As the year draws to an end, pretty much everything that arrives in my inbox and mailbox, (i.e. mountains of catalogs and junk mail galore) all herald the lure and promise of free shipping. Love it? I suppose as a country of deal seeking shoppers, we do! And that has nothing at all to do with this blog. I actually pulled a random...
As Mother’s Day approaches, images of how best to treat and thank Mom spring to mind. Beautiful bouquets, buffet brunches, and perfume gift sets top the list. But what if all Mom really wants is to know that her children not only treasure her, but each other? Clearly, the title of this article is an uncomfortable sentiment. Whether you’re on the...
“Being a caregiver made me a better person and worse employee,” were the exact words that an attendee in my workshop shared with me. We were having a sidebar conversation during the break. I was delivering a Stress Management seminar on behalf of an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). For all of the times I’ve gone blank with my mind racing for...
Sitting in traffic today, the radio DJ made me smile to hear that “escaping to the beach” ranked as one of the top five most common shared fantasies. (second to winning the lottery) We should all be so lucky to have the time and means to escape to the shore. Or for that matter, wherever your favorite vacation spot is located,...
Most of the working family caregivers I know are thrilled that the holidays are behind us, but are not necessarily making stellar plans for the New Year. As fun as holiday gift exchanges, unexpected treats and festive gatherings can be, they can throw off much needed routines and already overloaded schedules. Returning to a predictable day is as comfortable as...
It seems to me that family caregivers are part of a special, members only Christmas Club. I’m not talking about the sort from years gone by when being part of a Christmas Club meant that you had a unique bank account to save for the holidays. I mean something more special and, well, meaningful. Before unveiling the secret handshake and rules...
Here we are a week before Thanksgiving. Not only are we seeped in pumpkin everything, but thanks to retail it feels like the Christmas season is in full swing. My middle-school aged daughter comments on the abundance of television ads with “personified” toys coming to life after store hours. Personally, I get a kick out of the International Delight creamer...
One of my favorite simple pleasures in summertime is driving with the windows down. The cool air and earthy smells of living near wooded lots and lakes in central Massachusetts is heaven. Every once in a while I’ll catch a hint of a campfire and I’m transported back to the summers of my childhood. Random memories spark as quick as a...
I feel like I can pretty much do anything when I have on my rubber dishwashing gloves. In fact, I love that rubber glove manufacturers have caught on to the fact that some of us may want to be fashionable while doing dishes and make them available in fun colors and styles. Sure, I have my share of basic yellow,...