By Diana Denholm, PhD, LMHC
Caregivers for a seriously ill partner or family member often wear a Big C on their chest. It doesn't stand for cheerleader, caregiver, or cancer, although what the Big C represents has the effect of a cancer in its ability to weaken and destroy. The Big C stands for codependence and codependent behavior.
I think I've had this kind before...didn't like it
If you're of a certain age and love movies, then you probably know that Spring is your last chance until Fall to see something that isn't a sequel or wannabe blockbuster. I don't know about you, but if I see another trailer for Batman XII...or Spiderman XVI...I may jam an ice pick in my forehead.
I'm giving the ice pick a rest for the time being. It's only because I've found at least three movies that have mature themes and don't feature latex costumes (hey, what you guys do in the privacy of your own home is your business) or anybody dressed like a pirate or a flying arachnid.
You probably haven't heard about these yet, but they're coming soon to a Cineplex near you. Trust me, these are three you'll want to see.
Jeff Who Lives Alone
Jason Segel is a failure-to-launch, live-at-home, man-child (yeah, that's a lot of hyphens - deal with it) with a perpetually perplexed mother (Susan Sarandon). His do-good brother (Ed Helms, The Office) is drafted to help Segel get off the couch and into the work world - and that's when the sh** really hits the fan.
The way of love is littered with the corpses of relationships like this.
With spring just around the corner, it could be time to shake things up.
The folks at Neutrogena want to help you do just that. They've joined Bob and me to offer five lucky girls the chance to put on a fresh face ... free!
You could win a super-cool, cosmetics collection handpicked for Boomer Babes like us. Valued at $40, this set of smart beauty basics is designed to play up your natural beauty while improving skin health. Bonus! It includes four fab Neutrogena finds sure to kick start your look:
We're giving away five Neutrogena cosmetic collections handpicked for Boomer Babes. Each one includes these four smart beauty basics designed to play up your natural beauty while improving skin health:
You could win this $40-value set ... FREE. Click "Read More" for details on how to enter. Contest* ends March 8!
Lower necklines challenge me. Whether scoop, v or square, they're often too revealing for comfort.
The last time we were in Napa Valley we were lucky enough to have lunch at the world famous Auberge du Soleil.
Bob and I started life on opposite sides of Texas. His family lived out west in Big Spring, almost seven hours from my home in Bonham.
But, I told you it was a HOT text!
One of things I love about Santa Fe is the light. It's just different from what you see anywhere else on the planet.
The classic Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like It Hot would be the perfect backdrop to California Boomer Ellen Sarver Dolgen's life.
Need to add some life to a dull room? Think houseplants. They can make your home more attractive, healthy and cheerful.
Yeah, ol' Cupid's got a little Mowtown in him...
I'll admit that I'm not the most romantic person on the planet (Charlotte would be the second person to tell you that).
Not really big on hugs. Kiss hello? NMD. It's not that I have anything against these things. They're just not part of my romantic DNA.
That doesn't mean I don't like romantic songs. Oh HELL no. There are some terrific ones that Charlotte and I both love. We've chronicled our (almost 34 years) life together with a soundtrack that ranges from Cole Porter to The Shins.
So, with Valentine's Day almost on top of us (great metaphor for the #1 sex holiday of the year AMIRITE?) I'm offering up a Baby Boomer V'Day Playlist to get you in the mood. If at least ONE of these songs isn't on your playlist, then Dude, you're a bigger curmudgeon that me. And you don't really want to go there, do you?
The Boomer Brief Valentine's Day Playlist
Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) - Diana Krall
This classic has been recorded by everyone from Ol' Blue Eyes to Rod Stewart, but the version l like best is from Mrs. Elvis Costello (Diana Krall).
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - Van Morrison Listen to the lyrics and I think you'll agree that this Van Morrison song captures the Celtic singer's charm better than just about anything. This one line has kept more men out of trouble than just about anything ever written.
Calling all Boomer Babes, Bob and I have joined six first-class beauty experts to give away an extreme makeover-in-a-box.
The super-SWEET swag, valued at more than $740, includes 14 hair and skincare essentials from around the globe. Designed to keep time in its place, this passport-to-a-new-you is for us girls but it also contains some anti-aging goodies for your guy (it's time he thought about his skin too!).
Minus417
New to the U.S., Minus417 anti-aging skincare products add moisture, help regenerate skin cells and prevent the signs of aging. The collection is based on ingredients from the lowest place in the world: 1,373 feet (that is 417 meters) below sea level, a place w
here time stands still.
Made from all-natural active components, these treatments are paraben- and mineral oil-free. They feature a unique Vitamin Mineral Complex that blends select, moisture-balancing minerals from the Dead Sea, energizing antioxidant vitamins and unique plant extracts from France. Suitable for sensitive skin, this anti-allergen complex helps:
Calling all Boomer Babes! We're giving away an extreme makeover-in-a-box including 14 hair and skincare essentials designed to keep time in its place:
Together, these products retail for more than $740 but you could get them FREE!
Click "Read More" for details on how to enter. Contest* ends Feb. 23!
Charlotte and I made a quick trip to Fairhope, Alabama the other day and I saw this guy patiently waiting on dinner.
What do Goat Rodeo, Purple Melon and Sinatra-standard-bearer Michael Feinstein have in common? They're great. They're new. And they're on my playlist. Here's the 411.
Bob likes nothing better than dessert unless, of course, the dessert is chocolate. So I found a wonderful treat for his Valentine's Day: homemade Dark Chocolate Mousse.
Charlotte and I made a quick trip to Santa Fe last year with a group of friends. When we weren't drinking, eating, shopping and sightseeing I came across some wonderful street art.
More eucalyptus leaves, sir?
Go, go, go. I run from my desk to errands to meetings. Next thing you know, the day's done and I have only minutes before book club, Bunco or date night with Bob (still a thrill after 30+ years of marriage!). If I'm not careful, my fine, thin hair can look as frazzled as I sometimes feel.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
