Fun Friday – From Buffet to Barbell: A Cautionary Tale

 

Are you old enough to remember the old TV show, Gilligan’s Island? The lyrics of the song went like this, “just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a faithful trip…”

This is a story about the moments when vacation ambition meets reality. My faithful trip started with good intentions. I preplanned in my head, that I would workout and make healthy eating choices.

The first day of my trip was a travel day, a twelve-hour ride in a van, with stops for gas, food, and the occasional restroom break. I packed healthy snacks to sustain me throughout the weeklong trip. I had done so much sitting that I was happy to spend time in the hotel fitness center the next morning.

I stepped onto the elliptical for a ten-minute warmup.  Panting and puffing I made it through the warmup, then walked around the room to steady my breathing. My eyes locked on the sign on the wall that read, Fitness Center Rules. Let me break down some of those rules.

Rule #1              This facility is not supervised. Use of the equipment is the responsibility of the guest.                               

The first mistake the hotel made was to assume I am responsible and to trust me to be unsupervised.

Rule #2              Guest is responsible for knowing his/her own physical limitations.

Hmm. My physical limitation is that I need to learn how to put my fork down and push away from the dinner table.

Rule #3              Please, no wet bathing suits or bare feet.

First of all, I’m not about to put on a dry bathing suit (let alone a wet one), until I can transform some of my flab to fit. And bare feet? I know better than walking around a fitness center with bare feet. I hesitate to walk bare foot around my house. I’ve stubbed my toes enough to know how to walk cautiously.

Rule #7              Use at your own risk.

This rule should have been listed first. I had already broken several rules before reading number seven. The moment I waved my room key and entered the fitness center; I was on my own.

During my weeklong vacation, I was in many buffet lines. I enjoyed sampling the flavors of the area I was visiting. I ate meals without regret because I also walked a lot while visiting museums and other attractions.

From the buffet line to use of the barbells in the fitness center, finding balance is key. I caution you…don’t stress over being perfect. Laugh a little, have fun, and keep showing up for yourself.

Share a humorous tale you have experienced.

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday - Humor Happy Hour - The Church Meeting

 

YouTube Video: The Church Meeting - When your face looks different

Wordless Wednesday - Humor Happy Hour - The Drive-thru

 

YouTube Video: Humor Happy Hour - The Drive-thru

Monday Musings – From Grumpy to Grateful: Flipping the Switch on a Bad Day

 

Grateful for an abundance of shoes; frustrated that they all remain at the front door.

Grumpy is easy to achieve, but so is being grateful…well, it should be easy. Now that I think about it, expressing gratitude can require practice, especially when frustrating circumstances pop up. I like to flip the switch on a grumpy day by using humor and expressing gratitude that the situation was not worse.

My son once told me, “Ma, you’re the most positive person I know. If I tell you, I broke my toe, you’ll say, ‘at least you have nine other healthy ones.’”

That is not a totally true statement. I strive to practice positivity, but there are glitches in my system. Sometimes complaints flow from that hole in my face, called a mouth, like a waterfall.

I’ve come home from work to dirty dishes in the sink, mail scattered on a table, and so many shoes at my front door that it looks like we’re part owner of a Footlocker shoe store. Before I even make it to my bedroom, I stop to straighten couch pillows, straighten shoes, and move random dishes to the kitchen. I do all of this mumbling and grumbling.

Instead of stressing myself over the little things I decided to flip the script. I set my mind to resolve this situation with humor tactics. The President of the United States has the State of the Union address, I created the State of the House address, and it’s not the House of Representative.

My State of the House address would include the following (directed to my offspring)…

Fourscore and 20 years ago we moved into this house. A declaration was created, giving you unalienable rights. However, those rights were under the discretion of “The People” hereafter known as “The Parents.” Article 7 Clause 2 says Honor thy mother and father…oh wait, that statement is from a different book. But follow it anyway.

If you look at the photo attached to this article, how many people would you think reside there? If you guessed any more than three, you’d be wrong. The reason they are so neatly arranged is because I organized them for the photo.

I no longer get frustrated when things are out of place. I enjoy the company of laughing with my son and turning his shenanigans into comedy. And I wish him well when he has kids. Just to prepare him for what is to come, I demonstrated when I visited his house.

My son had a few pair of shoes neatly lined up at his front door. I said, “Oh, your shoes re so neat.” I gave each pair a little kick, “Now that’s better.”

My son looked at me and rolled his eyes.

You may have heard it before; Laughter is good medicine; it can turn your day around. The next time you’re having a grumpy day, stop, take a deep breath, then engage in something that will make you laugh.

 

Wordless Wednesday - Are you single and feeling old?

If you're feeling old, you are not alone. Check out Mike Paramore's Dry Bar comedy special for his humorous perspective on feeling old.

YouTube Video Credit: Dry Bar Comedy - I'm Just Single and Old - Mike Paramore

Wordless Wednesday - Grandmama Said...

 

YouTube Video: Grandmama said

Grandmothers are wise, funny, and have their own special style

Fun Friday - – How to get your body summer ready – 3 Easy steps (maybe)

Welcome to the weekend! With summer knocking at our door, I thought this would be a good blog post to share again. I first posted this one over a year ago...

Have you ever heard advertisers make the statement, “get your body summer ready?” If you are beyond a certain age of maturity, this is not as easy as some people make it sound.

Let me paint a picture for you using the canvas of my experience. Some women say, “Oh, I don’t tell my age.” Not me. I will tell you my age, my credit score, my social security number, but I will NOT tell you, my weight.

Due to my menopausal midsection, my jeans have betrayed me. Trying to tuck in my tummy rolls is like working with a clump of clay. Trying to put a popped can of biscuits back into the container would be less taxing.

Before you begin working to get your body summer ready, answer this question: What does summer ready mean if you’re in your Golden Years? Here are three ideas of what a summer ready body means for the over 50 ladies.

1.      A body free of aches and pains.

2.  Being able to rise from a chair without grunting.

3.  You have bathing suit confidence. In my mind this is the moment you realize that the perfect beach body means having a body and going to the beach.

4.  Sweat acceptance - this means you made peace with the fact that you’ll be perpetually glistening (due to hot flashes).

5.  Being a Yoga Yardie – this involves stretching out with morning yoga in your backyard enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature.

Now that you have an idea of what it means to have a summer body, what are the steps to get there? Well, I’ve worked with a fitness coach, a nutritionist, practiced yoga, and meditation. Yet I feel like I’m in a fight of my lifetime…against my metabolism. Why can’t this journey be a little easier? Well, it can.

Three steps to get your body summer ready:

1.  Change your mindset – accept your body the way it is, bumps, lumps, and imperfections. Make small changes for steps toward the body you want. Give yourself time.

2.  Pamper yourself – when you feel good, you look good. A foot massage, full body massage, a facial, all good methods for pampering and taking care of your body.

3.  Laugh regularly – just because it’s fun and it can relieve the stress of worrying about whether your body will be summer ready?

What are your tips for getting your body summer ready?

 

 

Fun Friday - Humor Happy Hour - The Blooper -A promotional video gone wrong

 

YouTube Video - Bloopers happen

Wordless Wednesday - The Writing Life in Photos

 

A gathering of creatives in the community.

Wordless Wednesday - Church Humor

 

YouTube Video Credit: Church is a Little Strange - Johnny W - Dry Bar Comedy

Monday Musings – Spring is in the air and so are my toes

 

As I sat thinking about spring, the mild days with the warm sun kissing my face, the lyrics to the children’s TV show, Sesame Street popped into my head. “Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away… everything’s a-okay…” I smiled, dancing with my thoughts I breathed a refreshing sigh and said,” it’s toe out season.”

My little piggies wiggled with excitement at the thought of being in the open air, ready to boogie to a beat. There was just one thing I needed to do before they were exposed to the world – treat them to a pedicure. I grabbed my flip-flop shoes and off I went to my favorite nail salon.

Once I arrived at the salon, there was an empty massage chair waiting for me. In a split second, my shoes were off, and I pressed the power button on the massage chair. The rollers in the chair pounded gently on my back, and I dipped my big toe in the water. The temperature was exactly right – all my toes dived in.

The nail technician pampered my feet and gave all my toes special attention. She didn’t even frown at the sight of my thick toenails or the bunion on that one toe. The experience was true bliss. I would not have gotten that type of treatment at home. Just ask my son.

I was so pleased with my pedicure that when I got home, I told my son about my euphoric experience. His vision of my visit was a flashback to a time when he was in elementary school, and he agreed to give me a pedicure. He grabbed a large bath towel, large nail clippers, and put on swim goggles. He wanted to protect himself from any flying clippings.

I confess, my toenails are a little thick. Given my toenail history my son asked, “did you go to a pedicure shop or a tree trimming place?”

I let my son have his laugh, then I told him, “Some things are hereditary, and you’re like your mama in many ways.”

Have you let your toes out to explore the fresh air lately? Treat yourself to a pedicure, dig your toes in cool sand, or walk across warm grass barefoot. Whatever you choose, be kind to your feet, they do a lot for you.

 

 

Wordless Wednesday - Humor Happy Hour - Have you ever played the Squeeze In game?

 

YouTube Video: Humor Happy Hour - The Squeeze In

Fun Friday – The Great Debate – Pajamas or Party

 

It’s a rainy Friday night, and you have been invited to an event – do you go, or do you stay home in your pajamas? Here are your parameters – you’re over fifty, you’ve just worked all day, and the event starts at 9pm. If you have ever experienced this scenario, you are eligible for the I’m tired club.

Here’s my story…

I signed up for a comedy open mic; after it was confirmed that I made the list, I sent a text message, “by the way, what time is the show?”

“Nine o’clock.”

I was glad we were corresponding through text message because my eyes said, “oooh, that’s late.”

I stopped by my mom’s house to relax before heading to the show. I pulled off my shoes and melted into her faux leather recliner.

It was early evening when I started calling friends and family to see if anyone wanted to ride with me. It was a local venue, but I like to have someone ride with me to late shows.

My brother was my first call. When I asked if he wanted to go to the show he said, “It’s raining outside, what time is the show?”

“Nine o’clock.”

He said, “Oooo, I’m under the covers. Call ne back if you can’t find anybody else.”

My mother was in a recliner next to me, drifting in and out of sleep. I called out to her, “Ma, do you want to go to a comedy show with me tonight?’

“Mmmm, no I have to get up early tomorrow.”

“You’re retired, and tomorrow is Saturday.”

That was strike two.

I was beginning to feel like I was in a fairy tale where something happens three times before success is achieved. You know, like Goldilocks and the Three Bears or The Three Little Pigs.

There was one more person I could ask, my son. He agreed to hang out with me, but he had just gotten off work and had to go home and change clothes. I was already dressed but feeling like I wanted to reunite pajamas.

We finally made it to the venue, mingled with others, indulged in the snacks provided – popcorn and alcohol-free beverages. I didn't want a pop, so I tried a mango-flavored sparkling water; it was bubbly and tasty.

I sipped on that 16-ounce Mango beverage throughout the night as I enjoyed the comedy show. It was a good night…until I tried to sleep.

It was 11:30pm, I was snuggled under warm blankets, but my eyes were wide open. I tossed and turned until after midnight.

The next morning, I read the side of the can of the Mango water; the word ENERGY now jumped out at me, along with the statement 200 mg of caffeine. The reason behind sleep avoiding me was clear. I don’t drink energy drinks, and never would have tried one at 9pm, close to my bedtime.

Reading is fundamental. I should have read that beverage can more closely or better yet, stayed home in my pajamas. But then I would have missed all the fun.

What would you choose on a rainy Friday night, a night out or pajamas?

 

 

Wordless Wednesday - The Craziest Police Stop - Comedian Sam Adams

 

YouTube Video Credit: Dry Bar Comedy -  The Craziest Police Stop You Ever Heard - Sam Adams 

Wordless Wednesday - Getting Older Can be Funny

 Check out Dustin Nickerson's take on being (almost) old.

YouTube Video Credit: 30 Isn't Old, But It is Almost Old. Dustin Nickerson - Dry Bar Comedy

Monday Musings – National Reading Month – 7 Ways to Celebrate

 

It’s National Reading Month! That’s right March is celebrated as National Reading Month. It’s a good excuse to curl up with a good book, relax, and tune out everything around you. Think of it as a form of self-care.

In addition to reading, there are other ways you can celebrate reading month. Below is a list of 7 Ways to celebrate National Reading Month.

1.      Support local bookstores.

2.      Read to a child.

When my sons were in elementary school, their school had a program called D.E.A.R. which stands for Drop Everything And Read. They had designated times during the day allotted for this program. There was also a day where parents could visit the school and read to the class, or maybe that was a different program I’m thinking about. Either way, reading to a child or with them can open their minds to new things.

3.      Listen to an audio book. I like listening to an audio book when I have a long drive somewhere. It helps the drive go by faster. On a recent four-hour drive to a conference, I listened to one of my favorite authors, Mary Higgins Clark. It was a good “Whodunit” mystery. In case you’re interested, the title of the book is Where Are You Now?

4.      Host a reading challenge – set a goal for the month and invite friends and family to join in. Have a prize or celebration at the end of your challenge. Better yet, reward yourself. Purchase a new book, a book light, or something else bookish.

5.      Follow an author – learn more about your favorite writers and explore their works. You could even try reading something by an author new to you or read a different genre than you typically read.

6.      Start a reading journal – keep track of the books you’ve read and write down favorite quotes or reflections.

7.      Write a book review – share your thoughts on a recent book, to help others discover great books.

Just for kicks and giggles here are some book related jokes I came across while surfing the internet.

1.      Why did the book join the police?

It wanted to go undercover!

 

2.      What’s a book’s favorite drink?

Tequila Mockingbird.

 

3.      Why don’t books ever get cold?

They wear book jackets.

 

No matter how you participate, National Reading Month is an exciting time to embrace the joy of books and lifelong learning.

Fun Friday – Women’s History Month – 10 Fun Ways to Celebrate

 

It’s Women’s History Month!  During the month of March make time to celebrate the women in your life.

Think about someone in your life who has impacted you in a positive way, call them up and tell them. Better yet, invite them and a few friends to celebrate together.

Below is a list of 10 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month.

1.      Visit a Museum or Exhibit – explore women’s history through art and cultural exhibitions.

2.      Create a Themed Movie Night – watch movies directed by or about influential women.

3.      Play a Women’s History Trivia Game

4.      Listen to Female-Led Podcasts.

5.      Read Books by Women Authors.

6.      Cook a Meal Inspired by a Woman Chef.

7.      Support Women Owned Business.

8.      Volunteer for Women’s Causes – help organizations focused on women’s empowerment, health or education.

9.      Highlight Women in Your Community.

10  Host a Women’s History Comedy Night – attend a stand-up comedy show, featuring female comedians.

My motto is, “A laugh a day keeps stress at bay.”  With this motto in mind, I encourage you to take a break from your everyday routine and drop in at a comedy show.

Wordless Wednesday - The Comedy Gauntlet - College Kids

 This is what it looks like when you enter a comedy battle for the first time...a fun experience

YouTube Video: The Comedy Gauntlet

I was one of 16 competitors. I did not win, but had fun trying.

Fun Friday - Pulling back the curtains of comedy

Kick off your weekend with humor. There is something exhilarating about engaging in laughter. The happy endorphins are flowing through your body, you're relaxed, and it's pure bliss.

As a comedian, I have just as much fun at the audience when I'm on stage, If you're laughing, I'm having a blast. As with any career, comedians are at different phases and levels in their journey. I had the opportunity to open a show for veteran comedian (years and years in the game), Drew Thomas.

After doing my set, then introducing Drew, I sat int the Green Room and  and engaged enjoyed his humor. He immediately captured the audiences attention and engaged them in what he was saying.

Check out a snippet of Drews comedy below. You can see his full special at Dry Bar Comedy.

Video Credit: Dry Bar Comedy

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

Until next time, keep laughing.

Words of Wisdom - Finding Happiness in Humor

 

"Laughter is good for the soul." How many times have we heard that catch phrase? Well, I find it to be true. A dose of laughter can change your mood instantly. It's also okay to create your own happiness.

Take a laugh break everyday, do something that makes you smile, giggle, or laugh out loud. To get you started, I want to share with you a book that a friend just published. The book releases today and is titled, Burnt Gloveboxes, Volume II, by Gina Ramsey. 

Grab your copy and discover the funny in life's mishaps.

Keep Laughing.

Humor Happy Hour - What's funny about new glasses?

 

YouTube Video: Humor Happy Hour - New Glasses