There's Hope

This week is the beginning of a new era. Tomorrow the first African American will be sworn in as President of the United States of America. Something about this young man seems to pull people of many different cultures to him. He is the symbol of hope around the world. Even here in America, many people who did not vote for him are hopeful that he will be successful. People are not pulling for an African American president. People are pulling for America. Our success will spread good will, good fortune and prosperity around the world. This election wasn’t about Barack Obama. This was about our country as well as the rest of the world.
As a senior I have lived through World War II although I was too young to understand what was happening. I saw the struggles of African Americans during the Civil Rights movement; the increasing divorce rate; and the changing dynamics of the home front when women had to work rather than stay home to rear their children. Like so many other seniors, I’ve watched the economic downturn with some trepidation.
But I have great hope for a positive future for us. As seniors, we want to see an economic upturn sooner rather than later so that we may enjoy our senior years without fear.
As I watched television broadcasts of the inaugural festivities, I saw the faces of thousands and thousands of people looking with tears in their eyes at Barack Obama, the symbol of hope. I saw the unity that he has inspired. Black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, young, old, gay, straight, the able bodied and the physically challenged are all in this together. We will not wait for Barack Obama to make the change. He can’t do it alone. He has inspired us to help make the change for the better.
India Arie’s words ring true when she sings, “There’s Hope.” As I listen to this song, my tears show that I know that there’s hope for us all.

I Resolve to Get Organized

With my minor, fixable health issues, I won’t be able to resume country line dancing until I get my doctor’s okay. This is only a temporary setback. Thinking of things to do while in recovery isn’t much of a challenge for me. I am very disorganized and now is the time for me to “resolve” to do better.
For now I will concentrate on organizing my closet, home office and kitchen. I could easily get rid of items that I no longer need. Donating them to charity or having a garage sale would help me unload some of these things with less guilt. Throwing items in the trash is my last option because I don’t really need to add to the landfill. The other day I started going through the papers in my home office and was pleasantly surprised to find pictures I thought were lost. I will label them and put them with the other pictures that are ready for albums. Organizing our pictures will be a long, involved project that my husband will have to help me with.
Organizing now will not put a burden on our children and grandchildren later. Wish me luck in working effectively over the next few weeks.

Happy, Healthy New Year

Today is my first day back to my retirement blog since the holiday season. My husband and I visited our adorable grandchildren and their families during the holidays. We enjoyed their company, the food and the festivities. Now we are back to reality.
Back to reality. I have to smile because our reality is still pretty good even as these crazy economic times have done damage to our retirement funds, reduced the value of our home and made us cut back on our Christmas spending. We still have good health with only a few minor, fixable health issues.
As usual, I wanted to make my annual “lose weight” resolution, but that hasn’t worked for very long in the past. Instead I am determined to be more active by continuing the dance class twice a week with my husband. We’ll add walking three times a week either at the mall, recreation center or in our quiet neighborhood. I also need to lift small weights to help build stronger bones. As a senior, osteoporosis (the bone weakening disease) is a big concern.
We’re planning to try new recipes with healthier ingredients. Presently we’re fairly healthy eaters, but we know we can do better. And our restaurant choices will have to change. Fried and creamed foods sound good, but too many dishes like that are waist expanders. I can’t take any more expanding.
Now it is time for a real effort toward a healthier, smaller happier me. Let me know what some of your “resolutions” are and how you'll try to keep them.
Happy, Healthy New Year.

Gift Cards

The gift giving season is here. Many people are giving gift certificates or gift cards to family, friends and service people. For some, this is the easiest gift for seniors to give because of the many crowded stores and tight budgets. If this is what you choose to do, be sure to tell the recipient of your generosity to please use the gift card as soon as possible.
Why? Some of the stores have an early expiration date on their cards or they charge a fee for the months when the card is not used. This could soon wipe out the value of the card. Also, don’t forget that some companies are having a difficult time financially and could go into bankruptcy leaving the card worthless.
If you receive gift cards, be sure to use them as soon as possible. And don't forget the thank you notes.
Happy Holidays. Be safe and enjoy the season with family and/or friends.

Holiday Tips

The holidays are fast approaching and our economic climate hasn’t improved except for the lower gas prices. I can’t believe that my husband purchased gas for $1.589 per gallon today when a couple of months ago the price was over $4.00 a gallon. We seniors are especially hit with the reality of increasing prices while on a fixed income.
We must be extremely creative with our limited financial resources while holiday shopping. This is where sale papers, manufacturers’ coupons, store coupons, and online coupons come in handy. Whether you are shopping for gifts, holiday decorations or food look for coupons. When buying gift cards, be aware that some cards have an expiration date. Earlier this year, some stores went out of business and many gift card recipients couldn’t redeem their cards. That was money down the drain.
Make a list of the people to whom you usually give gifts. Is there anyone you can eliminate without causing a problem? (Hint: Some of these friends and relatives may also wish to be removed from your list so that they may remove your name. Don’t hesitate to talk to them to get a feeling of what they think. You aren’t the only one suffering.)
For the adults in your family you could pull names. Each adult writes his or her name on a slip of paper with a wish list of three to five items under a set price (i.e.: $25). Then each person pulls a name and shops for that one adult rather than for everyone. OR everyone could make or purchase inexpensive gag gifts that suit the recipient’s personality.
Prepare the children honestly about economic hardships and your inability to buy every gift they request. A reality check done without the harsh anger you may feel will help youngsters deal with life better in the future. Begin early scaling back on so many toys and gadgets. Many young children are soon bored with new toys anyway and play with the boxes that the gifts come in. Encourage this creativity with washable markers and crayons. Let the children play with the wrapping paper and ribbon that you weren’t planning to reuse. (Of course, reusing wrapping and ribbon saves money.)
When wrapping gifts for children use the comic section of the newspaper. Wrap an adult’s gift in the sports section, the movie section, television guide or the kitchen section of the paper. Not every gift needs a ribbon.
In our family, Thanksgiving dinner is always potluck. As host and hostess this year, my husband and I are providing the turkey, dressing, a homemade cranberry relish (my husband’s specialty) and a dessert. My sister makes her delicious homemade rolls and several other side dishes. Mother always bakes her popular pound cake. Our niece and a cousin will also provide side dishes and/or desserts. Others are invited to bring whatever they wish to bring but they are not asked to do so. A host and hostess gift is not required.
This Thanksgiving we are expecting 18 dinner guests for plenty of food, fun and frivolity. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy.

Historical Time in the United States

On November 4, 2008, history was made in the United States of American. The majority of Americans voted for the first African-American president-elect, Senator Barack Obama, a Democrat. The vote was overwhelming in his favor over Senator John McCain, the Republican candidate.
The news of Obama’s win was cheered in countries around the world. England, Kenya and Indonesia were among the many countries where people were elated that Barack Obama won the election. Some Americans were surprised that our election was so closely watched by other countries. Our very troubled economy has affected more than just America and people want a change for the better.
In Chicago, Illinois, where Obama and his family reside, many people waited all day in Grant Park in the hopes that they would hear the announcement that Barack Obama won the election and would deliver an acceptance speech. They were not disappointed. Pictures showed thousands and thousands of people cheering, crying and hugging. The requests for tickets to Obama’s inauguration are starting to come in now. Reporters state that the number of requests to attend his inauguration is higher than for any other president-elect. History has been made. . . in my lifetime.

Don't forget to vote.

We have an historic election in a few days. Regardless of the outcome, our country will make history. The country will elect either an African American president or a female vice president. The politicians constantly talk about change which many voters want. However, what that change will be is anybody’s guess.
As seniors, one major concern we have is how the current economic crisis will affect our retirement funds. We are holding our breath until after the election to see what the next president’s policies will be. What will happen with taxes? What about our health care system? Will the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan end? Will the gas prices climb or return to a reasonable level? I will be glad when this contentious campaign is over. I have high hopes for a good future.
Meanwhile, I am working on saving money while enjoying retirement. Helpful hints will be coming in future blogs.