Plain Public Speaking

I'm no longer a guest at Toastmasters. I paid my membership today and obligated myself to do an icebreaker at our next meeting. Sounds easy enough, right?

What do you think an icebreaker is?

When I think of "icebreaker" I imagine a tool or a ship colliding with ice causing a rippling domino effect--kind of like spider cracking when a stone hits your windshield at 60 mph.

I also think of the times when you're attending a get-together and you're instructed to turn to the person on your left or right and introduce yourself.

An "icebreaker" at Toastmasters, I surmised, would be an equally brief introduction. No more than a few generous seconds.

Just to confirm that our definitions matched, I raced back into the hall where today's meeting had adjourned and asked an old-timer.

I was (rather unpleasantly, I admit) surprised that I had agreed to a 5-7 minute autobiography.

5-7 minutes! I don't talk in that long a stretch about anything! Sure, I can read a book aloud or answer a few questions. But this is me, with or without notes, rambling on and on about my life? How would all these fresh acquaintances regard my gibberish?

I was faced head-on with one of my biggest fears and I realized I would need to summon all the courage I could muster.

Hoping I'd receive a response that would generate compassion and understanding, I related my plight to my mom.

No sympathy there. In fact, I think she was laughing.

An Awesome Sight

Imagine hearing a chorus of parrots. Outside your kitchen windows. And then seeing a dozen tall green parrots adorn the tree in your front yard.

That's what I experienced occasionally when I lived in Northridge.

Many years ago Busch Gardens had a lovely venue in Van Nuys, California. The home of the brewing company was also home to a park with birds, rides, and beer pavilions. When the recreational area closed, the birds must have been let free.

Amazingly, some not only survived but thrived.

Should you ever visit Southern California and venture into the San Fernando Valley, look up. You, too, might witness this awe-inspiring spectacle.

Reliving World War II

I just read a heartwarming and all-too-familiar story of a man whose father was in World War II. Even though "Hawk" hungered for reminiscences of his father's Pacific operations, his father never got comfortable enough to share his experiences before he died at the tender age of 49.

My father-in-law was Master Sergeant of a Railway Battalion in Europe. He, too, has difficulty talking about the war. I fear it is because he saw too much atrocity. The frigid weather, the lack of proper food, clothing, and shelter, in addition to tasting the fear of death, must have been utterly overwhelming. Seeing his comrades die on and off the battlefield must have been excruciating as well as life-altering.

Morrie earned his Battle of the Bulge certificate, copies which we all display proudly on our walls. He has few remnants of the war and I sadly suspect most of the memories being replayed in his mind will be lost to history.

Park You Car and Enjoy the State Park?

Not for long.

Hey, Californians, wake up! Our Governor plans to close down 48 state parks and reduce the number of lifeguards at 16 beaches.

Join me in sending a clear message to our legislators that this is not an option.

Parks need to be accessible to the public. They're far more than vacation destinations. More importantly, they represent opportunities to learn about nature and California history.

Cutting back on the number of lifeguards endangers beachgoers.

Alex from Winnetka expresses himself eloquently.

What we don't need are fewer parks. On the contrary, we need to expand park programs and facilities.

Just Don't "Plan" on Getting Old

Check out Senior Journal and MetLife Mature Market Institute Boomers Ready to Launch Survey.

You might be surprised at the findings:

The first baby boomers who participated in the "turbulent 1960's" have chosen traditional lifestyles.

63% of us are as conservative or more so than we were at a younger stage.

Most of us have our 2+ kids, have earned a decent living, and have been successful caring for family, community, and ourselves.

We don't "plan" on getting old for another 12 - 21 years, especially if we're in good health.

Old age scares us--what health problems lie ahead and will we be prepared and able to pay for long-term care?

Health and financial issues aside, we look forward to retirement and not having to work.

Closing the Door Behind You:Security Options

We were on vacation in Montana, authentic Lewis and Clark country. Bob and Brent were anxious to search the area. I double-locked the door and took a shower.

It was beautiful outside. I imagined the celebrated explorers seeing this exquisite virgin territory.

I wrapped a towel around me and stepped out onto the balcony and closed the door behind me.

Big mistake. The pin on the slider must have dropped into place. I was stuck on our 2nd floor balcony.

I tried to make casual conversation with the people on the next terrace opposite me feeling too foolish to let them in on my predicament.

Bob and Brent returned from their excursion. They couldn't open the door. Bob panicked and convinced the front desk that something was wrong in our room.

The rest is history. Not the famous Lewis and Clark kind. Just one within the chronicles of my most embarrassing moments.

There are all kinds of security applications. As demonstrated above, pins in sliding doors can be very effective (and in some cases, too effective).

Check out some other security information:

Learn what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Installing door hinges and locks correctly can be a deterrent for crime.

Know essential features for a security alarm system.

A Ladybug Becomes a Meal: Diet and Nutrition for 50+ ers

"Grandma, why don't you sit on the grass with Jonah (age 1)," my nephew Leonard (age 38) suggested to his grandmother (85+).

"If I sit down, I won't be able to get up."

"I'll help you up. Go on. Sit down and enjoy him."

Leonard's grandma reluctantly lowered herself onto the grass. She was captivated with the scene unravelling before her: Her great-grandson was mesmerized with a ladybug making its way on blades of grass. She attempted to draw others' attention but when she glanced back at Jonah, he was popping the little insect into his mouth!

Diet and nutrition are important matters for all generations. Numerous sites are currently dedicated specifically to nutrition for the boomers and seniors. One site refines the common food pyramid to the express needs of 50+ers. Another tackles other nutrition issues for the same age group.

Pay attention to snacking tips for seniors and the role of antioxidants and aging, Get on a hotline linked to a registered dietician who specializes in diet and cancer.

Finally, take particular note of the site that instructs seniors on foods to avoid. I wonder if ladybugs are listed.