Musings on Self Image - Man vs Woman

Why is it that when men look at themselves in the mirror, and I am talking about men who are lets say....45 and older..... they puff themselves up like peacocks and see themselves as the dashing 30 somethings they once were; yet women zero in on the spreading thighs, thicker middles and sagging breasts? A little gray hair on a man is distinguished. However that same gray on a woman represents a minimum of $65 in a salon, depending on where you live.

I was recently having a conversation with a male and female baby boomer about another couple who had know each other in high school, and recently reconnected and married. This led to a bit of reminiscing about high school relationships. The gentleman in the group smiled at the memory of his one time beloved, then interjected his thought that she probably had put on weight.

Whoa..........buddy. I couldn't let him off the hook for that comment and redirected his attention to the spreading middle he was sporting. His response, as he sucked in and puffed up, "It's a baggy shirt." What a classic.

I don't think this is anything new. For years older men have sought and attained the company of younger women. When the shoe is on the other foot, well....can you spell C-O-U-G-A-R? That's tad bit of a nasty title don't ya think?

How about commercials and advertisements that bombard women daily with potions, lotions and creams to wipe away wrinkles, sags and bags on various parts of our bodies. We buy....I buy. It seems like every day I notice some new sign that aging is upon me. This week it was a few age spots on my once fabulous legs. OMG...as I wrote the last sentence a commerical for a serum that assists "menopausal skin" just came across my TV screen. The maintenance, both cosmetically and physically is just plain old exhausting.

Life would be so much easier for us baby boomer women if we could just "suck it in" and blame it on a big shirt.

National Tea Party Day

Momentum is growing and excitement is building.

On April 15, 2009 people will gather across the nation to speak out against leaving a debt our great-grandchildren will be paying for because our leaders will be spending trillions of borrowed dollars; a budget filled with pork and earmarks, plus so much more. You can click here to read more details, volunteer to be an organizer or to find where your nearest tea party can be found.

Everyone in our country is worried. I am a baby boomer who has a child graduating from college in less than two months. What are his job prospects? Will I have to delay retirement? With one child left in college, will there be loan money available so she can finish her education? It doesn't matter what your socioeconomic level is; on one is immune.

Planning on attending and would like to commemorate the event with a button, mug or t-shirt? Double click on any of the items below as they appear in the window!

Who's In Charge?

The new administration has been in office for 60 days, and I am left wondering ..."Who is in charge?" Our President is busy making appearances on Jay Leno and continues to work the town hall circuit as though he were still campaigning. We have been hearing over and over that our country is in a financial shambles and our leader is out of Washington, playing celebrity, instead of staying in town and working.

There are already rumors that Tim Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury, may be looking at resigning or being fired. Members of Congress and senators are bikering with each other over who is to blame for the most recent AIG bonus catastrophe. Did anyone read the Stimulus Package before it was approved?

Let's not forget about Gitmo....Attorney General, Eric Holder announced this week that some of the released prisoners may be coming to a town near you!

As this week comes to a close, I am feeling more frustrated, less safe and more unsure than ever of the future of this country. Can our President step up to the plate this coming week? Could he please stop running, like the election is still on, stay put and lead? You've been elected Mr. President, now please, do the job.

What is Your Stimulus Plan?

Wow!! The Dow was up 377 points today! Yipee!! Does that mean anything to you? Are you like the millions of people who watch the Dow daily and cringe with fear and worry every time it drops just a bit more? Are you like me and most of my baby boomer friends who don't even want to open their next statements because what has transpired over the last few months may mean that their plans for retirement may need to be, well... retired for a little while?

I think that each of us has taken a different attitude about the current financial status in which we currently find ourselves. One friend of mine immediately withdrew all of her family's investments/retirement money and put it into a plain, old savings account.

Another friend and her husband have decided to truly stimulate the economy by buying a new car and renovating their kitchen. They have excellent credit, and very stable jobs. They had been wanting to make these changes and with their retirement just a few years off, they figured now would be the time.

I, and many of my colleagues and friends, left my money where it was never dreaming that the market would hit 6000. I spoke with my investment broker last week and he confirmed what I suspected.....I would take a major bath if I pulled out now, so I just need to ride it out. He believes that we should see a turn around beginning around the end of April/beginning of May. For all of our sakes, I hope he is right.

I am fortunate to have a career that is recession/depression proof, teaching. So I am not worried about losing my job. However, I do have another college tuition to take care of and worry about student loan money drying up.

I have a son who will be graduating from college this year with a marketing degree....oh heavens....I think he will be inhabiting his freshly painted room again as he looks for a job. I do worry about his future.

There is no doubt about it, my wicking sleepwear business, Lunar Radiance has been a bit slower than it was this time last year, but by no means is it ready to float belly up...so that is good news.

Almost everyone is impacted in some shape or form, and has a financial issue they are stressing over, but is there a mentally healthy way to approach these times without losing our minds? Obviously worrying does nothing to solve the problems, so what do we do?

How do you plan on making your way through these difficult financial times? What's working for you? What is your personal stimulus plan?

Where Has the Time Gone??

Wow...I must be getting old, but time is definitely passing more quickly. It has been close to a month since my last post, but in my defense, I have been busy.

Thankfully, my Christmas season at Lunar Radiance was good. Everyone in retail experienced a bit of a downturn, but I guess those old night sweats don't understand economics and my business was able to hold steady. Post Christmas I have been managing minimal returns and preparing for the nasty tax season. Honestly, that is the worst part of being in business for me....paperwork.

My children were home for Christmas, which I loved and there was a lot of hustle....boyfriends, girlfriends and friends were in and out. It was awesome. Tomorrow my daughter returns to school which makes me sad, and my son has been back for two weeks. I will be back to the empty nest.

However...I always find a way to keep myself busy. I have started working feverishly, allowing my creative juices to flow by creating greeting cards and gifts which are sold through two pods over at Zazzle and my newest a Greeting Card Universe.

Do you love Valentine's Day or have a bride in your house? Then visit my newest Zazzle pod Be My Valentine. It's a love fest over there!!! There you will find a wide variety of Valentine cards and gifts designed by little old me! Brides can't be ignored when we talk about love. If you have a newly engaged person in your life, then you know all about save the date cards, will you be my bridesmaid cards and other wedding accessories. Plus.....lots of adorable custom postage!!!

My first Zazzle pod NightSweatsDiva has a large selection of cards, gifts and custom postage for the baby boomers in our midst! Specific birthdays and momentus occasions particular to baby boomer women are given special attention!

My newest endeavor, Lunar Radiance's Card Store, over at Greeting Card Universe is in early stages of development, but the card collection is rapidly expanding. Here you will find greeting cards, only, but for all occasions.

So.....I guess that is why I haven't blogged in a while....ha ha. I have been having tons of fun doing my creating, while managing my wicking sleepwear business and of course teaching as well. We baby boomer women are pros at multi-tasking aren't we?

PS.....still NOT smoking!!! It's been over 4 months!!

Merry Christmas

I just want to wish everyone who celebrates Christmas a very Merry Christmas. No PC here...I openly wish those who participate a Merry Christmas.

I hope that everyone finds the sort of peace that is represented by the season, although it may not be easy. Please keep in mind that it is not important to have a Norman Rockwellesque holiday, just one that brings you happiness and is authentic to you!

I reminded myself, last weekend, that although circumstances in my life may not be optimal, I can choose to be happy and enjoy what the season has to offer in my own way. I can choose to fight the fight, or go with the flow. Going with the flow is so much better.

So....Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Holiday Shopping Deals and Promotions

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Holiday shopping momentum is building and everyone is on the search for great deals and promotions. I have done a bit of searching around and have found a few promotions that may be of interest to you. I hope this makes shopping a bit easier for you, and leads you to the great deal you have been looking for! Just click on the links!

Do you have kids or Ipod lovers to buy for? How about an Apple gift card!

Beauty.Com offers a wide variety of beauty products and is offering awesome deals on free shipping. Lots of famous name brands for less!

Yummy treats are always a great gift for those near and far! Cheryl and Co. is the perfect solution.

Fragrance is always a holiday favorite, and FrangranceNet offers deep discounts and free shipping.

A variety of discounts are offered by 1800 Flowers. Great ideas for long distance gift giving.

More yummie treats from the Popcorn Factory and a discount to boot!

Vera Bradly bags and accessories are always a favorite. Not only are they offering free shipping, but discounts on discontinued patterns as well!