Spunky old Broad Blog

Over 50 and Watching the Olympics?

I am watching the olympics like crazy.  I know some people are just ignoring them, but this is the one time of year when you see all the dedication, teamwork, energy, spirit and goal setting coming to fruition.  I am so proud of the athletes when they're interviewed because they are humble, happy and have a "no excuses" attitude, which I think is amazing.

Of course, all this athleticism, makes me want to go out and pump iron even more than I do, but I realize my joints may not appreciate it.  These people are in their prime and as such have opportunities in front of them that may just be for right now.  Regardless, they are learning a way of life that will translate into whatever they choose in the future.

Many of them will become coaches themselves, and all these lessons will be part of their repetoire.  And if they go into business, they will also utilize the persistence, ethics and enthusiasm of these events. 

I just had another birthday, and I am still learning, and that's why this over 70 gal likes watching the olympics.

Boomers and Valentines Day

Yesterday was Valentine's Day and I spent it with my kids, granddaughter and great grandson.  We went out to dinner and it was wonderful to see all the families that were there with their younger and older relatives (many in wheelchairs).  Reminded me of how much my Mom loved going out to dinner no matter how difficult it was.

Of course, I wished all my animals a Happy Valentine's Day as well, as they are the ones who keep me company all the time.  Boomers are interesting folk because they are sandwiched between young and old and seem to be the peacekeepers and managers of both.  It always amazes me when someone introduces their son or daughter and they're in their 60's or 70's (which used to be old) and now they are still "kids" to their moms and dads.

I am also enjoying the olympics.  Although I'm not a huge sports fan, I love watching them because of the quality, integrity, enthusiasm, dedication and spirit of the athletes.  The discipline these athletes have will take them into everything they do in their future lives.  They will always be successful because of their approach to life.  They don't take anything for granted and work hours, months and years for their few seconds or minutes of fame.

And they are humble.  When they win, they are thrilled, and when a teammate wins, they are thrilled.  Wouldn't it be nice if everyone was like that?

Spunky Old Broad Month

This is the official month for all Spunky Old Broads.  We are an official holiday and have been getting a lot of coverage about this.  I have discovered more S.O.B.'s than you can possibly imagine.  I spoke to one of our members and her name is Mary Earl.  She lives in Canada and is known as the "groovy grandma" and works as a clown.

Isn't that fantastic?  When some of you ask me what you can do that's fun and different, just look at what Mary does.  Now you may not want to be a clown (but think of how many smiles you'll bring), but I'm sure if you get your imagination working, you'll come up with something fantastic as well.

We just finished the Super Bowl here and it was a wild weekend.  We had terrific weather and the game was great.  I thought the game was much better than the commercials but that's just my opinion!  it just shows you that you never know how any event will turn out, and if you work hard and are focused, you can be a winner, even when no one thinks you can.

Snow is blanketing the east right now and makes me thankful I am in Miami Beach.  Take care and I'll see you soon

Spunky Old Broad Month

Yes, today is the beginning of Spunky Old Broad month.  And yes, I am the originator of the event and of course, you know that I'm the original Spunky Old Broad.  We have a brand new website at http://spunkyoldbroad.com  if you want to take a peek, and if you are interested in leaving a testimonial, either in text, video or audio, you can do so at http://spunkyoldbroad.com/tme/comment

You can also click on the site where it says testimonials, or Ask Gayle and it will prompt you as to how to do it.  This is our third year of holding this event.  We started out with a day and it became so popular, we went to an entire month.  Join us in having something spectacular in your own area and celebrate who you are.  And be sure to let us know what it is you are doing!

I went out with a new friend who is also an S.O.B. and even though she is legally blind she doesn't let that stop her one iota.  She works with her computer, plays bridge, plays the piano, loves fine art and her wonderful pup.  Whatever your situation, you can always make it better by taking action and not feeling sorry for yourself.

It is raining like crazy today so I am staying inside doing all this typing kind of work.  Just want to mention that since I love the warm weather and sunshine and hate sitting behind a computer in mos cases.

Boomers Who are Helping

I live in Miami Beach and the surrounding area supports a large Haitian community.  There are so many fund raising efforts going on and I know many of you are confused as to where and to whom you should contribute.  I have discoveed a program called "Nourish the Children" that donates directly to the people and will deliver a daily meal to a child for 30 days for only $22.  If you are interested, please be in touch with me and I can give you the information on how to do it.   Boomers are the current leaders in the world and children will be the next generation to use their brain power, so It's important for them to have as much nutrition as possbie.

I was a guest last week on Getting Healthy, Wealthy and Having More Fun Tele-Seminar.  You can listen now @ http://dsdirectmarketing.com/healthywealthyfun.html.  We did this as a fundraiser...I hope you can help out.  It is another fund raising effort for another worthy cause, and this young man is coming to Miami to run in the marathon this week so it is another golden opportunity for you to donate to a worthy cause.

I went to my college (Emerson College) S. Florida reunion yesterday at the Adrienne Arsht Center (I interviewed her on my radio show by the way), and it was terrific.  The President of the college was there, along with staff, and it is so exciting to see the direction the school is going.  I toured the center afterwards, and found out it is the third largest performing arts center in the U.S. and has the largest performance stage of any center in the country.  And two of the three top people leading the marketing and performance efforts are Emersonians.

Glad we are having the highest temperatures in the nation.  That cold spell was enough for me.

Also, we have changed the design of our website.  Go check it out at http://www.spunkyoldbroad.com and let me know what you think.

Boomer Friendships

When you are first starting out in business, you are so busy "making it" that all you can think about is networking, contacts, getting new clients, servicing the ones you have and making your business more unique and desirable.  As you get older, you begin to value the friendships you've had for a long time and the new ones you are creating.

This past Sunday I went to the Miami City Ballet and it was wonderful.  I was given a ticket by a woman from my gym whose friend couldn't go.  It was terrific and we are starting a great friendship that I hope will last for many years. Then I proceeded to head to Palm Beach for my friends 40th anniversary party.  We went to college together over 50 years ago and are still friends.  Another classmate also was there who moved to this area as well.

Yesterday I spoke to my girlfriend who is in Naples for a few months and she and I actually go back to kindergarten.  I stayed at her home in Albany, NY when we had our 50th reunion.  Another friend and her husband had dinner with me two weeks ago.  I've known her since the 9th grade.  My old dancing partner and I (from the 10th grade on) connected again and are now talking every month.

I just think it's terrific when you can stay friends this long and enjoy each others company.  You pick up the conversation where you left off, don't question anything, and just enjoy knowing each other.  So if there's someone you've been meaning to contact and haven't, get off your duff and do it.  You'll both be glad you did.

Holiday Doings for Boomers

Happy New Year to everyone.  This was the quietest time I've ever had.  I guess when you get to be a boomer and beyond, you quiet things down.  I spent NYEve at a movie, came home, had dinner and cheese and crackers with my one glass of White Zinfindel, the only wine I can tolerate, and spent the night with my pets.  Terrific!

Saw a lot of movies over the two weeks--five to be exact.  One reminded me of my life--the one with George Clooney--but that was made before the last security scare so I am waiting to see what happens on my next trip.  Especially because it is with my pup.  "Invictus" was fantastic, "It's Complicated" was a scream, and "the Morgans" was amusing although the critics didn't think so.  I thought "The Blind Side" was so inspirational that it made me realize how little I am doing now for social progress.

I have yet to see "Nine."  Was going to go, and then the weather turned cold and I decided to work on cleaning my office.  What a trip to see your life pass you by as you go through old "doings" and toss them. 

I wish everyone health, happiness and good fortune in 2010.  More important is to experience joy and satisfaction in each and every day.

Holiday Doings

This was a busy weekend of catching up on the movies.  Saw "Up in the Air" and saw my life flash by me in every scene, except I did have a home life so it wasn't as bad.  I enjoyed the movie but don't think it rates the best picture designation or all the awards it is nominated for.  I then went on to "It's Complicated" and thought it asbolutely delightful.  The entire theatre was laughing throughout the entire film.  Everyone was delightful and many years ago, when I thought of the "perfect man" if I ever lost my husband, I came up with Steve Martin--smart, good looking, athletic, intelligent--so I would have chosen him too.  Last film was "The Blind Side."  Sandra Bullock did a terrific job and it was such a thought provoking film.  I really enjoyed that one.

Xmas was spent at my daughters and what a spread she put on.  Plus all the toys for my great grandson and gifts for everyone.  It was a warm intimate gathering and we all enjoyed ourselves.  There was my daughter, son, granddaughter, great grandson, my ex-son-in-law and his wife, and a friend of the family. 

Now on to the New Year and all our resolutions.  Will you make them?  Will you keep them? 

Where have I been?

My internet went out and I felt helpless.  It's a shame when our lives depend on technology so much.  Turns out it was a bad modeum and now I feel whole again.  It's the same way with electricity.  When it goes out, there are no lights, no airconditioning, no TV and you feel as if you're on a desert island.  The only good thing is I cook with a gas stove--except I really don't cook.  I boil water and put eggs in it.

Since I saw you last, I have attended two very small business growth seminars.  Only 10 people in each and they were fantastic.  Got a lot of personal attention and great direction.  People always ask me why I continue to go to these programs, but if you don't grow, you die.  So this Spunky Old Broad keeps learning and hopefully progressing.

Using these holidays weeks to catch up on appointments--for me and the pets because I think it's going to be a terrific 2010 and I want to hit it at a run.

Boomers and Mid Life

Spent a wonderful time in Key West attending an advanced speaker school.  They gave me a great aha!  I have been writing to all you wonderful boomers and beyond about being Spunky Old Broads.  Their advice was that I really needed to appeal to the children of the S.O.B.'s  Maybe that's true--I really don't know, but if it is, I will need to change my message a little bit and get the facts out to that population.

Celebrated my son's birthday on Friday, and he is a member of that generation.  Often called "The Sandwich Generation" because they take care of their kids and their parents, he tells me how lucky he is that I am so active and independent.  And I do know that I have gotten a tremendous response from men who are in that category and are trying to find solutions for their moms. 

So stay tuned and we shall see where this all goes.  In the meantime, it is sunny and warm here in Miami Beach and we have nothing like the snow storms and cold we are seeing everywhere else in the country.