The Duke University Medical Center has published a report confirming that stress management appears to reduce the long-term chances of heart patients having another "cardiac event" and also provides an immediate and significant cost savings. The team found a financial benefit of stress management strategies within the first year of the study. Average costs for patients who utilized stress management were $1,228 per patient during the first year, as compared to $2,352 per patient for those who exercised and $4,523 per patient for those who received usual care. The medical center defines a …
Delight in the Little Things
Ice Cold Water
One of my favorite things to do in the world is to go on a walk with my husband. That's actually one of the reasons we fell in love with Madison. It has some very beautiful lakes surrounded by trails for walking. The other day, as we walked in the humid, sticky weather, I was blessed with a "swingset moment." The childhood memory whisked back before I even saw what was happening. I heard the high pitched screeches of excitement from three children, two of which were wearing their everyday clothes soaking wet, weighing them down like heavy blankets. The third child was a toddler who very …
8 Ways to Escape Adulthood at Dinner
1. Add some fun background music. Pick some that helps you "Escape." 2. Pick some dandelions or wildflowers for your centerpiece. 3. Use the fun china (could be fancy...or paper...whichever you fancy) 4. Share a childlike happening from your day with those you are dining with. (If nothing childlike happened, then share a childhood memory about summer.) …
Expecting Rain?
When I was little nothing thrilled me more at a restaurant than to get one of those cute bright colored paper umbrellas in my drink. Pure joy! There was one place in particular we would go, as a big treat, in Joliet, IL, Merichkas, where my parents allowed us to order kitty cocktails. And what a treat this was! My parents loved the food there...I, well...I was satisfied with the "funness" added to my drink. I'm not even sure I really liked the cherry-flavored 7-up, or whatever kitty cocktails are even made of. So, you can imagine my childlike spirit leapt for joy when I read the following blog …
Sleeping with the Jellyfishes
I thought I had been fairly extensive in coming up with 88 ways to escape adulthood for my book. Somehow, I completely missed this one. According to a Japanese newspaper, the hottest ticket in town is a slumber party with some spineless sea creatures. Thirty lucky people won a lottery to experience the Enoshima Aquarium jellyfish tour. The experence includes dinner and educational behind-the-scenes access to the exhibit, followed by the opportunity to cozy up in sleeping bags in front of the jellyfish tank. According to the article, …
That’s Amore
Today is Father's Day, and I have been blessed once again with a "swingset moment." (a moment as an "adult" when I am whisked back into a moment of yesteryear) My dad loves music! For Father's Day Jason and I gave him the cd, Dino: The Essential Dean Martin, including my all time favorite, "That's Amore." Of course we put the cd in right away and before we knew it Dad and I were dancing, like the good 'ol days. As he twirled and even "dipped me" life instantly rewound about 20 years...only this time, I didn't have my feet on top of his. Dad has shared so many things with me in my 27 years- …
Today’s Heroes
I believe that full time parents have the hardest jobs out there. (Ok, maybe brain surgeons and soldiers on the front line tie for second place.) I just feel so proud that I know people who have chosen to be full time parents. What a gift to not only their children, but also society as a whole. Notice how I am not using the term “stay-at-home” mom or dad. This is intentional. Because I've heard it so often, my natural inclination is to use that term: “stay-at-home,” however I read this great article today in USA Today that has changed my mind. The article is about a man named Michael …
Baseball Card Memories
Don't miss the latest installment from Kim & Jason Chalkboard columnist Allan Dash. Baseball fans will enjoy his reflections on the days before trading cards were slathered with glossiness and a pack cost an arm and a leg and an organ to be named later. Here's a taste: …
Simple Pleasures
"A simple enough pleasure, surely, to have breakfast alone with one's husband, but how seldom married people in the midst of life achieve it." – Anne Morrow Lindbergh …
What Matters
"Life is made up of little things. It is very rarely that an occasion is offered for doing a great deal at once. True greatness consists in being great in the little things." - Charles Simmons …