According to statistics, one out of three boomers will face old age without a  spouse.  And many times, there are no adult children living close.   So, the logical step is to move in together.  Some of the advantages of such a move are:

1. The social connection that such an arrangement provides.  Many older people are alone and lonely.  With a housemate, that problem is solved.
2. With housemates, more than one person is paying the rent or mortgage.
3. The utilities are divided up between all people living in such an arrangement.
4. Everyone pitches in on the cost of food.
5. Meals are no longer the lonely occasion they used to be.
6. Everyone helps out with the chores.
7. During illness, there is someone in the home to help out.
8. A person does not have to depend on, or be a burden to their children.
9. Maintenance costs and taxes are also a shared burden.
10. A person can live in a nicer home and neighborhood than they could if they were responsible for the whole amount.

The disadvantages to such a program would be:

1. Everyone in the household would have to be notified when someone is having a guest over.
2. Children and grandchildren might not come as often as they would if you were alone.
3. Some amount of privacy is lost.
4. Different tastes,  lifestyles and temperments would have to be taken into consideration.

So a person does have to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages to determine if this sort of arrangement is viable for them.  If you are more of a private person or loner, this might not be an option for you.  If you miss the companionship and security of having someone living with you, this might be something to think about.

Some do’s and don’ts for this type of arrangement are:

1. Have a written set of rules that everyone agrees on and signs.
2. Decisions should be made on how rooms will be used and cleaned, what chores each will be responsible for, and what possessions are shared and which are off limits to anyone but the owner.
3. There should also be rules on smoking and guests.
4. Deciding ahead of time what happens if the arrangement doesn’t work, will make it easier on everyone, should that occur.
5. Discuss pet peeves ahead of time before they get to be a major issue.
6. Make sure everyone living in the house meets prospective new housemates and agrees on them.
7. Decide on an exit strategy, in case things don’t work out.

In a world where everything is being priced out of reach, this is a solution that many people are finding works for them.

Have you thought of a good solution for some of the issues older people are faced with?  We would love to hear about it.

Some of this information came from the monthly AARP newspaper.

Oconee Acres, SC.

Morning of June 11, 2013

Harold Lloyd and pretty girl flirting ~ 1918

Ahhh the victory is bittersweet, but a victory. No eating out… I tried this because others before me, managed not only to save money, but to lose weight…. Well I still have my money.. But did not lose any weight. (insert sad face). I did eat out once  at a mother’s day lunch. But I will reface this challenge at a later date, because I have a much larger one ahead of me.

Thanks Amanda of

http://tshirtsandtwine.com/

So here I go!!! Round three!!

And she did, telling me that she was having breakfast at a cafe down the street. She apologized for forgetting about our time together, and said that perhaps from now on I should call ahead of time to remind her. And yes, she does have issues with memory loss. But up till now our system of marking my visit times on her calender was a sufficient reminder, as well as the back up plan of a neighbor who usually helps her keep track of such things. But this time, all systems failed, and she just decided to go out for a nice breakfast, not remembering about her usual Friday morning visitor. So’s who to blame for the mixed up morning plans?

It is times like these that we often look all around us for someone else to blame. Part of me wanted to blame this poor woman for not checking her calender like she was supposed to. Well that’s not really fair, she is an elderly woman dealing with memory loss, and these things are bound to happen.

Then what about the neighbor who assured me that she was helping this woman by checking on her daily, and checking her calendar also to make sure that nothing is forgotten; didn’t this neighbor drop the ball on their end of the bargain? Well that’s not really fair either, as this woman’s neighbor is helping another soul out of the goodness of her heart, and maybe she had some personal things to take care of.

No, it all comes down to me, perhaps being a bit too complacent in dealing with someone who has memory loss and not taking some extra measures to help her. And of course that little voice inside my head had been telling me that it might not be a bad idea to give this lovely lady a reminder call – how hard would that have been? But I fear that I got a bit lazy, and just assumed that everyone else would take care of her in reminding her of my visit, when it should have been me doing the reminding all along.

So I shrugged off the missed visit, and told myself I would do a better job in communicating with my elderly friend. And instead I used the free time I now had to have a relaxing cup of coffee, able to actually sit outside and enjoy the activity of the morning all around me, while I learned how to be a bit more humble in taking the blame.

Island in the Sun, Florida Keys, FL 2012

 Two Trees, Florida Keys, FL 2012

Heading south from Miami, the road eventually narrows  into just two lanes, north and south. The Overseas Highway is a 127.5 mile highway that carries  U.S. Route 1 from Homestead/Florida City south to Key West at the end. All along the way the road is surrounded by water, islands and wildlife.

Seen in countless movies (remember the limousine chase in Schwarzenegger’s True Lies) http://bit.ly/1bqdZ55 and the majority of television car commercials, the road through the keys is a unique and beautiful place to travel and photograph. And when you reach the end to Key West (AKA Margaritaville), you can enjoy, as Jimmy Buffet sang, a Cheeseburger in Paradise http://bit.ly/11rWT17 …or at least a slice of Key Lime Pie, which is as good as it gets and where it originated.

Proverbs, you see, is a study in contrasts: contrasting the righteous and wise man, who is obedient and hard-working… with the unrighteous, wicked, and foolish man, who is disobedient and slothful.

The World would like to give young people especially, the LIE that it is those who follow God who are just plain “foolish”…but The Word of God says just the opposite throughout Proverbs.  A fool is someone who disregards God’s leading to go his own way. Therefore, a study of what God has to say about these two contrasting lifestyles, is indeed the beginning of anyone’s wisdom.

Growing up, I heard the definition of wisdom as “Knowing the end results of our present actions”... and this is what this study reveals…in no uncertain terms…

IT IS A VERY FUN STUDY TO DO WITH NO TEACHER BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of your words GIVES LIGHT…It gives UNDERSTANDING to the simple.”

So, unfold the words of Proverbs for yourself… a chapter every day… through the book…  and gain wisdom for yourself.

Take a piece of paper, or a notebook set aside for this purpose is even better….and draw two columns.  Write on the top of one column, the category “Wise and Righteous and Good Man” and the other: “Foolish and Unrighteous and Wicked Man”.  Then as you view each verse of Proverbs, you will input what the Word says about each one.  At the end of your study through Proverbs you will SEE THE DIFFERENCE between lifestyles, and you will be able to decide and discern where your own life FITS into this charting, able to then make course corrections or dispel lies you have come to walk in.

Here is an example of my start at Proverbs 10. Note how I go verse by verse—across from each other… for complete parallel comparison… and I do a chapter at a time…

Just glance at my first page for a moment, but then go to your bible and do your own study. At the end of each day… look at your paper… and go DOWN THE COLUMNS to see the blessings and descriptors of the righteous versus the curses and results of walking in the way of the wicked.  Wow, makes it quite easy to decide what lifestyle most of us would desire to live.  Once truth is known, we can then adapt our lives to it.  The Spirit is within every believer to enable him to live in a righteous way.

I used the amplified version here, but any version will do for your study.  YOU WILL BECOME VERY WISE IN 3 WEEKS! Guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, who can’t wait to teach you Himself!

**If you miss seeing this on the 10th… no worries… you can do this study ANYTIME…and any chapter any day… I’m just starting you on the 10th so you can do a chapter a day through the month of June, starting at Proverbs 10!  Some of you may go far ahead too, for it really is interesting.

When Father’s Day is compounded with graduation ceremonies, there’s a lot of tech gifts to consider. Get help from technology and trends reporter Brett Larson—dads and grads need the latest tech!

In June, many families are celebrating dads and grads. Dad certainly deserves a special Father’s Day with all he does throughout the year. And graduating students also merit recognition for all they have accomplished. Now, it’s up to you to find gifts that celebrate these special occasions.

This year, skip the usual suspects, and opt for items tailored to their specific style and personality. For instance, tech gifts are perfect to begin your search, so get the scoop from someone who knows. Emmy Award-winning technology and trends reporter Brett Larson offers his take on the top five tech gifts for both dads and grads.

1. SunBriteTV’s Signature Series SB-4660HD. Give Dad the TV experience he has always wanted with SunBrite’s all-weather televisions. They’re actually designed for outdoor use, which means any backyard can become a modern entertainment space for barbecues, favorite sports games or family movie nights. Imagine the possibilities—you know dad can.

2. LG TONE+ Wireless Stereo Headset. In a world where practically everything is wireless, your headset should be, too. The LG Tone+, with stereo-quality sound and Bluetooth technology, is lightweight and easy to wear. It’s perfect for grads who want to listen to music while working out, or dads who need to make calls while commuting. The noise-canceling technology and long-lasting battery make it ideal in virtually every situation.

3. Dell B1165nfw Mono Laser Multifunction Printer. If dad has a small office or works from home, the Multifunction Printer has everything he’ll need. Its wireless capabilities will let him print all kinds of documents, web content and photos from any mobile device, meaning smartphones and tablets are fair game. The Mono Laser printer can also scan, copy and fax documents, so it also completes any dorm room.

4. Carbonite. Dads and grads, or anyone with a computer, definitely need automatic cloud backup and stress-free data recovery. With one flat fee, Carbonite automatically backs up all of your files via cloud technology. That allows dad or busy students the ability to access stored files from any device with Internet connectivity just by signing in online. Restoring files is easy, so business files, schoolwork and priceless memories aren’t lost forever.

5. VTech InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet. Don’t forget any pint-sized grads this year with VTech’s InnoTab 2S. The tablet is great for tots anywhere from 3 to 9 years old and puts them on the fast track to learning. Parents can help kids choose from hundreds of e-books, games, apps and educational videos to find appropriate yet entertaining content. Family vacations and road trips will be a breeze if the little ones are occupied.

For more information or gift ideas, visit www.killerapps.tv.

i love zakka shop. period. haha. so i am always very excited about going to a zakka cafe where they sell many small little things that girls will normally fancy. Spoonful is another zakka cafe we visited when we were in bangkok. it is located on the second floor in a building/ mall called The Portico.

Their menus are very limited, it is just the kind of cafe for people to order some coffee/teas and read a book,cause the ambiance is fantastic.

we ordered some scones, cause that is what they are famous for. and we love it too. ( But to note: things are rather pricey in there. even the scones and drinks)

“An interview with David Montrose, Joseph Sugar, ZI and Zoey”

~Exa Palmateer

Director of Marketing & Recruitment

Sugar Matchmaking

exa@sugarmatchmaking.com

As a Sugar baby, I would define my role as one that fulfills needs and takes care of a man as he takes care of me. The arrangement should be an honest exchange and it’s important to establish rules, boundaries and parameters up front. When all is said and done, the beauty of the situation is that it can be designed to whatever your needs are. Sex, conversation, companionship, etc… Hopefully a friendship and bond develops. Obviously you would know that after you’ve met. To me, it means that the man gets all of the benefits of a girlfriend or wife without the strings and perils of a much more serious and complicated relationship. In return for his friendship and generosity, I am his friend, confidant, lover, and an escape from the everyday. It should be a truly engaging relationship experience without the fuss. We then have the freedom to be ourselves without judgment.

As a student of life I always want to know what the other side thinks.  How do men define it and what are they looking for. I asked David Montrose and Joseph Sugar for their personal definition of “What is a Sugar Daddy”?  David’s thoughts are that a “Sugar Daddy is someone who finds a younger woman he wants to spend his time and resources on. He can become her friend, lover and mentor her.” Joseph says, “In all honesty, it isn’t for me to define.  Different strokes for different folks”.  Whether or not the answer is definitive, why did these men choose Sugar Dating?  They wanted relationships that had a measure of control and could fit easily into their already busy lives.  Sugar was the way to go.  An arrangement also ensures that it remains NSA and a friendship can be built without hidden agendas.

As I think most of you would, I always wonder; what are the best qualities that I can possess as a Sugar Baby.  What should I do and not do to catch his eye and keep him coming back?  I asked the men about desirable Sugar Baby qualities and faux pas.  It’s pretty simple really.  Be grounded, have class, be honest and exciting.  “I mean we all know what an ‘arrangement’ is but, it’s always nice to be in the company of a classy lady i.e. someone who doesn’t treat this whole thing like a job or an escort service”, says David Montrose.  She should also be someone who has goals and ambitions. Joseph would add that, “being a little unsure is ok, but she should have an idea of what she’s looking for”.  Above all, she should possess intellect.  “No one wants to sit across from a dummy at dinner, much less pay your rent”!  That would be my personal quote on the subject.

As I read through the responses from these men, I agree with them on so many levels.  I tend to think with more reason than the average girl. No offense ladies. I even have men tell me that I think like a man. Removing emotion and self-serving ideas gets you farther than whining and pouting, is all I am saying.  I take into account not only what I want from an arrangement, but what does he want and give in return? I call it the Progressive Princess Approach.  Certainly I am a modern woman who wants to be recognized for my intelligence and take advantage of my right to vote. Suffrage and feminism isn’t lost on me.  However, I also like nice dinners and pretty things. I will defend your right to choose and I will also tell you that you shouldn’t stop being sexy for your man. Letting yourself go is a crime against all that I find holy. I strongly believe that in addition to the men that seek variety, many are simply looking to capture what is lost or forgotten.

So, what else are you doing wrong?  What does a Sugar Daddy think is a turn off?

1. Not being respectful of others
2. Greed
3. Treating an arrangement in a transactional manner
4. Focusing only on herself
5. Demanding

Joseph would go on to say that respect would include, “not even just me, but wait staff or other patrons in a restaurant for instance”.  I also see this as a tell-tale sign about someone’s character.  If she openly disrespects a waiter or stranger, how would she behave in private?  Greed and treating and arrangement like “getting paid”, makes me want to slap some sense into Sugar Babies.  Taking the transaction out of the transaction is essential to longevity in Sugar Dating.  If he wanted an escort, he would just go do that.  Also, taking into account the money and time spent outside of an allowance is important.  Sure he gives you $500 a week, but he also takes you to lunch or shopping or orders expensive wine, maybe even a hotel suite.  I would estimate that my last Sugar Daddy spent an average of $900-$1000 every time we met.  That is nothing to scoff at and should be recognized by a Sugar Baby.  Part of the mutually beneficial mind set is awareness.  If you walk away pissed because you didn’t get everything you wanted in one meeting, you’re doing it wrong!

Stay tuned for Part Three of this interview.

If you missed part one, you can read it HERE.

David Montrose is a Sugar Daddy, blogger and author of ‘Sugar Daddy Diary’.  You can read his blog Sugar Daddy Diary and purchase his book on Amazon, Kindle and Barnes & Noble.

Joseph Sugar is the owner and operator of Trusted Sugar, an online Sugar Dating website.  TS is invite only for Sugar Daddies.

Did you ever think there were different levels of intelligence? Even the cat in the image above is crazy smart!

Here is a breakdown of how different intelligence levels can be understood:

1.Tactical Intelligence = Survival Intelligence

2. Conceptual Intelligence = Creative Intelligence

3. Elitist Intelligence =  Power Intelligence

4. Discriminative Intelligence = Willful Intelligence

5. Genius Intelligence =  Expressive Intelligence

6. Conscious Intelligence = Cosmic Intelligence

7. Divine Intelligence = Source Intelligence

But I truly think one element of intelligence is missing here … how about being Street Smart!?! You know what I mean … for those who have been around the block more than twice!

As much as we can all revel in how intelligent we may think we are, our so call intelligence seems to have let the whole world down. It seems we have multiplied our problems instead of intelligently cleaning up the whole act. I wonder why?

Greenville, SC. June 2013

“We are friends for life. When we’re together the years fall away. Isn’t that what matters? To have someone who can remember with you? To have someone who remembers how far you’ve come?” – judy blume

I am so very lucky…I was reminded of that quote just recently (of the friends in my life)…I am so very lucky (Blessed)!

….Today is a great day to be reminded….

Stay safe!

This morning I read a passage from Philippians 2: 1-4.

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose….Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.”

Photo credit: http://www.laboringinthelord.com

This passage also became my prayer, for I am truly at the mercy of God concerning I2I as I realize this is leading somewhere that will indeed require a lot of strength, patience, understanding, perseverance, and a “wholelotta” HUMILITY. I pray my heart will be embedded with the compassion and love of God to reach out to people who are hurting, struggling, confused, and otherwise distressed. I am near tears just thinking about it because behind closed doors, the Life Stories are so much different than what is being portrayed on the outside.

Photo credit: http://www.motherhoodthetruth.com

Photo credit: theschleicherspin.com

Verse 3 really tugs at my heart because I am reminded that I am to love ALL, regardless of their beliefs, disbeliefs, lifestyles, or status in life. I am to walk boldly and with courage to reach a people that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or condemned simply because of who they are or what they represent. I don’t have to condone, I don’t have to judge, I don’t have to condemn. I am to simply love.

GM Friends!

We all need each other. You don’t have to try and make it on your own. The Lord will send people , or has already sent them into your life to help you, so let them. When they bless you, then the Lord blessess them.

Have a wonderful and powerful Worship Experience in the Lord’s House this day!~Author Anita R. Sneed-Carter

1944

“Positive feelings come from being honet about yourself & accepting  your personality, & physical characteristics, warts & all; & from belonging to a family that accepts you without question.”

quote from Willard Scott

~~~~~

Life is not as simple as some would try to make us believe. But, then again, life is not as complicated as some pretend it to be!

We need to strike a balance. We need to recognize that our inner drive & personality does not have to match anyone else’s. We are all special in our own way & need to keep it that way. To have a dozen just like us – would drive us nuts.

We should remember to look at someone else & accept them for exactly who they are without trying to fix them or be like them.

We don’t need clones on this earth – we need real people staying real & knowing that their specialty is purposed to be special. We are created human beings & designed equally but not equal to one another.

We each of +’s & -’s … each to show a different perspective of humanity. I know sometimes at it’s best & yes, sometimes at it worst. The beat goes on & so should yours!

]]> http://humblemouths.wordpress.com/2013/06/08/prep-talk/ Sat, 08 Jun 2013 16:42:02 +0000 Fahdah Away http://humblemouths.wordpress.com/2013/06/08/prep-talk/

Hello world Me,

Truly no one anywhere/ somewhere, would care if I dissolved my remaining restraints and gouged these two fucking wrists allowing my most inner convictions to free flow this thin air.

I’m so tired of all the let downs, life isn’t peachy-smiley; it’s despair.
It’s darker than black and horrid; pitched inconceivably well between the locations of boring and no one cares.
Its like a never ending charade, a cheesy attempt at the tradition of happiness like those carnival parades.
Low and behold when the music stops, I see the me in you, I see the facades.

No one loves me, typically I could care less, I’m usually reserved,
I generally deserve the right to preserve myself from the crowding stifling suffocating world around me.
I’m unhappy beneath this mask, I see the same in wandering eyes; obvious lies dress up like suits and ties around our lifestyles.
Covering the impending ejaculation explosion of compulsively compressed “white lies” nearly neatly pallet stacked on top of all the dark ones. Cork screw if you will.
And we know what they do…relieve bottled pressure.

So how about it self?
Is it time to pick back up this knife and put the clarity sharpness back into my life?
Sever the life server’s important arteries?
This isn’t my suicide pep talk, it’s the self-homicide prep talk.

Photo credit to: http://m.flickr.com/photos/bullibauert3/8986935921/

The National Gardening Association has documented that teachers and youth leaders describe how gardening benefits kids’ health and well-being, their attitudes towards learning and the environment, their connections to community and so much more.

What other activity can you think of that can help us eat healthier, provide strength and cardio training, increase flexibility plus relieve stress! Gardening can provide all of these plus so much more.  Vary your gardening activities to keep your interest and to broaden the range of benefits.

By introducing children to the joy of gardening at an early age, you are exposing them to what can become a lifelong passion and healthy habit!  Children will also enjoy the special time they are spending with an adult in the garden – someone who is encouraging their creativity and curiosity.

Gardening – check out some of these Hidden Benefits:

• Stress Reduction
• Physical Activity
• Connecting with Others
• Exposure to New and Different Foods
• Pride and a Sense of Well-being

Healthy Eating

While many children and some adults will not eat a variety of vegetables,  they are much more likely to at least taste something that they have grown themselves. Gardening provides fresh fruits and vegetables and the encouragement to eat them. These foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and other compounds that help fight disease.

The most recent USDA Dietary Guidelines which are pictured on MyPlate recommend that ½ of our plate should be made up of fruits and vegetables. (2 ½ cups veggies, 2 cups fruit) Most Americans are only eating about ½ of the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day.  By increasing the amount and variety of fruits and vegetables that we are eating, it can help with the current obesity epidemic that we and our children are facing.

Both Physical and Mental Wellness

As many adults can attest – that first day in the spring working in the garden can bring sore muscles the next day! As the summer goes along, our muscles are strengthened and we find that we are able to do more than we imagined on that first day out! Our endurance also increases as the season goes along.

Many children lack opportunities for physical exertion. Sometimes they don’t have safe places to play outside or they just aren’t interested in “exercise”.  Gardening provides the opportunity to encourage children to walk away from the computer, TV, video games, etc. and introduce them to a fun and productive activity.   Gardening is an excellent way to get physical activity. Active people are less likely than inactive people to be obese or have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer, and premature death.

Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. You can burn 150 calories by gardening (standing) for approximately 30-45 minutes. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. If you have been inactive, start out with just a few minutes of physical activity each day. Gradually build up time and intensity.

Gardening also can help reduce our stress levels. Relaxation and stress reduction are one of the biggest hidden benefits of gardening. Research has shown that working in a garden can help create a more positive outlook by the participants.

We sometimes forget how much stress children can have in their lives. Spending time in the garden – focusing on the garden even if just for a short time can help them relax and rejuvenate.

Gardening can also increase the feeling of belonging. Again, many children do not have that sense of being an important part of their community. By working together in a garden, that sense of community develops and children can begin to appreciate that they can contribute to their community in a meaningful way.

We don’t want to forget that one of the most important benefits from gardening with children is the opportunity to have fun. You have probably heard  the phrase of having “good clean fun”.  Well, gardening may not be clean, but it surely can be fun and good for us at the same time!

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/family/gardening/

http://www.kidsgardening.org/node/13152

Writer:  Marilyn Rabe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Franklin County, Ohio State University Extension, rabe.9@osu.edu

Reviewer:  Michelle Treber, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension, treber.1@osu.edu

Loretta Young  ~ 1941