WELCOME!
Thank you for joining us, and come on in!
This is our very first Blog Post for the Ultimate Baby Boomer's Guide. And this is a blog that has been a long time in coming. We hope that here you will find friendship, help when needed, a shoulder when needed, inspiration, and much, much more.
Of the approximate 314 million (2014 statistics) people in the United States, approximately 76 million are considered to be Baby Boomers (that generation of people born between 1946 to 1964, or post- World War II). Or roughly 1/4 of the country's population. The Millenial Generation has surpassed us a bit, but we are still one of the largest groups of people in this country. And as such, we face some unique challenges that only our group can face.
First we are not yet "old". (Remember when 60 was old?) Today we are simply entering into the prime of our life when we hit that magical age of 60! We are more active than any other group our age in the history of mankind! Better health, medication, and medical technology have made it possible for us to live healthier lives, longer than our predecessors.
As we begin to age, and come into our own, our unique circumstances means that we will face even more unique problems than ever before.
Our parents and grandparents did not have to worry about working into their 70's or 80's, and yet, here we are, facing that very real possibility.
Our parents and grandparents were ready to lay back and let life pass them on by as they prepared for life's final voyage when they were our age. While we are planning vacations, physical endeavors such as camping, hiking, biking, running marathons, and even new careers!
We are living alone longer. Especially women (sorry men, but our life expectancy does still exceed yours), so we face new challenges in the areas of health and safety. Or we face living alone due to divorce.
We travel more. Write more. Do more. Are more, than any other group of individuals our age in the history of man.
It is my intent to be there to assist you as you face unique challenges, and make your way through these narrow streets that we now live in.
Whether you are a couple that has been together for 30 years (or more!); or someone who has found themselves newly alone, by death or divorce; seeking a new career, or wondering how well your retirement is going to hold up; seeking bargains for groceries; deciding whether to purchase a home, sell a home, or downsize; deciding on what car to purchase; dealing with children who have moved back home with you; determining how to live on a budget; trying a new lifestyle; worried about your health; or a dozen other things, then we intend to be there for you!
We want to make this time of your life the best that there is!
And why would we want to suddenly do this for you? What drives us to begin this blog?
Well, could it possibly be because my husband was born in 1949, and I was born in 1959? Yes, we are Boomers ourselves! And we know what it takes to get through this crazy life, because we're living it, too!
You see, a long time ago, I realized that my life was to be service oriented. I am one of those individuals who feel pre-ordained to help others.
By long term profession, I am a nurse/social worker. I received my Bachelors of Science in Nursing nearly 30 years ago. I finished getting my Bachelors of Science in Social Work a few years back. Today I work full time for a large health insurance company as a care planner. I go into individuals homes and help come up with a care plan that will keep them in their homes if they want. I work mostly with the elderly, and yes, some Boomers, but there are some occasional disabled and handicapped younger people as well/ My job helps them determine what they want out of their lives. And the quality of life that they want. I help set up support systems with caregivers, housekeepers, physical and occupational therapies, physicians, nurses, and in the worst cases, bringing hospice into the home so that they can spend their last days comfortably where they are happiest. At home.
Doing this job, I've learned even more about what it takes to be a Boomer today.
What else do I do?
I have been a professional genealogist for over 15 years. And if I could get that to pay what my professional nursing career pays, I would be doing that full time! It is one of my greatest passions! For now, it is a side job that helps to pay the bills now and again.
I also do product and book reviews for some major companies. (I have other blogs that I write as well!)
I am in the process of writing, not one, but two, books. (I've written over thirty books, most of them family histories.)
And I sell products from companies that I highly endorse. (Yes, I've been an Avon Lady since I was 16 years old!) You'll see some of my endorsements and products offered on this blog from time to time. (I sell products for several companies, so my ads will be found here! You know, I've got to pay the bills, too!)
I have been married for twenty years to the love of my life, a retired truck driver. (You will occasionally hear me comment about the year I spent on the road with him! We were in all 48 contiguous states!) It is not the first marriage for either of us. But it's definitely our last! We have had our ups and downs, as any married couple has had, and sometimes, we will discuss how to get through the rough times.
Together we have six beautiful children that we brought to this marriage. Not all are married yet. But all are happy, doing well in their lives, and are well adjusted adults. And we have over a dozen grandchildren!
Currently we rent a home. (We have been the homeowner route, and may yet again, but for now, being free from having to be responsible for repairs and upkeep is forefront in our minds.)
We do have pets. A Chihuahua, named Chica. She's about 12 or 13 years old.
And a mixed breed cat, Fred (Fred is a female, originally mistaken for a male). She is 9 years old. Both are rescue animals.
Chica
Fred
And I say that they will be the last pets we ever have, as they are like two year olds at times! Yes, children going through the Terrible Two's! Fred enjoys staring at Chica, until Chica gets angry and then barks and growls. And then she'll look at me as though saying, "What? I didn't touch her!"
I am a vegan, whereas my sweet husband is a real carnivore. So, we face unique challenges in our cooking and eating habits. (I haven't always been a vegan, but the reason why I am now, is for another time.)
I am a non-denominational minister, and licensed to perform weddings in our home state of West Virginia. And yes, I will occasionally be found doing some Biblical teaching on this blog, as the Lord leads me to. If that offends you, then I ask you simply to not read this blog. I will never apologize for speaking out about my Lord and Savior. I will not try to convert you, but there will be times when I speak out.
At times, I will be speaking out about my particular political views. Again, if I offend you with how I stand, I ask you to either ignore the post, or to stop reading.
My intent will NEVER be to offend any one. But to simply inform on how I feel about a particular subject. If we cannot agree that sometimes we will disagree, and remain friends, then that will be where the friendship ends. And I will think no worse of you should you decide not to read my posts.
Now, with all of that said, I do invite you to sit back, relax, grab a drink (yes, you can even have an alcoholic drink, I imbibe now and then as well, for now, it's iced tea), and let's just plan on meeting up now and then for some chats. Shall we?
Hang around, and when the weather begins to cool, I'll even teach you how to make my famous vegan chili, that even an old carnivore like my hubby loves!
Or maybe he'll drop by and teach you how he makes this awesome pot roast!
Come on in, kick your shoes off, put your feet up, and sit a spell! You'll be glad you did!
