Despite what the critics might say, baby boomer "divas" are not self-absorbed. At this stage of life, it's about supporting each other because we're all on a similar journey.
With that being said, I just wanted to give a shout out to some fellow "D"ivinely--"I"inspired "V"ivacious "A"nnointed Sisters who are women on the move and making a difference. First of all, please, please purchase a copy of "Real Women Wear Red" from my dear friend Kathy Holmes (www.kathyholmes.net). Her book was FINALLY released this week. Kathy was one of my biggest cheerleaders when my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey into Middle Age, was released last year. Also, when you buy it, make sure you tell her I told you to :)
Another DIVA friend of mine, Tracy Lewis, is hosting a teleseminar on Tuesday, April 3. She'll be discussing aching muscles, Breast tenderness, headaches/migraines as it relates to menopausal symptoms. Here is her information:
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=12797
Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Talkcast ID: 12797
DIVA Carine is always cooking up something with her colorful articles. Stop by and visit her at www.carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com and a new DIVA friend of mine, Dee, keeps it real on her blog: www.minniepauzblog.blogspot.com
Yes, we DIVAS are the bold, bodacious and the beautiful and we're not afraid to let you know about it!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Drugs, Sex and Rock-n-Roll
I love talking to fellow baby boomers. I am always fascinated at the various roads we traveled on to get where we are today. I had the pleasure of talking with a man named Alton Cooley earlier this week.
We actually met online. Now before you start trippin' let me tell you that I'm a happily married woman and based on my conversation with Alton, he's a very happily married man to a good woman. We are both a part of a networking group (Nextcat.com) that includes artists from various areas like music, theatre, authors, singer, etc. I was interested in connecting with him because in his profile he said he was from Ohio and so am I. As a matter of fact, our cities are relatively close to each other.
Alton is a baby boomer who’s been doing what he loves for the past 30 years. He says he started doing it in his garage. He’s been shot at while doing it and he’s even done it in the nude! Yes, you read this right..in the nude…and it isn’t sex. The best part of it all, he says, is he gets to do it with his friends. You’ll have to listen to this podcast to see exactly what it is that he loves doing.
You can access it by going to: http://www.talk2bevpodcast.com/podcast/ or http://www.successtalk.com/whatever
Also, don’t forget about the Women’s History Month Contest for the chance to win some cash prizes. Go to: www.thebabyboomerdiva.com
We actually met online. Now before you start trippin' let me tell you that I'm a happily married woman and based on my conversation with Alton, he's a very happily married man to a good woman. We are both a part of a networking group (Nextcat.com) that includes artists from various areas like music, theatre, authors, singer, etc. I was interested in connecting with him because in his profile he said he was from Ohio and so am I. As a matter of fact, our cities are relatively close to each other.
Alton is a baby boomer who’s been doing what he loves for the past 30 years. He says he started doing it in his garage. He’s been shot at while doing it and he’s even done it in the nude! Yes, you read this right..in the nude…and it isn’t sex. The best part of it all, he says, is he gets to do it with his friends. You’ll have to listen to this podcast to see exactly what it is that he loves doing.
You can access it by going to: http://www.talk2bevpodcast.com/podcast/ or http://www.successtalk.com/whatever
Also, don’t forget about the Women’s History Month Contest for the chance to win some cash prizes. Go to: www.thebabyboomerdiva.com
Monday, March 19, 2007
Can You Afford to Live after Retirement?
We Baby Boomer Divas love to shop til' we drop! But I've recently discovered that I may end up passing out and be in need of some serious resuscitation when it comes to looking for a place to live out my golden years.
Unlike the old days when people just migrated South because of the nice, warm weather, I'm not necessarily looking for the warmest climate but I am looking to go where the action is. Retired does NOT mean dead so I want to make sure I'm in a place that is thriving with lots of night life and entertainment. But it looks as though the places I would be considering at this time are way out of my price range.
Take SAN FRANCISCO for example:
Typical monthly mortgage payment: $3,536. And that's only to live in the house. Never mind the furniture, transportation, groceries, parties, etc.
Then there's the beautiful suburbs of OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS where the typical monthly mortgage payment is $3,252.
Dionne Warwick once asked the question, "Do you know the way to SAN JOSE?" Well, looking at a monthly mortgage payment of $3,668, coupled with a property-tax payment of $308 makes me glad I don't know how to get there!
And why is it that 7 out of the top 10 most expensive places to live in the U.S. are all in California? Hasn't anyone told real estate developers out there that the whole state is going to fall into the ocean soon? Shouldn't that mean we could get record deals on housing?
It doesn't get any better if I want to retire in the city that never sleeps. The typical monthly housing payment in New York is $2,262.
Well at these prices I might just have to stay right where I am.
To read more about the most expensive paces to live, please visit my website: http://www.thebabyboomerdiva.com
Unlike the old days when people just migrated South because of the nice, warm weather, I'm not necessarily looking for the warmest climate but I am looking to go where the action is. Retired does NOT mean dead so I want to make sure I'm in a place that is thriving with lots of night life and entertainment. But it looks as though the places I would be considering at this time are way out of my price range.
Take SAN FRANCISCO for example:
Typical monthly mortgage payment: $3,536. And that's only to live in the house. Never mind the furniture, transportation, groceries, parties, etc.
Then there's the beautiful suburbs of OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS where the typical monthly mortgage payment is $3,252.
Dionne Warwick once asked the question, "Do you know the way to SAN JOSE?" Well, looking at a monthly mortgage payment of $3,668, coupled with a property-tax payment of $308 makes me glad I don't know how to get there!
And why is it that 7 out of the top 10 most expensive places to live in the U.S. are all in California? Hasn't anyone told real estate developers out there that the whole state is going to fall into the ocean soon? Shouldn't that mean we could get record deals on housing?
It doesn't get any better if I want to retire in the city that never sleeps. The typical monthly housing payment in New York is $2,262.
Well at these prices I might just have to stay right where I am.
To read more about the most expensive paces to live, please visit my website: http://www.thebabyboomerdiva.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Come Meet Some Divine Divas on Thursday!
If you want to know what a real DIVA is, you're invited to participate in the Virtual Woman's Day. I am honored to have been asked to be a guest speaker for the event. I'm giving away an autographed copy of my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age so if you haven't received your copy yet, here's your chance to get one for FREE.
All of the details are posted below so stop by and show some love and support for what some fabulous women are doing to make a difference. By the way I'll be speaking at 2:30pm:
The hands of many have been busy the past two weeks planning an event we hope will make history and have a positive impact on many! And the countdown has begun. In less than 24 hours, Virtual Woman's Day™ will be a reality! And we are excited!
As of this morning we have 113 women registered for this all-day event.
We have received more prizes to add to the offerings.
We have made a contribution to the Women's Edge Coalition for their Global Opportunity for Women iniatiative in recognition of Virtual Woman's Day™!
And we have had some great conversations with women around the world in honor of Virtual Woman's Day™
If you have not yet done so, we invite you to join us tomorrow for a great day of fun, learning and connecting with women around the globe - "take life by the mouse!" You will be glad you did!
Looking forward to welcoming you!
Warmest regards,
Heidi & Suzannah
BTW, here's some added prizes:
Brownies by Brownies on the Brain donated by Micki Takac (value $35+)
A FREE skin care consult and $50 in Arbonne International Products by Stacy Wagner (value $100)
A Complete detailed WEBSCAN by Nipa Shah (value $550)
A Spa Basket donated by Mary Ellen Davis (value $25)
2 - one-year subscriptions to PINK magazine donated by Carol Romashko (value $40)
An autographed copy of "Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age" donated by Beverly Mahone (value $20)
All of the details are posted below so stop by and show some love and support for what some fabulous women are doing to make a difference. By the way I'll be speaking at 2:30pm:
The hands of many have been busy the past two weeks planning an event we hope will make history and have a positive impact on many! And the countdown has begun. In less than 24 hours, Virtual Woman's Day™ will be a reality! And we are excited!
As of this morning we have 113 women registered for this all-day event.
We have received more prizes to add to the offerings.
We have made a contribution to the Women's Edge Coalition for their Global Opportunity for Women iniatiative in recognition of Virtual Woman's Day™!
And we have had some great conversations with women around the world in honor of Virtual Woman's Day™
If you have not yet done so, we invite you to join us tomorrow for a great day of fun, learning and connecting with women around the globe - "take life by the mouse!" You will be glad you did!
Looking forward to welcoming you!
Warmest regards,
Heidi & Suzannah
BTW, here's some added prizes:
Brownies by Brownies on the Brain donated by Micki Takac (value $35+)
A FREE skin care consult and $50 in Arbonne International Products by Stacy Wagner (value $100)
A Complete detailed WEBSCAN by Nipa Shah (value $550)
A Spa Basket donated by Mary Ellen Davis (value $25)
2 - one-year subscriptions to PINK magazine donated by Carol Romashko (value $40)
An autographed copy of "Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age" donated by Beverly Mahone (value $20)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
From Drugs to Menopause
According to the U.S Department of Justice (Statistics), more than 1.5 million people have been arrested in the past year for DRUGS. It’s a startling statistic! It seems as thought drugs have always been a problem. I must confess I had a “drug problem” growing up and it still affects me today. I guess I'm just a "drugged out" babyboomer. But is that what's really making me crazy these days?
I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults or disobeyed my parents, brought home a bad report card, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me..
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I let a four-letter word slip out of my mouth---and yes, H-E-L-L was a bad word (even if it’s in the Bible).
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who was in need of some company or needed something that a child could do like rake the yard, clean the kitchen, feed the dog. After all, my mama used to say “That’s what good neighbors do for each other!”
Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.
But I do have a question. Is it the "drugs" or the "menopause" that explains my crazy behavior today? Oh, how interesting my life continues to get!
I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults or disobeyed my parents, brought home a bad report card, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me..
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I let a four-letter word slip out of my mouth---and yes, H-E-L-L was a bad word (even if it’s in the Bible).
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who was in need of some company or needed something that a child could do like rake the yard, clean the kitchen, feed the dog. After all, my mama used to say “That’s what good neighbors do for each other!”
Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.
But I do have a question. Is it the "drugs" or the "menopause" that explains my crazy behavior today? Oh, how interesting my life continues to get!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
My 5 new boyfriends
In the past few years since menopause came knocking at my door, I have all of a sudden become attractive to men who wouldn't have given me the time of day 20 years ago. Now I spend time with them practically every day.
As soon as I wake up, I need WILL power to get me out of bed. Then JOHN wants to see me. After a strenuous workout at the gym, CHARLIE horse shows up and when he's around he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, ARTHUR-itis comes around. He's a party animal. He likes to move from joint to joint. After a busy day, I lie down and take a restful nap with BEN gay.
Life has suddenly gotten very interesting at middle age!
As soon as I wake up, I need WILL power to get me out of bed. Then JOHN wants to see me. After a strenuous workout at the gym, CHARLIE horse shows up and when he's around he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, ARTHUR-itis comes around. He's a party animal. He likes to move from joint to joint. After a busy day, I lie down and take a restful nap with BEN gay.
Life has suddenly gotten very interesting at middle age!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Black History Month: A Time for Reflection
As Black History Month comes to a close, I take a moment to reflect. To reflect on all the hell Corporate America put me through over the years as an African-American. I was either too dark-skinned, too ethnic, too opinionated, too in-your-face, too white (can you believe that one???) to this or too that to fully achieve the kind of success my ancestors fought and died for.
My experience in Corporate America was very much like being enslaved. They worked me to death and could never find it in their hearts to give me a break every now and then.
For example, even though I was the only single parent in my department at the time I was given the worst shift. They set my daughter up to fail by not allowing me to be home when she arrived home from school so I could help her with her homework and keep her grounded. Despite my numerous requests to get a shift change I was always told they would consider it but of course, they never did. Instead, they kept a white man in the "primary position" who always complained and nobody liked. In another case, I was the employee in the department with the MOST experience but when it came time for a promotion, they gave it to a less qualified, younger white woman. Why? I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
There was one manager who had the nerve to tell me I wanted him to show me favoritism because of my race when I questioned why I wasn't informed about a story change. Now, to me, that's just called keeping everybody informed and common courtesy. I guess in the end it all balanced out because they had to deal with me and MENOPAUSE---and believe me, it was no fun for them.
But as Martin Luther King, Jr. so eloquently put it: "Free at last, free at last....Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!" March 2006 was my my last month in Corporate America saying "Yessuh...Nawsuh..." These days if I fail, I have no one to blame but MYSELF.
I do thank my forefathers and mothers, known and unknown, who paved the way for me to achieve the success I have today. But I am a little sad that they had to go through so much and we're still catching hell!
They take my kindness for weakness.
They take my silence for speechless.
They consider my uniqueness strange.
They call my language slang.
They see my confidence as conceit.
They see my mistakes as defeat.
They consider my success accidental.
They minimize my intelligence to "potential".
My questions mean "I'm unaware".
My advancement is somehow unfair.
Any praise is preferential treatment.
To voice concern is discontentment.
If I stand up for myself, I'm too defensive.
If I don't trust them, I'm too apprehensive.
I'm defiant if I separate.
I'm fake if I assimilate.
Yet, constantly I am faced with work place hate.
My character is constantly under attack.
Pride for my race makes me, "TOO BLACK".
Yet, I can only be me. And, who am I you might ask?
I am that Strong Black Person...
Who stands on the backs of my ancestor's achievements, with an
erect spine pointing to the stars with pride, dignity and respect
which lets the work place in America know, that I not only possess
the ability to play by the rules, but I can make them as well!
Black History 365
http://babyboomerbev.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-02-28T15_21_12-08_00
My experience in Corporate America was very much like being enslaved. They worked me to death and could never find it in their hearts to give me a break every now and then.
For example, even though I was the only single parent in my department at the time I was given the worst shift. They set my daughter up to fail by not allowing me to be home when she arrived home from school so I could help her with her homework and keep her grounded. Despite my numerous requests to get a shift change I was always told they would consider it but of course, they never did. Instead, they kept a white man in the "primary position" who always complained and nobody liked. In another case, I was the employee in the department with the MOST experience but when it came time for a promotion, they gave it to a less qualified, younger white woman. Why? I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
There was one manager who had the nerve to tell me I wanted him to show me favoritism because of my race when I questioned why I wasn't informed about a story change. Now, to me, that's just called keeping everybody informed and common courtesy. I guess in the end it all balanced out because they had to deal with me and MENOPAUSE---and believe me, it was no fun for them.
But as Martin Luther King, Jr. so eloquently put it: "Free at last, free at last....Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!" March 2006 was my my last month in Corporate America saying "Yessuh...Nawsuh..." These days if I fail, I have no one to blame but MYSELF.
I do thank my forefathers and mothers, known and unknown, who paved the way for me to achieve the success I have today. But I am a little sad that they had to go through so much and we're still catching hell!
They take my kindness for weakness.
They take my silence for speechless.
They consider my uniqueness strange.
They call my language slang.
They see my confidence as conceit.
They see my mistakes as defeat.
They consider my success accidental.
They minimize my intelligence to "potential".
My questions mean "I'm unaware".
My advancement is somehow unfair.
Any praise is preferential treatment.
To voice concern is discontentment.
If I stand up for myself, I'm too defensive.
If I don't trust them, I'm too apprehensive.
I'm defiant if I separate.
I'm fake if I assimilate.
Yet, constantly I am faced with work place hate.
My character is constantly under attack.
Pride for my race makes me, "TOO BLACK".
Yet, I can only be me. And, who am I you might ask?
I am that Strong Black Person...
Who stands on the backs of my ancestor's achievements, with an
erect spine pointing to the stars with pride, dignity and respect
which lets the work place in America know, that I not only possess
the ability to play by the rules, but I can make them as well!
Black History 365
http://babyboomerbev.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-02-28T15_21_12-08_00
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)