If You See This Movie, Bring a Box of Tissues

Like many people, I like to see movies during the week between Christmas and New Year's. This past week, I managed to catch two. One was Charlie Wilson's War, which I enjoyed a lot. Actually, I would like to see it again. The other was P.S. I Love You.

P.S. I Love You is totally a "chick flick" (I saw it with two girlfriends and my 17 year old daughter) but it packed quite an emotional punch. It takes you through the first year after the main character, Holly, loses her husband, the love of her young life, to a brain tumor. She is guided through her grief with messages left to her, by her dead husband, and secretly delivered.

The crying starts gradually, and by the end of this two hour movie, which surprisingly offers many opportunities for laughter, you hear open sobs throughout the audience. I did my fair share of weeping and was deeply affected by the portrayed emotions which were not unlike the ones I experienced when I suddenly lost my 38 year old fiance nine years ago. Some of the scenes so strikingly resembled ones I experienced, I shuttered.

I began to think, on my way home, about the universal experience of love and grief, and started to ask myself some questions. Do we ever truly recover from such a tramatic loss, or do we just manage to bury the hurt deep inside so that we can move on with our lives and be happy again? Once you have had a powerful, soulmate connection with someone, can you ever have another?

In need of a little cathartic crying? Go see P.S. I Love You......just remember the tissues!

The Day After

Ahhh....the cookies have been baked, the presents have been wrapped and unwrapped and the holiday meal has been cooked and consumed. I'm tired! How about you?

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday. Mine was lovely, but exhausting. For the last week my scissors have be on fire cutting paper and my pots and pans have been slamming. So, today I took the day off. I am lucky enough to have off from school for the entire week, so today was a day of total relaxation. I am embarassed to admit, I didn't even get out of my sweats today and I ate two, count'em two pieces of delicious pumpking pie! However, I did check out weight watchers on line and plan on joining on the first of the year.

I love the day after Christmas. I feel satisfied and content. It doesn't have anything to do with the gifts I was fortunate enough to receive; I'm not really sure why. I just really enjoy the aftermath of the hustle and bustle.

What do you do when the holiday is over? Travel? Movies? Any post holiday rituals?

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

It has been a slow news week as far as my usual subjects are concerned, so I thought I would solicit your opinions on a topic that is always debated this time of year. What is more appropriate....."Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays?"

Yesterday, I was watching a Fox News program and caught a bit of a discussion on this topic. Ben Stein was discussing some research that had been done showing that stores that decorated for Christmas, and openly acknowledged the "Christmas Season" were experiencing higher sales volume than stores following a more politically correct tone of "Holiday Season." He also went on to say that it is his belief that it is the Christmas season because December 25th is Christmas Day not Holiday Day.

What do you think? Are you offended when someone says "Merry Christmas?" Do you extend the spirit of the season by wishing people "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays?" Would you be more likely to shop at a store that promotes a holiday theme or a Christmas theme?

Take a minute to weigh in. I would love to know what you think! Have a great week!

Savvy, New Magazine for Boomer Women

I always like to pass along a great find. Check out this new magazine just for boomer women. It is called Girlfriendz: The Thinking Woman's Magazine containing "empowering, enlightening, entertaining and well-researched articles, all written for women 45 to 60." Click Here to find out more!

Sunday Morning News Just For Us!

Good Morning Everyone

The pace is picking up and the rush to the gift giving finish line is on! Yikes......I actually had to venture out yesterday into the parking lot jungle. Sometimes it can't be avoided. The good news for retailers is the shopping malls were packed.

While at the mall, my husband and I took the time to do something I haven't done in a long time. I visited Santa! Ok, I didn't actually sit on his lap, but we watched as one by one, sometimes two by two, children made their way up to jolly old St. Nick. I loved it.

The Santa we saw was extremely patient and obviously loved what he does. He talked quietly and the children spoke to him. They stared into his eyes and listened intently sometimes just nodding their heads. Of course, their parents were beaming. It took me back to a long time ago when my children were small, and made me smile and wonder how time has passed so quickly. Visiting Santa and watching made me feel kind of warm and fuzzy.....and no, it wasn't a hot flash! It was just nice to take a break from the hustle of shopping and enjoy the happiness of others.

So, let's see what is interesting this week in the world of baby boomers.

• Depression Raises Osteoporosis Risk for Premenopausal Women
• Blood Markers Might Predict Clotting Risk With HRT
• Books: Baby Boomers Chronicled
• Holiday Gift Guide: Picks in Print
• Primer on Hostess Gifts

Have a great week everyone!

Sunday Morning News Just For Us

Good Morning Ladies,

We are going to take a bit of a turn this week. Instead of strictly news this week, we are going to take a look at a few articles from some of my favorite boomer websites that are just plain old interesting and fun! There's no theme, just information that is timely for us. I thought I would mix it up a bit this week.

• The Key to Getting Dates After Forty
• Is Bottled Water Really Better for You?
• Getting Back on the Career Track
• Feng Shui For the Holidays?
• Jogging Your Memory

Have a great week. Remember....keep those stress levels down, shop online - don't fight those crowds, do something for yourself and have some fun.

Cyber Monday

First came "Black Friday" now we have "Cyber Monday." It seems that Monday, November 26th is designated Cyber Monday.....the heaviest day for online shopping. As I mentioned in my previous post, part of my plan to make my holidays less stressful is to do as much of my shopping as I can online. Actually, I started today and I thought I would pass along some of the sites I found. A couple of these are really great for sending gifts to people you may not have the opportunity to see, but want them to know you are thinking about them.

I have it set that so all you have to do is click on the box and you will go right to the site.

Yummy stuff here! Love the pictures. More great eats! I sent 2 today.

Every year my kids get a new ornament to add to their collection. When they leave to start their own homes, they will have their personal collection for their tree. I found some adorable, personalized ornaments for them here, and at a great price!

I was a shopping fool today, but at least I was able to do it in my pajamas!