A Baby Boomers Christmas!

A baby boomers Christmas .... many of us are away from our families ... perhaps living in warmer climates. How do we celebrate one of our most important holidays of the year?  We use our imaginations and get creative!

How about going out and caroling in the neighborhood?  If you live on the water like we do, taking the boat out makes it even more of a treat ... cruising up and down the canals and bringing Christmas cheer to others.

Baby boomers unite ... grab a Santa hat, loosen up and enjoy.  

Merry Christmas!  HO ... HO ... HO .... !

2008 Hot Air Balloon World Championships

The Last Lesture by Dr. Randy Pausch

Baby Boomers, it is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dr. Randy Pausch. Many of you may have seen his inspiring "Last Lecture" that was delivered last year to Carnegie Mellon University. Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.

Randy was a man whose efforts to advance the fight against pancreatic cancer greatly impacted the nation.

This is dedicated to my sister, Maryjo Hines who died almost 6 years ago from this terrible disease......






For more information on Pancreatic Cancer go to: http://www.PanCan.org

Baby Boomers Don't want to be Alone!

Take a look at this article .... YIKES! Dating can be scary.

Many baby boomers see themselves as trendsetters. This is great news for online dating sites and the industry itself.

The Associated Press recently reported, “Half of all people ages 40 to 69 are either divorced or separated, and 30 percent have never married. Baby boomers are turning to the Internet, speed dating or the old fashioned hook-up for companionship.”

Many dating websites now report that the over 50 crowd makes up one of the fastest growing segments in the online dating world. In referring to online dating, Stephanie Coontz, a family historian of the Evergreen State College in Washington recently said, "people in their 40s and 50s don't want to be hanging out at bars. Now they have access to this incredible pool of single people their age."

Boomers find online dating very convenient. They have less hang-ups about meeting people online then the generation before them. They appear to be more comfortable with themselves and realize how convenient online dating can be. They don’t necessarily turn to online dating as the only way to meet people, but they certainly see the convenience of adding online dating as a way of complementing the more traditional ways of meeting new people.

How will baby boomers change the face of online dating?

Baby boomers will change the online dating industry through their expectations of customer service levels and their honesty about themselves.

Two of the biggest criticisms of online dating are the level of customer service members receive from individual dating websites and wondering if the profiles that are posted on many of the sites, are real or fake.

Boomers have come to expect first class customer service. They will not tolerate poor customer service from an online dating website site that charges them a monthly fee while not providing an easy way to access customer service. They will not tolerate dating websites that clearly do not have contact information posted. Baby boomers will not tolerate having their credit card charged for membership renewals without their consent.

This is a good thing because it will force online dating websites to increase their level of customer service to attract the disposable income that comes from dealing with baby boomers. In order to attract baby boomers, online dating websites must do a better job of meeting the needs of this very important customer base. Baby boomers expectations will increase the overall customer service level of the online dating industry.

Baby boomers are also very comfortable about who they are as a group. Many baby boomers are past the “I care what other people think” stage of their lives. They are more interested in doing what they think is right for them. They are more honest about themselves and expect the same from others.

With this freedom, baby boomers appear more likely to post their real pictures online.

Baby boomers also appear to be less tolerant of other people who misrepresent themselves online. Because they are comfortable with themselves, they are less likely to jump right in to a relationship. They are less likely to believe they must act now.

People who post a real picture and real description about themselves in their profiles are more likely to have success with online dating.

Hopefully, this will become the standard for the industry.

An increase in customer service and an increase in honesty can only be good for online dating members and the industry itself.

About the Author:

Gary Kelly is co-creator of the online dating website for golfers, http://www.DateAGolfer.com and http://www.PuttingForPar.com, a golf website specializing in personalized ball markers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Kelly

Sadly We Say Goodbye to Tim Russert

Baby Boomers all over the world are sad to say goodbye to Tim Russert. Tim died on Friday of a massive heart attack ... he was 58. Tim was what the baby boom generation is all about, as the moderator of Meet the Press for the last 19 years he went the extra mile to really "put it out there". I didn't always agree with his politics, but hey, I'll defend his right to say it.

Tim wasn't afraid to be brash and on the other hand he wasn't afraid to show his gentle side. Reading his book about his Dad, Big Russ, had me misty eyed many times and I know that I will miss seeing him every Sunday morning while I sip my cup of coffee.

Watch the youtube memorial from "the boss" singing Thunder Road .. just click

Tim Russert, may you rest in peace.

Baby Boomers - Is it Time to Re-Invent Yourself?

Baby Boomers, think carefully ... as a child did you used to play with your food? Were you drawn to the mashed potatoes and unable to resist taking big handfuls and just squishing them ... how about green peas ... entranced by the color and the delightful "pop" when you smooshed them? Have you ever considered re-inventing yourself as a food artist? No, no ... I don't mean photographing food items ... I mean "painting" with real food ....

Click on this delightful child and spend the next few moments in awe ..... if this video "speaks" to you, then perhaps you have found your new career!

Retirement is all about the next portion (not the last!) of your life. Do something FUN ... think outside the box and enjoy!

Baby Boomer Essential Info - National Hug Day!

Baby Boomers ... listen up ... today June 11th is National Hug Day. I know, you may have had a senior moment and forgotten this important occasion ... that's OK, it's why I am here! The good thing is, you don't have to buy a gift. Just wrap your arms around that special someone and give a little squeeze.

There is even a "Hugs for Health" foundation and ground rules for hugging etiquette. I have included their instructions and web site for further clarification below so take a look before you go out and commit a faux hug!

Have You Had Your Hugs Today?

Your Daily Hug Rx
4 Hugs for Survival
8 Hugs for Maintenance
12 Hugs for Growth

Proper Hug Etiquette
also known as the
Rules to Safe Hugging

1. Always respect another's space.

2. Ask permission before hugging.

3. A hug is a compassionate gesture,
   hug accordingly.

4. A hug is a gentle embrace,
   not the Heimlich Maneuver.

5. Be "in" the hug, don't simply
   go through the motion.
   
   You may be wondering why I have included this information in my baby boomers blog, but it is a fact that the baby boom generation was the first to start all this hugging stuff. So, if you are over 50, go out there and do what comes naturally! For hugging info you can visit the hug for health site listed below.
   

Happy Hugging!

http://www.hugs4health.org

I Want to be an Astronaut When I Grow Up!

Baby Boomers ... what do you want to be when you grow up ... how about an astronaut? Pictured here is my friend Jim standing next to a real live guy who grew up to be, guess what ... an astronaut! This is Jon McBride, former space shuttle pilot, retired from NASA.


Jim met him at the latest space shuttle launch on May 31st. They were lucky enough to get tickets to view the launch from only a short distance away.

So baby boomers, anything is possible with your life. Just because you are over 50 and facing retirement doesn't mean that your adventures are over. Think about it, maybe it is time to re-invent yourself!

This is what the baby boomers generation is all about! 3 ...2 ...1 ...BLAST OFF!!!!

Baby Boomers - What is Your Job Description?

Baby Boomers ... are you looking for a job to make a little extra spending money in a relaxing environment? Well, if you enjoy hoisting a pint or two, are witty and pleasant company, you might just fit the bill! Please send a picture and resume ........


I found this posted in a newspaper from the UK (see below)! Houdini, my Maltese jumped on it immediately, but was turned down in favor of a retired doctor and a former military man. He consoles himself with the fact that now he has more time to pursue "other" interests!

LONDON (Reuters) - Found: drinking companions to join elderly gentleman for a friendly beer at his local pub.

Mike Hammond was bombarded with offers after advertising in his village post office for someone to accompany his 88-year-old father Jack on visits to a southern England pub from a nursing home.

He offered the lucky winner 7 pounds ($14) an hour plus expenses and, after sifting through the applicants, decided on a job-share. Drinking duties are to be divided between a retired doctor and a former military man.

"Dad's now going to be going down to the pub several times a week -- three with his new friends and twice with me," Mike Hammond told The Times on Thursday. "I want to give him some of his old life back."

(Reporting by Paul Majendie, Editing by Paul Casciato)

Aging parents can be a challenge, so be creative! Retirement does not have to be boring.

Essential Baby Boomers Information, stop by often!

Baby Boomers - Stay Active!

Baby Boomers, it is important to stay active mentally as well as physically. When we retire, the main question is, what do we do with our spare time? You know, that time that used to be filled with commuting to work and then the actual 9-5 job. What are your hobbies, or perhaps a better question, did you have time for hobbies?


Put your thinking cap on ... what have you always dreamed of doing? Maybe learning to Juggle? It would certainly work on your reaction time! There are so many things that don't require a large financial outlay and could keep you not only occupied, but bring you into a whole new circle of friends. Age is only between your ears many times and all you have to do is go out there and do it!

You may find out that your hobby, whether it is something new to you or one that you have been passionate about for years could also be a source of extra income. Teaching your favorite thing at a community center or maybe selling your crafts at a local flea market can bring in a few extra dollars as well as allow you to meet new friends. How about setting up a web site and selling information on the internet? Use your imagination!

Don't sell yourself short ... your years of knowledge are valuable. If you are really serious about starting up a new business, there is even help available at the Small Business Association

When baby boomers retire it is not the end stage of life, just the next stage ..... be active, have fun and enjoy the journey!

You Know You are a Baby Boomer, When ......

Early morning is my favorite time of the day. It is a time to enjoy a cup of my special coffee, check emails on the computer and reflect on the coming days activities. It is a quiet time and no on is stirring, not even my Maltese Houdini! I think that us over 50 group tend to get up early out of habit!

Wait, what do I hear? I hear the "thrumming" sound of a helicopter rotor cutting through the air. It immediately brings back a memory of growing with the Vietnam War on the six o'clock news. Listening to Walter Cronkite and his horrific stories all the while my family is sitting around, eating off of TV trays.





















Does this jog a memory for you? If it does, then you to are a baby boomer, one of the 78 million people that belong to this elite group of soon to retire baby boom generation.

Wait a minute, it isn't 1969, but 2008 .... I look out the window ....

I don't see any troops landing in a rice paddie or gunfire whizzing over head, but the county helicopter spraying our little island for mosquitoes! What better time to do this than at 6:30 am in the morning ... just at the break of dawn. I laugh to myself, what a vivid imagination.

We are an amalgamation of our experiences in life and this knowledge is what makes senior citizens so great! Use your great knowledge everyday and don't let retirement mean that you retire your mind. Keep active and share your time with others, maybe now is the time to volunteer.

The Corporation for National and Community Services feels that Baby Boomers represent a highly talented and highly motivated segment of the population that can help solve some of our most challenging social problems. They find ways to support communities by capturing the talents, skills, energy, and experience of Baby Boomers to meet local and national needs. Check it out!

Baby Boomers - Let's Have Some Fun!

Baby Boomers, now is the time in your life to have some fun! We have some essential baby boomers information right here to to get your imagination going.

Think about what you always wanted to do in your youth, but didn't have the time or money. What about skydiving? George Bush, Sr. recently (2007) took his fourth skydive at the age of 83 ... you can watch on the video to the upper left. He recently had a hip replaced, so he did a tandem jump and just kept his knees up during landing. Pretty COOL, huh?




OK, maybe skydiving isn't your cup of tea, what about jumping on a freighter and cruising exotic ports of call? The upper age limit for this type of cruising is 79, but that still leaves the opportunity for many of us! Cruising on a freighter can be less expensive than conventional cruising and offers a side of water travel seldom seen by most ...... to learn how to go about this type of travel, click here ....




Have you ever thought about digging up fossils or dinosaurs? Volunteers are welcome at the Archaeological Institute of America. Volunteers usually have a minimum stay required and are responsible for most of their room and board, but each site is different so go to this site and look around and see what tickles your fancy!

This is your retirement, so make the most of it! For essential baby boomers information you have come to the right place!

Baby Boomers - Don't Forget Mom

Baby Boomers, the day is upon us, the once yearly time to give tribute to the woman that gave us life, changed our diapers and dried our tears.

For many of us, our Mom's have passed away. For others, we may have an aging parent that is cause for worry along with feelings that are a mixture of love, stress, financial concerns and more.

When does our special relationship with our Mother take a reversal ... I don't remember the exact day when I knew that I would have to be the caregiver to my Mom, but it happened ... and as annoying as my Mom could be, I always said to myself, "you only have one Mother" ... some days I would chant this like a mantra.

We had good times and bad, but now that she is gone I wouldn't trade any of those times. Life is funny that way ... time softens the bad times a bit and now I can even smile at some of the worst ...

Well, here I am, the baby, posing with my Mom and sister, Maryjo. My Mom never liked to pose for pictures even as a young woman....right now she is probably appalled that I would show a picture of her in pin curls! Hey, I'm in diapers, which is worse?

My sister, well my sister is no longer with us, either ... she died of pancreatic cancer five years ago. She was a Mom also.

So, to both of these very special women in my life ... I will love you both, always .... Happy Mother's Day!


Learn more about Pancreatic Cancer and its devastation, advances and research, go to:
http://www.PanCan.com

Baby Boomers, Do You Like Yourself?

Baby Boomers, now you know who I am talking to, do you like yourself? When you look in the mirror is there a happy, slightly older face that looks back at you or do you wish that things could be different ... maybe if you could re-invent yourself!

Many of the baby boomer generation are doing just that! As you get older life experiences change your way of thinking. In other words, the career that you loved in your 20's is no longer fulfilling for you at 55. Why not change? Go to adult education classes, volunteer for something that you are passionate about, let your imagination run wild .... if you don't do it now, then when?

Your children are grown and out of the nest (unless you have a boomerang on your hands!) and hopefully you are financially secure enough to go out on that limb. Some people may try to convince you that you are crazy, do not listen to them!

Don't let life pass you by until you aren't able to go grab that brass ring.

A friend once sent me this advice:

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming
“WOO HOO what a ride!”

I agree!

Baby Boomers, The Envelope, Please!

Baby Boomers, have you ever seen an envelope that looks like this? It is usually sent to you right around your 50th birthday. Is it something to celebrate or should you line the bird cage with it?

At first, I put my envelope in the bottom of the stack of mail, then under a pile of bills ... next I rotated it through 3 months worth of bills until I finally got up my courage to open it ... after all, it had my name on it! By now I had already celebrated my 50th birthday and the initial shock had worn down a bit ... from OMG! to just omg!


Well, I read the information, then I put on my reading glasses and re-read it! The information sounded good, the price was right, only $12.50 a year and, why not?

I took the following excerpt from the AARP online Membership page because they say it so well:


Membership includes:

Benefits and Discounts: Access to health insurance, automobile insurance, homeowners insurance and other services from AARP. Discounts on travel, online services, music and much more.

Advocacy and Information: A voice in Washington and in your state, representing you on issues like Medicare, Social Security and consumer safety.

Advice for Living Well: Expert advice on healthy living, financial planning, consumer protection, and caring for parents.

Award-winning Publications: AARP The Magazine is packed with exciting features, and the AARP Bulletin brings you the latest news and information each month.

Community Services: Over 2,000 local chapters, driver safety courses, tax prep help, and a nationwide volunteer network.

OK, I have been a member now for over 5 years and what they say is true, so don't be afraid. When you get that envelope in the mail, open it with gusto! Grow up baby boomers, smell the roses and take advantage of a good thing.

Baby Boomers, Look Out ...They are Everywhere!

Baby Boomers, we know who we are, but how did we get the name and why are there so many of us?

In May 1951, Sylvia F. Porter, a columnist in the New York Post, used the term "Boom" to refer to the phenomenon of increased births in post war America. She wrote:

Take the 3,548,000 babies born in 1950. Bundle them into a batch, bounce them all over the bountiful land that is America. What do you get? Boom. The biggest, boomiest boom ever known in history.

The end of World War II brought a baby boom to many countries in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. People disagree as to the precise beginning and ending dates of the post-war baby boom, but the range most commonly accepted is 1946 to 1964. In 1946, live births in the U.S. surged from 222,721 in January to 339,499 in October. By the end of the 1940s, about 32 million babies had been born, compared with 24 million in the 1930s.

After the war, couples reunited and returned to traditional roles. Returning male soldiers re-entered the workforce, while many women left wartime work to concentrate on child-bearing and child-rearing. Marriage became again a cultural and career norm for most women ... and the result was babies. Lot's of them!



One theory about the end of the baby boom is that the as the biological capacity of boomer parents took its course. Women are fertile only into their mid-forties. Do the math! A woman married in her mid-to-late twenties after the war ended in 1945 would remain fertile for another 20 years or so.

In addition to the biological factor was the advent and mainstream use of birth control pills. It was 1960 when the FDA first approved ... doesn't seem that long ago!

Well, we are here now, and are 78 million strong ... baby boomers UNITE! Let's take the world by storm and show them just what we are made of.

The Birth of the Baby Boom Generation!

All baby boomers began their lives as babies ... we all have pictures like these hidden in the closet, long forgotten ... mine just happens to be fifty-five years old! I know, some of you "young folks" will ask, "Mommy, did they really have cameras back then in the olden days"?

Well, darn skippy, they did!

I was born in 1953 and that puts me smack dab in the middle of what the public calls the Baby Boom Generation. Believe it or not, there are over 78 million of us in the United States alone and it is essential that someone speak our wants, concerns and needs.

The questions we have are many and the "techno" age has placed us in an environment that requires we learn new information. We need to know how to get this information, or we get left behind in the dust.

Retirement, finances, computers, cellphones, aging parents, boomerangs, social networking ... OH MY ..... ! The list is endless. It is enough to send a girl right over the edge into permanent a "mental pause".

This is a new adventure folks and we ARE the people our parents warned us about! Let's take this journey together and discover everything you need to know about this wild and sometimes crazy Baby Boomers generation.