A Day At The DMV

 

  • Recently my daughter and I spent a few hours at the DMV. She was getting registration, new license and other requirements for her car. It was another way for us to spend quality time together. (If you are familiar with DMV lines, you know we had more than enough time to share special moments)
    She received her number and was told it would probably be a 45 minute wait. We left for a snack and returned. Her number B105 had not been called when we returned.
    How do you spend time at the DMV? We waited, talked and observed others.
    As we were watching and waiting, we noticed several seniors entering with their caregivers. (we assumed) Some of them were using assistance devices — walkers and canes. My daughter’s question to me was, “Mommie, why are they here? Is it for State Identification?” My response was “They are here for drivers licenses.”
    The disbelief on her face was quite apparent. Our watching and waiting continued. We heard their numbers being called. We watched them take their vision test. We observed as their #caregivers assisted them with all transactions. (check writing, holding them up to read signs, assisting with walking)
    The question is, how safe is it for seniors to drive? We all age differently and if you receive my blog or newsletter, we are Aging Gracefully. It must be noted that as we age, our strength is reduced along with our vision and our reaction times.
    There are precautions we all must take as we drive. Some are more important as we continue to age.
    Be certain we know the road signs.
    Travel on less busy streets.
    Drive during daylight hours.
    Use public transportation.
    Try ride sharing.
    It is everyone’s responsibility to be a safe and defensive driver. Let’s do our part to continually improve as we age and to understand that age can interfere with our driving. Have that conversation with your loved one about driving. Refer them to DMV or have their physician have a talk with them if you are not successful in convincing them to drive less or to allow others to assist them with their driving.
    Happy Driving to You.

New Beginnings for Summer

 

vacation_ryan

 

It’s hard to believe it’s August already.  My how time flies. It has been a busy summer.  Trust you are getting in some relaxation, some” time outs” and managing your time of self care more effectively.

 

If your summer activities have been limited, take the time to participate and engage in something that is fun for you and simple to do.  Some ideas are summer concerts.  Many parks anphoto (11)d beaches have free concerts and free movies.  Grab a blanket, some of the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are readily available during the summer months, share with some friends and family and enjoy. You deserve this special treat for yourself.

Are you a panicking Paul or a worried Wanda?  I shared many ideas and tips to overcome the stressful and overwhelming day to day activities that can become a normal part of the life of caregivers during a presentation on June 28th with  as a presenter with an estate planning attorney.

My Aging Gracefully presentation was a real hit with the community.  The discussion went from being “fabulous at 50 to being a novel 90.  How are you Aging Gracefully?

Some upcoming activities are listed below.  Tell your friends or those you know who can use the services.  Remember it’s all about “self care”.

First Tuesdays is another lifestyle presentation that starts on August 5th with a preview call.  Each month a new topic is discussed that is relevant to self-care and baby boomers.  Join us on the August 5th preview call at 712 432 1212; access code 725 356 151.   August is Aging Gracefully.

  • September  Self Care
  • October  Sibling Rivalry
  • November  Grief Support
  • December  Caregiving During the Holidays

September is filled with activities.  On September 13th, our second annual Standing UP for Caregivers.  It is an afternoon filled with wonderful surprises for your self care.  Relaxation, great and nutritious food, soothing music and art are included in this special afternoon. Sign up today. Call me for more information.  310 673 3349

September 26th-29th  Sail with New Beginnings and Getting My Pretty Back for an action packed, fun filled and thought provoking weekend cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines. This conference will allow you to get in touch with your divine destination.  It’s all about you. for more information on the cruise, contact Paul Saunders at 800 8193902 ext 85189.

Most importantly, take the time out TODAY to do something special for yourself.  You deserve it and You matter.

Joy and light,

Angela

310 673 3349

[email protected]

 

Where are you now?

We are in the second quarter of 2010. Some of us are still determining if we call it two thousand ten or twenty ten. Whatever your decision, where are you now? How are you feeling about your life? Are you doing things that you want to do or are you continuing to do what you think others think you should be doing? Are you a caretaker? Who is taking care of you? Where do you rank yourself on your list of priorities? Are you continuing to evolve? Have you made plans for a summer vacation? Have you added spring colors to your wardrobe or even changed some of the more wintry elements of your home? Let’s make 2010 more about you. Call or send me an email with some of your ideas for continuing to make this your year. Where are you now?

Why Wait?

As a part of my weekly interview series, I did a tour and a pre-interview with a cemetery counselor. This was really an interesting 60 minutes. I viewed the huge facility. There were mausoleums, and underground graves. There was a crematorium. There was absolutely no pressure, just information.br /When we are truly informed, we are able to make better decisions. The grounds were beautiful. The atmosphere was serene. Pre-need services are offered at a greatly reduced rate than at-need services. A great percentage of the population decides to wait. The emotions are much too strong to make this kind of decision at the time of death. How do you justify your decision not to decide to purchase pre-need cemetery services? Call or visit your local cemetery for a tour today.