Managing Time

Whew, a week since my last post. Having all the family home for the Thanksgiving holiday really threw my time managing skills out the window. And did I say I was finished with Christmas shopping?

First, it was great - we played games, and visited. We watched movies until early morn. We ate and then ate again.

The down side, I am sorting thru 100's of emails. The house is only about 1/2 clean. The laundry is almost caught up. AND - I did not get any articles finished.

I hate feeling like I must do catch-up. I love the idea that you are never behind - you are just where you are.

I am currently reading a book written around 1900 about time management. He feels that everything revolves around MIND management. The book was written for men (obviously he knew that women already know time management).

Consider this - ...you cannot draw on the future so it is impossible to get into debt. You can only waste the passing moment. You cannot waste tomorrow; it is kept for you. Time is delivered the same moment to each person and each person gets the same amout -24 hours.

You cannot buy time, you cannot sell time. Time is the ultimate gift renewed every day.

We all feel that our days are over crowded and stressful. The idea of trying to rearrange and fit in more is beyond reason. Yet, we all manage to fit in the extras that are pleasant or profitable.

The idea is to do more with your mind each moment. By training your mind to focus on a single idea for more than just a few minutes, you can increase your productivity even when you are not "working" with your physical body. Let your mind work out the solution to a problem while you are busy driving the car or sweeping the floor.

So - while I am busy cleaning house, my mind can just come up with a way that I can still meet my article deadline - so far it is just saying forget sleep. There must be a better solution.

Until next time - smile

Sharono

Vitamin D

Osteoporosis Experts Reach Consensus on the Role of Vitamin D in Bone Health in Americans Over 50 ProHealthNetwork.com

11-21-2005

Treatment 'Guidelines' Address Issue of Vitamin D Deficiency in the U.S.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) today issued physician recommendations to generate greater understanding of the role of vitamin D in bone health in women and men over 50, calling for an increase in currently recommended vitamin D intake and encouraging individualized treatment in patients.

According to an analysis published in 2004 and based on the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), over 70 percent of women ages 51-70 and nearly 90 percent of women over 70 are not getting the recommended adequate intake of vitamin D.

----
The Best Source of Vitamin D - Sunshine

You need to be getting 15 minutes a day of good sunshine then go put on your sunscreen and get a little more. Work in the garden or take a walk.

----
Only one more Christmas present to buy and I am finished. Then it is on to writing Christmas cards and decorating. I am seeing this week people putting up Christmas decorations - hold on it is not even Thanksgiving yet. OK so Thanksgiving is only 2 days away but please one holiday at a time.

Another birthday has come and gone. My daughter gave us a night out at a dinner theater - live mystery comedy. It was so much fun. Being there and laughing so much made me realize that I have not been laughing very much lately.

The government messed up my husband's retirement check and I had to call creditors and explain that I had no money to pay on time. About 20% were sympathic and helpful by not assigning a late charge. About 40% were indifferent and the late charges would be applied. The rest were down right threatening and hateful. Since I have never been late on a payment to any of these people, it was disgusting to be treated with such disdain. Those accounts that had representatives (who only act according to company policy) that were not customer friendly will have their accounts paid and no more business from me. My car will never drive into another Diamond Shamrock station. I can only wonder how they treated the unfortunate people who were in Katrina or Rita.

The situation has been resolved (at least for this month - the rep at the finance office does not know if the December check will be on time). So with so much to be thankful for I look forward to a wonderful holiday season, an extra 5 pounds, and lots and lots of laughter.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Until next time - smile
Sharono

Bladder Health Week

Nov 14-20 is bladder health week. Check out this site
http://www.urologyhealth.org/bladderawareness/stats.cfm



new warning letter from the FDA

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Marketers of Unapproved 'Alternative Hormone Therapies'
Items promoted for treatment or prevention of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis

In the effort to protect all of us, the FDA is ultimately condemning all the old natural herbal cures. Maybe there is no government sanctioned testing being done, maybe they just can't identify exactly why something helps a physical condition or maybe they just believe that man makes a better medicine than God.

I agree that there is a lot of snake oil being sold. I have yet to find a skin cream that will truly erase the age wrinkles (I prefer to think of them as laugh lines). Truly, most people do not understand the interaction between vitamins, minerals and herbs. They think take one pill everything will be all better.

If you have a disease, a pain, a difficulty breathing, sleeping, walking, eating, going to the bathroom, etc. See Your Doctor. Talk to him/her about herbal support just like vitamin and mineral support. If your doctor does not believe in vitamin and mineral and herbal support -- FIND A NEW DOCTOR.

Let's end this post on a happy note.

Do you need a pat on the back? You really need to click here.
http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~geoffo/humour/flattery.html

Until next time - smile
Sharono

Goals and Motivation

Thinking material today.


"Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it is too late. Today, this hour, this minute is the day, the hour, the minute for each of us to sense the fact that life is good, with all of its trials and troubles, and perhaps more interesting because of them."
Robert R. Updegraff
Author of "Be Thankful For Your Troubles"


Martin Avis writes a newsletter that I always open as soon as it comes. He has a wonderful style and always makes me think. He makes me feel like his next door neighbor even though he is far away in the UK.

Five Top Tips to Becoming a Motivational Manager.

A manager has a tough job. It is the lot of the manager
to rally the troops, inspire the teams and motivate the
individuals that they lead.

And managers aren't just people in business. A mother
is a manager. A teacher is a manager. All of us are
managers in some part of our lives.

There are hundreds of facets to being a good at
managing people and motivating them to be their best,
but the most effective, and easiest to put into
practice is the simple act of recognition. This article
lists five top tips that can help you to motivate
others in whatever management role you are involved in
by recognizing what they are doing.

As you'll see, helping people to do their jobs better
is often as simple as giving them a hand.

I don't mean help, I mean applause!

Everybody works, behaves or learns better when they
receive positive feedback. It's human nature to work
harder for someone who takes the trouble to notice and
to tell you that you've done a great job.

As a manager of people, make that your first priority -
find something good to say about the people you lead
and they'll follow you anywhere. If you don't, they'll
pretty soon decide to follow someone else. Statistics
show that 79% give 'lack of recognition' as a primary
reason for changing jobs.

Dale Denton said, "Nine tenths of wisdom is
appreciation. Go find somebody's hand and squeeze it
... while there's still time."

Tip #1: Remember the little things.

For the rest of the article

Until next time - smile
Sharono

TGIF - Virus,Arthritis,and Chocolate Covered Donuts

What a week of challenges. The 4 year old is finally getting over a virus that involved frequent trips to the bathroom. Unlike adults, children feel very free to cry continuously when they are in pain.

I did manage to find a little time to put some new guest articles on Arthritis on my web site.

ArthritisAromatherapy.html
Arthritis_Symptoms.html
Exercise_and_Arthritis.html

Why do I use guest articles? I figure that you just might get tired of just my view point.

The Quote of the Week -

"It is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action." Al Batt

Quick Laugh

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION! It comes bundled with the software.
I can't dial 911. There's no 11 on my phone.
Can you yell "MOVIE!" in a crowded firestation?
Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes.
The latest survey shows that three out of four people make up 75% of the population.
What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

If you want a real EFT experience check this out. There are a few remaining "seats" in next week's 90 minute teleclass "Attracting Abundance with EFT" on Monday, November 14th. To register, visit http://www.CarolLook.com/teleclass
I will be there.

Oh yes the chocolate covered donut - my treat to myself for surviving this week.

Until next time - smile

Sharono

Support Our Troops

You all know that I come from a long line of military families. My husband just retired from the National Guard in Sept. What you may not know is the most of the fighting men around the world are NATIONAL GUARD. Inside the states or out - these men and women need your support. You may not agree with where they are, but please agree that they are doing their best for their country.

For a free metal wrist band showing your support - please check out this link. Scroll down the page to HERO BAND and fill out the information to get your own Hero Band.

http://www.virtualarmory.com/home/

This site will also give you some other suggestions for supporting our troops. Remember that Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up and a lot of these kids will be far from home. Write a letter - send a box of cookies - say a prayer that world peace will become a reality and all of these brave people will be able to return home safe.

Please pass this information to everyone you know. I'm willing to bet that everyone knows at least one person in the National Guard.

Sharon

Facelift - Real or Quack?

The search is never ending for a way to stop wrinkles. The time when wrinkles were a sure sign of wisdom due to age is past. We as a society in general have little use for the older generation. What is worse, we believe all the media hype and 13 year old models (that are supposed to be in their 20's) and feel something is wrong with us or our mates because we have begun to show our age.

Everyone I know, and I certainly don't begin to claim I know everyone, claims to believe that appearance is not the criteria on which they judge a person - yet they all would love to look younger and thinner and trimmer and richer and on and on. I almost had a fit when my 17 year old complained that her hands were beginning to look old.

With that in mind, my contribution today is 3 links to further your education.


ALBANY, N.Y. — Paula Scardamalia has pins in her face -— nine tiny ones angling out near her eyes, mouth and jaw.

The pins were poked in to tighten chin skin and erase lines on the 52-year-old woman'’s face. The practice, called facial acupuncture, is becoming popular as a sort of holistic alternative to trying to turn back time through toxins or surgery.

For the rest of this article go to Does acupuncture work?

And from the government comes this -

According to the NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, there have been many studies on acupuncture's potential usefulness, but results have been mixed because of complexities with study design and size, as well as difficulties with choosing and using placebos or sham acupuncture. However, promising results have emerged, showing efficacy of acupuncture, for example, in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations--such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma--in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program.

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/#work

Want to see what another opinion on natural cures and snake oil offerings that are out to take your money. http://www.quackwatch.org/

I believe in being healthy using what nature provides. I believe in the natural aging cycle which is part of the whole plan. I believe that no one can live forever and why would you want to. The important thing is to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible. There is no silver bullet.

I told my doctor about some of the herbs I was taking and why. He told me they did not work. I told him he had just told me I was healthy as could be. He said - well anything will work if you believe in it. Let us think about that statement.

Until next time - smile

Sharono

TGIF - What a week! Magnesium to the Rescue

There is nothing more heartbreaking than a sick 2 year old. How do you explain to them that they have a tummy bug and they will get better?

I spent a good part of my week just holding that little one. She had no energy and cried at the drop of a hat. On the other hand the almost 4 year old was bouncing all over the place. I am exhausted.

My youngest daughter (17) had the same bug and stayed home from school one day. Now that was a truly amazing day - 3 TV's going, requests for everything under the sun and only me to deliver.

Everyone is on the mend now so I am getting a little work time. Some goodies for you today.

You may have seen a few of these before.

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.
===============================
Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to. This works great for cell phone charges if you have different phones in the house.
================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 30 years! )
================================
To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort.
================================
Toothpaste cleans silver as well as crayon, pen, pencil marks off walls too! (Note: some gritty toothpastes can scratch your silver.)
================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE! ) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
================================
Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of S. O. S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get sharpened this way! You can sharpen your straight pins for sewing by running them into the steel wool.
================================
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!
===============================
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. You might want to clean off the bulb first. Amazing how dusty they get.
================================
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen. (I put them in with out of season clothes too)
================================
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning. Freeze panty hose for 24 hours.
================================
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop.
================================
Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
=======================================
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
================================
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.
================================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.( Somebody let me know if this really works.)
================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
================================
Ants, ants, ants everywhere . . . . Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
================================
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
================================
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer.
================================
Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.
================================
Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
================================
Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
================================
Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
================================
Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.
================================


Thanks Chan for sending me this. Hope you don't mind that I added a little of my own.

Magnesium

Did you know that most women over 40 and particularly after menopause suffer from Magnesium deficiency? They suffer buy don't know why. A Magnesium deficiency can cause irritability and nervousness, dizziness, muscle weakness, twitching - not to mention cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension and insomnia.

Taking a daily supplement of Magnesium can ease PMS, assists in calcium and potassium absorption and will aid in maintaining a proper pH in your body. Recent research also indicates that Magnesium may reduce cholesterol levels.

Anyone interested in Powerful Goal Setting? I am in the process of setting up a web page on this very subject. I will put in the link once it is up and working properly.

Until next time - Smile you owe the world a beautiful view.

Sharono

Allergies -Sesame and Mold

More Tidbits of information from me to you.

Reading about Sesame allergies. Seems more cases are developing probably because sesame seeds and sesame oil are becoming quite common in fast food. Every body likes the sesame seed bun unless you are allergic. Sesame oil is even used in cosmetics and gel capsules used for those morning pills.

Other countries have required manufacturers to clearly label packages that contain sesame based products. Just like a peanut allergy -a sesame allergy can be deadly. However, the FDA in the United States does not require any manufacturer to put sesame warnings on the label. Bad decision and one that I suspect will require a death or two before the FDA requires any changes on labels.

Add this to the list of things not to give the baby. Just as in peanut allergies, allergic people react to sesame in foods or in products used on the skin. Topical products can cause atopic dermatitis as well as internal reactions just as eating sesame can cause skin eruptions -- runny nose, asthma attacks and, most severely, anaphylaxis, the potentially fatal reaction that involves breathing difficulty.

Anyone who has a suspicious reaction to sesame should see an allergist to be tested. Unfortunately, people do not outgrow this allergy -- it might actually become more severe.

The Secret of Happiness


There is a wonderful fable about a young orphan girl who had no family and no one to love her. One day, feeling exceptionally sad and lonely, she was walking through a meadow when she noticed a small butterfly caught unmercifully in a thornbush. The more the butterfly struggled to free itself, the deeper the thorns cut into its fragile body. The young orphan girl carefully released the butterfly from its captivity. Instead of flying away, the little butterfly changed into a beautiful fairy. The young girl rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

"For your wonderful kindness," the good fairy said to the girl, "I will grant you any wish you would like." The little girl thought for a moment and then replied, "I want to be happy!"

The fairy said, "Very well," and leaned toward her and whispered in her ear. Then the good fairy vanished. As the little girl grew up, there was no one in the land as happy as she. Everyone asked her the secret of her happiness. She would only smile and answer, "The secret of my happiness is that I listened to a good fairy when I was a little girl."

When she was very old and on her deathbed, the neighbors all rallied around her, afraid that the fabulous secret of happiness would die with her. "Tell us, please," they begged. "Tell us what the good fairy said." The lovely old woman simply smiled and said, "She told me that everyone, no matter how secure they seemed, no matter how old or young, how rich or poor, had need of me."

Nature's Gift - Exercise with a purpose


Fall Fitness Idea

Don't let that yard full of leaves go to waste. Research shows you can use it to get healthier.

Doing simple chores such as raking the leaves decreases blood pressure in people with hypertension or prehypertension for several hours, a recent study reveals. Don't skip your regular workout, however. Weekly stamina-building exercise is another key in blood pressure control.

RealAge Benefit: Keeping your blood pressure at 115/76 mm Hg can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.


That is one benefit of raking leaves. Having small children to jump in the big piles is another. Removing the leaves so you don't have to deal with mold allergies is another. Being out in the beautiful clear fall air is another.

Of course that does bring up the subject of the garage. My goodness, the dust and mold allergy kingdom.

Keep smiling

Sharono