What Makes Happy People Different?

Maia McCann, commenting in Distractify, puts together 35 traits that make happy people different from the rest of the world. Contributors are acknowledged at the end of each point.

She asks what we might cherish and what we might regret as we take stock of our lives.  One characteristic of happy people is that they realize "Getting even doesn't get you ahead in life"(Marc Chernoff) ; another is "They pay attention to how people treat their parents" as a good predictor of how they will be in a marriage. Also "the way they treat a waiter (or any service person) shows you their character."(Dr. Karen L. Smithson)

And  "They're authentic, and they listen to their 'small, still voice'.  Your intuition is your superpower." Next, they enjoy "being in the moment. You will have to focus on the future so much as you get older--being mindful to the moment is a lost gift."(Dr. Karen L. Smithson)  Also,  "They're excited about other people's success"(Scrawnytobrawny.com).

Other characteristics of happy people  include "They're always, always, always honest"  (yannis_volta); "They ask questions"(nik3daz); They give their parents a chance" (igotnothineither); "They know they aren't the smartest person in the room"(selfstairway.com)

For the complete list of 35 traits and the great examples within each, click on
http://news.distractify.com/people/20-things-i-wish-i-knew-earlier-8-is-absolutely-vital/?v=1

Do I Remember What You Said? Do You?

OK, is this in store for the rest of us?  Get your notepad ready!

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A Couple
in their nineties are
both having problems remembering things. During a check-up, the doctor
tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start
writing things down to help them remember.

Later
that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair.
'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he
asks.

'Will
you get me a bowl of ice cream?'

'Sure.'

'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she
asks.

'No, I can remember it.'

'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it
down, so as not to forget it?'

He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with
strawberries.'

'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it
down?' she asks.

Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream
with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness
sake!'

Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man
returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.
She stares at the plate for a moment.

'Where's my toast?'

(Thanks to Karen and Jo for forwarding this to us.)

So You Think They Aren't Listening As You Watch TV?

You never know what a child may answer when you pose a question!

While the priest was presenting a children's sermon.  He asked the children if they knew what the Resurrection was.

  

Now, asking questions during children's sermons is crucial, but at the same time, asking children questions in front of a congregation can also be very dangerous.

 

In response to the question, a little boy raised his hand.

 

 

 

 

The priest called on him and the boy said, "I know that if you have a resurrection that lasts more than four hours you are supposed to call the doctor."

 

It took ten minutes for the congregation to settle down enough for the service to continue.

(Thanks to Joan H for this child's answer. )

 

 

Watch Out for 7 Big Planning Mistakes!

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Already retired or thinking about doing so?  Not at all ready, but want to prepare?

Here are mistakes that couples make in retirement that you want to avoid.

1.  What are you hoping to do in retirement?  Does it match your partner's wishes?  Make sure that your goals allow each of you to enjoy your time after leaving the workforce.

2.  Make sure you have a fund set aside for emergencies:  3 to 6 months of projected expenses.

3.  If you have a blended family, decide what you can both agree on when children need money.  Estate Attorney, Ann-Margaret Carrozza, advises that we not cosign loans for children or grandchildren. And the partners need to clearly decide whose children will receive what inheritance if you have separate assets.

4.  Remember that financial resources are limited in retirement.  Carrozza points out that her "clients fail to properly calculate the amount of money they will need in retirement" and cautions that living below our financial means will help us to prepare for escalating costs.

5. Medicare and private health insurance may not cover the medical center or the physician we want to consult in a serious illness.  And "Eight out of every 10 couples will have an individual who requires long-term care." Setting aside funds to cover a long-term insurance plan might be prudent for most of us.

6. Carrozza suggests that all couples have "health care proxy and power of attorney over each other";  not doing so can result in costly problems in the event that one of the partners becomes incapacitated.  In a cited instance, Carrozza remembers that one partner had to go to court to become the other's court-appointed guardian, costing thousands of dollars and taking months to complete. Don't just assume that you will be able to sign or make decisions for your partner without a legal proxy.

 7.  A big mistake is allowing only one partner to handle all finances. Carrozza advises that couples make financial plans and decisions together, periodically reviewing and making certain that "life changes and law changes are properly accounted for in the plan."

(USA Today for the Arizona Republic, Sunday, April 13, 2014, 7B)

Want to Be in Fashion This Summer?

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Yes. SUMMER!  It's the season that many of us have difficulty remembering as our springtime alternates between 80 degree temps on one day and 3 inches of snow the next.

But Summer is on the way, and .here are some suggestions for those among us who want to look our best this summer.

1.  Florals are in- jackets, skirts, tops, slacks , shorts, everywhere

2. Stilettos? No, no, no!  Open-toed mules are in this summer.

3.  Like a little glitz?  Metallics are good for summer styles.

4.  Fringe?  Sporting fringe on your purse puts you in fashion for summer.

5.  Your best color?  Try pink this summer with the "No. 1 color of the season...radiant orchid.'

(See all ten suggestions at USA Weekend, Apr. 11-13, 2014, 4).

A Beautiful Springtime Destination

Some of us are thinking about a springtime vacation, and Ron and Mary Kay can tell us exactly where we might like to go.

Charleston, South Carolina, is a  perfect springtime destination.

Enjoying the beauty, charm, and history of Charleston!

(Thanks, Ron and Mary Kay for these beautiful shots.)

 

 

(Thanks to Ron and Mary Kay for sharing their Charleston pics with us.)

Sugar is Lurking in Places We Wouldn't Expect.

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All of us are becoming more aware of the sugar in soft drinks and in our usual downfalls like cookies, cake, ice cream, white bread and soda, but a great deal of the fat-forming culprit lurks in places we might not recognize right away.  How many grams of sugar are there in a teaspoon?  4.

Like what?

• It could be 50 grams in a healthy-sounding bottled tea (12.5 teaspoons);
• That barbeque sauce or pasta sauce might contain 12 grams of sugar(3 teaspoons);
• Fruit in light syrup (mandarin oranges or pears) contain 17 grams or 4.25 teaspoons of sugar;
• Motts apple sauce (cinnamon or plain) can contain 22 grams or 5.5 teaspoons of sugar;
• Nutrigrain Cereal Bars have 12 grams or 3 teaspoons of sugar per bar;
• Quaker Oatmeal Squares/1 cup has 13 grams or 3.25 teaspoons of sugar in an 8 oz. cup

Want to see what other foods have a lot of hidden sugar? Click on http://www.m.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/sugar-shockers-foods-surprisingly-high-in-sugar

(Thanks to Barb R. for sending this link.)