God-zilla

Raindrops Make a Flood on ETSY

Check out my Etsy Shop for some interesting, hand crafted items!!!!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/raindropsmakeaflood

Pizza

Karma

Risk

The trouble is,

if you don't risk anything,

you risk more.

Erica Jong

Why I'm Not Afraid of Getting Older

Hi Everyone!

Let’s jump right in!

Ok. I’ll put all the cards on the table…I am turning 49 this year. Yup. That’s me. Closer to 50 than 40, and MUCH further from 20 than everJ

But you know what? I really don’t have much of an issue with getting to 50. Heck, I mean, if life were really a battlefield and to just be “endured”…then I’ve made it almost 50 YEARS!! That’s not too bad. Sooooo many things have gotten me to this point- bad things and good things. I don’t have a problem with them. Whatever has gotten me here has happened and barring any sort of Tardis Time Traveling Phone booth, there’s not a darned thing I can do about the past. So, why let it mess up my Present and, gasp!, Future? That’s something to ponder for the next blog! J

What I AM finding is that people have more of a problem with me getting to 50 than I do. And what’s more- is they seem to want me to actually feel bad about getting older. I’m just not understanding that. Why should I feel bad for aging? Is there something so horrifically bad about getting older that someone forgot to tell me?

In my Geriatric age I have learned a couple things. One of them is that you cannot be afraid of aging because when you get old “everything falls apart”. That’s not true. I know of a little boy in Florida whose body is “falling apart” and he’s only 10. It can happen to anyone at any time in their lives. And if you eat right 80% of the time and get some exercise for your Mind, Body and Spirit, then what happens…well, it happens.

Also, I have learned that it’s not about how “good” you look when you’re getting older. It’s not about “aging gracefully” and it’s CERTAINLY not about how much money you have (although a nice amount would be great so I can take a trip to Italy!). What is about? I talked about this in my last blog.

It’s about what you’ve done. It’s about who you’ve touched. It’s about whether you made a contribution or you took without giving back. That’s all.

I have a few wrinkles around my eyes. I have some “spots” on my face. I have grey hair that I have not accepted enough yet to not color every couple months.  Looking at my flabby belly sometimes brings tears to my eyes. But you know what else brings tears to my eyes? Looking at these young girls (my students, my daughter, my nieces…) and trying to get them to understand it REALLY is about how beautiful you are inside and that a strong/caring heart IS the most important thing to have. Being healthy is much more beautiful and attractive than being “perfect” looking. There is no ideal. There is only YOU. And the best that you can do is take care of YOU. You are beautiful- no matter who you are, what you are, what you look like or how old you are.

So, despite all of the naysayers out there trying to, consciously or subconsciously, make me feel bad for getting older, I think I’ll “stay the course”. I’ll take the wrinkles and age spots. I don’t want the flabby belly, but I’m pretty sure I’m stuck with it.

I’ll take all that and move on to 50. Then after that 60…Then after that 70..Then after that 80…

Thanks for reading!!!!!! As always Stay Healthy, Eat Well and Be Happy!

And as John Green says- “Don’t forget to be awesome”!!!!!

Equal Pay= Equal Work & Stop Labeling

Hi Everyone!

Today I finally got the time to read about the firing of NY Times Executive Director, Jill Abramson. I saw many headlines, taglines with the words “pushy”, “brusque”, “aggressive”, when describing her perceived character. It makes me angry. When Howell Raines (the Executive Director prior to Abramson) was fired he was lauded as generous and applauded for putting the papers interests above his own. He “officially” resigned, but we all know he was fired amidst a scandal involving one of his “star” journalists. So, this guy resigns because of a scandal, yet the best reason they can give for firing Ms. Abramson is she was “pushy”, “brusque” and “aggressive”? How about addressing the more likely reason- she asked to be paid what her predecessor (who left under scandal) was paid. EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK.

Let me put it out there right now, and after you read this if you have a problem with my views then please feel free to not go any further. These are the things I believe in:

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                      ~ Equal pay for equal work. Period. I don’t care if you are black, white, Asian, Native American, male or female… I don’t care. If you do the same work as someone else and you are paid less that is wrong.
      ~Women belong in whatever workplace they CHOOSE. Yup, that goes right along with the RIGHT TO CHOOSE. If I want to be a Sniper in the military or if I want to stay home and raise my children-that is MY choice. And if I end up going into the corporate world armed with the same skills as everyone else, I demand equal pay for equal work.
     ~I believe we should seriously consider the labels we put on people. Why is a woman in the workplace called “pushy” while a man is called “strong”?  Why do we insist on referring to little girls as “cute” and “pretty” while we call little boys “strong” and “outgoing”? Why can’t a girl be strong? Why can’t a boy be cute? Labels like this begin the moment a child is born. Stop labeling your children or anyone else for that matter. Growing up with a label that began before you could even walk will stick with you your entire life. (I know this because I grew up with the label of “difficult”) It’s not easy to shake years of being labeled. (Don’t EVEN get me into how schools label children…)
       ~I think everyone needs to stop this “lip service” of SAYING they are promoting women/minorities in the workplace and actually DO it. It makes me sick when I see CEO’s/Execs of company touting how they believe in the power of women/minorities in the workplace and stand there with their board of 95% men. Put your money where your mouth is.

We have an election coming up soon. And guess what? We have some outstandingly strong women thinking about running. Yet, you know what I am already hearing? You guessed it! Questions on their ability to be “strong” enough to be in office. WHAT?  Women have been “strong” enough to carry and deliver children for thousands of years. Women have been the backbone of most cultures around the world. It has been proven that a woman’s mind is just as strong, if not stronger, than a man’s. So, what’s the problem?

This “Man’s World” thing has got to end.

I don’t know the real reasons Ms. Abramson was fired. We will probably never know. But I do know we have taken a step back when we create headlines referring to a female as “pushy” or “brusque”.  We have taken a step back when we ALLOW publications to print that kind of stuff without voicing our outrage.  Let’s not allow this.

We are in 2014.

2014

It’s time for EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK.

It’s time to stop labeling and start supporting.

Thanks for reading!!!!!! As always Stay Healthy, Eat Well and Be Happy!

And as John Green says- “Don’t forget to be awesome”!!!!!

How will you be remembered #2?

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?

Hi everyone!

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged! I have a new system now so I should be updating more often! The pieces will be shorter, but there will be more of them.

I have been thinking about this one for a while. In my line of work I meet a lot of people. Lots of kids. Lots of adults. Lots of Grandparents. Friends, families, extended families, families that are not families anymore. Most of these people are wonderful people. Most of these people are basically good people. And most of them have flaws and quirks like every other human being on this earth.

My question is- how do these “flaws” and “quirks” affect how you would like to be remembered? And I’m not just talking about after you die. I’m talking about when you’ve gone your separate ways for the day (week, month, year)…how would you like to be remembered?

What people think about me isn’t generally something I think about 24/7. The people that I care about what they think are the people I care about. Period.  I’m not saying I go around saying and doing what I want with no filter…not at all. I believe in being respectful of people and their opinions, space and being. It would distress me to hear that someone had a poor opinion of me who has met me.

But the people that matter to me? My immediate family, my family in New York, my family in Virginia, my students, my students parents, my bosses and my limited amount of friends.

Our “handyman” who charged us an extra $300 when he was done with repairs without warning? I really don’t care what he thinks.

The woman ahead of me in line who talked condescendingly to the cashier and never bothered to even say hello? I really don’t care what she thinks about me giving her the “evil eye” while she slowly packed her purse with her receipt and change.

Every one of my SEASPAR students? I absolutely care what they think about me.

My Musical Theatre, Glee and Voice students? Oh, man!!!! Do I care what they think about me!!

So, because I want this to be short I want to ask you something. Something personal.

Whose opinion means most to you? How do you want to be remembered the day, week, year after you see this person(s)?

I don’t have just one person. I have many. And you know what? I want to be remembered for a few things. Maybe I’m greedy like that-who knows?

I want to be remembered for:

•  Being kind. Even in the worst of situations and when the world has not been kind to me.
•  Being a good listener.  I really don’t like to hear “You just didn’t listen to/hear me!”. I want to be a good listener.
• Being fair. Trying to be as non-judgmental as possible.
• Being on time. Anyone who knows me knows this is one of my “things”.

So, again, I ask you…How do you want to be remembered?

Thanks for reading! As always Stay Healthy, Eat Well and Be Happy!

And as John Green says- “Don’t forget to be awesome”!!!!!

**The awesome illustrations that accompany my blogs are by Hana Urban. 

You can check her out at:  www.hanaurban.com 

Or check out her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/hanaurbanillustrations

This is 45...

Hi Everyone!!!
I wanted to post something pretty short just to remind you I'm here and my blog exists!!!!!

Those of us over 40 are always looking at how we got here...what the heck happened up until now? I was going to do an entire post on being over 40, however, I ran into this article posted on the Huffington Post Women and thought she said everything MUCH better than I could have.

Here it is...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emily-mendell/this-is-45the-eye-of-life_b_4648004.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000046

THANKS for reading!!!!!!!

What I learned in 2013

Hi Everyone!

I hope the first month of your new year has gone well! I say that after we have had many days of snow and sub-zero weather...I don't know about you but my cats and dog are going stir crazy!!!! I have never been so eager for spring to arrive!! Being an outdoorsy person, I'm feeling pretty stir crazy as well!!! Chin up, everyone!!! Every day is a day closer to Spring!!!!

Well, I meant to get this blog out earlier, but my own laziness got in the way. Make no mistake- I had the time. I was just lazy. I think it's a direct result of the weather. (Hana would say "Way to blame your bad habit on the weather, Mom!!!!!"...and she's probably right :) )

I have decided to list everything that made an impact on me in 2013...dare I say learned in 2013..? When I initially decided to write this I thought it would just be a review of my year, however, it turned into a nice review and inspiration for 2014. Here goes!!!!

• I learned that the media has a long way to go in their portraying of women/girls. I saw some pretty crappy ads. I saw some fabulous ads. I saw some appalling ways photo shop is used to make us, as women and girls, think we have to live up to a specific "ideal". However, I saw just as many call-outs of the media. We need to continue to call out the media on their sexism and unrealistic portrayals of women and girls. Period. See my blog of 12/04/2013.

• I learned that we need to make it unacceptable for women and girls to be treated as property and objectified by the media and celebrities. While I respect Beyonce's talent, I am appalled at her constant "sexing up" of her videos. I am even more appalled that she makes a point to stand for strong women, but allows herself to perform on stage to a song that glorifies AND makes acceptable domestic violence. You don't need to be trashy to make a point.See my blog of 7/21/2013.

• I learned that there are plenty of fantastic companies out there. They know how to treat their employees and customers and they should be applauded for it. Westjet...way to go!!! Costco...way to show other companies how to treat employees!!! On the flip side... shame on you Papa John's for threatening to lay-off employees because you are now mandated to spend some of your millions on health care for your employees! Shame on you Walmart for taking up a collection for your employees who don't make enough money to have a Thanksgiving dinner! (maybe you should pay them more?) And above all... SHAME ON YOU multimillion dollar companies and CEO'S who make over $7 million/year, yet cannot seem to give their employees not only a current contract but a RAISE FOR 10 YEARS!! (Yes, I'm talking to you United Airlines/Jeff Smisek). Please see my blog of 10/5/2013 for more about some lovely CEO'S and what they do.

• Bullying...seems like an "old" topic. And you know what? It is. But it hasn't stopped. And not only has it not stopped in our schools and neighborhoods, it has become more prevalent in our adult lives as well. I will always stand up for my students who are victims of bullying. 100% of the time. No question. But you know when it's hardest to stand up to bullies? When it's an adult bullying an adult. It happened to me just last week. I had a parent of a student try to bully me into doing something I did not want to do. At first, I was just shocked it was happening, but then I stood my ground. ADULT BULLYING??? Have we not learned anything???? This has to stop.See my blog of 5/19/2013.

• I learned that being authentic is the best way to go. I can't do it all the time. I have to remind myself not to cop to someones idea of what I should be...but in the end I feel better when I am authentic. See my blog of 08/30/2013.

• I learned that there are many heroes in this world. Some we all hear about but mostly people who do great things every day and don't want/need/get any recognition for it. Let's celebrate these people. Better yet, let's become one of these people. My goal this year is to "Pay it forward" as much as I can. I think we'd all be a whole lot happier if we tried this on a consistent basis. 

• I learned that I have some pretty fantastic students. My home, private voice students never cease to amaze me with their insights, comments and sense of humor. I love them. My Musical Theatre/Glee students are constantly rising up to my challenges and surprising me on many levels. My SEASPAR students...warm my heart and inspire me every single day to be a better person. I wish EVERYONE had a job like mine with the people I work with. I couldn't ask for better.

• I learned that my daughter can handle a lot more than she thought she could. I like to think it's because I taught her a few things? I also learned that she's a pretty fantastic person...almost said kid...but she's turning 21 (oh man!!! I have a 21 year old?????) and she is an Adult now :) And a pretty fabulous one at that!

• I also realized that Lad cooks better than I do. I know!!! Most of you are saying...well, DUH! Have you ever tasted his cooking???? Well, you need to. Let me know when you want to come over for snacks/dinner. Let's set a date. You'll be impressed.

• I learned that although I LOVE LOVE LOVE my sister and am seriously proud of her in what she has accomplished, Pilates is just not for me! Sorry Bran!!!

• I learned that I want to have my nieces here for the Summer EVERY year!!! Lots of fun!

• I learned that as my brother and I get older we like each other more. Kinda funny since I spent the better part of my childhood devising ways to kill him.

• I learned that Mom is doing pretty well on her own. That is a great accomplishment since dad's passing.

• I learned that every day I miss my Dad and that just because time goes on it doesn't make me miss him less. 

• Lastly, I learned, and probably cemented the thought, that Music does make a difference. It is a powerful tool to help you get through a day, week, year of conflict and ups and downs. Make a play list of "Happy tunes"....play it when you're "not right"... see what happens. If you want to know what Music I use for my therapy classes and other classes...just ask. I'd be happy to help set up some music to make a positive impact on your life. I can guarantee you it would work!

I know there were countless other things I learned last year...I'll remember them the minute I post this!!!!

As far as this year? I plan to learn more...I want to learn French. I want to learn to play the Guitar. I want to "Pay it forward" more and I want to work on being a better person. I want to learn more about the parents of my students and figure out how to support them more. I want to volunteer. And I want to start planning my walking tour of Tuscany with Jeff!!!! (Did you forget, Jeff, in 2015 that's what we're doing?)

What did you learn from 2013? And what will you try to do in 2014? Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!

As usual thanks for reading! As always, Stay Healthy, Eat Well and Be Happy!
And as John Green always says...Don't Forget to Be Awesome!!!!

My Review of 2013

Hi Everyone!!!

Check back here this weekend to see my unique perspective on what happened this past year.

Should be interesting....