A Baby Boomer's Second Life

Take the 3-Day Journey With Me

Cathy — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:51:00 GMT

Prepping for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure

I am thrilled to be signed up for my 7th 3-Day Walk for the fight against breast cancer. I'm back with my team, Fight Like A Girl, and can't wait to do the Walk with them again. In a previous post, I explained that I had to miss 2009, so I am excited to rejoin my team.

Starting Early

I need to get myself back in 3-day, 60-mile shape so I have next Saturday, March 6th, as my start date for training. The Fight Like A Girl team is participating in the San Diego Walk. It's not until November 19 -21, 2010, but, hey, this old, out-of-shape body needs all the time it can have!

Since the whole point of this blog is my journey since taking on my second life, I'll use this blog (instead of my usual 3-Day Newsletter) for keeping everyone up to date on my prep for the 3-Day journey. Now my supporters and contributors can just ignore the link to my blog instead of my newsletter!

Need Your Support

I plan on starting with my pleading, begging, pitiful tugs at your heartstrings for contributions soon. You didn't think you would get off that easy, did you?

We have to raise a minimum amount (this year it's $2,300) to even participate in the Walk. I have always had the most supportive people in the world. Even the smallest amount helps. But, if you are unable to contribute, I do ask you for your mental support - Lord knows I need all the mental help I can get - but I was thinking more along the lines of "think good thoughts." Like no blisters!

Honoring Your Loved Ones

Whether you contribute or not, I would be honored to wear the names of loved ones you would like remembered on the 3-Day Walk - survivors or those you have lost to cancer. They are the reason we walk. I am happy to say my sister, Terry, is doing great as a multi-year breast cancer survivor. So, send me your loved ones' names and they will take the journey with the Fight Like A Girl team.

Details...Details

So, I'll let you know when I post an update. If you would like to help, just visit my Personal Page of Cathy Miller at the San Diego 3-Day for the Cure.

There are all kinds of payments accepted - credit cards, debit cards, monthly payments.

If you want to pay by check, I would be happy to handle the paperwork. Just make the check payable to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure and send it to me. I fill out the paperwork and take care of the mailing. If you need my snail mail address, drop me an email at cathy@millercathy.com or give me a call at (858) 344-9959.

Thank you, as always, for your support. Walk on!

Live...Laugh...Love

Cathy Miller

Miss You Dad - Love Your Daughter

Cathy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:16:00 GMT

All my life I have been told,

“You have beautiful blue eyes.”

And my response is always,

“Thank my Dad.”

I like to think that was one special

connection between my Dad and me.

But more than the God-given

blessing of blue eyes

When you looked into my Dad’s eyes

you saw his greatest gift.

You saw kindness and caring

And the wisdom of time.

You saw the twinkle of humor

And the integrity of an ethical man.

You saw his pride in his family,

his country, his home.

But more than this

You saw his greatest gift

In those beautiful blue eyes

You saw his love.

I love you, Dad.

I always did and

I always will.

Douglas M. Miller
May 2, 1919 - February 15, 2007

Who Took January

Cathy — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:03:00 GMT

I'm Not Finished With It Yet

I know this blog has been about my journey through my second life, but does it have to fly by so quickly? It was just Christmas with family and now February is smacking me in the face.

I have my new business site/blog (http://simplystatedbusiness.com) and health care blog (http://simplystatedhealthcare.com) published, but I am not ready for "prime time" marketing. I just signed up for Facebook with a personal account and my Facebook Marketing for Dummies just arrived. Hey, I recognize my limitations.

I resisted Facebook for quite some time. If it wasn't for the business side of me, I'm not so sure I would be on it now. It's not that I am technophobic. For a baby boomer, I think I do a pretty good job of keeping up. I think it has more to do with the fact that I have never been one to do something because everyone else is.

I Want To Be Me
I am sure a psychiatrist would have a field day with my psyche. My resistance to "follow the crowd" goes way back. I was probably the last person on earth to get a microwave, VCR and a cell phone. The up side of that quirk is by the time I purchase a product, it's gone way down in price.

I know what many are thinking. If I got on board sooner with the latest technology, I would be more efficient. I wouldn't be wondering what happened to January. It would be recorded for all to see on Facebook, Twitter, my blogs and whatever other social media I should be on.

No Turning Back
Well, I guess I can't get January back so I suppose I'll march on with Facebook. When I become wildly famous, I'll let someone else watch the calendar. Who's watching yours?

Live...Laugh...Love

Cathy Miller

WAHM I salute you!

Cathy — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:58:00 GMT

Who could resist this?

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. My oldest sister, Terry, her daughter, Joanna, and her granddaughter, Sunniva (the cutie in pink) flew in from Ohio - to Idaho. And my younger sister, Beth and her husband, Mike, and son, Keegan, also came by. They also live in Idaho - not Ohio - not Iowa - Idaho. Okay, I've run that into the ground.

Sunniva the Diva (as her Mom calls her) is 17 months old and a total bundle of energy. She smiles all the time and is unbelievably happy - of course, I'm not prejudiced. However, she IS 17 months old. Foolish Great Aunt that I am (the "Great" designates I'm old - not necessarily "great"), I thought I could make significant progress during the holidays on my prep for my new business blog. This is where the WAHM comes in.

WAHM
For my non-freelance writing friends (which is just about everybody), this new career of mine is like most. It has its own set of acronyms and lingo. I did not know that WAHM meant Work At Home Moms. I don't know if that's because I didn't freelance until the last year or because I've never been a Mom--working, at home, or any other kind. Apparently, there are plenty of WAHM scams out there. Now, I ask you, is there no honor amongst thieves that they would target WAHMs?

As Sunniva reminded me, being a Mom is hard work. Being a working Mom, well, I just can't imagine. And then try to be a WAHM! Babies don't relate to deadlines, closed doors or business calls. So, here's a shoutout to all the WAHMs - I salute you! I wish for you a baby as good-natured as Sunniva because, hey, who could resist?

Happy 2010 and continued success to all - whatever path you take. As this blog likes to reflect - it's all about the journey.

Live...Laugh...Love

Cathy Miller

But It's Just Family

Cathy — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:10:00 GMT

So Why Am I Working So Hard?

It's the Saturday before Christmas and I just sat down to my computer. I have been working my tail off most of the day clearing out "stuff" from my bedroom. I thought I got rid of all that "stuff" (see previous post). Somehow, I never got completely moved in - 4 months ago! I know, I know, you're supposed to finish what you start. Nice theory - in my case, anyway.

So what got me off my duff and sorting and trashing and hiding (you didn't hear that!)? My oldest sister, her daughter and granddaughter are coming to our place for the holidays. What's that got to do with my bedroom, you may ask. I know I did. It seems my 17-month-old grandniece does not stay asleep if someone walks into her room. She needs a room to herself and we have just 3 bedrooms - my Mom's, mine & the guest bedroom.

Little Sunniva (my grandniece) gets the guest bedroom all to herself. She'll sleep in a crib so there will be a nice big bed completely empty! My sister and my niece are night owls. I am not - majorly NOT! So, I'm giving up my bedroom to my niece and I'll sleep on one of two couches. This one happens to be in my office so if you see any middle of the night musings, you'll know it's not just my grandniece who is not sleeping. My sister will be on the other couch. When I get up at my usual early morning time, I won't be waking up my niece who probably went to bed a few hours before I get up! Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration.

Protecting Our Own
Throughout the day I kept thinking, "It's just family," so why am I doing all this crazy cleaning? It's not like we have something to hide from family. I guess just because I have midnight maneuverings in my room down to a fine science, it's really not fair to expect my niece to enter my booby-trapped room unarmed. It was either clear a path or design an obstacle course guide and provide night vision goggles.

Since I have been furiously working on trying to finish my new business blog for roll-out, I figured the path of least resistance (pardon the pun) was to just clean my room. Now, there's a childhood flashback! So, it's done! Doesn't it feel great to have a goal accomplished?

Now, if I can finish my business blog, I'll be a happy camper. After all, it's the business that pays the bills. My Mom stopped paying me to clean my room a long time ago. Wait a minute, my parents never did pay us to do chores...hmmm....could that be why I have so many unfinished tasks? Well, that's for another day, another blog.

Wishing all of you a very happy holiday and a rocking 2010!

Live...Laugh...Love

Cathy Miller

Zero Value

Cathy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:51:00 GMT

Making Lemonade Out of Frozen Lemons (or something like that)

The view outside my office window

I woke up yesterday and looked through the kitchen window at the outside thermometer. It sat squarely on "Zero," as in nothing...nada...no pulse! And to think my last post was talking about 38 degrees. I grumbled over how stupid "Zero" was. It means nothing. It's the clothes size of most Hollywood actresses. Get real! Why do we have Zero?

But, since my second life is all about being positive (something Zero has trouble with), I decided to come up with why I really like Zero. I really, really like it.

Top Five Reasons I Like Zero

It looks really good after the word "Balance" on my credit card statement.
I love when it hangs out with 5 or 6 of its friends and follows a $ sign and some other number.
It looks good leading % Down.
It rocks under the score of any football team playing the San Diego Chargers.
In front of "Worries," it makes me smile.

It could be worse - much worse. My sister, Beth, lives on a farm in southern Idaho and they have been without heat for about 10 days!! She and her little miniture schnauzer, Kali, have been shivering under an electric blanket. I can't imagine! I am making a wish for Beth and her family that Zero follows at least an 8 very soon!

How about you? What do you like about Zero? Let's love Zero - today when the tempature was minus 3 degrees, I thought Zero was looking robust!

Live...laugh...love

Cathy Miller

Not Exactly Beach Weather

Cathy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:49:27 GMT

Just When Did I Start Adjusting?

I had something come out of my mouth this morning that I just don't believe. I told my Mom, "It's not that cold. It's only 38 degrees." Say what?! Just when did this woman who has spent the last 20 years living within 3 blocks from a southern California beach decide 38 degrees was "not that cold"? Can senility be far behind?

Minneapolis Cold Blast
I was born in the Midwest and lived 24 years there before moving to California (the 1st time). The last Midwest winter I lived through was in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You now probably understand why that was followed with 20 years on southern California beaches. While in Minneapolis, I owned a rose-colored down coat - you know, the ones that make you look like a sunburned Michelin Man. No, that is not me in the above picture - but then again, maybe it is. Who can tell?

When I left Minneapolis, I gave that coat to my Mom in Boise and told her, "I never want to see this thing again!" Of course, what was the first thing I saw when I opened my Mom's hall closet? You guessed it, that blasted coat. How long will it be before I follow the fashion advice of two morning D.J.s in Minneapolis that advised, "When you move here, throw fashion out the window. It doesn't matter if it matches. It only matters if it's warm." Experience your first 30 degrees below (WITHOUT wind chill factor) and you will quickly see..err...make that feel the wisdom of their words.

Everything's Relative
One of my Dad's favorite sayings was, "Everything's relative." So true, you don't know cold until you live in Minneapolis. So, see, I really wasn't so far off. Thirty-eight degrees is a practical heat wave! Break out the shorts.

We humans are an adaptable bunch. It really is quite amazing what we adjust to - even heat waves of 38 degrees. I've had a lot of adjustments over the years, some pretty major, others, not so much. It helps to keep it in perspective and not sweat the little stuff. Which, when you think about it, is easy to do in 38 degrees.

So, as this Thanksgiving rolls around, I am thankful for my family, my friends and yes, even 38 degree weather. Happy Thanksgiving. Stay warm - or cool. After all, everything's relative!

P.S. Congrats to my Fight Like A Girl Team (Sue, Penny, Martina, Michelle & Jana) who completed the 3-Day, 60-mile Breast Cancer Walk in Phoenix last weekend. You rock, Girls!! Let's sign up for 2010---San Diego is nice. And a shout-out to Sylvia for working the lunch crew at the 3-Day in Phoenix. Loved the hat with the giant fork through it!

P.S.S. The San Diego 3 Day Walk is this weekend - go ladies & gents!!

Live...Laugh...Love...

Cathy Miller

Remembering Our Veterans

Cathy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:07:00 GMT

A Simple Gesture That Means So Much

Today is November 11th, Veteran's Day. It seems to be the forgotten holiday. It was not moved to a Monday to extend our weekends, and for many companies, it is not even one of the paid holidays workers receive. Thankfully, there are reminders.

I was sitting in my office working on copy for an insurance continuing education course. And, let's face it - looking for a distraction! I looked out my window and saw several small children and a couple of adults stop at our mailbox. I couldn't tell what they were doing or what had them so fascinated with our mailbox. I asked my Mom if she knew why they stopped. She told me they were the pre-kindergarten children from our neighbor's daycare. Our neighbor had asked my Mom if she would mind if the children hung one of their drawings to thank my Dad for his time in the service. They have been doing this for years. My Mom said, "You know my husband died." Yes, they knew, but wanted to honor him anyway.

So now our mailbox has the beautifully, colored ribbon with the simple message, "Thank you Veteran." I wish my Dad was here to see it. Nothing was more of an object of pride for my Dad than his military service - well, maybe his family. My Dad, like so many veterans, loved his country, his family, and would do almost anything to protect both.

Douglas M. Miller, Veteran of WWII
and his lovely bride, Marjorie E. Miller

There is something special about veterans. We saw another unfortunate example in the retired veteran who was one of the victims in the recent shooting at Ft. Hood. They don't make a big deal about their service and don't even expect a simple, "thank you." But, they do appreciate it and some could really use it. As a Baby Boomer, I grew up in the Vietnam era. My brother, Martin, fought in Vietnam. It was many years before we remembered to thank those veterans. I am thankful that despite political views, we no longer seem to punish our veterans and our military men and women for controversial wars.

So even though you are probably not at a barbecue or watching a parade today, take a moment to remember our veterans and to imitate the children from down the street with a simple, "Thank You!"
They certainly deserve it.

Live...Laugh...Love

Cathy Miller

Happy Fall Memories

Cathy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:15:59 GMT

Top Ten Things We Love About Fall

I love my new home office. This photo is my little view on the world - at least my Boise view of the world. It's right outside my office window and the leaves were turning their beautiful fall colors. Growing up, Fall was always my favorite season.

Midwest Memories
I was born in the Midwest - Hammond, IN - you know, right next to Gary? You know - Music Man - Gary, Indiana, Gary Indiana - sung by little Ronnie Howard before he was Opie. Okay, my Baby Boomer friends have deserted me once again. But, I digress...

Some of my favorite memories of growing up in the Midwest centered around the Fall season. After living in Indiana, my family moved to a three-story house in the Cleveland, OH area - Lakewood, to be exact. We had great trees and I loved the fall colors that kidnapped the green to turn it into red and gold.

Our next door neighbor had a beautiful tree that stayed wine-colored all year round. Yes, I had tree-envy. It would stand proudly different throughout the spring and summer months, only to welcome the other trees to a kaleidoscope world in the fall. It was like waking up on Christmas morning to find packages with brilliant wrappings and festive bows beneath a sturdy trunk.

Even when the leaves began to fall, there was great joy in what that meant. We would rake them up into huge piles then take a running start to leap spread-eagle, backwards, into the center of the pile. I later wondered why we never cracked open our skulls - probably that hard-headed Miller noggin!

So, when I took this picture outside my office window, I journeyed back to those days and what I liked best about Fall. Have I ever told you I am easily distracted from work? I came up with my Top 10 Things I Loved About Fall. They are in no particular order (kind of like eliminations on Dancing With the Stars).

P.S. To my San Diego friends, I remember getting my Fall "fix" by driving down Highway 163 this time of the year, headed toward Balboa Park. Yes, San Diego has its own version of Fall.

Top Ten Things I Loved About Fall

The first splash of color I saw in the season
The nip in the air that reddened my cheeks
The piles of leaves that became our landing pad
Halloween! I LOVE Halloween! (notice present tense)
Friday night football games at my brother's high school
Hot Apple Cider
My Dad's homemade soups we called his "concoctions"
Racing around the piles of leaves with our Labrador Retriever
Pulling out my quilt made by my Grandmother
The first fire in the fireplace

I would love to hear your Top 10 - or 5 - or 1. Do you love Fall as much as I do?

Live...Laugh...Love...

Cathy Miller

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Cathy — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:48:54 GMT

Think Pink!

Julie, Sue, Me, Penny - San Diego 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk

Those of you who know me may be surprised that you have not received my annual begging for donations for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Sad to say, I cannot participate this year as my Mom is having knee replacement surgery in early November.

I participated in the 60-mile, 3-Day Walk six years in a row. So, I am really going to miss the event. Since this blog is all about the journey, allow me to share this one with you.

How It Started
I was living in Channel Islands Harbor (Oxnard/Ventura area of CA) and used to see the Avon walkers coming down the coast. I so admired their drive and every year I said, "I want to do that." Like so many of us, my heart was in the right place but I always managed to wait too long to sign up. Then I heard my older sister, Terry, had breast cancer. It was time to get off the couch.

San Diego 3-Day Walk
By this time, I was living in San Diego. It was 2003, and I heard an ad on the radio for the 3-Day. I signed up. At the time I was on a huge work project traveling all over the U.S. but I was not going to let that stop me. I trained on many treadmills in hotels. The project was for the Fairmont Hotels so I feel somewhat guilty that those treadmills were in the beautiful Fairmont properties - including the Kea Lani in Maui and the Plaza in New York! Talk about suffering for the cause.

I trained "by the book" and was ready for my 1st Walk. Because of my crazy schedule, I was walking on my own. On the second day, I was walking behind 3 lovely ladies from northern CA when I overheard Penny talk about her sister-in-law. Penny used her sister-in-law's full name. Turns out I had worked with her for 11 years at Prudential. What are the odds that I would be in that place, at that time and Penny (who never used her sister-in-law's full name) used it that day?

Penny saw me behind them and asked me to walk with them. So I did and they walked right into my heart. Penny was walking with her best friend, Sue, a breast cancer survivor, and their friend, Diane. Despite a billion blisters, the event was the most inspiring, fulfilling thing I had ever done.

Can't Walk Away
I had business cards with me and asked Penny to write down her address and phone number on the back of one. We promised to return to the 3-Day Walk in 2004. So I signed up for the Walk. Somewhere along the way, this Baby Boomer brain misplaced the business card with Penny's information. But I knew I would see my northern CA friends at the Walk.

I did the Walk in 2004 but was unable to find Penny, Sue or Diane. I was so mad at myself for misplacing that business card. Then once again, fate stepped in. A client sent me an email saying, "I just noticed that your business card you gave me had an address on the back." She sent me Penny's address!

I sent a Christmas card to Penny and received one back. There was a very good reason they were not at the 2004 Walk. Penny had developed breast cancer. Sitting here now, I have goosebumps all over. I am happy to report that my sister, Terry, Sue and Penny continue to be the strong women I knew they were as breast cancer survivors.

Penny told me they would walk again in 2005. From 2005 through 2007, my northern CA walker buddies would come stay at my place and we would all do the San Diego 3-Day together. Diane missed a few years due to back problems but others took her place with Penny, Sue and me. We had Michelle, Kristin and Julie - more new friends! What a joy!

In 2008, they reopened the 3-Day in San Francisco so my buddies signed up for that Walk. I was injured in training so I settled for the Head Cheerleader role and flew to San Francisco to cheer our Fight Like a Girl team that had grown to Penny, Sue, Julie, Diane, Jennifer, Kristin, Martina, and I so hope I'm not forgetting someone!

I was able to transfer to the San Diego Walk later in the month so I did participate in 2008 but walked without my team. Well, that's not entirely accurate. My Blackberry dinged with the many text messages they sent my way throughout the Walk. And I managed the last two years to beat the blisters! MBT shoes (the sandals) did the trick (and prayers to the great No Blisters god!)

Support the 3-Day
My northern CA walker buddies are continuing the Fight Like a Girl tradition in the Phoenix Walk in November. They are seeing the USA the 3-Day Way. My heart, prayers and thoughts will be with you, my friends. You ladies rock! I love you all!

So all my good friends, family and supporters, if you haven't already, consider donating to this great cause. Here's a link to my team's web page: Fight Like A Girl

I could go on forever with the stories I have from 6 years of participation. Truly inspiring! Please join me in supporting all the survivors, walkers, volunteer and crew of the 3-Day Walks. And special thoughts to my sister, Terry, who continues to inspire me. I love you!

Live...Laugh...Love

Cathy Miller

Spam Seeks Spud State

Cathy — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:46:00 GMT

More Unknown Facts About Idaho

In my continuing effort to take you on this journey with me, here are some additional things I bet you didn't know about Idaho.

You've Got Spam!

The first fun fact is one I just found out this week. Reported in an article in the local newspaper, the Idaho Statesman, Idaho leads the nation in the percentage of spam e-mail. Almost 94% of our e-mail is spam! We have gone from the Spud state to the Spam state.

The reason for this Spam attack? Spammers figure there are more small businesses in Idaho. They figure it's a pretty safe bet we don't have sophisticated IT departments. My nephew, Keegan, MY IT-man, might resent that!

I should have known about this little-publicized problem. Before moving to Boise, I answered a Boise Craigslist ad for my writing niche. My work e-mail got buried in spam. Almost daily, I received requests from honest, caring financial advisors from all parts of the world, to assist them in getting proceeds to beneficiaries. Their nasty banks just had so many rules. And since they know me so well, they just knew I could be trusted to handle great sums of money. Of course, they would pay me for my trouble.

Does anyone really fall for this?!

More Fun (?) Facts

A career guide for Idaho lists IT systems analysts as one of the fastest growing industries in Idaho.

So, beware Spud Spammers! Your days are numbered. In what is pretty representative of Idaho's diversity, IT systems analysts are listed just above roofers. Good to know our IT guys will have a roof over their heads.
Idaho has the only state seal designed by a woman!
The state insect is the Monarch Butterfly - who knew they had state insects?! But, hey, if you have to have one, a Monarch Butterfly is a pretty cool one.

Well, I'm off to find a sports bar that has the San Diego Chargers football game. One thing Idaho doesn't have very much of - San Diego football. Go Chargers!!

Until next time...

Live, Laugh, Love,

Cathy Miller

Just the Facts, Ma'am

Cathy — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:12:00 GMT

And A Sprinkle of Editorializing

I promised to tell you more about this state I'm in (geographically-speaking). Mom is recovering from foot surgery so my travel writing will have to be of a virtual nature right now. I thought I would start by clearing up some misperceptions that have come my way.

Misperception #1 - Idaho is not back East

I have heard this one over the years whenever I said I was going to visit Mom & Dad in Idaho, "Oh, you're going back East?" would be the reply. But, since it was usually one of my California friends asking, I guess I am compelled to say that might be accurate. After all, Idaho IS east of California. As my Dad always said, "Everything's relative."

Misperception #2 - I do know how to spell Boise

This correction is directed to the makers of Blackberry. I found each time I typed in the name Boise in an email, Blackberry's spell check would flag it as a misspelling. It would try to replace "Boise" with "Noise." I do not find Boise to be particularly noisy. In fact, it is very quiet in our neighborhood - except for that noisy animal world - like geese and roosters.

And if flagging "Boise" as a misspelling is not bad enough, Blackberry also auto-corrects the ID state abbreviation to "I" apostrophe "d" (I'd)! Someone needs a geography lesson. Even if Boise is not the largest city in the world, it IS the capital of Idaho. And didn't we all learn the state capitals in school?

Facts About Idaho

So here are a few facts about Boise and Idaho you may not know. And since my whole Baby Boomer Second Life is about less stress, I promise there will be no test.

Boise is the capital of Idaho (I like to build your self-esteem by starting with one you know!)
Boise's population is over 200,000 (not so small Mr. Blackberry!)
The state bird is the Mountain Bluebird (I hope to snap a picture of one for you!)
There are two time zones in Idaho - Mountain Time & Pacific Time (I'm not kidding!)
Idaho is bordered by Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Canada (not an eastern state anywhere!)
Idaho is known as the "Gem State" with over 70 precious & non-precious stones (find me those precious ones!)
"Famous Potatoes" was put on the Idaho license plate in 1957 (my Mom swears all the good potatoes are shipped out!)

I don't want to tax you too much, so we'll save more "fun facts" for another day. I had my new office desk assembled this week so there is no end to the ideas that have popped up through my new state of comfort (I don't think that's an eastern state either, but I could be wrong).

So, until next time...Live, Laugh & Love!

Cathy Miller

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Cathy — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:53:00 GMT

Which Way is West Again?

I know, I know, I promised to update my blog more regularly. Leave it to my good buddy, Linda, to nag me into submission. Okay, so catching up...

Changes, Changes and More Changes
It didn't take long for me to realize how I totally disrupted my Mom's life. She has lived here for over 35 years and here I was complaining about all the "stuff" I accumulated in 6 1/2 years in my last home in San Diego. Everywhere you look are boxes and plastic containers (my Mom is the organized one) with all kinds of Miller memories. My Mom has worked her tail off to clear space for me and my business. She has had several changes since my Dad died and I bring a whole slew of new ones.

I also discovered (like I didn't already know it) where I get the fierce independence and, okay, stubbornness, too. One of the ideas of me moving here was so Mom would not have to do so much on her own. My nephew, Keegan, who if you recall is going to school in Boise, will totally relate to the times I have discovered my Mom struggling with hoses, or heavy objects instead of asking for help. Gee, who does that sound like? And that is a perfect example of another change. Who deals with hoses?

A Day in the Life
Although I have not been here long and there is still MUCH to do, I have developed a new routine. When I wake up in the morning, I get dressed in some shlumpy outfit (so that's not so new!) and open our garage door to take my daily trip down the driveway to where the mailbox and our Idaho Statesman paper box is. I retrieve the paper that is page-to-page coverage of the Boise State Broncos. This city LOVES its college football team!

There are sections devoted to Outdoor life that don't include ocean activity. The ocean activities of San Diego have been replaced by lakes and rivers. And then there's mountains. I found my Mom's trees in the back have grown so much that we no longer can see the mountains from her kitchen window. So the window entertainment has changed from looking at scenic mountain tops to watching squirrels race up and down acorn trees.

I make a pot of coffee with well water from the sink faucet and often am spoiled by a home-cooked breakfast by Mom. I used to always say that when Mom and Dad would go back home after their winter visit to San Diego that it was like going through a divorce. My Mom spoiled me rotten and every winter I would lose my "wife" when she returned to Boise. Well, the marriage is back on!

A Place Called Home
I am determined to look for the beauty of this new city and state because I truly believe there is beauty all around us. I will share what I discover so you can have at least a virtual tour of Idaho. Too often we judge what we don't know and miss what is in our own back yard. I am as guilty of that as anyone. So on to new beginnings. Follow the journey.

Love & Laughter Always,

Cathy Miller

Boxes, Bruises & Boise

Cathy — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Let the new chapter begin

It's official - I survived the move. There were times I thought that just might be in doubt. I had no idea there were so many body parts that could be injured! I really can't imagine that I missed any. My San Diego neighbors were probably glad to see that Penske truck move out of their complex so they could reclaim their trash bins. Pretty sad when you consistently fill more than one with that "stuff." Sentimentality goes right out the window with a move.

But then there is the special "stuff." I felt really good that I could give the chair my Dad used to sit in, to my friend, Tammy, and her sister, Tonya. I know they will take good care of it. Their Dad was just diagnosed with a serious illness so I hope they feel some small comfort when they rock in my Dad's chair. I hope they can feel the love I know he left behind. My Dad gave the best hugs and I always knew I was loved. Now I pray to my Dad for the return to good health for Tammy & Tonya's Dad.

I am grateful that Terri's Mom has the dining room table with the table cloth and the 3 linen napkins. No, I didn't lose one; there was one for Dad, one for Mom & one for me.

And now I am here with Mom.

Family Counts

My sister, Beth, her husband, Mike, and their son, Keegan, were all at Mom's to help with the unloading of the 16 ft. truck. Yes, I did drive the 1,000 miles alone - although a raging cold was probably the biggest pain of the trip. All I can say is thank God for CD players!

Kali, Beth & Mike's adorable white miniature schnauzer, was also at Mom's to supervise and provide entertainment value. Beth & Mike live on a farm in southern Idaho. Keegan is going to Boise State and has been a huge blessing for my Mom here in Boise. They are all very special. I think if I paid more attention to Beth's organizational skills, I wouldn't have filled so many trash bins in San Diego.

Back to Work

So, there's still boxes to unpack and adjustments to make but I am anxious to get back to my writing. It feels good to be excited about work. I am pleased with the growth of my business, the things I have learned and all there is yet to learn. So pardon me if this is brief, but my life is calling.

Thank you to all my family and friends who have made this possible. There is plenty to come! So stay tuned.

Cathy Miller

Where Did All This Stuff Come From?

Cathy — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:35:00 GMT

And Why Won't It Go Away?

Like most people, I swore I would not allow clutter to take over my life. This promise has a way of popping up every time I move. So here I am again, on the verge of yet another move, wondering where the heck all this "Stuff" came from.

I remember fondly my very 1st move as a grown-up, driving from the Cleveland area to San Jose. Everything I owned in the world was packed in my AMC Hornet hatchback - hey, I know many of you have no idea what an AMC Hornet hatchback is but remember, this blog IS called A Baby Boomer's Second Life. So, it's a really old car, okay?! How, since that 1st move, have I acquired so much in the worldly goods department?

And what am I doing sitting here blogging instead of dealing with my worldly goods? Unlike more recent moves, I am moving into a fully furnished house with plates and glasses and silverware and someone else's "Stuff." (But it's my Mom's "Stuff" -meaning it's much more organized!) So I need to get rid of a LOT of my "Stuff." But, let me tell you, things have changed. Gone are the days of placing an ad in the Pennysaver and having buyers come over to remove your "Stuff" within a few days of your ad.

Another Thing to Blame on the Economy
Who knew that this move would be a microcosm of our current economy? EVERYONE is selling and NO ONE is buying. Even efforts to give it away is proving challenging. Goodwill won't do stairs, the Salvation Army won't take desks (only computer desks) and 1-800-GOT JUNK wants $300-$500+ for the privilege of taking away your "Stuff."

And as I try to be the environment-friendly consumer, visions of kerosene and a match keep popping into my head.

Why Put Off Until Tomorrow
I wouldn't be in this mess of "Stuff' if I didn't already have a heavy dose of Procrastination Syndrome. You know the symptoms:

You pull out a box and head to the kitchen to start packing
You decide you are thirsty so you pull out a Diet Green Tea
You don't want to use a glass because you need to pack that so you go looking in that closet for those plastic cups you had from a barbecue three years ago
You find a shirt you had been looking for and you try it on to see if it still fits
You hate having it confirmed that you have gained too much weight to wear it
You go looking for a paper bag to put clothes in to give to Goodwill
You go back into the kitchen where you keep the paper bags
You find the Diet Green Tea on the counter and start the process all over again

Help Is Just A Click Away
In a final gasp of Procrastination Syndrome, I get on the Internet for tips on decluttering. For $19.99 (marked down from $24.99), you, too, can learn how to declutter using the Four Boxes or Box and Banish method of decluttering. Now, if I could only find my purse for my credit card, I am sure I could get this all done before moving day!

Heavy sigh.....

Cathy Miller

Replacing One Dream With Another

Cathy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:32:00 GMT

View from my north county San Diego condo

I first moved to San Diego in 1977. At that time, this small beach community was the world's best kept secret. You could drive anywhere in the county and be there in 30 minutes or less - even all the way out to Alpine. Try that today during daylight!

A Bit of History
I moved from San Diego in 1980 but came back in 1986. I had been working for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance at the time and was seeing the USA, the John Hancock way. I was in their Boise, San Francisco and Minneapolis offices through a series of promotions. When I knew I was leaving John Hancock, all I wanted to do was to return to San Diego. I answered a blind ad that turned out to be for a new company with a former boss. So I moved back, only to have that company sold out from under us. I became the first Director-level to be laid off. I left San Diego again, kicking and screaming, and this time did not return until 2003.

San Diego has always felt like home to me. It captures my soul and my spirit. And even as much as it has grown (no driving from north to east county in 30 minutes!), the feel is still that of a close community. If ever you want to see a stellar example of this, just look how the community comes out to support the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. I have participated in this event for 6 years and every time I try to walk away (pun intended ), I remember the warm embrace - both literally & figuratively - of the San Diego community. San Diego has always been my dream place to live.

Before A Baby Boomer's Second Life
I told everyone this was my 3rd time living in San Diego & I hoped it was my last. But, what is life but one great journey with starts and stops and a few detours along the way. I started this blog to share my story of leaving corporate America to freelance as a writer. It has always been a dream of mine. Another dream of mine is to have the flexibility of work to see the endless beauty this great country offers. Corporate America actually helped me quite a bit in that regard, but on their terms. I'm not complaining - it took me many places I never thought I'd see. Like staying in every U.S. Fairmont hotel property from The Plaza in New York to the Kea Lani in Maui. I just missed Britney in Maui (pre-shaved head days!) That was the good news. The bad news was I typically stayed only one night and the project had to do with complying with HIPAA privacy regulations...dry, dry stuff.

You may see the handwriting on the wall. Yes, once more I am going to leave my beloved San Diego. It hasn't been an easy choice. I do love this city. But, with my new career, have laptop will travel. NOTE TO ALL CLIENTS--I still need you! I'll still be there for you - most definitely! Was that enough groveling? I will be here through the summer.

The Birth of A Baby Boomer's Second Life
My Mom & Dad were married for over 60 years. My Dad passed away a couple of years ago. My Mom is 86 and the healthiest (thank you, God!) and most active person I know. She was my Dad's caretaker the last few years of his life. Well, that's not exactly accurate, she was his caretaker their whole married life! She spoiled him rotten - biscuits from scratch every Saturday morning, pie crusts made from scratch, too. No store-bought crusts for my Dad! A different era, a different life, but definitely a loving one.

I was glad to be able to finally introduce my Mom to Maui, although the 1st time was right after my Dad died. We were there on what was his 1st birthday since his passing. And while we were there, we had to cut our trip short as we received word that my Mom's sister, my Aunt Mitzi, had lost her four-year battle with lung cancer. We flew back to San Diego and the next morning got on a plane to Chicago for my Aunt's funeral.

In January of that year, we lost my niece's twin baby boy to SIDS, my Dad in February and my Aunt in May. Combine that with my Baby Boomer status and how can that not affect your life? My Mom had always said she would move to San Diego if my Dad died. Then the economy went down the toilet, taking the real estate industry with it. My Mom has stayed very active and is, as we speak, in Chicago with my cousins. They adopted her after their mother (my Aunt) passed away from the lung cancer. My Mom has such a huge capacity for love that I don't mind sharing. Just so they remember to send her back!

Another Journey Starts
So, Mom & I decided that I am going to move to her home in Boise. By living mortgage/rent-free, I hope to capture that other dream and share it with my Mom. I want those weekend trips to places like the Washington coast where I have visited and Mom would love to go. To the Monterey aquarium with the tickets my 3-Day Walker buddies gave us that we have yet to use. I want to be able to join my 3-Day Walker buddies as they try Phoenix this year for the 60-mile Walk. And back to the beautiful beaches of Maui and here in San Diego.

My business has grown and I am thrilled I made the decision to freelance. It has been an eye-opening experience - but that's a blog for another day. I have promised myself that I will value this life and cherish my family as long as we are all still here. And if I can make one other person smile or one other person dream, I will know it has all been worthwhile.

One of my favorite sayings - Live, Laugh, Love

Cathy Miller

Happy 4th of July

Cathy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:53:32 GMT

When I think of the 4th of July, the word freedom pops into my head. But that could be because the word freedom has become my mantra for 2009 - freedom to follow a dream. And like the fathers of our country, it may not be the easiest undertaking but I am committed to achieving that dream.

I have enjoyed hearing from others about their journey (albeit most have been family!) Love that family support! Check out some of the comments to my Welcome post. My very 1st comment was from Bret Dudl, someone I worked with in the recent past. Now, you talk about following your dream! Bret has always been passionate about wellness and healthy living. I admired that a lot about him. One of the major factors in my decision to freelance was to get back to the healthy living and eating that I was known for. Bret would probably be surprised to hear that as he saw me at a pretty low point from the standpoint of healthy living.

Costa Rica Dreaming

But I digress--you'll find I do that. I was talking about Bret. It's not all about me. Bret was the Vice President of Retirement Services at a brokerage firm in San Diego. He left that position to follow his dream and is now a Developer at La Joya Perfecta, the Center of Wellness in Costa Rica. It's vision is to be a premier health and wellness community. Check out the beautiful photos at costaricanwellness.com. And Bret is getting married in Costa Rica today--the 4th of July. Congrats, Bret! Like I said, talk about following your dream!

Award-winning Brother

Then there's my brother, Kevin. Sorry, but nepotism is definitely welcomed here! Kevin is an international award-winning writer, producer, and director of documentary films. His latest film, Generation Rx, I think is one of his finest. Of course, I am prejudiced. It examines the rise in psychiatric diagnoses among children and teens from 1980 to 2007. I was a claims supervisor back in those early years and remember the 1st time I saw a claim for a 5-year old boy who had been hospitalized for 45 days for a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder. I was appalled.

Kevin is extremely passionate about health & wellness, as well, and although he and I have not always seen eye-to-eye on everything, I do admire his passion and how he has followed his dream. Kevin wrote on his blog today about a very scary 4th of July when another brother of mine (I told you I'm a middle child of 7!), Chris, who was almost killed at a park watching the fireworks in Lakewood, Ohio, when he was 15. A horrific storm blew trees about like they were toothpicks. But, I'll let you read Kevin's much more eloquent story-telling. His blog is at http://kevinpmiller.blogspot.com/

I have many more stories to tell - after all I do have a large family and I have only touched on 2 of them here--like Beth Cothern, the youngest sibling, who commented on my Welcome posting and is in Kevin's film as an expert counselor of troubled teens - another person following her dream! Then there is the oldest of the family, my sister, Terry, a dedicated teacher, and my brothers, Doug & Martin & Chris who Kevin wrote about--so many stories, so little time.

The 4th of July was the result of a dream. May you follow yours and find the freedom and happiness we all deserve. Share your stories and I hope you enjoy mine.

Have a safe & happy holiday!

Cathy Miller

Welcome

Cathy — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:42:37 GMT

Not too long ago, when a person did what many in the world considered crazy, they would say that person was going through a mid-life crisis. I have come to the conclusion that for most people it's just called getting older.

The last few years, I found myself to be more and more dissatisfied with my career. It had nothing to do with my employers and everything to do with me. I have always wanted to write for a living. So after 30+ years in the corporate world, I quit my "day job" to freelance as a writer. I decided to do this during one of the worst economic times in history! Many would say I fried my Baby Boomer brain cells - or I am having a mid-life crisis.

I invite you all to share your stories and take this journey together. I wish you much success in your chosen path and may you always know laughter.

Cathy Miller