal “etched in stone” can be an excuse to give up when things get tough. Flexibility can be helpful.
You set the goals. They do not set you.
Something Light for Breakfast
When on vacation, I dress quicker than my wife, having less hair, and therefore less of a need to blow-dry it.
With the extra time, I find myself waiting for her at the hotel restaurant.
“What will it be this morning?” asks the waitress.
Studying the menu, I am engaged in a fierce internal debate between “responsible” (fresh fruit), and “desirable” (hash browns, bacon, omelet, croissant). Adult overrules inner child and I order “something light,” oatmeal.
Momentarily a bathtub-size basin arrives. Submerged in thick, rich, cream, smothered with a brown syrupy liquid of melted maple sugar, is my hot cereal. Realizing it’s too late to ask for non-fat milk and sugar on the side, I reassure myself the faux pas won’t harm my diet. Everyone knows unintended calories don’t count; fat cells realize the error and disregard the weight gain.
The waitress places a platter of sugary condiments on the table before leaving. At first, I am inclined to resist them, but re-evaluate. Maybe this is a local tradition; it would be rude to offend our hosts. Besides, I’m on vacation; it’s almost an edict that one sample new foods while traveling.