Zoom and Gloom- Staying Virtually Fabulous 

 Zoom and Gloom- Staying Virtually Fabulous 

Just when I thought I had mastered disconnecting to find better balance in my life, the COVID-19 pandemic turned what was right side up, upside down. Life has become a virtual reality tied to clicks, mikes and screens. Some of it is great and other times…..well, let me put it this way: Sometimes I want to scream at the screen and tell people how to conduct themselves. I’ve seen the tops of more heads over the past six weeks. And distorted faces. Zoom has been great for connecting people, but many have no idea how to use it. The first few minutes

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Pan-fried and Stir Crazy- Six Degrees of Isolation

Pan-fried and Stir Crazy- Six Degrees of Isolation

Our lives right now could be called “Six Degrees of Isolation.” They mirror Dr. Elisabeth Kübler–Ross’s five degrees of grief with a bonus: Denial: This really couldn’t be happening! Anger: I am so frustrated and angry this is happening in the world! Bargaining: I promise to wear my mask and gloves going out and will wash my hands and sanitize regularly; just please keep me healthy! Depression: I feel helpless and sad.. So many people are dying? When will this end? Will things every be back to normal? Acceptance: Well, let’s just make the most of this situation. It is

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Why Did It Take a Pandemic to Do This?

Why Did It Take a Pandemic to Do This?

As we move into another week of shelter in place (SIP) that may or may not end April 30, everyone is learning to adapt to less space and more time to fill. I’ve noticed a few interesting developments in the conversations I have with people and see online. Even though we remain in isolation, we stay connected. Here is my “Why Did it Take a Pandemic to Do This List?” 1 Get creative and crafty. People are working with their hands as a form of stress relief. Some are returning to former hobbies or testing skills to learn something new. I have

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How adding 20 pounds helped improve my sleep

How adding 20 pounds helped improve my sleep

Being overweight can disrupt your sleep. But a weighted blanket may help you sleep more soundly. Weighted blankets are the latest buzz in sleep technology. They are designed to facilitate restful sleep by placing gentle pressure on the body. It has similar benefits to swaddling an infant to encourage calm and rest. A weighted blanked is a big body cuddle, and who doesn’t feel cozy and relaxed being cuddled? Is all the buzz a big snooze? Maybe not! According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are  benefits to a weighted blanket such as: Increased serotonin. We all want more serotonin,

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There Is Nothing Wrong With You

There Is Nothing Wrong With You

My Dad used to say with a wink, “there is nothing like a good shtupping to make you feel better.” Well (cringe) he said many inappropriate things with his dirty sense of humor and we just rolled our eyes and groaned. But a little intimacy and pleasure seem like a much better choice than many of the self-help remedies being marketed to people these days, not to mention all the pills and supplements that promise cures and then mention- in small type- dozens of potential side effects. It all starts with the premise: Something is not right in your life.

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Lessons from a 10-Year Breast Cancer Survivor to Her Younger Self

Lessons from a 10-Year Breast Cancer Survivor to Her Younger Self

– and to those facing the breast cancer journey You’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer and you are numb and scared. Your world just turned upside-down. Let me help you set it right. I am 10-year survivor, diagnosed August 6, 2009. I was in your shoes that day, shocked, freaked and little ashamed that I’d allowed my health to get away from me. You see, I am a control freak in so many parts of my life. Yet, my world then felt spiraled and out of control. But not for long. The few people I told at first all had

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