Happiest of Birthdays

We have just celebrated one of the happiest occasions I've ever known--the first birthday of my first grandchild, and, if that were not enough, I got to see the heart beat of my second grandchild on that same day.

What a miracle a grandchild is---the source of love, laughter and pride with none of the responsibility or hard work, and what hard work it is. I'd forgotten just how "on" I was as a Mommy.

It's not so much the constant nursing and feeding, or the soothing and rocking, or the education and exercise; it's the not knowing fully what is going on in that sweet, little body--the high temperature, the piercing cry for no apparent reason, the unclear reason for a change in schedule. It's downright scary--terrifying really as you don't want a moment's discomfort for that darling baby.

The compensating factors for the concerns that come with parenthood (and grandparenthood when we hear about the high fevers or the terrible falls that we can do nothing about) are the snuggling after waking up, the outright laughter at some repeated silliness (in my case, it was sticking out my tongue repeatedly and playing peek-a-boo), and the full blown smile when they see you.

There really is no greater joy except perhaps to remember those same things about your own children. My granddaughter looks just like my daughter and when Lily turns a certain way or makes a certain gesture, she takes me back to being 28 and in love with someone in a way that is totally indescribable--boundless and breathtaking.

I still feel that same beautiful love for my daughter, but because of the boundaries that come with maturation and the changes in relationship that come after children marry, the expression of that love has changed.

But as I watch my daughter express her love to her daughter in much the same way that I expressed my love to her, I am transported and truly amazed at the miracle life can be.

Flying High?

I've spent the last six weeks traveling--by boat, bus, train and plane and all of it went well except the flying. Forget that they don't feed you any more, even on fairly long trips, and you need to take out a second mortgage to buy airport meals. Forget that the seats are shrinking so dramatically in size that when the person in front of you reclines, their head is in your lap, and forget that we're required to report hours before the plane may take off on time. These problems now pale by comparison to the crazy thing that just happened to me.

They actually put me on a plane going to the wrong city! Despite being at the right gate and on a plane with the right flight number, they sent me to Cincinnati instead of Dallas. Who knew such a thing could happen?

And the worst of it was that there was no apology or even concern that there were no more flights out to take us to the correct destination (there were of course several of us to whom this happened), that I had to spend the night in the wrong city, and that I missed an important meeting the next day. Instead, if you can believe this, I was met with irritation at having to deal with the problem they created for us.

How could this happen? Imagine, if you will, five gates crammed together filled with thousands of people all waiting for various over-booked flights, one plane after another being delayed for the big excuse now--mechanical problems, and gate employees who are on automatic pilot when they answer questions, because, believe me, I even verified repeatedly that they were putting us on the right plane.

Now...I certainly don't want to fly on a plane with mechanical problems, but, in my case, a trashcan latch was broken--seriously! Hundreds of people were delayed, inconvenienced (one couple lost all their vacation trip connections), and left stranded because they couldn't figure out how to stow trash generated on a two-hour flight that wasn't even going to serve drinks.

What to do? They have us over the proverbial barrel--don't they? If we need to get someone far or fast, we must fly. And, for the most part, one airline is indistinguishable from another. If they have too many flying (and since they overbook, they often do.), they can throw you off the flight. They charge you now to carry the clothes you need to travel, and now they can send you where you don't want to go!

Anyone have any solutions or are we truly out of luck if we can't travel by land or sea--the only industries which still seem interested in customer retention or service.

Cell Phone Magic

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.

Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.

Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST
Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:


If you lock your keys In the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).


THIRD
Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.


And Finally....

FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem.. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411 (800)FREE411 , or (800) 373-3411 (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

A Journey Shared

Being able to travel is a true gift and even a privilege since we are not all able.

Travel is the opportunity to experience the beauty of another's world--their landscape, their art, their history, and their culture of course, but more than that, it is the opportunity to understand what they are proud of and why.

Spain was magical--steeped in legends, mystery and even magic (the street actors stood for hours in positions not to be believed). I stood in the room where Queen Isabella paid Christoper Colombus to go find America. I stood before a church so massive and magnificent that it was impossible to believe human beings created it,and I stood before God's greatest creation--silver mountains dipping into a sapphire ocean.

Travel to Spain was a treat for the sences. I saw flowers blooming like pastel whipped creme. I heard bells peal in a tower 300 feet high. I touched smooth mosiacs that dated back to the 12th century, and I tasted perfect paella, sweet sangria, and crunchy churrohs coated in chocolate.

Clearly, my trip was amazing. It is doubly special to share the experience with others during the trip and with others afterwards. It magnifies the experience and cements the memories.

If I've peaked you desire to hit the road or airways, I'm thrilled. There is so much to see and experience throughout the world, and you can do it the 5-star method, back-packing it, or any number of ways in between those two extremes.

And even though I love every minute of travel, I am equally thrilled to hear a US customs officer say "Welcome Home!" to what I believe is the best country of all--America.

Being Flexible

...and I'm not talking about what you can achieve with exercise. I'm talking about attitude.

I just returned from almost three weeks in Spain, and it was wonderful and amazing and delightful. The weather, for the most part, was perfect. The food, for the most part, was delicious. And the people, for the most part, were friendly and helpful.

The reason I keep saying for the most part was because there were a few exceptions. We experienced a couple of rainy days, ham in too many entrees, and a few residents who were not completely enthusiastic when the group I traveled with converged on them.

It frankly would have been a miracle if there weren't some glitches, yet there were still some travelers who complained, who angered easily and who, rather than roll with the punches, preferred striking out.

I don't get it. When did people start thinking that they should be catered to 24/7? And that if things don't go just as they want when they want it, they're entitled to make life miserable for everyone around them. What happened to serving others first, old fashioned chivalry, or basic civility for that matter?

I've never understood people with unpredictable anger or intimidating behavior. Their selfishness is always so astounding, and for me, unacceptable.

Perhaps growing older has taught me that happiness is a decision. We can choose it or not. And I believe it begins with flexibility and a willingness to accept those things we cannot change.

Fill Her Up

Two weeks ago, I discussed the health benefits of immersing yourself in water. This week, I need to discuss why it's important to drink it.

I don't know about you but sun exposure dries out my skin; overhead fans dry out my nasal passages and my eyes, and 100 degree weather has caused my sweat glands to go nuts. I love summer, but it plays havoc with staying hydrated.

Water, though not exactly the fountain of youth, is at least the “fount of life” and the most critical substance in the human body. Every organ, tissue and cell needs water to function. It transports nutrients, promotes digestion, and carries away waste. Controlling body temperature and ensuring proper blood volume, water keeps skin, mouth, nose and eyes moist.

Preventing thirst is crucial, particularly for those over 60. Thirst suggests that the optimum level of water in the body (50-75% of weight) is already compromised. In other words, if you're thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Seniors are at particular risk because as aging occurs, the amount of water in the body is reduced and the ability to recognize thirst signals is greatly diminished.

If enough water isn’t ingested, the body will drain the body’s organs and tissues. Symptoms are: headache, fatigue, poor circulation, muscle spasms, kidney failure, and increased body temperature and pulse rate. Weakness will escalate, and labored breathing, dizziness, and even delirium can result.

A minimum of 64 ounces per day of water is the remedy. Absorbed faster than any other drink, water is no calorie and now even injected with vitamins and minerals. Fill a a large jug with at least that many ounces first thing in the morning and drink throughout the day until finished. Remember, don't wait until you're thirsty.

Milk, juices, soup, and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables (high water content) are good sources for additional fluid intake.


Modify processes that dry skin. Wear gloves when cleaning, and take warm rather than hot showers. Wash off chlorine after swimming. Slather on oils or lotions before completely drying hands or body to lock in moisture. Use drops to prevent dry-eye before going to sleep, and drink, drink, drink!

Honor Grandpa on Father's Day

Though I think we must honor dads on Father’s Day, I believe granddads are equally important to remember. Mine was a great gift in my life. He was the link to other generations in my family, one of my most important teachers, and the man in my life who loved me unconditionally.

A grandfather can be a grandchild’s most important mentor, role model and guide, and is a critical influence on their growth and success. According to AARP, researchers have determined “that grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandfather are more likely to perform well in school, display positive emotional adjustment, have higher self-esteem, and a greater ability to develop and maintain friendships.”

Grandfathers are the great story tellers. They keep the family’s history alive by passing on the details to new generations. They recount first hand how life has changed culturally and technologically through the ages. They teach powerful lessons by relating the joys, hard times, and even mistakes in their own life experience.

Because grandfathers generally need not fulfill parental responsibilities, their relationships with grandchildren are more open and relaxed. Without the fear of judgment and reprisal, grandchildren are more willing to confide fears, ask difficult questions, and entrust their most guarded secrets.

A grandfather’s wisdom is highly respected, and their suggestions more readily followed. Their behavior and actions can set the standard for the kind of man a grandson may become or the kind of man a granddaughter may choose to marry. They have the power and opportunity to teach their grandchildren important life values like loyalty, patience, perseverance and self-sacrifice. Grandfathers should fulfill this sacred obligation to their grandchildren, and their grandchildren should honor them for doing so.