REVERSING DEMENTIA

Loosing a dear friend from Alzheimer's, watching other friends suffer from slight dementia has captured my interest to understand the disease.

Dementia is a big problem and growing every day. Ten percent of 65-year olds, 25 percent of 75-year olds, and 50 percent of 85-year olds will get Alzheimer's disease  at a cost of $60 billion a year to society. Worse, the number of people with Alzheimer's is predicted to triple in the next few decades. It is now the seventh leading cause of death.

From what I understood, genics, drugs and stress had an important role in memory loss and confusion.  Drugs play an important role in how we think, feel, react, and deal with emotions.

When we visit our physicians, the first thing they ask is "How do you feel?" If you answered you had a headache,  he would say "take this pill", if you cannot sleep, "take this pill", If you are tired, "take a pill." If you have anxieties, "take this pill"  and so on. The pharmaceutical companies are thriving.

Do we ever wonder why there are so many car accidents on the road?  How many times do you see direction signals of cars that were not supposed to be on.  Lights on cars during early evenings that were off.  People driving the wrong way and so on.  Approximately 80% of all of them are on medication for one reason or another.  Either too much or too little is the culprit.

Seniors all fear the aging process. Most believe it is genetic. But there is another way to think about brain aging. The brain responds to all the same insults as the rest of the body. Those are; stress, poor diet, toxins ingested or environmental,  lack of exercise or sleep, nutritional deficiencies, underactive thyroid, inflammation,  deficiencies of hormones, vitamins, and omega-3 fats.

From my research I have learned that all we have to do is give the brain a tune-up and we can see miracles says Dr. Mark Hyman, respected medical consultant, New York Times -bestselling author, lecturer, and practicing physician

This is the time when personalized medicine will replace medicine based on diagnosis and disease.

So if you know someone with memory loss, have a good qualified doctor look at all the imbalances that are present and how to fix them. Remember, there will be no one treatment that works for everyone, because everyone is different. But here are some things to think about if you or a loved one are experiencing memory loss or dementia. If all of the above fail, then x-ray, cat scans and other testing should be addressed. If your doctor talks you out of the above, go find another, or call Dr. Hyman. ( I have never met or spoken with him, just researched on Google)

• Pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• Low thyroid function
• Depression
• Deficiencies in B vitamins, especially vitamin B12
• Omega-3 fat deficiencies
• Mercury or other heavy metal toxicity
• Vitamin D deficiency
• High cholesterol
• Unique genes that predispose you to nutritional
   or detoxification problems

Sometimes a subtle change in a persons health could explain reverse dementia. Once you identify the underlying causes of the imbalance, here are a few things that can help your mind get a tune-up:

1. Balance your blood sugar with a whole foods,
    low glycemic diet
2. Exercise daily -- even a 30-minute walk can help
3. Do yoga, deep breathing  exercises        
4. Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement
5. Take an omega-3 fat supplement
6. Take extra vitamin B6, B12, and folate
7. Take vitamin D

As we approach the New Year, we have a lot to look forward to. This is just a start, but it can go a long way to giving your brain the chance to heal and recover if you have memory problems. Even if you aren't suffering from cognitive decline, you should take these steps because they can help you prevent the aging of your brain and obtain lifelong health.

I want to wish our friends and families who celebrate Christmas, A Very Healthy and Joyful Holiday


EMAIL: iris@pushthewheel.com




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OUR LABOR DAY WEEKEND NIGHTMARE

It was the labor day weekend we will never forget. Early in the morning we packed our car with all our camping equipment and headed to Lake George for our yearly camping trip with our young sons and our collie, Chipper. We did not plan ahead as usual because one of our sons had a cold and we did not think he would be well enough to make the trip until the last minute

When we arrived at the marina we learned all the large boats were taken.  Based on the amount of equipment we took, we had to make two trips to the campsite. But first we had to  take our rented motor  boat to the ranger station to pick our favorite campsite on Glen Island. Our preference had to be level because of our small children and not too far from the mariner. Unfortunately the rangers said all the campsites on Glen Island were full. The only safe camp site available was on Long Island, a much deeper and wider part of the lake. Reluctantly, we took it and ventured out with our map in hand to proceed to find it.

Once there, we unloaded our boat taking out our tent and food, which we purchased in Grand Union supermarket in Bolton Landing near our marina. My husband pitched our tent on the platform provided, while I set up my kitchen. I always liked to be organized and know where everything was. I looked for wood, to build a counter top for my portable gas barbecue, and work area. Being the modern camper, I made sure we had our portable toilet although a clean out house was provided, a gas stove and lantern. We took plenty of rope to tie our food up in the tree to prevent raccoons from taking it. I enjoyed playing house and setting up my hollywood kitchen.   The campsite provided a picnic table, fireplace.and a dock.

While playing house, my husband went back to the marina to bring the rest of our camping equipment which included a large screen tent around the picnic table provided. I enjoyed exploring our new campsite and meeting the surrounding campers by walking on a man made path through the woods.

Our campsite was lovely and safe. It felt like we were on a private island with no visual campers around.  Unfortunately  it was too far away from the Marina and Glen Island. Previously we always made it a point to reserve a safe campsite on our favorite  island which was Glen Island. months in advance.  Making friends with other campers on the island was fun, however we each went our own separate way with our families.
The weather was delightful. The lake looked like glass with hardly any waves. Swimming in clean water was a delight for me as I detested chlorine pools. I loved our rubber boat taking short excursions around our campsite. Every day, we took our rented boat back to the marina for a day of fun in town. There were so many theme parks and restaurants. Some times we would come home late in the dark, using our flash lights to see where we were going. It was frightening to me, but we always arrived safely at the camp site.  We usually hung a marker like an old sheet on one of the trees to identify where we were..

The long weekend was always too short, as it was time to go home. We brought some things back to our car the day before to lighten the boat for the second trip. However, we should have made two more trips, but decided to chance taking the remaining equipment and clothes with us for our final trip back to the car.

The last day started out beautiful, however as the day progressed the wind was picking up.   We heard the boat knocking against the dock from the wind. Fearing the worst, we decided to bolt quickly. I told my older son to put on his life jacket as we entered the boat. I was in the process of zipping up my 4 year old with his life jacket as the boat charged ahead.  My husband saw the white caps getting bigger as the wind progressed.  He feared the worst thinking it was not such a good idea to continue on the widest part of the lake.  He started to turn the boat around heading back to shore. Within a few minutes we were in water. All our equipment, my purse, everything was floating in the water. I felt I was dreaming and wanted someone to wake me up. Holding on to my younger son, I can still hear his young voice crying "Mommy, Mommy"

The boat turned  upside down and became very slippery as I could not hold on. Yelling for my older son who was about 7 years old, "where are you?" he excitedly said he was riding on Chipper's back who was swimming in the water. He did not understand nor was he fearful of what to expect. He thought he was on a great adventure having the time of his life.

As we .were trying to hold on to the boat, the waves were turning into larger white caps, pushing our hands off the boat, I have never seen the lake look mean and nasty. The clouds in the sky turned dark gray.  My husband and I looked at each other with disbelief that this was happening to us. I said, "this is not our end yet. We have our whole lives to live"

Where were all the other campers we wondered? It seemed everyone cleared out of the lake earlier. "Who was going to rescue us? Usually the rangers come by with their boats to check on the campers. Where were they? What was to become of us,"  we feared.

Finally, it seemed like an eternity, a man came by with his boat to help rescue us.  He was on the other side of the lake and witnessed what happened.  However he said he would not take our dog Chipper. While in the water and at the mercy of this man, we were bargaining that we would not get onto his boat unless he promised to take Chipper. He agreed, promising he would go back for him after he rescued us.

He took us to a nearby campsite and gathered whatever he could find floating in the water. He brought back our duffel bag full of clothes. One side was all wet but the  other was dry. We changed our wet clothes into dry ones, still shivering from the cold. My husband went back with the man with the boat to get Chipper. I thought for sure he drowned because we could never get Chipper in the water to teach him how to swim.. My husband helped Chipper into the boat and we were all a happy family again.

All our other equipment, tents, stoves, etc all gone. Our money, my gold watch which was supposed to be at the repair shop and never got around to do it was all lost. The insurance company would not honor our claim because the loss happened in a boat.

A man came by to offer us money to get home. He took out a wad of bills, asking if we needed $100. $200. etc. My husband said $50 would be fine. The man gave us his card, a name I will never forget. Skyos was our hero. He took us back to our Marina. Still shivering, we went to a nearby Italian restaurant for dinner and the long drive home. We quickly sent him the money he loaned us with a thank you note.  We never did figure out what caused the capsize except perhaps the plug from the boat might have loosened up.

The moral of this story is never underestimate the lake. river, ocean etc.  No matter how calm and friendly,  it could be your worst nightmare.

A MOTHER'S DAY STORY HOW WE STOPPED OUR CHILD FROM BEING KIDNAPPED AND YEARS LATER OUR GRANDDAUGHTER

Since today is Mother's Day and we are approaching summer, I would like to share a true experience that happened to me and later to my family..

It was a very hot summer day in Colorado.  We celebrated our little granddaughter, Jessica's 2nd birthday.  Her mommy and daddy made a big deal over their children's birthdays with balloons all over  their living room and up the stairway.  A dozen presents waiting for little Jessica to open as grandma and grandpa looked on.  Gummy is my name which replaced grandma, as it was easy to say when she was a baby and it stuck till this day.

The following day we drove to Water World for a wonderful day of adventure and fun.  We parked our belongings at the little kiddie pool which looked like a lake.  In the pool was a sliding pond going down to another pool .  There were table and chairs for picnicking along one side of the pool,.  It was fenced off, so no children could wonder away.  It looked very conducive for the safety of children, or so I thought.

Leaving the stroller and our things behind, we left the area for some tube fun.  It was the best time of my adult life, feeling like a kid again. I loved sharing the tube with my grandchildren going down the  slides.  After trying out their other rides, we went back to our table and chairs for some lunch.  We stayed there for awhile resting and enjoying watching our little 2 year old play in the water.  The others continued playing with the other rides.

Later, they all returned, to get ready to pack up for home. My daughter in law was busy collecting their belongings and collecting the children from the pool.  She dried off the wetness from our little granddaughter and instructed me to watch her while she was going to find our grandson Justin who was five years old.

When she got Justin out of the water they returned to my table.  I was watching our granddaughter all the time, but my eyes must have been off her when her mother returned to the table. to  dry the little guy off.., My husband asked where our little 2 year old Jessica was.  I could not believe she was missing right in front of us.  My son and husband ran into the kiddie pool and the other side of the big slide but now where was she to be found.  We were getting frantic.  My daughter in law sat down holding my grandson crying, while I demanded everyone scream for help. 

Who cares if we sounded like a low class citizens. I walked out of the gate which was like a maze.  It was difficult to get out as you had to walk around a bit.  Screaming on top of my lungs, "Jessica, Jessica" I ran out of the gate.  A woman heard me yelling and asked me if I was looking for a little blond child.  I said yes, and asked where she was.  The lady told me that a woman and man were walking with her but when they heard my yelling they walked away.  Then another lady followed her to the direction of the refreshment counter  It was in an enclave hidden from the walkway with a rest room adjacent to it.  There was a long line of people waiting to get in the bathroom.  At the refreshment area, I  screamed for my granddaughter and yelled for the police.  "Please help me someone, police, police, help"  But no one came out to say "here is your granddaughter,"

 As we were circling the area, we noticed a woman in her 40's holding her in her arms waiting in line to get into the rest room,  We grabbed Jessica from her arms and stupidly ran back with her to her parents.We knew they were beside themselves and we wanted to stop their pain as soon as possible.  What was so strange, why didn't that lady step out of line to say she found her.  Why wasn't Jessica crying when the stranger was holding her?  Why didn't she put her arms out to us when she saw us?  It was all such a mystery until we returned Jessie to her parents.

A gentleman who was at the next table from us, came over and said " I am sorry to intrude, but I could not help notice the commotion of your missing child,   We are so happy for all of you that you found her.  You are very lucky especially what is going on in Disney World, or Land.. Could not remember." What do you mean", I said."Didn't you read it in the papers?  There was a kidnapping ring that went to Disney world or Disney Land.  They take the children into the bathroom, change their clothes, put color on their hair and drug them so they wont cry. They caught the kidnappers because the mother who gave an exact identification of clothing described the sneakers in great detail.  The kidnappers forgot to change the child's shoes. Thus, the child was found harmlessly but drugged"  Their security system was excellent as they closed the gates making sure no one could enter or leave."

After hearing his story, my son demanded we go back to the ladies room to find that woman.  But she was gone,.  He was so angry, blaming me, his wife, everyone.  I could not blame him.  It was horrible.  My voice was never the same again and eventually I had a  larynectomy  It could have been from screaming and perhaps smoking earlier.

Afterwards we put the pieces together.  My daughter in law said, she noticed a couple sitting  at the table on the other side of us with no children,  She was wondering how come they were there if they had no children,  Busy having fun with her family, she paid no attention at the time.  When we found Jessie, she did not put her hands out to us when she saw us and was not crying.  The fact that the lady did not step forward to hand us our child caused further suspicion They must have grabbed her with the confusion of packing up, and carried her over the fence which was about three or four feet tall.

We looked all over for the security guard, police etc.  But the only people we found were teenagers manning the first aid shack.  They were no help.  I could not believe that Water World in Colorado had no security.  I tried contacting the company but got no response. We were extremely happy we found her and tried to forget about it.
Until we started hearing about missing children.  They were not as lucky as our Jessie.  They were found dead.  Every missing child reminds me of how lucky we were.  I still cry out for all those lost children who suffered before they died. I cried for their parents and family as well.

Perhaps people think I over react when I cry each time I hear the news of a kidnapping. Some do not know my story while others do and understand,  This story must not be in a closet.  It must be told all the time.  Never, never take for granted for one minute that your child will be in the same position you left her.  Perhaps 99% for that moment she will stay close.  But that 1% can be deadly.

On another occasion many years prior when our daughter, Stacy was about two or three, I took her to a department store.  Looking at children clothes for her, she disappeared .She was just beside me.  She wanted out of the stroller and was right by me.  Screaming on top of my lungs, I yelled her name.  She was nowhere in sight.

Our daughter, was afraid of escalators..  Every time I carried her up or down she would cry.  So I knew she did not go downstairs by herself. However, I yelled her name anyway down the escalator as it was riding up. just in case because she was nowhere on my floor. I remember my husband always said to me to refrain from screaming out for your children as it sounds very common.  I did not care how it sound. After screaming several times, for the police, help and so on, I heard my daughter voice coming from down the escalator as it was going up  I didn't care.  I ran down the up escalator to her.  I did not know if I should hit or kiss her.  I chose to hug her tightly.  "How did you get downstairs," I asked.  "Mommy," she said. "A lady took me by my hand to take me to my mommy.  When I saw she was taking me out side, I heard your voice, and broke out of her hand to the escalator. Today my daughter has a three year old and the fear continues...

We are all human and it is difficult to watch with your eyes wide open 100% when you are with your child.  You have to be lucky.  With a blink of an eye, your child disappears and wanders maybe into the wrong hands. But with what is going on these days, it is wise to try getting to that percentage.  Besides little children wandering, there are sick people out there who  stalk and watch their routine.  They wait for that 1% moment to crab them..

A buddy system is always recommended even in teen years. Never take your siblings, children grandchildren  or any child you care for, for granted that they will stay by your side.  Not for a moment!

God Bless

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
..




 









 

THE HORROR OF THE TUMBLING BOUNCE HOUSE

It was about five years ago in May when we visited our granddaughter, Jessica,  to celebrate her 6th birthday.  We took our adorable Maltese puppy, Mindy with us.  She was about three months old and an excellent traveler. We felt very fortunate  having her house trained so early.

 While my daughter in law was busy preparing for the birthday party, our son was helping with balloon blowing in the house. Sitting out side enjoying the beautiful weather,  my husband and I watched the man assemble and blow up the bounce house.  All children enjoy bouncing in it. 

My husband commented that one stake was not inserted into the ground because the bounce house was  mostly on the lawn and partly on the street.  The property was not level, as he tried to do the best he could.  "I do not think this is secure"  my husband said to the man, as he was concerned that the day might get too windy.  He assured us that he knew what he was doing and it would be okay to leave one rope  unsecured in the ground.  He had a huge gasoline driven inflating machine over the unsecured rope holding it down in place.

It was wonderful watching the children arrive with their colorful wrapped presents.  They immediately removed their shoes and went on line to jump in the bounce house.  "Only 6 children under a certain weight" the man said.  So everyone had to take turns going into the house.  We felt good about his rules.

Sitting outside watching the children having fun was amusing.  Mindy was tied up to the camping chair and we enjoyed the beautiful weather.  How wonderful it felt.  Coming from Florida where the humidity was high  it seemed like we lived  in a bubble. The strong sun and cool breeze felt good flowing through me that day  The fresh air was exhilarating, making me doze off.

Suddenly  a strong gust of wind came in.  I was awoken by Mindy's barking, which was the first time I heard her bark so loud.  I could not believe my eyes and thought I was still sleeping with a bad dream.  The bounce house was rolling over the cars and pickup trucks. Tumbling like a wheel with the wind pushing the wheel.  "Oh my God" I yelled.  "The children are in the bounce house.  Somebody help me catch the house."  I ran as fast as I could trying to catch it  preventing it from tumbling further down the street.  But it was a giant house with the  heavy  gas  blower machine attached to the ropes.  All I could think of was the poor children tumbling like clothes in a washing machine but without suds. 

 "Could they survive"  Where are all the neighbors  who were just outside?" I cried,  as I was running to catch it.  But I fell flat on my stomach and was screaming.  It was amazing I did not get a heart attack at that moment.  I worried about the children being injured or killed. And what if there were children playng in the street.  The bounce house would have killed them for sure, expecially with the heavy attached machine flying through the air, hitting the vehicles.

One of the parents came over to help me stand up. While wiping my tears, he said.  "Don't worry,"  The children are in the house having birthday cake.  They are safe.  " You were sleeping so peacefully, no one wanted to wake you"  My daughter in law was busy with the party,  and was unaware that I was napping outside.  My husband was inside taking video pictures.

While I was sleeping, the wind started up just after the children went into the house to continue with the birthday party.

The question in my mind was, what would have happened if the six children were in the bounce house when the gust of wind uprooted the bounce house?  Would their little weight hold the house down, or would they have tumbled?  

After researching in Google,  I learned other  bounce houses broke loose as well.  Unfortunately those incidents were too numerous to mention, including lots of injuries.

 In my humble opinion, please don't allow your kids to enter one if it is not on level ground.   Check to see that all the stakes around the house are secured in the ground.  Make sure the weather is calm with no wind.

Now that the cold weather is behind us, many out door birthday parties will take place.  Bounce houses have become very popular and I urge every one to be cautious with your children.

Did you or anyone else you know had similar experiences?  Please comment.  If you are having a hard time with the comment box,  I will be happy to publish it for you if you email your comment to

iris@pushthewheel.com
What do you think?

MY UNFORGETTABLE SHIVA CALL

A few years ago, we learned about an unfortunate death of a grown son of one of our neighbors, living in our adult community.  Although I knew the family casually and was in their home only once, I thought it would be nice to pay my respect by visiting them.

My dear friend and neighbor wanted to accompany me.  We agreed to meet out side to walk to their house which was around the corner. As we were walking I told my friend that I had to go back to my house to get the address.  Since I was only their once, I wanted to make sure we knew where we were going.

My friend advised me that it was not necessary, since it was only around the corner.  “If we see a lot of cars, then we know where at the right house,” she said.  “But, what if we walk into the wrong house and someone pulls out a gun on us thinking we are intruders" I argued. She giggled and said not to worry "It is not a good idea.” My friend suggested, “we will open the door slowly, and if we see people, then we are in the right house” Seemed logical, but scary. she giggled and said” don’t worry.” The fuss was because it was not appropriate to ring the door bell when one makes a Shiva Call.  You must open the door yourself and walk in

When we approached the house, I nervously but slowly opened the door.  I saw bridge chairs lined up in a circle.  Recognizing some friendly neighbors, I felt assured it was the right place and motioned my friend to come in,  We eye greeted the ones we knew, and a lady whom we did not know came over to us to say she was a close friend of the family. Then a gentleman came out of the bedroom to acknowledge we were there.  I went over to him and expressed my sympathy over his loss.  He thanked me for coming.  I asked, “Where is your wife” as I wanted to express my sympathy to her as well.  “My wife is dead” he cried. “Oh my God, when did she die” I cried.  No one told me and that kind of news would have traveled fast. Perhaps she died of a heart attack because of the death of her son.  Wild thoughts came into mind.  The gentleman scratched his head with disbelief.  A neighbor came over to us and whispered that we were in the wrong Shiva house.  The one we were to go to was a few doors down. “But there were no cars there, I cried, silently” The room was spinning. My friend and I looked at each other and motioned to leave.  Difficult to control ourselves with this embarrassment, we backed out of the house quietly and left,  When the door was closed and we were safely our on the lawn, we cracked up, holding each other from falling down.  We were hysterical crying. and laughing at the same time  I wanted to kill my friend for not allowing me to get the right address, although her logic was not a bad one,

The hour was getting late and we had to straighten up to compose ourselves.  We still needed to pay the Shiva Call.  We waited awhile until the tears vanished from our eyes. We continued to walk to the next house.  “No cars were there.  How can that be a Shiva House?” we said.  We opened the door ever so slowly.  No chairs were lined up in the living room. There were no visitors except one of our very dear friends  sitting beside the mourner, the mother who lost her son.  We sat down beside the women still trying so hard to hide our emotions.  I had asked the woman how her son died.  She escorted me into another room to tell me her story privately.  I guess she did not want to repeat it again to her other visitor.  While listening with sadness, we heard hysterical laughter coming from the other room.  I figured my friend told our other friend what happened.  But the curious look on the face of the neighbor in morning made me tell her what happened.  “I hope you do not mind me telling you an embarrassing moment a few minutes ago.  I do not want you to think they are laughing because of you.” She replied “Please tell me, I can use a good laugh.”  After the story was told, she broke into laughter and thanked me for changing her mood for a little while.

What are the chances of two Shiva Calls on the same block at the same time?.

Do you have a story?  Please click on the comment box.  Would love to read it.

A FUNNY STORY ABOUT MY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN COSTCO

Shopping at Costco last week was an unbelievable experience.  Among my purchases was a ready made barbequed chicken which was no where to be found . Unaware that I left it behind, I realized it missing when I was about to prepare my dinner for the evening.  After looking in my refrigerator, and the trunk of my car, I asked my husband if he saw it. He told me that if I do not find it soon, the chicken will find me.  (the odor)

I called the manager of Costco and complained my chicken was missing from my groceries.  He told me that a chicken was left in a wagon in the parking lot and someone returned it to the store.  I explained that it never happened to me before as I was always careful not to leave anything behind,  I have heard that people accidentally leave their purses behind because they leave it in the wagon when they shop. I never thought that I would be the one to leave food behind.

"Don't worry," the manager said.  "Just come in with your receipt and we will give you a new chicken."  What a wonderful store Costco is.  I just love shopping there.

That evening I looked for my receipt and could not find it.  I am usually very good with keeping my receipts.  Perhaps this is a comedy of errors. I called Costco the next day and explained my mysterious receipt was missing.  "That's okay" he said, "just come to the counter by the hot dog stand, and we will honor you with another chicken.  Just bring in your Costco card."

The following day Florida had its first cold spell. It was very much welcomed as the hot season in Florida was starting to get on my nerves.  I dressed in my new warm red velour outfit and drove back to Costco.  Here is the experience that exasperated me.

I took the wagon before entering the store as I intended to purchase a few more things.  No one goes to Costco for just one thing.  I noticed the store was mobbed with people.  I guess the snowbirds  finally arrived.   I went to the desk where the manager told me to go.  A nice lady asked for my Costco card and said "are you going to buy anything else?"  I should have answered no and just have gotten a credit, but I did say I wanted another chicken. "Go to the register when you finish shopping" she said.  "Just tell the cashier that you do not have to pay for it and to have her wave to me. I will approve it."  I thought that was a little odd because they usually give a credit or cash and be done with it.  It seemed like such a hassle, I thought.

When my shopping was complete, I went to the register and told the cashier  I was not to pay for the chicken and to please wave to the lady at the desk. "HEY, CATHY" he yelled out loud. "This lady  in red says she don't want to pay for the chicken." I did not say that to him in that way and I became embarrassed because there was a line behind me "Let the lady in red go, she does not have to pay for the chicken," she yelled back.  I was really getting upset because of spectacle that was being created.  Just as I left the cashier I heard the lady say on her loud speaker to the guy who checks out the receipts before customers are allowed to leave the store, which is standard procedure "The lady in red did not pay for the chicken,  let her go."  The young man with his magic marker in his hand was goofing off with the person in front of me and did not pay attention to the loud speaker. He carefully checked my items and noticed one chicken was not paid for. "Hey lady," he said "you did not pay for the chicken."  I answered,  "If you were not goofing off, you would have heard her tell you on the loud speaker that I did not have to pay for it." At that point, he picked up his microphone and announced "Hey Cathy, there is a lady here in red that did not pay for the chicken." Then the voice over the loud speaker said "Let the lady in red go.  She does not have to pay for the chicken." By the time I got into my car I was so embarrassed I wanted to cry,  I never experienced anything like it.  I do not think I will ever complain to Costco again for missing items, and I will never shop in red.

 At the time I did not think it was funny until I told my friends who were rolling on the floor with laughter.  ROFL

Did this ever happen to you?

PUSH THE WHEEL

PUSH THE WHEEL

August 14th, 2009

BLOG 1

I remember a movie I watched when I was a little girl. I would like you to research it. It was a movie I think older than me. It was about a prison camp or mental hospital. The patients were in a dungeon about 12 of them pushing a wheel all day long going nowhere. There were others laying on the floor exhausted pushing the wheel. How can we find the name of that movie?

I said to myself as a young child.. “what a waste and time doing nothing and getting nothing accomplished but wearing themselves out.”

As I observed life and people, I took note of how people work. Some were very successful but were workaholics. They pushed the wheel and saw success, however they lost their relationships with families because they were too busy PUSHING THE WHEEL.

For students it is the same wheel. They study, study for fear of low grades. They fear they wont be accepted into schools or societies. For them they are afraid of diversion like sports, theatre or other hobbies. Some kids take medication so they can perform better at the wheel. Do these kids burn out? Do people burn out? Sometimes, maybe never. Some do better by adding other activities in their life to avoid the burnout and perhaps help them perform better, thinking better and so on

Others, however, PUSH THE WHEEL for the same reasons, to gain success and do what they know best. They pushed and pushed, while indeed keeping their relationships with family and friends. In this case nothing ever happens. They run into debt, their savings are depleted. They are tired of pushing, and fear the worst.

As for students the same thing applies. They study hard and see little success. They try diversions but still the fear of failure. Thus the burnout starts. Perhaps school is not for them. Perhaps it is a waste of time. PUSHING THE WHEEL is a waste one might think. But in this case PUSHING THE WHEEL can be a challenge. They are young enough not to waste time. They have a goal and that wheel is very important. Without that push there is no goal. With no goal there is no push.

In this blog, we shall discover ways to overcome the fear and start pushing in different directions that will make us happy.

Do you PUSH THE WHEEL? Tell us your thoughts

Tags: burnout, failure, fear, relationships, school, stress, success, work
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