The Elephant in the Room

Full disclosure: I am participating in a Vibrant Influencer Network campaign for Depend. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Depend and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

“What I feared was the onset of incontinence was simply a mid-laugh crisis.”Venita Louise

A little humor can go a long way when dealing with life’s challenges. But the topic of incontinence isn’t funny for people who suffer from the affliction.

The condition is rarely mentioned, because let’s face it, it is embarrassing. But, millions of Americans have bladder control issues, (also known as incontinence). The condition can affect anyone – not just older people. Bladder control issues can also affect young people, particularly women who have given birth or men who have been treated for prostate cancer. For those who suffer, their lifestyles can be greatly affected. Many sufferers feel like they are prisoners in their own homes, fearful to go out in public in case they have an accident. Sometimes, a sneeze, cough or a laugh can put enough pressure on the bladder to cause leakage.

When I was first asked to write about incontinence and Depend® products for my blog, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to bring up this delicate subject matter. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought, “why not?” Though I don’t suffer from this, maybe some of my readers do. And if they don’t, maybe they are caregivers for someone who does suffer from bladder leakage.

I received a package of Depend® underwear for women, and opened the contents. I was really surprised at how thin and lightweight they are, and how flexible the material is. Made with Lycra®, the garments look like they would be comfortable to wear, and everyday movement could be done with ease. These products could easily be worn under one’s regular clothing and not be detected. Depend® Underwear with Flex-Fit® is available for both men and women, plus there are other leakage-control products available: light, moderate and maximum absorbency levels.

Years ago, when I had a conversation with my doctor about a health issue, he gave me some very sound advice. To paraphrase him, “When your quality of life is affected, that’s when you know you need to take action.” After reading and researching about incontinence, it pained me to know that so many people had given up things they loved due to bladder issues: socializing with friends and family; sports and exercise; travel and more. Many who suffer incontinence also suffer from self-esteem issues and shame. As technology and materials become more user-friendly, it is good to know that health aids, such as Depend® products, could make a positive difference in someone’s life, allowing them to return to the activities they enjoyed.

Depend® has posted videos on their website, featuring the personal journeys of people with bladder control issues and highlighting how these products made a difference in the quality of their lives, giving them the freedom and confidence to get back to living. Here is a link where you can watch their inspirational stories.

It is reassuring to know that progress has been made in the development of good products to help with bladder control. If you, or someone you care for, is experiencing incontinence, check out the full line of Depend products by visiting their website, where you will also have an opportunity to request a free sample. The website also offers links for “Community & Support” and for “Caregivers.”

I hope this review was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please post in the comment section. If you feel this information will help someone, please feel free to share this post.

February 2, 2014June 9, 2014

The five reasons I will not participate in Super Bowl Sunday

If you didn’t know it already, it is Super Bowl Sunday. One would have to live under a rock to not know this, as marketing teams have constantly reminded us of this all-American tradition as soon they finished hyping-up the after Christmas sales.

I will be honest and disclose that I never really “got” football. Even though my husband and sons played the sport. Even though my daughters cheered and pom-pommed. Even though I have leaned on my gal-pals to explain the game in chick-terms. The whole “downs” thing confuses me. As a writer, I think they need to change the term for clarification (and so it isn’t repeated more than once in the same sentence), but, that is just my editorial opinion.

Last year, I helped my youngest daughter host a Super Bowl party here at our house. We had pizza, snacks and make-your-own super bowl sundaes – cool play on words, right? Everything was going along well, until the game started. Well, not the game as much as the commercials, where I had to explain to the young ladies about marketing and sex and advertising. Then half-time came along, where I had to explain that true talent doesn’t need to be sexed-up; for this next generation to not fall into the trap of using their bodies and not their minds and talents. I was horrified that a few blocks away, my son and his pals were watching the same crap – and hoping a parent was there to be a buffer. And then more sleazy commercials aired, so many that the girls felt “awkward” watching – among themselves and me. The girls turned the game off, and watched a movie. I went into my office and wrote a blog about our adventures.

This year, I am blogging ahead of the game, but not so that I can watch the game. My post is explaining why, after all these years, I will no longer participate by watching the Super Bowl games.

Reason number one that I won’t watch the game: the commercials.

As a college student back in the day, I watched the Super Bowl to see the commercials. As a journalism, advertising and marketing student, I studied intently – looking at the psychology, color, placement, music – the whole package. Now, as a parent in the midlife phase, I watch commercials and get disgusted. It is the same old business model. The pharmaceuticals say how wonderful a drug is, then list a boatload of side effects to the point my mind shuts down. Occasionally, there will be a cutesy, clever or funny ad.

But most of the time, we have the classic bare-it-all ads. Apparently, sex sells, because it is used to sell everything from cars, chips, beer, food, clothing, shampoo, websites and anything and everything else. Last year’s Hardees/Carl’s Jr. ads were beyond seductive – they were outright pornographic – using an airbrushed model having an orgasm eating fast food. Seriously – is the food that good or was she just faking it?

I digress. Back to my rant. I find all these sexually provocative commercials boring. Done and done. Madison Avenue, put on your creative thinking caps and come up with something new, something creative, something innovative.

Reason number two that I won’t be watching the Super Bowl: the media hype.

My top will blow if I see one more recipe, one more commercial about the game, one more special interview, one more headline, one more Facebook or Twitter reminder.

Reason number three that I won’t be watching the Super Bowl: the money.

I read a blog post by financial guru Dave Ramsey. The money spent on this game, between tickets, travel, commercials and snack food is beyond obscene. Read about it here. Though I am happy the local economy hosting the game will get a boost, I shudder thinking about the little ones here in our own country who will go to bed hungry tonight.

Reason number four I won’t be watching the Super Bowl: exploiting women.

Yes, I said it. Probably not popular, either. But, with the young ladies selling themselves in the commercials – and on the streets – my mind goes to how are women supposed to be taken seriously when we still have those who confirm we are nothing more than a set of body parts. Not to mention the kids stuck in the human sex-trafficking rings here in our own country – and abroad. For an eye-opener on sex-trafficking, read this article.

Reason number five I won’t be watching the Super Bowl: values.

The values of the promoters and participants of the Super Bowl are not in line with mine. I will continue to support football on the high school and college levels – for the moment – because at the time, there is just a love of sport with the players. There is passion in the game.

I am sure I will be declared an odd-ball in this rebellion, and my not participating won’t change a thing. But for me, I will at least feel that I didn’t give my stamp of approval for what this game has become to me – a bore.

What are your thoughts? Have you grown bored with it as well?

January 23, 2014April 7, 2015

Love Will Keep Us Together???

“Love will keep us together.” – hit song by The Captain and Tennille

Thirty-nine years. And it is over.

My heart is breaking for Captain and Tennille, (Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille) who are divorcing after nearly four decades of marriage.

Anytime I hear of a divorce, my heart breaks a little, whether I know the couple or not. And the longer the marriage, the more my heart aches.

Maybe because this couple was iconic in my youthful years. Maybe because they stayed out of the limelight, not airing their dirty laundry for all to see.

Maybe it is because in just eight-and-a-half years, my husband and I will be married for 39 years.

I usually don’t care why a couple breaks up, because, quite frankly, it is none of my business. But this time, I want to know. And I am not being nosy, because I am not seeking answers so I can scrutinize, demoralize or judge this couple.

I want answers, because what ever happened to end their marriage of almost 40 years, I don’t want it happening in mine.

Oh, that sounds really selfish, doesn’t it?

Certainly, I don’t intend for that to be selfish. I am truly curious. After conquering all of life’s ups and downs for so many years, what was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back at this stage of the game? And if either of them had any advice to share, I’d be happy to listen.

Truly, I feel a profound sense of loss for them. It can’t be easy to try to move on without the other.

Ironically, my spouse and I were discussing marriage just before I heard about Dragon’s and Tennille’s impending divorce. As I was doing some research online, I ran across numerous blogs about marriages ending after decades. Sharing the heartbreaking results with my husband, I asked him, “What about us? How can we prevent this?”

We have a long history, which includes a lot of love, a great friendship, some difficult times and a wonderful family. Maybe the separation due to military exercises, deployments and temporary duty gives us an appreciation of what life apart from each other is like. We learned not to take each other for granted, because we never know what curve ball life will throw our way. One set of orders can mean a year or more of separation.

We want to be a good example for our two children who are already married, and for the younger two who are still at home. We choose to tackle everything together as a team – good or bad.

Maybe there is good in knowing that if we don’t embrace each other, we could lose each other – kind of like, “live like you know you are dying.”

I am not sure what the answer is. All I know is that I hurt for this couple. I hope that they find the comfort and support they will need to get through this difficult time.

For me, I am a hopeless romantic. I will continue to pray for my husband, our marriage and our family. I will pray that the Lord continues to bless us with many more years together. My husband is my best friend, and I can’t imagine life without him.

Share your comments below.

January 15, 2014February 21, 2014

A Call for Decency on #Social Media

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.” – Said by mothers everywhere, to include Thumper’s mom in Bambi.

I remember, several years ago (okay, really, it’s been decades), my youngest brother and his pal were teasing a kid behind his back. My mom overhead the two, and asked my brother, “How do you feel, knowing you could be the reason someone is crying in their pillow tonight?”

How’s that for a “make-you-think” moment?

I am not sure when it happened, or why, but negativity and nastiness is thriving across the lines of social media, rearing its ugly head in comment sections; personal attacks are found under articles and blogs posted online, in tweets and on Facebook. Like a fungus given the perfect humid conditions, the rudeness keeps growing and festering, bringing itself to a new level – almost daily.

Here are two examples that happened within the past month or so. These are the condensed versions of the posts (links provided), but you’ll get the gist:

A public relations executive tweeted a snarky comment about race and catching AIDS on a trip to Africa.
A reporter tweeted about the tainted-water crisis in West Virginia, and how they can now work on incest.

Let’s see here: The public relations executive, a high-profiled professional in her field, dealing with social media daily, should have known better. The reporter, discussing a very serious, potentially deadly situation, should have known better. These people have a good number of followers. They are educated. Sadly, they are not alone.

Maybe they thought they were being witty. Maybe they wanted their comments to “go viral.” Maybe they believed that their words wouldn’t follow them.

Maybe they are completely wrong.

Sure, they tweeted out their obligatory apologies. But the damage was done. Once a person puts something out on social media, it is there to stay. It doesn’t matter if you delete your post or comment, there is a good bet that someone has taken a screen shot and propelled the nasty sentiments even further into cyberspace.

Apparently, getting behind a computer screen, a smart phone or some other device makes one bullet-proof? Yeah…no. Maybe that was true back when people disguised themselves under a different handle (and we know how well that worked for a White House staff member a few months ago). To further my point, go read an article on any news website, and you will find nasty comments about the subject of the article, and in many cases, against the other folks commenting.

What gets into people’s heads?

Our tweens and teens sit through hours of anti-bullying classes and seminars on the proper etiquette of social media. What’s the point, when professionals in high-powered careers – those who should know better – negate everything that is taught? What a great example they are setting… not.

I enjoy social media, when it is used properly. It is great to connect to family, friends and business associates who are literally around the world. But it gets tiresome to see the misuse, the nastiness, the passive-aggressive posts and the drama.

If a commenter or poster had to look a real, live person straight in the eye, would the improper, personal attacks and vicious posts and tweets ever get posted?

Please, think before you speak… and post, tweet or publish.

You just don’t know how it may come back to haunt you, and worse, how it could hurt someone else.

Have you noticed an uptick in the nastiness in social media? Let me know in the comment section. If you like this post, feel free to share it with others (links to share are listed below).

January 8, 2014May 28, 2018

Stuck in a Polar Vortex

“While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best.” – Tom Allen

Well, one day I can tell my future grandchildren, “We survived the Polar Vortex of 2014!” My two granddaughters will chime in and tell their future cousins, “It snowed and snowed and then it was so cold, we missed five days of school!”

After being stuck in the house for days – which seems like years – it is comical how I continue to look at the rising thermometer with glee. For the first time in a few days, the mercury is rising, and we are at temps above zero. Seventeen degrees never felt so good.

Being housebound, I’d like to say I accomplished a lot, but that would be the farthest thing from the truth. I could have cleaned closets and cupboards, but I didn’t. Instead, I did a lot of reflecting and observing. Nothing like a weather crisis to bring on some serious people-watching.

So, from my snow-covered, frozen little corner of the world, I have penned what I learned about myself and humanity during a snowstorm and polar vortex:

The Negative:

Humans can be greedy. Okay, this news junkie decided to watch The Weather Channel for the first several hours of the snowstorm, as I was curious to see the extent of Mother Nature’s fury. I was in awe of how massive the storm system was. The stories and images of people clearing out grocery shelves was a sad statement. How many gallons of milk, loaves of bread and cartons of eggs do we need to survive a few days?
News anchors sound silly. My intelligence was insulted repeatedly with information on how to survive the cold and snow. It is winter. It snows. It gets cold – sometimes brutally cold. Generations before us survived without the idiot lessons – just saying…
Concern over animals. I read and heard more coverage on how to protect pets and wildlife from the elements than I did about checking on the homeless and elderly. That kind of bothered me. A lot.
Cold is painful. Ouch – walking out the door was like being slapped in the face!

The Positive:

Humans are compassionate: I heard and saw how good we can be to each other. Wonderful stories emerged of individuals rising to the occasion and coming to the aid of their fellow man, such as helping others free their cars from snow banks, clearing their neighbors’ walkways of snow and helping to start stalled cars. It was refreshing to see and hear of folks putting others’ needs first. Random acts of kindness.
Social media: The other evening, I had a great time on social media. I learned how cold it was in other areas of the country, saw incredible snow and ice pictures, and just had amazing conversations with friends, family and neighbors from around the world. We were all stuck inside, but able to communicate, and that was really a blessing.
Crash-course in mathematics: Remember the number charts: …-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3…? Interesting how all of that came back to me as I watched the thermometer drop – and rise again! Glad I can remember how to do simple math!
Science nerd: Why not have a little fun? A few summers ago, during a heat wave, I cooked an egg on the sidewalk. With record cold temps, my daughter and I were like giddy kids, wanting to try something new. So, we boiled water, opened the door, flung the water away from the house and watched it vaporize and change its form before our very eyes. First we tried our experiment in the dark, and then during the daylight. Very cool both times. We blew bubbles (after defrosting the frozen bottle overnight) and watched how they solidified and shattered like glass in the cold. A few of the bubbles froze to the wand! Of course we were careful, as true scientists would be, and made sure we were protected from the elements and boiling water. Bazinga.
Apologies: I realized I needed to call my mother and apologize for rolling my eyes at her back when I was a teen. Over the past few days, my own teens thought I was overprotective when I wouldn’t let them drive on ice-covered roads. If the State Police advise not driving in certain areas, and schools are closed due to black ice, what makes a teen think he or she is invincible? Oh, their hysterical laughter would have been music to my ears if I was at an open mike night at the local comedy club. But alas, I was not. I was just standing at the door, merely suggesting to have a hat and gloves in case the car breaks down or gets stuck in a snow rut. At that very moment, I knew then how my parents felt. Sorry, Mom and Dad!
Teens vs. Toddlers: Snow days with teens are easier than with younger kids. Why? Because they sleep away most of the day! Enough said.
Gratitude: Giving thanks to God that we never lost power, that we had plenty of firewood and a well-stocked pantry, that we have a place to call home and that we didn’t have it as bad as others did – all are blessings to not take for granted.

So, while the fierce winter winds wailed and the snowflakes and mercury steadily dropped, my observation is that during this crazy weather week, there was a lot more positive than negative. That was good.

Yes, our family and many others survived a moment in history. A moment that I pray won’t be repeated. If I never again have the chance to toss boiling water into the air, I won’t complain. If I never hear the words “polar vortex” again, I won’t be bothered a bit. I can safely cross “visit Antarctica” from my bucket list.

For sure, it will be a winter to remember. On the bright side, there are only 70 days until spring! 🙂

If you were caught in the Polar Vortex, what did you do to survive? Any astute observations? Let me know in the comment section!

December 29, 2013

Thank you for the opportunity!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. #VZWVoices #Boomer

It is so very hard to believe, here at the end of December, that on a hot, summer day six months ago, I boarded a train and left for Chicago. It was there that I met and trained with a dozen or so “Boomer Bloggers.” What a great experience, meeting some of the Midwest’s most influential women on the Web! I felt a bit out of my league, as I am a relatively new blogger, however, these women were more than helpful throughout the entire program. It is great that technology and social media will continue to keep us in contact with one another.

I have to admit, that playing with the phones and FitBit was a blast. The cameras on both phones are fantastic! And the technology and apps I downloaded made both phones even more valuable in my very busy life! The FitBit certainly motivated me to get moving, as I saw first-hand how little I moved. Now the device is attached to my hip – literally!

The self-facing cameras on both phones were not used for selfies, (okay, maybe once or twice with my daughter!) but to video chat with my husband and son who were stationed in various countries throughout the past year. And my world clock app was a tremendous help, letting me know what time it was for my loved ones where ever in the world they were. Countdown calendars helped the days pass until my spouse got home. Yes, the technology alone made my life as a military spouse much easier.

I loaded so many apps on my phone – such as for our insurance company, which made filing a claim due to a severe summer storm much easier. The long battery life was a huge help in staying in contact with the electric company, insurance company and family members, as we were without power for over 70 hours. I became addicted to downloading books onto my Kindle app – and now using the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, reading the ebooks is much easier.

Though the technology and trip were fabulous, I think the best part of being a Verizon Ambassador was meeting so many wonderful people: the tech trainers, the staff at ComBlu, the bloggers and the folks I met via my blog and through other social media outlets. By being a Boomer Ambassador, other writing opportunities came to my inbox! The experience has truly been a blessing.

Oh, how I wish the Verizon Boomer Ambassador program wasn’t drawing to a close! And I know my Boomer Blogger Sisters have the same wish! What a wonderful experience, to share what I have learned with others. I feel that this program gave me the nudge I needed to get out of my comfort zone and learn even more! From making the switch to self-hosting my blog, to hosting both a digital and a blog party, to learning all kinds of techy terms and skills, I know I have grown both personally and professionally.

Yes, we have come a long way from the gigantic bag phones that we plugged into car lighter outlets a few decades ago. And some days the technology seems to be overwhelming and maybe even be a drawback to in-person social skills. However, as a Boomer, a military spouse, a mom, a writer and a blogger, I do believe that used properly, the technology we are blessed with today can be just that – a blessing and a way to be in touch with those we hold dear.

Thank you, ComBlu and Verizon. I am humbled that you chose my blog to be a participant in this program. Thank you for making communications easier and making the world a little smaller. Thank you to my Boomer Blogger Sisters, for all that you did to help this newbie.

Thank you to my readers. May you have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

December 24, 2013May 28, 2018

The “Perfect” Christmas

per·fect – adjective -ˈpərfikt/
1. having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.

My morning routine includes watching the news headlines before I head out the door. This morning, Christmas Eve, was no different. I want the headlines – not the fluff – and have done my best to tune out the idle banter when the anchors drone on and chit-chat. However, when I heard this phrase again today, I reached my proverbial breaking point.

How to have the “perfect” Christmas. Ugh!

No, I am not a Grinch or a Scrooge, but I am tired and weary of the media and advertisers dangling a dream that can’t be achieved in front of our faces. There is no perfect Christmas, because there are no perfect people.

It really is just that simple.

People, women in particular, spend time, energy and money chasing that perfect scene. The perfect gift, the perfect baked goods, the perfect tree, the perfect decorations, the perfect outfit, the perfect hair. How much valuable time and money is wasted on achieving perfectionism? I mean really good, quality time, with laughter and memory making – are these lost among the strive for perfection?

When did everything have to be perfect? Not just holidays – but everything in general? What we do, where we live, what we say, what we believe. The truth is, we are flawed, and no matter how much we try, we cannot achieve perfection. That doesn’t mean we should be arrogant jerks, but instead of trying to be perfect, why aren’t we trying to be kind, compassionate and caring? Instead of worrying about appearances, maybe we should worry about how we act towards our fellow man.

Christmas has become a “make or break” holiday. When it doesn’t live up to our perfect expectation, it depresses us. We miss loved ones – gone due to deployments, distance, divorces and death. I understand that part of the holiday all too well. And, for me, I feel that pain whether it is Christmas or Independence Day. But we have become so fixated on the Hollywood version of Christmas, that we have lost the sense of the celebration. If our celebration doesn’t look like one we see on television, then we are doing it all wrong.

Earlier in the week, I kept thinking that it “didn’t feel like Christmas.” I kept wondering why? Am I jaded? Getting older and wiser? Feeling pressured to “feel like it’s Christmas?” I am pretty sure I wasn’t the only person feeling this way.

Christmas is when we observe Christ’s birth. Yes, we can debate the pagan roots of decorations, the actual time of His birth, but, since we do not know the particulars, for all intents and purposes, this is the day Christians world-wide celebrate our Savior’s entry into the world. It is our holy day.

There was nothing perfect about Jesus’ birthday – born in a stable, sleeping in hay. Humble, rustic and for germ-o-phobes, pretty dirty. But here, in the midst of an imperfect world, in an imperfect setting, to imperfect people, there was a moment of perfection – Jesus was born, and He would shoulder our imperfections.

He didn’t come into our world so we would stress about His birthday.

Maybe, as adults, we don’t feel that holiday spirit because we are so wrapped up in making things perfect. Children approach Christmas with sheer joy and anticipation. They aren’t seeking perfection. They are filled with wonder and awe.

My wish for you is to see Christmas as a child. Enjoy the wonder and awe of this Perfect Gift. May you find joy in giving forgiveness, in sharing of yourself and your talents, and in making your area of the world better and brighter for others.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas!

December 12, 2013

And the #giveaway winners are…

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. #VZWVoices #Boomer

Well… I hate to say it, but the party is over! However, for those who entered the Verizon products giveaway, this is the day you have been waiting for!

I must tell you, hosting my first blog party was a lot of fun! It was great to interact with so many people; some of my regular followers, and some new faces in the crowd. Thank you to all who took the time to read the post, comment and enter the drawing. And I do hope that you will return to my blog to keep up with my “random ramblings.” A big THANK YOU to my fellow blogger, the Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years. She was a huge help to me and this blog party!!! A big thank you to my family for their help and support…especially my little helpers, showing off the cool prizes!

In a previous giveaway on my blog, I used Rafflecopter, which is an easy and excellent platform for hosting a raffle. However, since this was a party, I had to make it more fun! So, I had my granddaughters don Santa hats and they put names in a basket to help choose the winners. They had a lot of fun, and were pretty excited to be part of “Mema’s work.” And, they enjoyed some cookies at the party.

So, without further adieu, here are the winners of the Verizon giveaway. Once again, thank you to Verizon for being so generous with the products! Hope everyone enjoyed the blog party!

Verizon Ellipsis™ 7 Tablet – JJ Caraway

Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation ™ – Kaye Newman

Jawbone® Mini Jambox™ -Ali Alsaden

Verizon Gift Bags – Kelly Maxwell, Sam Lathrop, Tina Truex, Motor City Bob, Karen Williams Taylor, Violet Dunnam, Renee Jollay, Ashley Pomykala, Karen Albert Winslow, Wendy Scott, Katie and Terr Madden.

Congratulations to the winners!!! If you need to use an email address that is different from the one you provided, please let me know in the comments below. I will be contacting you for your mailing address.

If you are interested in any of the products, they are available at your local Verizon dealer or at Verizon Wireless. Thank you all for joining the party!

December 6, 2013

It’s a #Verizon Blog Party!!!

It is really hard to believe, but it has been six months since I became a Brand Ambassador for Verizon. Back in June, I traveled to Chicago to learn about some fantastic devices and programs offered by Verizon. I was more than happy to blog and tweet about my new phone, my new FitBit One and other items.

I really fell in love with my Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD – specifically because of the camera and the ease of use of the phone. Then, about a month ago, I was supplied with a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and well, let’s say I am head-over-heels in love with this “phablet.” It is a wonderful phone, and a wee bit smaller than a 7″ tablet, so it makes reading on my Kindle app much easier – no reading glasses needed for me! And let’s just say the camera is amazing, and the stylus pen allows me to use the phone as a note pad. I have scrapbooks and notes set up. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is an amazing piece of technology.

I am so sad that this Brand Ambassador program is drawing to a close. I have met and worked with so many talented #Boomer bloggers. And the staff at ComBlu and Verizon couldn’t have been more supportive or generous if they tried! Truly, a wonderful group of people.

What has really amazed me is how much I have learned in six months! In addition to really learning how a smart phone can enhance and help a blogger’s life, I found myself becoming more interested in how technology can fit into so many aspects of our lives – especially as “Boomers.” There are devices, like “Sure Response” than can assist in the care of aging parents. There are apps for so many areas of our lives: banking, insurance, grocery, health and fitness, shopping – even apps for the NFL and NHL (Go Wings!). I learned how to use Rafflecopter and see the power social media – all in less than a year.

Which brings me to my blog party…

Part of being a Brand Ambassador for this program was to host a few parties. A fellow blogger and I hosted a digital party in October, and now, I am hosting a blog party on my own! Sorry that I don’t have refreshments to serve, but I do have a few “real” gift bags, courtesy of Verizon, for my virtual guests! And, there are three great prizes for three lucky people, whose names will be drawn at random.

In order to qualify to win a prize, you must be 18 years or older and be a U.S. resident with a street address (no P.O. boxes, please). I also need you leave a comment here on my blog as to why you would like to win one of these prizes, or leave a comment on my Facebook page. Those interested in being in a drawing need to leave a comment no later than 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Winners will be announced on my blog on Thursday, December 12, 2013.

So, now that the legal mumbo jumbo is out of the way, here are the prizes! Hope you like them!!

Jawbone® MINI JAMBOX™

Beautiful, wireless sound – small enough to fit into a pocket; super light-weight; connects via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm stereo cable. Retail value: $179.99.

Learn more at Verizon Wireless or Jawbone

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Verizon Ellipsis ™ 7

Surf the web, check email, read books and magazines,video chat, watch movies, add your favorite apps and more! Retail value: $299.99 ($149.99 w/two-year agreement).

Learn more at Verizon Wireless and view this video.

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Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation™

This quick-charging external battery gives high-output power for just about any USB charged device. Compact; works with Smartphones, tablets and portable gaming systems. Great as a back-up plan during power outages. Retail value: $79.99.

Learn more at Verizon Wireless and Mophie.

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If you have any questions on the products, just ask in the comment section. Good luck to all who enter. Feel free to share this post with your family and friends!

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December 3, 2013June 9, 2014

How I Celebrated Small Business Saturday

“Behind every small business, there’s a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores – these didn’t come out of nowhere.” – Paul Ryan

This past Saturday, my husband and I helped stimulate the local economy when we stepped out onto Main Street and took part in “Small Business Saturday.”

The idea isn’t really new to us. A few years ago, when we took the kids for a weekend get-away, we stayed away from stores and restaurants that we could patronize at home. The goal was to get a flavor for the towns we visited, to try foods indigenous to the area, and it spurned a habit that has continued today.

When our son worked at a small independent grocery store, I began to really see the need in supporting a business that supported my child through his high school years. The grocery store still receives a sizable portion of our grocery budget. They were flexible in working around his school and sport schedules. And now that our daughter works at a family-owned pizzeria, we support that business as well. These small, local businesses have been the springboard for students, first-time job holders and career paths for generations.

In addition to frequenting these businesses, we shop at our local Farmer’s Market almost every weekend, buying the freshest, locally-grown produce, farm-raised meats, flowers, honey and other grocery items. It is tastefully rewarding, to say the least. And we are getting to know the farmers that grow our food.

On our Saturday outing, we first stopped at the market. In addition to the usual load of produce, we discovered two local bakeries who have stands in the market, and, well, we started on our mission to stimulate the local economy. Then, we visited a few of the antique and vintage clothing vendors, where I found a winter jacket and – bonus – a vintage hat to match my previous week’s vintage coat find. The cost of the coats, plus the hat and dry cleaning bill came to the same price I would have paid for one coat at a big-box chain store, and the coats are unique! And warm – amazingly warm.

We loaded our finds into the car, and off to the next stop, a thrift store, where there were all kinds of cool items from clothing to furniture to kitchen gadgets. I found an apple peeler – which would have been very handy when making my apple pie for Thanksgiving. (It was suggested that I now have no excuse to not make another!)

On we walked down Main Street, where we found yet another bakery, several unique clothing stores where we purchased Christmas gifts, and then we happened upon a mom and pop burger joint where we enjoyed sliders, fries and a beverage – lunch for two for $10. Not bad.

We couldn’t complain about the weather – sunny and around 40 degrees in November for our neck of the woods. It made the day even more enjoyable. Fresh air and fashionable finds – I found myself enjoying shopping, which is always more of a chore than a pleasure for me. I loved the fact that each shop we stopped in had friendly owners willing to take the time to assist us with our questions, and just chat. It felt good to purchase items right here in our community – the businesses that support our local schools and churches whenever we call looking for an item for a charity auction or a raffle.

I would be remiss if I didn’t disclose that I was a bit miffed at the larger retailers who opened on Thanksgiving this year, and I grew insanely weary of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday commercials that ran on television and on the radio – not to mention the explosion of emails landing in my inbox. So, in my own small way, I’d like to think I sent a message of support to the businesses who did not participate in all the marketing hoopla.

For me, going to a big-box store was part of my usual routine when looking for a gift, furniture or clothing. But, taking a day and really exploring and walking the shops through my town, I now have a better idea of the unique options available. And I have a better appreciation for the folks who have chosen to make their living by being small business owners. I plan to support them more frequently, as they support my immediate community and schools. Who knows… I may end up becoming a shopaholic!

Did you participate in Small Business Saturday? If so, did you find the experience favorable?

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