By Sarah Sanchez

I have a friend who gave an analogy to explain her depression to me. She said that some days she felt like she was standing on a ledge, barely holding on. She said that sometimes she felt like letting go of that ledge, but as she “let go” she felt others still “holding” on to her. Her point was that when she felt like giving up, she had someone who still believed in her and wouldn’t let her give up.

How many times have we felt a depression like this? How many times have we wanted to take the easy way out and give up? With the stress of finances, relationships, work, family, and busy schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. It’s easy to feel like giving up and not want to get up in the morning. It’s easy to feel like we’re ready to let go of the ledge.

But as we let go of that ledge, we can feel the others that are still holding on to us. Maybe it’s our friends or maybe it’s our family that’s still holding on. Or maybe it’s just one person in our life who we have impacted enough to still believe in us. All it takes is one person: one person who hasn’t given up on us, one person to keep going for, one person who’s worth living for, and one person who will keep holding on to us. But, will we keep holding on for them?

We have the power to be that one person in a loved one’s life. We have the tools to show unconditional love to those around us and to maybe change a life enough for someone to keep getting up in the morning.

But the big question is: are you that one person who is capable of impacting someone else’s life? Or are you the person who needs to get down from the ledge?

Circumstance Does Not Have To Dictate Terms Of Happiness

By A. K. Driggs

Happiness can seem like an endless journey fraught with many, often contradicting theories. There’s what you should and shouldn’t do; training states of mind; economic considerations; health; family; meaning; philosophy; spirituality – the list goes on.

But what actually works?

“As a newborn, they found me on a frigid winter’s day inside a brown paper bag left on a toilet seat in a bar-and-grill washroom in upstate New York,” says A. K. Driggs. “It would prove to be an inauspicious start for a happy life.”

Can someone with such a disadvantaged beginning life find happiness? We don’t have figures on abandoned babies in the United States, let alone a protocol based in the social sciences for how to help raise these infants as they mature. Fortunately, Driggs was adopted by a loving couple, but other challenges would come her way.

For Driggs, her estimated January birthday initiated an extended series of life obstacles – romance, sexual identity, insecurity, fear of abandonment, cancer, being bullied and other existential crises, career uncertainty – on the path to happiness.

“But I found it and, honestly, I’m sure I’m happier for having gone through the challenges beforehand,” says Driggs, author of “Abandoned in Search of Rainbows,” (abandonedinsearchofrainbows.com), which details her journey to wholeness. She offers advice for those who seek fulfillment in life.

• Self-acceptance is the gateway. We tend to worry about what’s wrong, which makes a certain amount of sense because what’s right doesn’t require attention. Of course, the problem with this paradigm is that we create an inner environment dominated by anxiety. And, ironically, we worry about all the things we tell ourselves that we first have to do to be happy. As a result, we often have that busybody voice perpetually telling us something is wrong.

“Accept that there are things that need to be done – you want to be healthier, find a better job or a long-term romantic partner – but these things don’t have to be accomplished in order to be happy,” Driggs says. “Anxiety is terribly inefficient. There’s no point in worrying about such issues unless you’re actively trying to yield a solution. Accept that you’re in the process of growth, and it’s not so bad.”

• Your spirituality is available to you every day. Many people wonder what spirituality means in practical terms. Aside from metaphysical aspects, some define spirituality as self-transcendence, which proves to be extremely valuable in our pursuit of happiness. Again, consider the subliminal voice that’s always telling us things like Your hair doesn’t look good enough or You said the wrong thing at the meeting and so forth. Are these concerns anything more than ego traps?

“There is a golden thread of truth that winds through and between the cloth of all religions if you look carefully,” she says. “Spiritual truth lies within each of us at the temple within. The Universe is vast, and our humility in relation to it is good because it relieves us of the ego burden.”

• Make peace with your sexuality, disability, religion, race, adoption and more. Thankfully, in 2015, society has come a long way in its relationship to those who are not the majority. Still, it’s not hard to feel different, and there are individuals and groups that are explicitly unwelcoming.

“It’s sad that many of us are still in a position of needing to advocate for those from minority groups, but there’s an upside to it,” Driggs says. “If you’re different, you are unique and you can embrace this identity. As an adoptee, for example, my parents instilled in me that I was special because I was chosen. A similar perspective can be taken by anyone who feels different for a number of reasons. Embrace who you are!”

• Don’t let go of what makes you happy! No matter how you’ve come across happiness – whether seemingly by accident or after a long, earnest effort – appreciate it by doing it. While that may seem like simple common sense, people lose sight of what makes them happy all the time.

“I found happiness in my spouse; the family that I’ve chosen, my friends; and singing as a recording artist,” she says. Whether it be dancing for fun, sewing, gardening or simply singing to all living creatures, don’t give up what makes you happy.”

By Sarah Sanchez

I attended a celebration a few months ago that honored Mark and Jeanne Hopper for dedicating 27 years of ministry to EFree Church and to the Diamond Bar community.
At the event, I heard so many wonderful stories about Jeanne and Mark. The theme I consistently heard was that they loved others and showed their love through their actions. Evelyn Gonzalez, a member of the worship team, said that she witnessed the Hoppers being very generous, very loving and accepting of everyone. She said that not only is Pastor Hopper a gifted teacher that can explain the Bible in an understanding way, but he also has the heart of a shepherd. “There was no ministry that he was above doing,” she exclaimed. “He is definitely a servant.”
Describing the Hoppers as servants and shepherds continued as many different people shared how the Hoppers have impacted their lives.
Mary Jo Dell-Imagine, Deacon of Submissions and a member of the church for 24 years, was the woman whose story truly touched my heart. With tears, she said that Mark Hopper was there for her when her husband was diagnosed with a terminal disease. Mark also helped Mary Jo when her mother passed away five years later.
Denise and Dennis Ahern agreed by saying that the Hoppers are caring people who live by example. Denise said that Jeanne is the reason why she is a teacher today because Jeanne went out of her way to help Denise get a teaching job. Then Dennis said that Mark took time out of his day to help him move. He said that the Hoppers don’t just speak the word of God; they live the Word through their actions.
This philosophy was truly shown through the people of EFree Church. Many of the members of the church showed us an overwhelming love by introducing themselves and even helping us find specific people in a crowd of 400.
But I think Dennis Ahern was the person who left the biggest impact on our experience at this event. Dennis left his dinner to help us find people to interview for an article. He went out of his way to help us capture the event perfectly. This one act amazed me because you usually don’t find many people willing to help others for nothing in return. But Dennis followed what he was taught by Pastor Mark; he showed love to a total stranger, to a reporter who saw a large crowd of people to interview and didn’t know where to start. To feel loved when you walk into a room of strangers is amazing.
For Mark and Jeanne to touch and change so many lives is inspiring and moving. Mark and Jeanne have shown us that it’s possible to change lives without saying a word; it’s possible to lead by example.

By Michael Armijo

I received an email a while back that has always resonated with me.  I find myself thinking about it from time to time, as the words it contained often remind me to work hard and be proud of what I’ve accomplished.  It has encouraged me to continue to keep my heart within my work, as you never know what life will bring you. It is good advice, no matter who you are or what you do, and I share it with you now.

The Carpenter:  An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and extended family.  He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

The employer, who was sorry to see his good worker go, asked if he would build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you for all of your hard work and dedication.”

The carpenter was shocked; what a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we’ve built. If we could do it over, we’d do it much differently. But we cannot go back.

You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. “Life is a do-it-yourself project,” someone once said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the “house” you live in tomorrow. Build wisely, and remember:  Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching. Enjoy life like it’s your last day on Earth.

By Michael Armijo

I remember closing my eyes, trying my hardest to embrace the way I felt. I wanted to burn into my memory the feeling of enchantment that overwhelmed me. I wanted the way I felt that evening to last a lifetime.

It wasn’t just dinner and cocktails with some co-workers. It wasn’t just a significant evening for someone special, a celebration of achievement. The evening meant more to me than it did to the person being honored. It was an evening in which I was proud to be included.

With my wife in my arms, I memorized the melody of the song as we slowly moved over the shiny, wooden dance floor.  A glance out of the window provided a beautiful view of the city.  A look around the room at people I respected and admired filled me with tremendous pride.  I will never forget how it felt to be present and included that night.

When I tried to recall the last time I felt this way, it took me back to the 7^th Grade. I remember failing all my classes and my teacher, Miss Contreras, helped to change my perspective.  She told me that I deserved to be number one; that I deserved to be the best and to feel proud of myself.  What she said worked, because I found the path that led me to becoming Student of the Year, along with top grades and a place on the honor roll.

Unfortunately, that feeling was taken from me. Abuse and neglect took those happy moments from my life and traded them for sadness and pain.

Over the years I’ve worked hard to overcome those hard times and make a positive difference in the lives around me. Just as Miss Contreras did for me, I’ve tried to help people find their own path to personal worth, encouraging people to live the life of an achiever; showing people that it can be done.

Because of who I was and where I’ve been, helping others and making a positive contribution has always meant so much to me.  I’ve always dreamed of feeling the satisfaction of making a difference – without conditions or ulterior motives.  I’ve waited for the day that I knew my accomplishments were worthy of my intentions.

And that evening – an evening I will forever hold dear in my heart – I stood there with peers of mine whom I respected, with the woman I’ve loved for nearly 30 years, and I felt proud of my life.  With a tear in my eye, I realized I have made a difference in the lives around me.

And just as I felt when I won that 7^th Grade Student of the Year award, I had earned a feeling that no one could ever take from me. I found the path to fulfillment for what I’ve done with my life, and realized it was okay to feel proud of myself.

By Michael Armijo

Is Social Media really Anti-Social Media?  With the advent of “smart-phones” our communication styles have perhaps become less intelligent.  With everything from a lack of actual conversation to cyber bullying, Social Media may be ruining many lives.

Social Media is the apple, and we are Adam and Eve.  With it, we’ve tasted the truth; we’ve been empowered.  Do we think we are God-like, making our own rules; defying purity; defying morality?  Were we ever emotionally equipped for the rapid advancement of the Facebooks, Twitters and Instagrams of this world?

There are now consequences for what we believe is acceptable, according to what the majority of a ‘conversational’ thread dictates.  It is sad that our individuality is being convoluted by our need – our greed – to be accepted, loved, and “liked”.

Our need to feel right socially has become our weakness.  God said the beast will try and destroy us; could the “beast” be technology?  “It” is surely behind this weakness, encouraging some with immorality and introversion.  Man created technology, not God.  And with this obsessive socialism of technology, could man be unknowingly destroying man?  Are we so ‘social’ that we are missing out on society?

Just a thought…

By Michael Armijo

It felt like a chill. Like a tingling inside my skull. As though I had missed something extremely important. Or something devastating. It was the shrill in her voice that really impacted me.

“Where are you? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for over an hour!”

I was a bit confused, a bit nervous about what I was about to hear, but I had to ask the question:

“Why? What happened? What’s so important?”

I was pretty shocked to hear the outcome of the question why I was being sought out so drastically.

“I couldn’t get a hold of you!”

That was it. I felt the shrill, the panic, the worry for; ‘I couldn’t get a hold of you.’

I was left trying to figure out: when did it happen? When did we get to a point in our lives that our whereabouts are necessary at all times? Or the flip side, when did our family become so insecure that they need to know where we are upon demand?

There was a time, not too far in the past, when we had privacy. We had time alone. Time for ourselves. Technology, in this day and age, seems to have given that ‘right’ away. Those moments of reflection, moments of inner thought. Those moments of peace, of serenity. We seem to continue to a need to be clouded, distracted, or entertained constantly.

There are times we must shut the computer, the iPad, the phone, the internet, and the TV off. To take a walk, to sit outside. To talk, read, share, and to listen. To learn how to communicate without a keyboard or a text message.

But our demise for ‘instance’ isn’t just technology’s fault, we too are to blame. We are constantly allowing others to rely on us to a point of severe dependency. Our thirst for technology and our constant obsession only shows our loved ones that it’s important to obsessively see all, and to know all, every minute and every second of the day. Our behavior has taught them to react in a shrilling tone, in a panicked voice. Until we are pinpointed, marked, labeled, or GPS’d until the question is answered:  “Where are you?”

By Michael Armijo

One day, my friend told me a story about a freshman in high school named David that touched me so deeply. This is what I call, Redemption:

David saw a kid named Ron walking home from school.  It looked like Ron was carrying home all of his books, which was strange because classes aren’t all on the same day. He thought to himself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.” But he shrugged his shoulders and went on.

As he was walking, David saw a bunch of kids running toward Ron, knocking his books out of his arms and tripping him. Ron’s glasses went flying and landed in the grass. When David handed the glasses to him, he looked up he saw this terrible sadness in Ron’s eyes. Somehow he felt his pain.

David said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.”

Ron looked at him and lowly said, “Thanks.”

There was a slight smile on Ron’s face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.  David helped him pick up his books, and as it turned out, Ron lived near David.  They talked all the way home and Ron turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

Over the next four years, Ron and David became best friends. When they were seniors, they began to think about college. Ron decided on Georgetown, and David was going to Duke. They knew that they’d always be friends, and that the miles would never be a problem.

Ron became valedictorian of their class, and had to prepare a speech for graduation. David was so glad that he didn’t have to get up there and speak.

On graduation day Ron looked great.  He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. All the girls loved him. David was just jealous. He could see that Ron was nervous about his speech, so David smacked him on the back and said, “Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!” He looked at David with one of those looks (that really grateful one) and smiled.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.

“Graduation is a time to thank those who have helped you make it through those tough years; your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly, your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I’m going to tell you a story.”

David looked at his friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day they met. Ron talked of the day he had cleaned out his locker. He talked of how he was distraught about his life. He talked about how lonely he was. So lonely, he had planned to kill himself that weekend. But he didn’t, because his new friend unknowingly stepped in. He showed kindness. He showed compassion. He showed, by his actions, that life is worth the struggle. Ron looked hard at David and gave him a little smile.

“Thankfully, I was saved,” David continued. “My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”

David heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told them about his weakest moment. He saw Ron’s mom and dad looking at him and smiling with that same grateful smile.  Not until that moment did David realize its depth.

It was then that David realized how important it is to never underestimate the power of one’s actions. With one small gesture you can change a person’s life – for the better, or for the worse.

The most compelling element about the story of Ron and David’s friendship is how it relates to so many lives. Personally, I’ve hoped that somewhere within my past that I’ve been a “David” to someone I’ve met. And what fills my spirit with even more emotion is that I know I’ve felt like a “Ron” many times.

What perplexes me is that I don’t know which role I’ve felt more often.

Someone once said, “Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.”

To so many, each day, this is true. I’ve always valued my friends with depth and sincerity. I’ve always believed in the importance of being friends, and the importance of having friends.

As the story continues, it emphasizes that there is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. But today is a gift. This reminds me that giving the ultimate gift of friendship is what I call the inner spirit of your heart, and that gives us the true feeling of redemption.

By Sarah Sanchez
A valued member of our staff is leaving us to pursue other dreams. Sadly, it is our Editor-In-Chief, Kimberley, who is leaving us. We’ve had great people come and go, but when an employee leaves we usually just wish them good luck and find a replacement to fill the vacant position. But as I sat in the office and cried (yes, cried) when she informed us she was leaving, I realized that in 17 years I had never been brought to tears when an employee was leaving. But Kimberley isn’t a normal employee.

Kimberley is an amazing writer, with the super power of catching punctuation errors with the weapon of a red pen. She was overly remarkable at her job; in addition to all the other tasks she was given. Even if she was busy, she would always make time to proofread anything with writing on it. She also revamped our entire newspaper, folders, documents, and so much more.

But besides being an awesome employee, she is an even better person both inside and out. She has a heart of gold, a passion for baking, and weak spot for baby pictures (she won’t admit it so don’t bother asking). But the things I love most about her are her kindness and humility.  She let me borrow books, baked me brownies, made me dinner, and not once did she brag about how amazing she was (even though she was beyond amazing).

If that’s not enough, she asked us not to throw a going away party as she planned to go quietly. Since the human race is known for being prideful and selfish, I admired her for suggesting that. But yes, we did throw a party anyway, because she deserved one!

The things I will miss most about Kimberley are her wittiness, her brilliant writing, her humor, her great advice, her encouragement, her discipline as she passed up cake, her calling me her “favorite,” and her random Disney jokes that were always hilarious.

Yes, we will find another person to fill Kimberley’s Editor position, and they will probably be a great employee. But Kimberley, as both an employee and as a person, is the definition of irreplaceable. And you can’t replace the irreplaceable Editor-In-Chief!

Good luck, Kimberley! We love you and you will be deeply missed.

By StatePoint

Frequent travelers can be all too familiar with the challenges of staying both healthy and productive.  Countless distractions, fast food joints on every corner and difficulty sleeping in unfamiliar places and beds can make staying on track a challenge. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be such a daunting task, say experts.

“For frequent travelers and business travelers, being on the road is a lifestyle, so finding ways to be healthy and productive is essential,” says Marcey Rader, lifestyle trainer and Extended Stay Savvy Traveler. “The key is to recognize your poor habits, find out what works for you, and then develop a routine around them.”

From her years on the road with a corporate position, Rader developed a series of hotel hacks that can assist frequent travelers and mobile professionals wishing to travel productively while also maintaining high health standards:

Prioritize Sleep: When you’re dealing with different beds, sounds and schedules, it’s almost guaranteed that your sleep routine will be disrupted. Sleep soundly with a fan, a recording or even an app that creates white noise to eliminate distractions and calm your mind and body.

Give Blue Rays the Boot: 95 percent of people who don’t get a good night’s sleep say they use a phone or laptop within one hour of bed. Studies have shown that the blue rays emitted by phones and computer screens disrupt and suppress the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone crucial to sleep. Give your brain time to wind down before bed, you’ll sleep better and feel rejuvenated in the morning.

Stand Up and Work: You may have heard that “sitting is the new smoking.” Constant sitting is linked to an overwhelming number of negative health effects and drastically decreased productivity. Luckily, there’s a simple solution — standing. You can easily convert any space into a standing desk. Opt for a hotel with a kitchen and use the counters to get work done, or stack books and binders on a table for an elevated workspace.

Don’t Eat Like You’re On Vacation: The biggest mistake business traveler’s make is eating like they’re on vacation. Extended Stay hotels recently conducted a survey of their travelers and found that the average weight gain while on the road is close to three pounds. With frequent travel for business, that starts to add up drastically. Staying at a hotel with a fully equipped kitchen can help maintain nutritious habits. Stock the fridge with vegetable trays to snack on throughout the day, and hard boiled eggs as a breakfast item.

OHIO (Only Handle It Once): Do you go out to your mailbox, open the letters, put them back in the mailbox, go back in your house and repeat the process several times a day? Of course you don’t. Then stop doing that with your email inbox. Instantly increase productivity by deleting, archiving and sorting emails the first time you read them.

Seek Smart Accommodations: An extended stay-style hotel offers amenities that can help travelers optimize productivity and prioritize health.

Stop making excuses. For happier, healthier, more successful traveling, recognize your unproductive habits and fix them.

By StatePoint

Many kids love the prospect of learning, while others may need a bit of motivation. But parents can get kids on board with a little encouragement and creativity to make learning fun. Here are some ideas to get kids excited to learn.

Library Visits:  By making a run-of-the-mill trip to the library seem like a true adventure, kids will associate books with intrigue at an impressionable age. The librarian can point out the best titles for inspiring learning and fun.  Time visits to occur during your local branch’s storytelling hour or other early childhood programming. Also, be sure to sign your child up for a personal library card, which will be a source of pride at the circulation desk and put them on the path of reading enrichment.

Learning Tablets:  To give kids an extra edge in learning, consider a fun yet educational tablet, such as the InnoTab MAX. Durable enough for kids, this device has a 7-inch multi-touch screen, and features progressive learning content that adapts to a child’s age.  Web access and communication apps, which kids can use to exchange messages with friends and family, are limited to protect children, and parents are free to manage these controls. The tablet comes with Movie Maker and Art Studio, amongst other apps, and additional content can be found at the Learning Lodge app store.

Board Game Night:  After dinner, gather round the table a second time. From classic word games that challenge one to stretch the limits of his or her vocabulary, to trivia games testing science and world history knowledge, board games have the potential to bring the family together and also to educate. Be sure to check the box for age-appropriate guidance.

Wearable Tech:  Wearable technology can inspire kids to learn and be creative while staying active. For example, the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX offers motion-activated games, a stopwatch, calendar, 3D clock face and calculator so kids can work out simple math problems. It also includes a time-telling app featuring a friendly owl that helps kids learn to tell time, and additional apps are available for download on the Learning Lodge. The internal memory offers ample storage for budding photographers and videographers documenting the world around them.

Sweeten the Deal:  Consider creating a rewards chart where children can track their progress as they meet learning goals. It can be an effective way to motivate kids to try new ways of learning and work hard to reach a goal. You can find many free downloadable charts online.

To make learning a priority in your home, get kids on board. They’ll be inspired when they see that learning can be fun.

By StatePoint

Pain in your brain can be a real headache. To avoid getting hit with a doozy, consider these easy tips.

• Drink water. Dehydration causes headaches, and most Americans are not drinking enough water. Drink your eight 8-ounce cups of water every day to drastically lower your risk of getting a headache.
• Cut back on the coffee. Coffee is one of the largest headache triggers, but most people like to begin their days by drinking at least one cup. Instead, try some peppermint or ginger tea — both of which you can also drink to cure a headache if it sneaks past your defenses.
• Relax. Stress is on the rise, according to the American Psychological Association. So it’s no wonder we get headaches so often. Put aside time every day to do something you enjoy. Some low-stress, rewarding options are taking a yoga class, volunteering at a charity or playing with a pet.

Headaches aren’t pleasant, but these prevention techniques will make your days better — not only by improving your health, but by increasing your happiness.

Photo Courtesy: Pinterest

By Claire Lewis

Summer is winding down, and now is the time to plan a fun get-together before the season ends. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or travel to exotic locations.  Enjoy a mini Staycation and invite family and friends to kick back and celebrate the end of summer.

Backyard ‘Beach’ Party:  Bring the beach to your friends!  Sprinkle a little sand over your patio, fire up the grill, plant some Tiki torches around the yard and set out towels and low-back chairs.  Even a kiddie pool to put your feet in will give off a beach vibe, and with a cool menu, your guests will have a party to remember.  Grill burgers, cut watermelon wedges and put them on Popsicle sticks, and put chips and other snacks in plastic sand buckets.  Whip up a fun summer punch, and get that party started!  Don’t forget to turn on Beach Boys music.

Sunset Party:  Short on time?  Invite guests over for a sunset-only party.  Set out chairs pointed in the direction of the sunset and serve a fun summer cocktail to toast the end of the day.  Have a fire pit?  Even better!  Serve S’mores with a wide variety of candy bars and different flavors of graham crackers to spice up your sunset.  Play a little cool jazz and you’ll have an elegant evening to remember.

Outdoor Movie Night:  If you have a white sheet and a projector, you can turn your back yard into a movie theater.  Set up chairs facing the screen or spread some blankets and pillows on the ground, and show a fun summer movie.  Serve gourmet popcorn (every try butter, parmesan cheese and a little fresh thyme? Amazing!), mini candy bars, and an ice bucket filled with old-time sodas in glass bottles.  You’ll be the hit of summer!  The movie can be changed toward your audience…Family Fun Night, or Adults Only.

Book a party now while the summer nights are still warm.  A fun event is just a backyard away!

Little things can easily derail your big moment if you don’t prepare, says Career Coach

By Lisa Quast

After months of responding to job postings, you finally land an interview.  This could be a pivotal moment in your life and career, so it’s natural to feel nervous. But there’s no reason to let stress rule the day.

Life routinely throws us curves, and that’s just as likely to happen on your job-interview day as any other day.  Traffic could be bad. You might spill something on the blouse you planned to wear. Any number of things could go wrong that aren’t directly related to the interview, but can knock you off your game.

While it’s not possible to anticipate every scenario, a little preparation can help you keep the anxiety level manageable.

• Know where you need to go. Don’t wait until right before an interview to make sure you have the correct address and phone number. Verify these online by checking the company website a few days ahead of time. You also should download driving directions or program the address into your Smartphone or GPS to find potential routes and estimated drive times. When in doubt, do a trial run. You can drive there the weekend before to get the lay of the land and see where to park.  Don’t rely on technology alone. Always have a hard copy with the address and driving directions, just in case GPS or the Smartphone fails you.
• Obtain the correctly spelled name of the interviewer. And remember to bring a printout of the job posting. It always surprises me how many people show up for a job interview and can’t remember the name of the hiring manager or even the job title of the position they’re interviewing for. Don’t be one of those people.
• Schedule enough time for the interview. Block your calendar so you won’t need to rush from one job interview to the next, or go straight to another appointment or back to work. The interview could take much longer than you think going in. For example, if things are going well, you might be asked to interview with others in the organization. Be sure to schedule ample time in case you need to stay longer. You don’t want to be stealing quick glances at your watch when you should be listening to what the hiring manager is saying.
• Turn off your cell phone. When I say off, I mean off – don’t put it on vibrate. Almost everyone can hear a cell phone vibrating in a purse, briefcase or pocket. You will be aware that a call is coming in for you. The people interviewing you will be aware. And you will be aware that they are aware.
• Take a bathroom break before the interview. Use the restroom before you leave your house and avoid too much coffee or other liquids shortly before your interview. If you need to use the bathroom when you arrive at the company, ask the receptionist to point you to them before he or she informs the hiring manager that you have arrived.

One additional thing you can do is give yourself a pep talk before the interview.  Mentally remind yourself of all the things you plan to do during the interview, the points you want to make about your experience and the questions you have about the company.

You may not be able to eliminate all the butterflies, but your preparation should help reduce the stress and let you concentrate on making the most of the opportunity.

Lisa Quast is a career coach, business consultant and author of the book, “Secrets of a Hiring Manager Turned Career Coach: A Foolproof Guide to Getting the Job You Want Every Time.” (www.careerwomaninc.com).

This Is No Trendy Diet – Power Foods Help Weight Loss, Improve Energy, and Fight Disease

By Manuel Villacorta

Detoxing seems to be the catch word of the day, with people subsisting on juice, tea, or some other liquid that is meant to flush impurities out of their cells. But, how does that work?  Since no one food or herb has ever been demonstrated to be able to detox the organs and I am not aware of any research that has been able to identify the toxins, if we have functioning skin, liver and kidneys we are detoxing every day. Even if a quick detox works for weight loss, the gains are short-term because you can’t stay on it forever. Any weight loss we see is because we’re not getting enough calories.
The key to healthy nutrition is variety. Far from drinking just juice for days on end, the way to help our body repair and restore itself is through a full range of healthy foods. The simplest way to think about this concept is color. The colors in fruits and vegetables are caused by phytochemicals, which have been shown to have a range of healthy properties. I recommend you eat all the colors of the fruit and vegetable rainbow.

Peruvian Superfoods are so beneficial because they are low in calories and high in nutrients. The good news is that Superfoods are becoming easier to find in supermarkets as demand increases, with more and more people realizing their health benefits. Superfoods promote weight loss, boost energy, enhance memory and fight disease – and when the weight comes off, it stays off!
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“Health is not a diet plan, but a lifestyle. Understand your body, your strengths, and your limits and use this knowledge to make a change. Stop dieting, start living.”
 – Manuel Villacorta
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Manuel Villacorta, M.S., R.D., is a nationally recognized, award-winning registered dietitian with more than 16 years of experience as a nutritionist, and is a respected and trusted voice in the health and wellness industry. For more information, visit WholebodyReboot.com.

By Sarah Sanchez

From shirts that show midriffs to bikini bottoms that only cover half of your bum – has anyone noticed the change in fashion trends? It seems like what’s “in,” is to show more skin.

It’s hard to talk to teens and young adults about going against the trend, but local youth pastor, Chris Kirish, at IgniteVPC, gave it a shot with a modesty-themed sermon last month.

Pastor Kirish talked about how bikinis were invited by French designer, Louis Reard, in 1946. Bathing suits at that time were more modest, only showing a small section of the midriff.   In fact, when the bikini was introduced, it was so scandalous that Reard couldn’t find a model to wear it.  He resorted to having an Exotic dancer being the first woman to ever wear a bikini in public.

Kirish went on to educate the students about a study that was done to determine what men thought of when they saw a woman in a bikini. Men in the study were hooked up to a machine and given a variety of pictures. When they saw women in bikinis or sexually-related clothing, the region of the brain associated with tool use lit up. Therefore, the conclusion of the study indicated that when women wear bikinis or sexually-related clothing, men see them as objects, not a person they can socialize with.

As a woman, I personally thought this study was eye opening on how important it is to dress modestly. Our youth looks up to us, whether we want them to or not. So if we’re wearing a bathing suit that looks like it could be underwear (or smaller than underwear), then our youth will do the same, thinking that it’s okay.

Getting a bad tan line in a modest bathing suit is the rising issue when this topic is discussed. But really, what’s more important: getting a good tan line (that you probably will be the only one seeing), or setting a good example to the youth in your life? Considering there are so many cute bathing suits and clothing that cover up, I believe that we can set a good example and still look fabulous doing so.

Many believe this is a controversial subject, but I believe that “Modest IS Hottest”. Does your wardrobe show where you stand?

…think like a kid

By StatePoint

Making school lunch can feel like a thankless job, but it doesn’t have to be a major chore. Here are some ways to make school lunches successful, not stressful:

Don’t Over-Pack:  Does your child come home with untouched food? For a distracted youngster, lunchtime flies by in an instant. By the time the bell rings, little Suzie has barely peeled the top off her yogurt. Keep portions kid-sized and don’t include more than four or five items in the lunchbox.

Think Food Groups:  Think of the lunchbox as a four-piece puzzle. The basic components are protein, grain, fruit/vegetable and dairy.  Try making lunch kebobs with cold cut slices and chunks of cheese (your dairy and protein groups), add a handful of grapes (fruit) and a bagful of popcorn (grain). Or pack hummus, carrots and wheat pita (protein, grain and veggie), along with applesauce (fruit) and a cheese stick (dairy). Olives or pickles add extra flavor without too much extra fat or calories.

Let Them Assemble:  Pack individual ingredients kids can assemble, which makes them feel like they’re more in control of what they eat. For example, include a half bagel with a container of shredded mozzarella, tomato sauce and some sliced olives or pepperoni slices so they can make their own pizza. Add a piece of fruit to round out the meal.

Pick Portable Foods:  Nothing’s worse than a lunchbox explosion. Whenever possible, opt for dry foods and tight lids. Pack trail mix, dried fruit, granola bars or snacks in single-serve cups, such as Pearls Olives to Go! black, ripe pitted or sliced olives. Such foods usually have the added advantage of not spoiling, which means they can be saved for afternoon snacking.

Keep Snacks in the Car:  Kids always seem to want an afterschool snack. If home is a bit of a drive, keep snacks on hand. Nuts, trail mix, single-serve olive cups and fruit are better options for a ravenous child. Keep in mind, hungry kids are more likely to try novel foods they might otherwise be reluctant to try.

Get Input:  If your child is not eating enough, find out why. Ask your child to create a list of foods every few months, as tastes change and broaden. Add favorites to the rotation. Remember, just because your child eats a certain food at dinnertime doesn’t mean it will be a popular lunch item.

Get Cute:  If you’re feeling ambitious, cut sandwiches into shapes. Sliced cherry tomatoes or olives make easy eyes, buttons and mouths. A simple post-it note with a smiley face or “love you” will go a long way to brightening your child’s day.

Lunch isn’t rocket science, but creating meals children will love every day can get tricky. Simple strategies can help ensure kids return from school with empty lunch boxes and satisfied tummies.

For more tips, recipes and coupons, or to enter a lunch box promotion for a chance to win prizes, visit http://www.facebook.com/PearlsOlives.

Help Keep Kids Healthy and Safe

Photo Courtesy: Google

By StatePoint

Back-to-school prep means more than a trip to the office supply store. Help kids stay strong, healthy and safe this school year by putting wellness front and center.

“Thinking about back-to-school now can help parents keep kids on track for a healthy summer and start to school,” says Dr. Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

With that in mind, Hassink recommends taking the following steps:

Ease into the School Schedule:  Ease the back-to-school transition by keeping bedtime and meals scheduled during the summer and adjusting timing as school approaches. If your child has been going to bed later than usual, begin adjusting his or her bedtime earlier toward the end of summer. Depending on age, children and teens need between 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep nightly.

For young children, arranging to see their new classroom and meet their new teacher before school starts can calm first day jitters. Go over the school schedule with your child, including how she will get to school and what the plans are for after school time.

Schedule a Pediatric Visit:  The back-to-school season is a good time for scheduling a pediatric exam. Create a list of items you want to discuss with your child’s pediatrician. This list should include ensuring your child is up-to-date on vaccinations, a crucial part of preventive care.

It’s a good idea to build a medical home with a pediatrician by sticking with one doctor or medical practice throughout childhood and adolescence. The doctor will be better informed of your child’s medical history and aware of any emerging problems.

Beyond medical testing, pediatricians are well-equipped to counsel patients and parents on emotional and social issues, as well as issues that often crop up during adolescence, such as smoking, drugs, drinking, sexual activity and depression.

“Parents can ask a pediatrician about anything related to the care of their child or teen, medical or not,” says Hassink. “The visit can be a good way to bring up these issues.”

Consider Sports:  Sports can foster confidence, cooperation and healthy habits, and the start of the school year brings many opportunities to join various programs.

Hydration, nutrition and proper conditioning are important for any sport, especially those with intense training in warm weather. Schedule a sports physical with your pediatrician to discuss your child’s overall health and how to prevent injuries.

Talk Safety:  If your child will be walking to school, travel the route with him to assess its safety. Find out about traffic patterns and crossing guards. Teach your child safety rules like looking both ways. If possible, have your child commute with an older sibling or neighbor. If your child will be riding a bike or skateboard, be sure he wears a helmet. Review basic rules for safer riding. Bus riders should also be mindful of safety rules, like remaining in one’s seat and listening to the driver.

As a parent, you can take steps to help ensure your children are prepared for a happy, healthy school year. More back-to-school tips can be found at http://www.healthychildren.org.

By Sarah Sanchez

My dad wrote a story when I was younger that was based off the popular phrase: the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. His story talked about not letting distractions get in the way of following our hearts, and that we should start watering our own yard instead of looking at the other side of the fence.

I always remembered this story growing up and tried to look at life with that perspective. But now that I’m grown and more aware of the world, I realize that this phrase applies to more areas than we think.

The society we live in is all about focusing on what we don’t have or what we don’t do. With social media all around us, we are constantly looking at other people’s lives and comparing them with our own – “Liking” what we approve of and commenting with our opinions of their statements or pictures.

We are also constantly striving for more (or better) in the workplace and at home. We want a bigger house, a smaller waist, bigger muscles, more pay, a higher rank at work, etc. Basically, we want what we don’t have. But what happens when we do get what we want? What happens when we achieve the goal that we originally set? Are we happy and content with our achievement, or do we set a new goal wanting something else we can’t have?

The sad reality is that most of the time we are not happy. We live life constantly looking on the other side of the fence, looking at the grass we don’t have and thinking that our grass is not nearly as green. Then we start seeking new grass. This is why many marriages fail, with one spouse finding interest in another person that seemed “better.” This is why many millionaires are never truly happy, even though they have more than enough money. This is why many struggle with anorexia and bulimia, because society tells us that thinner is better.

Society doesn’t tell us to go to counseling to fix the problems in our marriage, to seek happiness in things other than money, or to accept the body we have – no matter the size. Society tells us to do the complete opposite. But I think it’s time for us to stop looking at what we don’t have, to stop looking at the other side of the fence, and just water our own grass.

Wise decisions can start with noticing silver linings

By Steve Gilliland

The loss of a job; a bad break-up; a nasty accident; a new, obsessive habit; a big move to a new town; health problems experienced by you or a loved one – these are some of the many things that can turn your life upside down. These are some of life’s detours that you don’t expect.

Could there be a good way to respond to such turns in life? Is it honest to “look on the bright side?” Isn’t the root feeling hurt?

I don’t think most people could ask you to deny your feelings, but you don’t have to be led by the nose by feelings which have a primary characteristic of being temporary.

Life is change – it’s axiomatic. Most of us accept this on an intellectual, abstract basis. But when it comes to experiencing change, we often resist it. Fear of change causes immense, yet unnecessary, suffering. Personal growth and maturity are based largely on how you respond to life’s unexpected detours.

• Ask yourself about opportunity. We don’t like most of life’s detours because they force us out of our comfort zone. New duties at work or a request from a spouse may not only pique our defenses, but also make us wonder, “Can I do this?” Fear and anxiety may push us to focus on our weaknesses and convince us of what we cannot do. When we make a simple shift in mentality, however, we can empower the beginning of personal growth by seeing unprecedented challenges as opportunities.
• Are you willing to change? If not, then you can’t see opportunity. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. If your wife asks you for a more patient attitude, for example, will you grow with an open heart or dig your heels in. She may not divorce you if you remain stubborn, but your relationship will likely flounder. Seeing a challenge as an opportunity enables self-improvement. And, when it’s time to ask something of your wife, you will have currency with which to work. The same principle applies to work. If you’re asked to take on a new responsibility and respond well, you will gain leverage in your career.
• Can you envision something better? In the process of internally negotiating change, a positive vision can help you tilt the scales of change as something positive. The vision can be specific. If you don’t know how to use software at work that you need to use, imagine how much better your time will be spent once you learn. What will it take to get there? Practice. It may not be effortless, but you’ll have mapped out a solution. The vision can be broad, too. Is it possible to be more patient, in general, toward life’s detours? Indeed. Simply having more patience toward loved ones, for example, will improve your relationships tremendously.

Steve Gilliland is a member of the National Speaker Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame, and is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world.  For more information, visit www.stevegilliland.com.