Younger/Older

Today while reading the Dear Annie section in the news paper,which is much like Dear Abbey a question and answer article to assist people with personal issues to gain answers to their problems.
Today a lady,who is 50 something is dating a gentleman 20 years her Jr.is concerned because if they become serious she is not sure how she will tell her children and his parents because of their age difference.She wanted to know if we have a double standard in this country when it comes to younger men with older women compared to older men with younger women.
Now being in a younger woman older man relationship my self,my husband is 12 years older then me,all I can say is my husband and I are best friends and it works for us.
When we were first dating my husband was concerned about our age gap but it seems I was a more mature 25 year old and he was a more younger free spirit 36 year old.
By the time I meet him I had been married,divorced and had a 3 year old child.I had a job,owned a home and had a new car and although I had some debt I was able to pay all my bills and be independent.
He on the other hand had lived a free single life style,went collage and held several jobs and was ready to be with some one and settle down.
For us this worked out well and even though I had relatives who said I was looking for "a father figure" and his friends said "I'm glad you brought your daughter",the friends were kidding the relatives were not,we have endured for over 20 years.
We have grown together and seem to have a good relationship with each other,which many of my friends,who are married to people their own age, can not say.
Being with an older person is nice,its secure and even though sometimes he forgets I'm an adult and capable of making clear headed decisions,its all worth it in the end.
I have several friends who are woman married to younger men and when I meet and spend time with them I understand why their relationships work.We are all free spirits looking for the love of our life.When two people meet and it works its a wonderful thing.
A soul mate is some one who completes and full fills your empty places in your life and there is no age limit on love.
Is there a double standard? I'm sure there is.We have all these social ideas of what an ideal partner is suppose to be.We should all be a certain height or weight,have a certain look ,dress a certain way,be a certain age.But this is not realistic, God made us all in his image and he wants us to be happy with our mates.He said it is not good for man to be alone and made woman to be his companion.He didn't give any other stipulations like height,weight or hair color.He made Eve from Adams rib not from his head bone or foot bone.The rib is near the heart just were God expects us to be with our own partners,near their heart and our own.

Fear in New York

I'd like to know what was in the mind of the government agency that allowed a look alike air force one with 2 fighter jets to fly into Manhattan near where the Twin Towers once stood.
Some times I think if you don't live in New England you can not even understand the amount of fear that those poor people in Manhattan under went when they saw this happen.Do they not realize that allot of those people who viewed those planes had to relive the horror of that day on 9/11,the reminder of family and friends they lost and how their lives changed,not for the good either.
We in New England can still remember that terrible day and the fear we all felt waiting for more planes to attack us as we tried to sleep those first few nights.
More then an apology needs to be given to Manhattan for the fear they injected into their day today .What happened was wrong and no one should have to live in fear because some one needed a photo op.

Swine Flu

Seems the big epidemic or possible pandemic is Swine Flu.With multiple cases in New York and through out some areas of the world,Mexico being one of them.People are becoming frightened.
We live in a country with open boarders to the world.It's no longer like it used to be where travel was confined to small areas.Now,for better or worse,the world is mobile.
The problem seems to be that medically we are not all equal.Although people complain about our health care system in this country,we are,for the most part, very healthy and our doctors are able to dispense all sorts of medicines.The rest of the world is not so lucky.
During the Black Plague,when shipping was the way of life,infected fleas from rats being carried on trading vessels,transmitted the disease from port to port.People at that time did not understand how sickness was spread or have any concept of bacteria and viruses,so it ran rampant and spread infecting and killing many individuals.
Today we have the cdc and multiple plans in place by government and communities.Does this mean we are safe?For the most part yes but then a disease is a disease and not everything is curable,especially when an epidemic starts.
So what can you do to try to steer clear of this flu? First wash your hands,more flu's and viruses are spread from touching surfaces then you can imagine,not that all germs are dangerous, many are beneficial for you immune system.But washing your hands is a simple step.Second try to stay away from infected areas like cities and countries that are reporting incidences.Third if you think you've come in contact with this flu see you practitioner,better safe then sorry and even if you do find out you have it at least you can catch the problem early.Fear of having something is worse then having it.Fourth eat well and exercise.An immunity that is high is always better then one that is low and eating good foods,taking vitamins and going for a walk is always a plus if you have to fight off an infection.
Sickness can come at any time but trying to stay rational and not letting the media scare you will keep you grounded.We can only do the best we can with out health.Take time to meditate,sleep and pray.Then leave it in the hands of the Almighty because thats where he whats you to put your concerns and fears.

Have A Picmic

This morning while at work one of the aides was asking where the cheapest place around Webster was to buy hamburg,she resides in Worcester.when I asked her why she needed hamburger she told me she had a craving for a bacon burger off the grille and was calling her husband up to get the grille clean.
Today's temp was in the 80's and it was a beautiful spring day.As I was at my med cart I got to thinking its been a really long time since Vic and I went on a picnic so that's what I decided to do surprise him with a picnic.
After work I went to the deli pick up some food and other things to take with us.I walked in the door and Vic was sorting news papers to get rid of.I said "I was thinking today how about a picnic" he said "sure when" I said "now" and off we went to the lake in Thompson.
We picked a table not far from the water and watched about 20 teen boys have a great time swimming and throwing each other in the cold lake.We talked with a couple who rode in on their motor cycle and admired the beauty of the day.
My husband has always like being near water things like lakes,oceans and even ponds always brings release and relaxation to him.I tell him all the time "you can tell you were born under the sign of pieces the fish because any excuse will get you to water".
After an hour or so it was off to the movies to see Grand Tureeno with Clint Eastwood another squint with Clint movie.
Isn't it amazing what can happen with a simple thought of a picnic.If you have time this beautiful weekend in New England take an hour or two with the one you love to have a picnic.Simple things like this remind you why you love each other so much.

Town Hall Of Hope

Last night our church hosted a live stream on the Internet lectured by Dave Ramsey from Oklahoma city,Oklahoma.
Mr.Ramsey talked about hope and fear and how we act and react.Fear and apathy play a big part in our decisions but in most cases we don't even realize it.Common sense has just been flushed down the toilet.We no longer feel we have to work hard but instead we want the government to do for us and make our decisions.
Part of being an adult means knowing how to live within you means and not having everything you want just because you want them.We have lost the word "No" and many times in life no is the answer whether you like it or not so move forward.
Since the economy as started to go down hill I have heard allot of people complain about all different kinds of financial issues they are faced with but last night showed me that many people complain but not so many want to take the first step which is to show up for things like we held last night in our church.We had about 12 people last night,including Fr.Peter,and all those who showed up were excited to be there and learn not just complain.Fr. Peter says showing up is one of the most important parts of life.Being there and listening allows you to make educated decisions,you may not agree with what is said but at least you showed enough interest to show up.
Many people fear looking at their bills and trying to make payment decisions.They are stuck and don't know where to turn thinking they're not smart enough to understand money matters.The truth is there are many self help books written for people just like you and me.Susie Orman is a wonderful writer and talks in terms that can be understood by rank beginners.Dave Ramsey can be found on the Fox financial network nightly and lets not forget Fr.Peter's radio shows which host many interesting and easy to understand radio personalities with good financial advice and the best part is its free.Increase you knowledge and you may increase you bank account and who knows you may have fun doing it.

Morning/Day After Pill

the FDA has now decided to allow people who are 17 years of age or older to buy the the over the counter day after pill.They feel that 17 year olds should be given the same Rights as adults.The fact that a 17 year old is not a legal adult does not seem to matter.
In case you do not understand this morning after pill let me try to explain and forgive me if I'm wrong on my explanation but here goes.The morning/day after pill,as the name implies is taken the next morning after having intercourse when a perceived pregnancy may have occurred,it is really not one pill but several pills taken over a course of time.Its purpose is to not allow the fertilized egg to implant into the uterine lining thus not allowing pregnancy,the egg is passed through the body.
Many religious groups consider this to be an abortion because they believe in the concept of life from conception to death,from the womb to the tomb.
The fact that they now want to allow 17 year olds to buy this with out consent from a parent is just another way to under mining parental authority.Being a female and understanding the girl mind I can tell you right now that these things will end up in the hands of people under the age of 17.All a 14 year old has to do is ask a 17 year old to buy it for her.How safe,I ask you,will this be for some one who is considered a preteen?
Most medications when given to a child,have to be converted by body weight in order to be safe,then the doses have to be adjusted.How long do you think it will be before a preteen is injured or dies because of their immature body and chemistry make up?
We live in a crazy world,one that feels that children 17 year old and under have the mentality of an adult and can thus make decisions that we wont let or don't want their parents to make for them.

Earth Day/You Can Make A Difference

Earth Day was yesterday and unfortunately,being on a Wednesday and the middle of the work week,many people let it pass with out much thought.
I'm not much when it comes to global warming,I think this earth has gone through all kinds of change and will continue to go through more as the years go by.
Fr. Peter says "the Big Bang Theory could have started with a clap of God's hands" and the rest,my friend,is history.Our planet is unwinding and aging and like the rest of us with age comes change.
Now with that said this does not mean that we are not all responsible for our actions.
The government has decided that there are all kinds of things they want to do to make this world more "green".In my mind it is more important for each one of us to do the simple things that will help us help our planet,because lets face it,Although it doesn't seem that way there are more of us then government officials.
When I was in High School in the mid 70's I got introduced to a new course called "Ecology".When I looked at the book I thought "Oh great another science class." But it ended up being one of my favorite classes.We would got outside and study the soil layers,trees,ponds and animal life that made up our earth and because of that class I have always tried to be aware of my impact of daily life on the world.
Everybody can be what we called "eco friendly" and it doesn't require allot of time or money just some thought.In my town we recycle,so my kitchen always looks like a recycling center in progress.Containers for plastic,cardboard,glass,newspaper,tin cans and junk mail,which we are overwhelmed with on a daily basis.At first it was a hassle but now its a way of life and makes me quite happy to see my husband take them to the recycling center at our town dump.
Other things you can do is;take a walk not only is it good for your health and well being its good for the environment,less carbon and fossil fuel being wasted when your car is parked.Collect soda cans off the side off the road,this will give you some spare change when you turn them in and clean the ground.Use long life light bulbs,yes they are a little more expensive but if you buy them when on sale you will use less energy and save some money on your electric bill.Turn off all things that you are not using those little lights on the computer screen cost money and use energy when they are left on.This year I just started using cloth grocery bags and,when I remember to bring them to the store,I cut down the amount of plastic being thrown in the land fill,which will never break down and our neighborhood looks nicer with out plastic bags hanging off tree branches.Price Choppers,where I grocery shop credits me 3 cents for every cloth bag I use helping me pay for my initial investments.
Like the great out doors? plant a garden.Grow your own fresh vegetables.How about birds and butterflies.Plant flower gardens for them and in return they will help your vegetable garden by eating bugs and watching them fly and sing will lift your spirits.Plant a tree its great for cleaning the air and adding beauty to you back yard giving you shade to sit in while admiring your gardens.
If you live in an apartment plant in containers and you will always have beauty around you and keep your air clean.
These are just a few simple ideas that don't take allot of time but will help you make a contribution to the world and to your self. Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in others" and Confucius said "A journey begins with a single step" So be the change and take the step.