Archive for the ‘lifestyle’ Category

I sat down to write today and the two great ideas I had for the blog had gone completely out of my head.  ARGH!  Not again!  I swear my memory is getting worse and worse.  Thankfully I’m not the only one with that problem, but as one gets older, it feels more ominous.

When I was younger I would walk from one part of the house to another and completely forget what it was that I was going there for.  That still happens, only much more often and it takes longer to remember what it was.  Sometimes it doesn’t come back at all.

I used to be the one who could pick a word out of the air when someone else was having trouble finishing a sentence.  Now I find myself several times a day digging into my brain to find the elusive word to express what I want to say.

I was never very good at remembering names so that’s not as disturbing.   Actually I’m getting better at it.  It’s remarkable what a little bit of effort will do for you.

Now I’m sitting here trying to remember the name of a comedian I just heard on the radio (I wasn’t listening all that closely so I have an excuse) who said something funny about Alzheimer and, to drive the point home, repeated it.  Wouldn’t it be nice if I could remember it so I could share it with you?

That’s probably the most frustrating part.  Forgetting the good things.  If only we had more selective memory where the bad, scary, sad, earth shattering (in a nasty way) things would fade.  Instead, it seems like they stick and the good things fade.

I always encourage people to remember the good.  We are so good at dwelling on the bad which is why it sticks in the brain.  I like to keep a little notebook beside my bed to record something positive from the day.  A success, a compliment, a fear overcome, a kind word given or received – anything good that happened during that day – and more than one is even better!  That way you can end the day on a positive note.  And if you forget, you can always go back and revisit the good things in your life!

If you are genuinely concerned about memory loss, check this out.

My man and I were talking about it the other day.  Even though he is younger than I, it’s still a concern.  The easiest thing any of us can do is keep the mind active.  Play memory games like brainage, drive different routes to familiar places.  Take a class.  Do something that challenges you.  Not only will it keep your brain engaged, you may also make some cool discoveries and meet some great people.

And hopefully you’ll remember their names!

Hugs, Christie

Who's Sexier?

Those of you who read this blog on a regular basis will already know this – Helen Mirren is a big hero of mine.  Wonderfully talented, gentle, and HOT for any age.

Imagine my delight when I read this morning that Helen Mirren and Megan Fox (of transformers fame) are being pitted against each other in the Esquire sexiest woman contest.  They are opening it up to online votes this year and so far Helen is winning!

And what did the ever humble Brit have to say?  “Personally I think Ms. Fox is one of the smartest, coolest, and sexiest creatures in the Western Hemisphere. I am gobsmacked.”  Well, darling, in my opinon, you wipe the floor with Miss Fox.

Yes, Yes, Megan is hot.  And she knows it.  She has the virtue of youth on her side.  As Marie Stopes said, “You can take no credit for beauty at 16. (or in this case, 22)  But if you are beautiful at 60, it will be your soul’s own doing.”

I hate it when people say, “you look great….for your age.”  Yes, Helen is 63 and doesn’t look like most 63 year olds I know.  But what difference does it make how old she is?  She’s beautiful!  And the reason has as much to do with her “great rack” as Esquire says as it does to do with her obvious comfort with herself and her joy of life.  The experiences she’s had and lessons she’s learned are what make her gorgeous, even more than her fabulous (for her age *eye roll*) body.

So go now and vote for the woman you feel is sexiest.  Vote for the glory of youth or fabulous experience. There are 14 other choices if neither of these women is your first choice.

As far as I’m concerned, every woman I know deserves the sexy prize.  Whether you’re 20 or 60, as long as you’re you and living your life on your terms, you’re beautiful to me.  You all get my vote!  Go out this weekend and celebrate your own sexy self.

Hugs,

Christie

www.thebadkitty.com

I was at a bridal show recently.  While watching the children in the fashion show, I had a thought.  Are some of these kids shy or are they insecure about what they’re doing?

When I was growing up, I was considered shy.  So much so that I was able to hide in any crowd large or small.  When asked a question, I would give a short answer and my sister would elaborate.  I was often thought of as aloof or proud because I was standoffish.

At my core I am an introvert.  I like my own company.  I get drained when I’m around people for a long time and need to be alone to recharge.  That said, I also love being with people under certain circumstances.  I love being in front of a large group and with friends for a good chat.  I’m not a recluse by any stretch.

But are introverted, shy and insecure the same?  Not by a long shot.

Despite being an introvert, I can seem very extroverted in certain situations.  Most performers – actors, public speakers, etc – are introverts.  Get them off the stage and they can become quite uncomfortable.  I can talk like mad when I’m presenting, but put me in a room full of strangers at a party and I will feel quite uncomfortable – or insecure.  When I dance I get plenty of attention.  Unlike those who say “Dance like no one is watching”, I dance like everyone is watching as I get a kick out of any situation where I can “perform”.  But start talking to me off the dance floor and my shyness may start to come up.

So what’s my point?  Whether you are naturally introverted/shy or extroverted/outgoing in a situation means very little.  What counts is how secure you feel.  Extroverts can feel insecure and become shy, introverts can feel secure or confident in the same situation and appear outgoing.  You can also be an extrovert feeling insecure who still is outgoing and an introvert feeling secure and still appear shy.  We are very complex creatures!

At this bridal show, there was one girl who during the first show was walking with her shoulders up around her ears, her hands in front of her face.  She looked scared to death.  Many were whispering, “ahh, look she’s so shy.”  In the second show she was bouncing around, grinning from ear to ear, lifting her feet to show off her shoes.  She had developed confidence from round one and was raring to go for round two.  Is she naturally an introvert or an extrovert who was feeling shy?  Hard to know without talking to her.  Was she insecure early in the day?  Absolutely!  Was she feeling confident in the afternoon?  Clearly.

The only way to know the truth about someone is to actually talk to them and find out what drives them.  It’s easy to make assumptions which, unfortunately, are so often wrong!  If only all of those who thought I was aloof or proud would have actually talked to me when I was younger, they would have learned so much.  There are a number of us out there after all – about 25-35% by most estimates.

For more info on introversion, check out the official site.   There are some pretty cool tidbits including quotes.  The list of famous introverts might surprise you!

Now, whether you are an introvert or extrovert, feeling insecure is never fun.  The cool part is, it may eventually go away with experience.  The little girl in the fashion show is a perfect example.  So why not jump in when something makes you feel uncomfortable.  Just go for it and eventually you won’t even remember that insecure feeling – whether it makes you appear shy or not.

Extrovert or introvert, shy or outgoing, the key is, as always, Be Beautiful, Be YOU!!!!

Hugs, Christie

www.thebadkitty.com