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May 2006
Water for life
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I can’t remember a vacation I’ve taken that didn’t involve water in some form, whether I was snow-skiing in western New York, snorkeling in the Florida Keys, whitewater rafting on Idaho’s Salmon River or camping beside a stream in the North Georgia mountains.
I’m not sure why water is so important to me or how it is that the same substance that can be so relaxing can also scare me to death, as it did when I fell out of my boat while rafting.
There’s no question that water is part of the fabric of life.
We drink it, cook with it, bathe and play in it. It’s soothing and cooling and sometimes unpredictable.
In that sense, it’s just like life — every day is different, and every day we have a choice how we live. When problems arise, we often talk of sinking or swimming.
I understand this, and so does Shirley Nelms. Shirley was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, and doctors weren’t too optimistic about her prognosis. But she’s chosen to swim and engage with life. Her battles have been big, small and very inspiring.
One example:
Shirley never liked her smile and spent her life hiding it with her hand when she spoke.
Chemotherapy damaged it more.
When Shirley was given an opportunity to improve her teeth, she jumped at it.
“It’s not about appearance, it’s about confidence,” she said.
Her new smile has brought Shirley a measure of peace.
It hasn’t cured her cancer, and just like the rest of us, she doesn’t know what tomorrow will bring. But she’s still swimming, enjoying life with an incredible smile and looking forward to tomorrow.
How do you choose swim through life’s difficulties?
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How revealing are you?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Truth or Dare. For many women, especially those raised in the South, you just don’t discuss your age, shoe or bra size. But this is 2006. So, how revealing are you? Do you feel more comfortable about your body?
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Under pressure? Get over easy!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
During the course of our day we may tend to complain about our bosses nagging us or the idiot driver weaving in and out of traffic. These things tend to cause unneccessary stress. We’re always hearing not to “sweat the small stuff.” But what is the small stuff we’re not supposed to sweat? My motto is “Will this matter when I get home tonight?” How do you cope with the small stuff?
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Tanning mishaps
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, I never have been part of the Better Health team that tests products. But it’s good, because I don’t have the patience to read directions.
And that’s why for almost a week, the palms of my hands looked like I had been digging in Georgia clay.
You see, I had never tried sunless tanners, and I thought this would be a good opportunity. (The team tried a couple of brands this week). So I opened one of the self-tanning towelette packages.
My curious co-workers watched as I rolled up the long sleeves on my shirt (yes, I gave myself a farmer’s tan) and rubbed the towelette on my arms and the tops of my hands. I took great care to make sure all areas were covered.
What I failed to do was wash my hands immediately after I was done, which was the third instruction on the package. Big mistake.
After about an hour, I looked at my arms to see if there was a difference. There was a slight change, but imagine my surprise when I looked at my palms. They were much darker than any other area the towelette had touched.
I tried to wash off the tanner, but it was way too late. I was stuck.
The same co-workers who were so interested before were now trying to stifle laughs. “What did the directions say?” they kept asking. I told them I kind of skipped that part.
I guess I deserved my “dirty” palms, but how am I supposed to get the tops of my hands tan if I’m supposed to wash them immediately after applying the tanner? The package doesn’t say.
Sunless tanning might be safer than going out in the sun, but it’s not as easy to use as the products lead you to believe.
I have one piece of advice if you decide to try them: Read the directions.
What’s the worst tanning mistake you’ve ever made?
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Come on, honey … please?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Does the man in your life avoid doctors like the plague? Would he rather go shopping than get his prostate checked? What do you have to do to get your man to take charge of his health?
On the other hand…Men, are you tired of hearing her nagging you about going to the doctor?
Permalink | Comments (24) | Categories: Family
Nuts about nothing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For quite some time, you’ve been adding that little something to your eating habits. It’s no cure for the common cold, but hey, it makes you feel a bit healthier even though you don’t really like the taste. But if recent news reports suggest that it’s nutritional value is the equivalent of a placebo - water and sugar - do you continue indulging?
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OK, Mom: Your turn for timeout
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I used to chuckle when I heard mothers say that the only way to get time by themselves was to go to the bathroom. I now have a much better understanding of what they meant and a renewed appreciation of what they do every day.
My partner and I recently took care of our 9-month-old nephew, Dylan, overnight so my brother and sister-in-law could celebrate her birthday. Dylan is “yummy,” as one of my co-workers says. He’s super cute, with a great personality, big blue eyes and a lower lip that rips your heart out when it slowly curls under as he’s about to cry. We, of course, think he’s special, and he is. But he’s like every other baby in that he has high expectations of those who care for him. We’re supposed to know when he’s hungry, tired, happy, sad, teething, sick, in the mood to play, and anything in between.
Fortunately for me, figuring that out often falls on my sister-in-law. I’m sure many of you moms can relate. There are people in your lives who pitch in to help take care of the children, but day in and day out, you are the one responsible for making sure all their needs are met. It’s a rewarding but tiring and often thankless job.
Our story on the family tab this week shows mothers-to-be how to stay healthy during pregnancy. They soon will experience the joys and challenges of parenting. Mother’s Day is your time. Make sure you find a way to pamper yourself. And that doesn’t mean escaping to the bathroom for a couple of minutes. We’ll find you there.
Take at least a few hours to go for a walk, get a manicure — whatever relaxes you — and enjoy. You deserve it.
What do you plan on doing for Mother’s Day?
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Soda sales in public schools
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coca-Cola and other major beverage makers and distributors will stop selling soda in public schools after increasing pressure that soda helps make children fat. Water, unsweetened juice and low-fat milks will still be sold, with diet soda only allowed in high schools.
What do you think? Are kids losing their right to choose what they drink? Will schools lose needed income? Or is this just another issue of the free market vs. personal responsibility?
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Take time for you
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What can seem like a chore for some is very relaxing for others. Some of my friends and family think I’m crazy because they say I can’t relax. I’m always on the go, and my escapes often involve sports or other physical activities. However, when my body needs a break, I try to listen — like I did last weekend when I went to Piedmont Park and fell asleep on a hill in the warm afternoon sun. I also enjoy walks along the beach, especially at sunrise when hardly anyone is around, except for wildlife and the occasional beachcomber. For others of us, relaxing means spending time in a bubble bath, sipping a cup of tea or sleeping late. Do you spend your time, doing something — or nothing — to escape life’s craziness?
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