DISCLAIMER

DISCLAIMER! I've been told I must have a disclaimer just in case any reader makes a life-changing decision based on what they read in my blog, so here it is:

MyRetirementAdventures is my personal blog. It's meant to be fun, informative, motivational (like encouraging you to get up off the couch and walk), helpful and may even cheer you up. The thoughts & opinions expressed in my Blog may change from time to time because they're mine. My Blog is intended to provide info and opinions on current topics, retirement issues, my life, travels and personal adventures. All data on this site is for informational, motivational and fun purposes only and I will not be held liable for anything you do because you read my Blog. While every caution has been taken to provide my readers with the most accurate information and current website references, please use your discretion before making any life-changing decisions based on the information in my Blog. Remember to always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program; never spend more money than you have; and above all, please save more money than you think you might need for retirement because you never know who the Government might bailout next!

Thanks for your kind words and continued support!

Save a Heart - YOURS!

Like most people, I tend to gain weight during the holiday season and with it right around the corner, I'm trying to get a head start on exercising.......and there's nothing better than walking. It's a gorgeous, brisk Fall day here in Colorado, perfect for walking, and I just finished 3 miles.

No matter what size or shape your currently in, everyone can get out and take a walk. It's especially good for us retirees because it not only increases your physical activity and improves your health, but gets you out of the house. A brisk walk increases your heart rate, strengthens your heart and increases blood circulation through your body and reduces body fat. Remember to consult your doctor and have a checkup before beginning any type of exercise program especially if you've been inactive for awhile. If you've been lax in exercising, then be sure to start out slowly, perhaps walking just a mile to start, gradually increase your pace, and always cool down at the end. It helps to have an exercise buddy because then you're committed to doing it and more fun to have someone with you along the trail, so invite a friend or neighbor to join you.

It pays to have the best equipment -- so invest in good walking shoes and buy a pedometer to keep track of your steps. Try to walk at least 10,000 total steps a day (about 5 miles). Wear the pedometer all day and set realistic goals for yourself --- like taking 1,000 more steps a day until you gradually increase to walking at least 10,000 steps daily on a routine basis. It's your heart - so protect it with a daily exercise program.....and walking is the best way to start. For additional info on heart health from the American Heart Association, visit their website --
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3040237
(NOTE: The above is meant to motivate you, not meant to be medical advice.)

48 hours left

ELECTION 2008 -- PLEASE VOTE!
I've never been more active in the political process than this campaign as it's the first time that I've made a financial contribution as well as donated my time to a candidate.

Yet, as we enter the last few days and the final deluge of political commercials, daily emails requesting additional financial contributions and phone calls from both political parties, I just wonder -- are you as tired as I am? Tired of the name calling and the candidates digging up dirt on each other rather than spending more time on clearly presenting their position on critical national issues. If I want dirt on either candidate, I can easily find it myself on the Internet. I would have preferred that each candidate have spent more time explaining how they plan to solve our economic crisis, health care problems and protect my retirement as well as end the war.

I know some people in Colorado are just as tired as I volunteered today to call voters. At least 10 people screamed at me, 4 or 5 hung up on me and 3 said they would not vote because they didn't like either candidate. I'm frustrated too because after volunteering today and talking with some of the other volunteers, I sincerely believe that we need a major reform in our election process. I'm sure that millions of hours have been spent by volunteers in each party calling people and knocking on doors ---- actually getting out there and talking to real people. Yet, it's the Electoral College who will decide our next President. I don't like it! I think it's about time our President be elected by the popular vote rather than the Electoral College.

I just hope that whoever is elected on Tuesday will be the strong, proactive leader that our Country needs --- the one who is capable of leading us out of the gloomy despair that has permeated our nation and souls for way too long and who can lift us up to a new level of financial prosperity and security.
We deserve a more secure future!

LADIES ONLY!! On Friday night I went to see the play
"GIRLS ONLY" --- The Secret Comedy of Women. It was so fantastic I laughed til I cried!
"GIRLS ONLY" is an original comedy that celebrates the enjoyment and ups & downs of being female. It has a 2 woman cast that starts with them in their childhood bedroom reading their teenage diaries and ends with them as 2 little old ladies making crafts of a well-known female hygiene product. They rant and sing about everything from slumber parties to breast feeding in public. It's a fast-paced, multi-media production which include videos, old commercials, improv, audience participation and humorous songs reworded to some well-recognized tunes. One of the funniest numbers was about the men in our life ---- 'guy'ncologists and "men"opause. So for an entertaining night out here in Denver, grab your best girlfriends and rush to see "Girls Only". It runs through February at the Garner Galleria Theater in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.