"I've Had It All Wrong!"

"Eat breakfast like a king, lunch, like a prince and dinner, like a college kid with a maxed out charge card."

All these years, I've had it wrong!  I've been doing it backwards!   No wonder my metabolism's been screwed up all these years!

Never one to cook big breakfasts (except on weekends) I've always been content with a piece of fruit...or a bowl of cereal...or a donut.  Not that I don't love omelets and waffles, I just thought it was best to save the calories for later in the day.

Many times, I flat out skip lunch...or grab a piece of fruit... or a sandwich or a bowl of soup... or a donut.

And dinner?  I'm a meat and potatoes girl and still cook dinner like three college-age sons still live here - and they don't!

I understand the thinking-  if you follow this order of eating a big breakfast and lessen your intake throughout the day, you have more time to burn off the calories.  Makes sense.   But something is also missing from their logic.

They say nothing about snacking.  That's the true bane of my existence. A handful of pretzels here, a can of Coke there.  Tis the season for Easter candy and I have a weakness for marshmallow Peeps and malted milk eggs....at bedtime.   It all adds up.  I really must change my ways.

I'm going to try this process of eating like a king, a prince and a college kid, in the proper order, because there's a dress that I would like to wear again - comfortably - if you get my drift.  Now, I won't be hitting "Denny's" every morning for their Grand Slam breakfast.  And if you think I'm going to start eating Ramen noodles for dinner, you're crazy.  But I'm going to try this and we'll see how it goes.   Now,  where are the breakfast Peeps I've been looking for?

"For The Birds"

Everyone is tired of this cold and snowy weather...well, almost everybody.  Maybe those who enjoy skiing, or get paid overtime for snow removal aren't as disgruntled as the rest of us.  School kids who've had their share of free days because of the weather may be fans, too.    I love the change of seasons but these "20 below with wind chill" days are "for the birds"!

That's why, when I was out and about, and heard some birds chirping and singing, well, it warmed my heart.  It didn't warm my lower extremities, but it warmed my heart.  It almost sounded spring-like!  And I can't wait until that season arrives.

After hearing those melodious birds, I started wondering "If I had the ability to fly anywhere, for free, like birds do, would I be hanging around here?  What would be keeping me here"?  And the answer was easy.  Because this is "home".  Maybe the birds love the familiar surroundings they find here...maybe they love their routine here...maybe they have family or friends they don't want to leave.  Who knows what keeps them here when they could fly to somewhere warmer - for free?

I guess I'm a lot like those birds - except we paid a hefty price for our escape. A few weeks in warmer climes - a great way to refresh the soul and warm the old bones - but this is home.  Love the weather or hate it -this is familiar...routine...some would say boring...but it's home and I'm alway happy to return to it.

Maybe those birds call my neighborhood "home".  Or maybe they were just passing through, on their way to somewhere else. For all I know, maybe they've been zipping back and forth, between here and somewhere warmer all along.  If I could zip, back and forth, for brief visits, for free, I'd probably be doing the same.   But I'll just be happy when the birds AND Spring are here to stay, at "home".

My So-Called "Disasters"

A friend of mine recently sent me a list of tips...all really good ones.  But one jumped off the page (or computer screen) because it truly spoke to me as one that I really should try to incorporate into my everyday life.

"Frame every so-called "disaster" with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?"  That's a good one, isn't it?

You see, I'm a worrier.  I fret over many things, imagining worse-case scenarios all the time.  I thought once the kids were raised, it'd get better, but it hasn't.  I've just found new ways to worry about them....and their spouses...and their kids.

I'm also a "do-er" and it's hard to avoid "disasters" if you're one of those.  Countless home projects that I screwed up, convinced I'd be "in the doghouse" for, turned out fine.  Events I've worked on in my past careers would have me laying awake at night.  One potential disaster, in particular, was sending a letter to a gentleman, telling him of an honor he was to receive...only to find out that there were two identical names in the database, and I sent the letter to the wrong guy!  Disastrous mistake that turned out to be funny, because the mistaken fella didn't even qualify for that honor -and he knew it!  Crisis averted, but it took its toll on me for two days!

Even my Facebook usage has been fraught with potential disasters that never happened, but I sweated about for days.  Case in point...some may wonder why I don't "share" posts or pictures under the name of the one who originally posted it.  Well, in my early days of Facebook, when I was still learning how it all worked,  I thought I was "Marysue Wright", and I posted a risqué cartoon.  Turns out I posted it under the Facebook page that I manage for my employer!   Good lord!  Worried about it all night before I found out how to delete it. Whew, spared from getting fired !  (And from now on, I'll continue to "copy and post" instead of "share", just in case...)

I could go on and on about other "disasters" that I envisioned - I don't want to give up TOO much.  But looking back, it turns out, many of my potential disasters turned out to be some of my finest hours... And if they were so awful, who would care, in five years?  I'm still going to try to "frame every disaster with "in five years, will this matter"?  Who knows?  That little gem could add years to my life!

Fifty Shades of Grey

So much press and hype for the recently released "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie!  Yikes!

I read the book and I'd be lying if I didn't say it was (hmmm....what word do I use?) "hot".  I didn't quite understand the need for much of their behavior but "to each his own", I suppose.

I was reading the book, 3 years ago, on a flight with our son's women's college basketball team.  Under the cover of a magazine, I saw no need to advertise the fact that I was reading, what most would consider, a trashy book.  Sitting next to me was a team member - an inquisitive little thing - and spying a page, exclaimed, "Mrs Wright!  You're reading Fifty Shades of Gray"!  "Why don't you get on the intercom and announce it, you little snip"!  I didn't say that to her, of course, but Jeesh, how about a little discretion?

What's always interesting to me is how someone can take the written word and transform it into a movie.  That would be such a daunting task...trying to stay true to the author's beloved words.  I'll see the movie -much like I saw "Romeo and Juliet" after I read the book.  Who am I kidding?  It's going to be a lot hotter than THAT movie!  

It's no secret that I enjoy writing and anyone who writes, dreams of commercial recognition and success, much like the Fifty Shades' author has received. I can assure you - my first novel won't be as steamy as hers.  They say you "write what you know", so I'd have to write something tamer, I'm thinkin'.

Let's just say maybe MY Fifty Shades of Grey should reference the paint chips I'm pondering for a room redo...or maybe a hair dye job... Yep, that's more my speed...

I'm No Expert...

"I always let him have my way"... That was the answer of a woman, married to the same man for 81 years, when asked the secret to having such a long marriage.   I like the way that old gal thinks!  Not that it works that way for me (all the time) but that woman is onto something!

Fist of all, think about that!  81 years!  Good lord!  They've probably started to look alike!  That is twice as long as hubby and I...  I can't imagine!  Now, don't get me wrong.  I love my husband of 42 years but really?  81 years?

This got me to thinking how all couples have their "secrets" as to why they're still  married.  And for anyone who cares about my take on things, here are mine.

1.  Have a sense of humor...about EVERYTHING!  It gets you through the tough times and makes the good times better.  Plus, when you're falling apart and you don't look quite the same as you did years ago, it's not such a shock when he chuckles at how you look NOW---and visa versa.

2.  Have 2 televisions.  That way, you don't have to be subjected to his football games, Walking Dead" marathons, or the 37th airing of "Tombstone".  And he doesn't have to endure your chick flicks, cooking programs, or "The Ellen Degeneres Show.

3.   If kids are part of the equation, always present a united front...an "us vs them" attitude....because if I know anything, it's that kids can be little manipulators (so I've been told, sons.) and if they see a crack in the front, they'll pit one against the other, for sure.

4.   Always make time for a date night. With the constant demands of jobs, running a household and running kids all over, taking time out with your love, is of the utmost importance.  It gives  you a chance to connect, plus, when the kids grow up and leave, there you are.  You don't want to be strangers.

5. Make  saying "Thank you" a big part of your marital conversation...both sides.  An attitude of gratitude makes married life a lot more pleasant.  And who doesn't want to feel appreciated?

6.  The old adage "Never go to bed mad" has merit... Now, you may get mad after you go to bed... because of his snoring or her cover-hogging... but don't start off your slumber, aggravated.

This is just my perspective on the topic.  If you were to ask "my rock", he'd say honesty, candor and a fear of alimony...(see what I mean about humor?) are his secrets to a lengthy marriage.

Now, I'm no marriage expert, that's for sure.  Everyone has what works for them and you figure it out as you go.  For 81 years?  That won't happen here, I'm pretty sure, and if it doesn't, what kind of alimony are we talking about?

Keep smiling!

Florida -"Heaven's Waiting Room"

Let me make it clear upfront.  I mean no disrespect to those who reside in the beautiful state of Florida year-round.  Nor those who have the good fortune of making their escape there in the winter months.   Retirees, enjoying three months of the year, free of weather woes...what could be nicer?

They're known as "snowbirds" and with good reason.  The population of Florida swells with those trying to flee the frigid temps of the North.  The economy of certain parts of the state depend on their spending.

We've been blessed to be a "mini-snowbirds" for two or three weeks the past several years.  We  really enjoy the sunshine and the warmth, replacing the grey skies and cold weather we'd have at home.  And that time in the Sunshine State sure makes our winters more tolerable.

But I've noticed a few features that are pretty unique to the area.

The traffic there is ridiculous, especially if it's in parts frequented by us old-timers.  Sometimes, it's downright comical.  Mixed in with the many big cars driven by the seniors, is an occasional grey haired gent in a hot looking convertible.  Enjoying this youthful toy,  he's going over the speed limit - in a race against the clock, perhaps?  But then, there's another snowbird, driving HIS sports car, as cautiously as those in in the big cars (and why are big cars favored by the old timers?  Wouldn't cars a wee bit smaller be easier to maneuver in all that traffic?)

Places that feature Early Bird dinner specials are packed!  Nothing wrong with saving a little coin!  How else do we think they can afford to winter in Florida?  They've probably been saving their whole lives!

Another interesting feature in Florida can be found in its crowded churches.  It seems the folks pray harder, sing louder and give more in the collection basket.  Nothing wrong with getting closer to the Lord, I guess, as we get older, no matter where we are.

There's a noticeable freedom on the beaches frequented by the snowbirds.  Not too many taut bodies...maybe tanner skin and more wrinkles than needed, but these folks are "living the dream"...walking the beaches, laying in the sun, storing up all that Vitamin D for the year.

I've gotta believe that those who reside in Florida enjoy better mental health than we do, in the north...just the sunshine would assure it.  But there are also many urgent care clinics, dialysis clinics, plastic surgeons, hearing aid places,  filling the shopping centers.  The advanced age of so many residents keeps them busy, I'm thinking.

Yep, Florida is beautiful in the winter...it's not heaven, but I'm pretty sure you can see it from there....or at least get a glance of "Heaven's Waiting Room".  And as a brief respite from the cold Ohio winters, I'll take it!

"If You Think You're In A Hole, Quit Digging"

It's funny, I think, how the beginning of the new year, always brings out all the experts, offering their versions of how we can improve our lives.  Whether it's physical fitness, healthier eating, or financial security, they all have "new" ways of making our lives better.

I've been paying special attention to the financial wizards and their advice and I think I've come up with an even better and more innovative way to ensure good financial health.   I'm titling it The "If You Think You're In A Hole, Quit Digging" Program.  

I'm "old school", I know.  I came late to the party that had folks using ATM's and debit cards.  I still write checks (you know, those antiquated pieces of paper that represent cash?) I don't bank online (except to check my balance) and I pay off credit card balances in full, each month, faithfully.  I'm not being snotty about it...that's just the way we roll.

When one reads about the amount of debt in this country, it's obvious that we're very much in the minority.  I'm so afraid that so many are living beyond their means, with homes and cars they can't afford, taking trips that take a year to pay off, and credit card balances that would keep me awake at night.  I even read about a couple who was in debt trouble and were using credit cards to pay off credit cards!  Stop it!  "If You Think You're In A Hole, Quit Digging"!

If you're spending money on things you can't afford, stop it!  Who are you trying to impress?  If people judge you on what you have, you don't need 'em!  If you aren't squirreling away money for the future, you better change your ways.  Start paying yourself in the form of a savings account.  You have a lot of years ahead of you and who knows what the future holds?

I'll retire now from my financial advisor role - I'm really not qualified -but, to me, it's just common sense- "If You Think You're In A Hole, Quit Digging"!

Maybe, next up, I'll become a personal trainer at the gym.   Nah, never mind.