FLEXIBILITY CAN BE ACHIEVED (or not)

FLEXIBILITY CAN BE ACHIEVED (or not)

by sharwrite ♥ 4 Comments

“FLEXIBILITY HAS BECOME A MODERN DAY VALUE.  BUT FLEXIBILITY COMES WITH A COST”

MAYNARD WEBB

Truth be told, I don’t think Maynard was discussing the type of flexibility for which I am looking.  Author of ‘Rebooting Work: Transform How You Work in the Age of Entrepreneurship,’ Mr Webb has written a book about adapting to work in this age of the internet.

I, on the other hand, have been yearning for flexibility of movement.  While I’m not an expert on kinesiology, I have noticed that as you age the joints get stiff, and that wonderful suppleness of youth becomes a distant memory.  Not so, for my former yoga instructor from years ago.  I believe she was probably in her 60’s.  Just watching the spring in her step,  her agility and ‘stretchiness’ was inspiring.

Rereading a portion of Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, ‘Eat, Pray, Love,’ and thinking back to my instructor, it occurred to me going to a yoga class was a good idea.  I googled Yoga and found a Hatha Yoga class not too far from my house.  And surprise, a beginners’ class was scheduled to start in one week!

On the first day, I found myself with a number of ladies ranging in age from twenty to perhaps seventy-something.  We were told some movements are easier than others but were assured that if we’d stick with it we would see improvement.  In my case, getting up and down gracefully is a challenge.  Mother had a reason for not selecting the name ‘Grace’ for her daughter.

The first thing we were asked to do was sit cross-legged while maintaining good posture.  Sounds easy, doesn’t it?  I watched the others in the class.  Their knees were almost touching the floor.  Mine were up to my ears.  It was suggested that I sit on some towels, elevating my bum so my knees appeared to be closer to the floor.  “Oh, and watch that posture!”

Funny, I had no recollection of pain during my earlier classes.  Our instructor explained that most of us had spent many years sitting, standing and walking incorrectly.  “As a result, some of these poses may be difficult. But don’t worry, just stick with it.”  Good grief!  I had soooo many years of bad sitting, standing and walking to make up for!

I don’t recall perspiration dripping down my face in past classes, but I was beginning to feel it now.  The word ‘INFLEXIBLE’ was flashing before my eyes.  We moved on to standing poses: the Sun Salute, Downward Dog, but inevitably we were back on the floor in the Lotus Position.  “OMG, my hips won’t move, what am I going to do?”  Perhaps, the instructor saw the look of terror on my face, because she asked us to rise again and that’s when I stumbled.  I didn’t fall completely because I was able to catch myself — unfortunately with the second toe of my left foot.  Just as I was about to let out a gasping cry, I saw the sign:

“NO WHINING PLEASE”

“What?  You have to be kidding!”

The instructor was on to another pose — the ‘Warrior Pose.’  She tried to assist this warrior who couldn’t put pressure on her left foot and breathe at the same time.

The hour was almost over and it was time for the ‘Corpse Pose.’  “Are they going to put me out of my misery?”  Lying on my back, my toe throbbing, I awaited my fate.  Fortunately, it was only time for meditation.  And then our Instructor said, “Namaste.”  The class had ended.

I hoped my ‘corpse toe’ could be revived.  Too bad we didn’t have a video of me leaving the studio.  Limping and appearing to be wearing some kind of body armor, I was the personification of rigidity.  Yep, achieving flexibility does come with a cost.  Regrettably there’s no guarantee you will realize it.

MIAMI – A Snowbird’s Paradise

MIAMI – A Snowbird’s Paradise

by sharwrite ♥ 5 Comments

Algonquin Indians originating in the subarctic regions of Eastern Canada, gradually migrated southward through the Great Lakes; some settling as far south as what is now Miami. As a matter of fact, our city name comes from Algonquin dialects.  Today, Canadians along with midwestern and northeastern residents of the United States follow the same travel pattern — and it starts just about this time of the year.

Our name is pronounced several ways.  My-am’-ee, Me-ah’-me, and My-yam’-ah.  Fortunately residents recognize all of these pronunciations and understand the geographic reference.  Unfortunately that is where some understanding ends.

More than 65% of Greater Miami’s population is hispanic.  While many have emigrated from Cuba, most Caribbean, South and Central American countries are represented.  Spanish is the primary language for most of these folks; however, each country has its own dialect, so understanding the spoken word can be difficult.  A polite idiomatic phrase from a Chilean could turn out to be an insult to a Venezuelan.

Over the years there has been much controversy over which language should be Miami’s “first” (English or Spanish).  We finally settled on Spanglish, a blending of the two.  It sounds something like this, “Por favor, may I have some agua?”

But Spanish is not the only language that flourishes here.  There is French, Creek (the language of the Seminole Tribe), Creole and Portuguese.

Miami is rich in various cultures and cuisines.  There are Caribbean influences in cooking, with tropical fruit salsas, spicy Jamaican Jerk dishes, Cuban fried plantains, and rum infused dishes from Puerto Rico.  Several of the spices and flavors go back to Spain and Africa and remain present in today’s recipes.

We have tall green palms and a turquoise ocean, white sandy beaches and brilliantly colored flowers.  Miami is a city of vibrant color, music, food and energy.  We are famous for our Art Deco design, Miami Vice, the macarena and, of course, Gloria Estefan.

Visitors to our city expect bronzed residents.  While the tourists bake on our beaches to a bright bougainvillea pink, most residents have learned what a tropical sun can do to the skin.  Of course, most of us are at work or in school during many of the daylight hours.

There are plenty of activities for visitors.  Do you love the ocean?  Try fishing, boating, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing or just hanging out at the beach.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas wrote of the ‘River of Grass.’ This is our Everglades and it shouldn’t be missed.  The Seminole Tribe lives here. You can see how they settled the area and learn about their culture.   But be careful, there are also ‘gators, and cougars, and birds – oh my!

Are you interested in sports?  We have football, baseball, basketball and hockey, and we may add soccer to the lineup.

Are you inclined to more classical entertainment?   Try the opera, ballet, or symphony.  If you like something more contemporary ‘Broadway’ comes to various Miami stages frequently.  There are many museums and Miami hosts the world’s largest art exhibition, ‘Art Basel.’

We have something for everyone!  No one gets bored in Miami!  Are you planning a vacation soon? As the weather gets dreary up north, close your eyes and think ‘sunny Miami.’  Now, listen closely, we’re calling you.

 

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.

by sharwrite ♥ 4 Comments

“To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.”  Bernard M. Baruch

In high school, I played the ingenue in ‘Arsenic and Old Lace,’ but really wanted to be one of the ditzy old ladies.  Thirty years later I auditioned for the play again with a community theater group, and finally got the coveted role of Martha.  She was sweet, but addled; kind but homicidal.  Playwright, Joseph Kesselring, described her, as an ‘elderly woman,’ about 60 years old.  I thought, “Times have certainly changed since the play was produced in 1939.  Sixty is no longer old ladies dressed in black, but vibrant women running businesses, playing tennis, and working out.”

Fast forward another 15 years.  While watching the news, a young TV reporter announced, “An elderly woman was struck and killed by a hit and run driver early this morning.”  As she went on I pictured a feeble old lady, rather like Martha.  Then the reporter mentioned her age.  ELDERLY!  She was five years younger than I!   Had we gone back in time?  Was it 1939?

The reporter apparently had not read all the “50 is the new 30, 60 is the new 40 and 70 is the new 50”  articles and books.  She was no more than 30.  Using the philosophy of 50 or 60 is the new whatever, she had the mental acuity of a 10 year old.  That would certainly explain ‘elderly!’ When you were 10 anyone over thirty was also over the hill!

Took a break today, and the hosts of ‘The Chew,’  discussed how their grandmothers influenced their lives.  Clinton mentioned  his grandmother (she’s 94 and doesn’t look it at all) gets up every morning and says, “this is going to be a great day.”  She lives in San Francisco and walks 2 miles every day!  Carla’s grandmother told her, “it’s your job to be happy.”  Regardless of what life brings you, it’s up to you to decide how you will react.  Daphne’s grandmother said “only boring people get bored.”  She too, felt that you are responsible for your own happiness and enriching your life.  Sounds like these ‘elderly’ ladies were on to something.

Like the grandmothers of the Chew Crew, how you feel and how you age has more to do with mindset.  I’m not suggesting that nothing changes (I notice my joints aren’t as flexible as they used to be).  So, am I elderly?  I don’t know.  Mature sounds better and like Mr. Baruch, old age is AT LEAST 15 years older than I.

Here are my top reasons for enjoying where I am in life (pass it on to Letterman, he’s retiring this year):

10. You make your own rules

9.   Think about the grandmothers above.  Life experience makes you wiser.

8.   You can do all those things you’ve wanted to do, because now you have the time.

7.   You love your grandchildren but, face it, they go back to Mommy and Daddy and you can rest.

6.   You can have a leisurely breakfast and actually read the paper.

5    Again, like the Chew grandmothers you realize you are what you think.

4.   It is your schedule — not a company schedule.

3.   If you work out, you don’t have to go to the gym at 5:00 am to accommodate your job.

2.   There’s always time for friends.

And the top and number one reason to enjoy your age (whatever it is):

1.   Consider the alternative….

 

WHAT A CONCEPT!

WHAT A CONCEPT!

by sharwrite ♥ 6 Comments

On “The View” last week, there was discussion about a mortuary in Michigan that came up with a new idea. It’s a drive through!  It had various windows through which the deceased could be viewed by mourners who wouldn’t have to leave their cars.  Something like the take out window at a fast food restaurant.

New idea?  I don’t think so!  Back in the eighties, a friend sent me an article about a funeral home in California using this concept.  He suggested it could be an “add-on” for an idea some of my colleagues had dreamt up.

It all started when my friend,  Doug, announced an idea for a Rent-A-Coffin business.  His reasoning was sound.  Coffins, cost hundreds (even thousands) of dollars, are used for only a short time, then buried away.  What a waste of money!

Frankly I wasn’t into the whole Rent-a-Coffin thing — it was too morose for my taste.  I mentioned it to another associate, Bill, who shook his head and smiled, before rushing off to a meeting.  However, a couple of days later, he walked into my office, sat down and said, “I was thinking about that ‘Rent-A-Coffin’ idea you had.”

“Wait a minute Bill, that was Doug’s idea”

“Doesn’t make any difference who came up with it, I think I have a much bigger business opportunity, and you just might  be interested.”

“Ah Bill, I’m not interested in going into a new business right now; and even if I were, I don’t think it would have anything to do with death or caskets.”

“Before you dismiss this, Sharon, hear me out.”

I sighed and nodded affirmatively, wondering what would come next.

Bill continued.  “Think about this.  Sooner or later, we all die, so there’s no end to this opportunity.  Funeral expenses, can be astronomical, and relatives get sucked in because they don’t want to have a wake or service that looks cheap.”

He rose, “Picture this, a mortuary, next door to a crematorium.  The family can pick from Doug’s ‘Rent-A-Casket’ models…anything from metal to hand carved wood.  The interior will use only the finest quality material.  The rentals are reasonable and the family does not have to pay thousands for the casket.”

He sat on the edge of my desk and continued.  “Now as you know, I’m Irish and know how to throw one hell of a wake.  Even with food and liquor, I’m sure I could bring it in for somewhere between $10 to $20 a head.  That’s an excellent price!”

“Following the wake, there will be what ever type of ceremony is desired and following that, the body will be taken to the crematorium, and removed from the casket before cremation.  How does that sound.”

The only word I could come up with was “crazy,” but Bill was on a roll.

“Sharon, we could franchise this.  It could be one of the biggest startups ever.  Oh, and I almost forgot, we’ll call it, ‘Wake and Bake.'”

I started choking.  “Bill, you are sick!”

Undeterred, he left my office.  “That’s OK Shar’ … just think about it.”

WAKE AND BAKE — no way.

I relayed the story to a friend who let me know about the drive through place in California.  He subsequently sent an ad for a Chicago company that makes headstones — while you wait!  The Michigan mortuary is way behind the times.

I’d love to see the faces of the “Shark Tank” crew, if Bill were to pitch this proposal.  Wonder if there would be any takers?

 

 

SOONER OR LATER WE ALL DRY UP

SOONER OR LATER WE ALL DRY UP

by sharwrite ♥ 4 Comments

Have you ever had a a pain or some other medical discomfort that began on a Friday night or over the weekend?  We’re not talking heart attack here, not the kind of thing that has you running to the ER.  Rather, something you must suffer through alone, because your doctor’s office is CLOSED.

One Friday evening I noticed the TV picture was blurry.  I figured my eyes were tired.  But, the next day, while getting a pedicure, I realized I could not make out the facial features of a woman seated not 30 feet away.  Hmmmm.

Once home, I took a “selfie”  eye test, covering first my right eye and then the left, while viewing a picture.  The vision in my left eye appeared to be fine, but with the right, it seemed as if I was looking at something under water.  Thinking I was wearing my contacts too long, I traded them for glasses.  Then, took the same selfie test with the same results.  By evening, the eye was red and I had a headache.  What could this be?  That’s when I made two huge mistakes.

MISTAKE #1  DO NOT GET ON THE INTERNET TO DIAGNOSE YOURSELF.

I, of course,  googled blurry vision and found a specific selection for “blurry vision in one eye.”

MISTAKE #2  NEVER READ DIAGNOSES UNLESS YOU ARE A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

It was Saturday night, and it seemed I could have  macular degeneration, a brain tumor, cancer of the eye or an aneurysm.

There is a rule, that states:  “things always seem worse at night, particularly if you are alone.”  You may be the most positive person on earth,  but in situations such as this, the mind goes straight for drama.  I focused on the prognosis grim.  Yes, I was going blind, or dying or both.

By Monday morning, my head ached, my eye hurt and my vision was worse.  The eye doctor’s office opens at 9:00 am.  I was on the phone at 8:30.  Fortunately someone was there and I got an afternoon appointment.  I was convinced I would be told to go straight to the hospital.  “Should I pack a bag?”

Upon arrival at the office, the doctor asked several questions, then gave a thorough exam.  He left for a minute, returning with an associate.  “OMG, he needed to consult with another doctor.  This is serious!”

Another exam and then the diagnosis.  I had keratoconjunctivitis which in lay terms means that I had inflammation of the conjunctiva, a moist membrane covering the outer surface of the eye.  Only mine wasn’t so moist.  “You have dry eye syndrome,”  he said. Funny, I didn’t see that on the internet.

So, I wasn’t going blind, or close to death.  Glad I didn’t bring a packed bag.  What a relief.

But, I needed to know why this happened so asked the doctor, “What would cause this to come on so suddenly?”

As he walked out of the room, I heard his reply, “Sharon, sooner or later we all dry up!”