Who's your support team?

I recently had knee surgery for a torn meniscus in my left kneecap.  It wasn't due to a sudden injury, but just wear and tear from many years of high-impact aerobics and of skiing.   I hate to be admitted to a hospital because once that nurse puts on the hospital bracelet, I feel like I've lost all control.     And, I really hate that helpless feeling during recovery, so what I've found works for me is to have my support team in place prior to "surgery day".   

As a single Boomer Babe, it's really critical that I know who I can count on for the big day.   So, have you thought about it -----  who's the first person you'd call in a medical emergency.  Who can you count on to be with you at the hospital, whose judgement do you trust enough to give a medical power of attorney to and who has the time that they can stay with you for 2 or 3 days during recovery?   

Give yourself some peace of mind by creating a list of at least 3 to 4 people who can help out in case your primary caregiver should have to cancel out at the last minute.  Also, if given the choice of being operated on in the hospital or at a privately owned medical operating center, usually the center is the better choice since there's less chance of getting an infection.

.....and let's face it, sometimes there can be a problem with your hospital stay, so prior to being admitted, review the excellent article in the AARP bulletin on protecting yourself from hospital errors.   Check out their tips list on page 14:

http://www.aarp.org/health/doctors-hospitals/info-03-2012/protect-yourself-from-hospital-errors.html

Creative Retirement

Now that you're retired, do you ever get bored?

Sometimes, I do......so I'm always looking for new approaches to enjoying my retirement life and recently ran across an interesting book "65 Things to Do When You Retire".

You know most of us spend more time planning our summer vacation than developing a game plan for our retirement. We think if we have the financial end of it covered then we'll be okay. BUT there are so many critical issues that we just don't address.....and I've found some retirees are reluctant to discuss them. It's like they are almost embarrassed to admit that they want more out of their retirement life.

I liked this book because it tackles some of those issues such as: redefining retirement, family matters and finding fulfillment in volunteering.

I prefer books like this because it's a compilation of articles by famous authors such as Jimmy Carter, Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem.

My favorite chapter was on "A New Freedom to be Yourself". The articles in that section will inspire you to follow some of the dreams you may have had to put on the back burner during your career.

Check it out: https://www.rsvp.com/item.php?item=2262

Please Sign

Let's get him where it hurts.....his bank account!

I can't stand Rush Limbaugh. I think he's nothing more than an arrogant fat ass who somehow got lucky and miraculously developed a loyal lemming-like following.

But this time he's gone too far!

Let's make it known to the advertisers that we will not tolerate such ignorant abuse of our First Amendment rights where a media personality can attack a woman in such a vile manner. It's truly sad that we Boomer women, who thought that the issues of birth control and women's rights were resolved almost 50 years ago, once again have to face the fact that the moral majority want to regain control of our bodies.

All Boomer Babes know exactly what I'm talking about........younger women just don't realize that little by little our society is trying to return us to back alley abortions and attacking birth control is just the start. It makes no sense that most insurance companies will pay for a Viagra prescription, but don't have to cover birth control.

Just like me, I'm sure you've reached your saturation point on the media coverage of the "Rush incident", but please take just a few minutes to sign the petition.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/limbaugh_appalling/index2.html?rc=fb_share2

Your Stronger Financial Future

It's 10 pm....DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS?

(Boomers - does that ring a bell with that old commercial?)

Many of us Boomers have lost hope with all the negative press out there about the high unemployment rate, business failures and fear that we may not get next month's social security check!

Often, we live our financial life out of fear, rather than being pro-active in planning and managing for our future. Personally, I do a total financial re-cap every few months using a simple EXCEL spreadsheet because I don't want to wake up one day and wonder where my money went!

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

What are you doing to keep on top of your assets to ensure that your money will out live you?

I found an excellent book - YOUR STRONGER FINANCIAL FUTURE.

It's a quick read with Mr. Egan reviewing concepts in easy-to-understand language. I especially liked STRATEGY 2 as he provides some peace of mind regarding the rumors about Social Security. I also enjoyed STRATEGY 8.

If you're looking to improve your financial knowledge, recommend you consider this book.

Additional info: http://macromike.com/books/

So where have I been?

Dear Readers

First, I'd like to thank you for continued support of my BLOG.

I've been negligent in writing this year as the first few months of 2012 were just too overwhelming for me.

I'm the oldest of 9 kids and within the first 4 weeks of 2012, 4 of us were operated on; one of my sisters was diagnosed with breast cancer and my 55 year-old brother Vic Lumetta, died of a massive heart attack.
He had been ill for a long time so it's a blessing that his suffering ended.

I had knee surgery just 2 days before his death so I was unable to attend his funeral which made it even more difficult to deal with as I feel that funerals and being able to share your grief with loved ones at least brings some closure.

Death should be a wake-up call for those of us left behind.......to make us realize just how short life is......which is especially true for us boomers who have lived more yesterdays than we have tomorrows to look forward to.

While I've been very blessed with many exciting adventures in my lifetime, his death makes me want to squeeze in even more travels and time with loved ones! I hope you too will take the time to visit with your loved ones and special friends while they're still here!

I've always loved the saying: TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE!! And today I was really surprised to find out that one of my favorite singers, John Denver wrote a song with that exact title. The words are so appropriate because he also talks about getting old.

When you have a few minutes, check out the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSId3xAMsNg&feature=related