Evenstar

The last generation of communism

I think I represent the last generation of people who were born in communism. I must say that it was a very interesting time and so far more different than the present. It was a time when life had its own rhythm as well as its many paradox’s.

Life is so different now. You leave your office and go do some groceries on the way back home. It’s so easy these days, but It was not that easy during the 1980′s. I think I came from the last generation where nothing was obvious or easy and our national port’s were standing in queues. I remember being picky about my coffee and how I can’t decide which flavor or how strong the coffee I purchased should be. I recall the moment when I was 9 and I was queuing with my mom for 2-3 hours for 100 grams of black beans. I loved that aroma of fresh melted coffee but in order for you to purchase anything you had to stand in long queues that stretched forever. For example, purchasing pencils, pens or even books could cost you a whole day of standing in front of the shop. I remember when I was 7 and I was queuing in for my mom. Every time when she wanted to buy some meat and I was going to the shop after school, there would be people already waiting outside. When she was leaving the office at 3pm she was coming to the shop where I was standing next to cash desk. In the time when everything in my country was limited people just had to survive.

I think the problem was even bigger when someone wanted to buy new furniture or wedding rings.

My mom was queuing for a week to get set or furniture to my room and I admire the piece she had in herself when she was telling me about it. It was something normal. People were just accepting the reality.  People where always thinking out of the box. I remember my aunt spending weeks to travel to Russia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary and Czech Republic. She was not going for vacation. She was taking trip to buy clothes, jewellery and basically anything that could be attractive in Poland. It was always easy to make a fast profit. She would sell gold to the goldsmith or to friends who wanted to get married.  I remember my first earing in the shape of gold butterflies that were hanging on my ears since I was 3.

Well I could write far more abut the 1980′s in Poland. This is a just small reflection I had while doing my groceries. I really appreciate what I have now and the fact that life is much easier.

Parents’ Divorce Shaped Who I Am Today

Born in 1981

As a child of the 80s — I was born in 1981 — divorce is something that I am all too familiar with. Divorce rates really seemed to pick up steam in the 80s, and my parents, unfortunately, took that path when their marriage was too tough to handle.

One of my memories from childhood was being at grade school with my step-mother (my dad remarried about two years after my parents divorced), trying to pick up my report card for the year, only to have my step-mother denied access because she wasn’t my biological mother. It was an awkward situation, and I remember crying in the car on the way home because it all seemed so foreign.

My parents and step-mother ended up having to fill out a power of attorney to allow my step-mother access to my report card. She never had a problem after that, but the whole situation was very jarring as a young child.

Now that I’m older, I appreciate what I went through and feel like it shaped who I am today. Still though, it was a hard situation to go through as a child.

Business Strategy for the 1990’s

What a privilege it is to be born in the year 1967.  Not that this year is unique or special in itself, but that one is given the opportunity to mature or reach your 20’s in the 1990’s, right in the center of where all the action is. This means, all the digital action. It is, after all, the beginning of the information age where the computer will reign supreme over all other mundane machinery and equipment.  And for a business-minded person, this is the right opportunity to think of the most creative and out-of-this-world business strategy for his or her organization.  The biggest businesses are born by strategically leveraging new technological advances.

In 1991, the internet became truly global in its scope and use.  It became a highway of information that cut a wide swath around the world and never left it the same as it was before.  Word-of-mouth marketing and other forms of marketing strategy have never been so common.  But though it was a virtual highway, the effects it brought about were very real. Manufacturing jobs were decimated as new markets catering to services rather than manufacturing began to emerge.  Big numbers of workers in the automobile manufacturing and other similar industries were either laid off or given drastically reduced working hours. On the other hand, service-oriented workers such as teachers and nurses greatly increased in number. Workers who worked with their minds rather than with their muscles began to have a distinct advantage in the labor market.  Businesses that did not adopt their strategy to this new reality were wiped out altogether.

But amidst all the destruction and mayhem being wreaked upon the corporate world, there was light at the end of the tunnel.  It only took people who knew how to think out of the box to take advantage of the new and great business opportunities that were unfolding right before their very eyes. In the multi-billion dollar field of advertising, the visionary and precocious ones were already having a headstart in their shift from print and television media to the exploding digital media that would turn social media network creators from virtual unknowns to billionaire celebrities. For the classic idea of requiring a big amount of capital to impact big industry has finally been laid to rest.  For how can you explain a group of newly-graduated yuppies with very little capital turning out to be moguls in their own field in the short span of less than a decade?

It is easy to see from what has transpired in the 1990’s that business strategy development is essential to the survival and growth of a business. A time characterized by deep, fundamental and earth-shaking changes must be responded to with corresponding creative and forward-looking business strategies.

Staying up to date with current style.

In the past style was never a big deal for me. I seemed to always fit in and go with the flow. I always thought of myself as having my own signature style. As I grew up I began noticing the changes in style. It went from baggy jeans to skinny jeans. From crew necks to v necks and to take it even further to DEEP V NECKS! Style is an ever changing scene. What does one do to keep up with style and to stay trendy? Is there an age when you should stop trying to be in the current style and move on?  I am 28 years old and my style is a little different. I only wear underground style clothing. I have tried the skinny jeans look and it works for me but many other new styles i simply cannot pull off. I took the skinny jeans and incorporated them into the rest of my personal style. i pick and choose what works in a effort to not be that super trendy older guy walking through the mall. I have already had run ins with kids making fun on me for wearing white nikes. Who do these little chump kids think they are? I dont blame them though because I did the same thing when I saw an older guy wearing kids clothes. The point of this story is…. Don’t be too trendy! Create your own style by picking what works for you. Styles change every day there is no rule saying you need to change with it. Just pick the elements that work for you and ride with it.

Money Solutions for All Ages

Being born in 1979 I was raised in a time of plenty. There were new inventions all the time and there was no problem convincing my parents to purchase a boom box, or a disc man as soon as they came out. We wanted it and it was ours.

Unfortunately this did not last forever. Flash 30 years later and cost of education, homes, and gasoline sky rocket and many people have found themselves in bad credit debt.  I was one of these. Until I heard a few coworkers over talking about getting help via an IVA, I had no idea what I could do to get out of debt.

I ran home and Google what is an IVA and found out it was just what I needed.  Within minutes I was on my way to filing for assistance. Now I have just a few years before I will be completely debt free.

Purchasing my First Car

Born in 1991

I turn 21 years old this year and I plan on buying my first car.  I am being very responsible about this decision and I have definitely done my research.  I’ve used this interest calculator to figure out exactly how large of a loan I can afford and I have saved up a very healthy down payment.

It really means  a lot to me to be able to purchase my very own car as I see many of my friends either get one given to them by their parents or go out and get the biggest loan they can qualify for and then end up not being able to pay for food and rent.  People my age tend to make poor financial decisions, so it means that much more to me that I’ve taken the time and discipline to do this the right way.

I’ve been getting by until now by riding my bike, taking public transportation and bumming rides from friends.  But after my recent contract acquisition my transportation requirements have gone up significantly.  I was born in 1991, am 20 years old, and have made one of the wisest financial decisions of my life.

Born in 1982

Turning 30 and starting to appreciate quality over quantity! Particularly in the wine and coffee catagories. The days of drinking cheap Portuguese rose are over. It’s Sancerre and Pouilly Fume all the way for me now – well when I can afford it;). Failing that a half decent Sauvignon Blanc will suffice. On the coffee front, I’ve finally given up the Nescafe Gold blend. Taking pride of place in my kitchen these days is a brand spanking new Gaggia Classsic. No more instant for me. Well occasionally I’ll resort to the only instant worth drinking IMHO – Kenco Millicano. But seriously, having a quality coffee machine is fab. I did a ton of research and just about all the Gaggia Classic reviews I came across were very favorable so I bit the bullet. Getting up in the morning is now a joy. Well perhaps ‘joy’ is pushing it a bit. I stll like quantity in the sleep department!

How to Maintain a Healthy Figure As We Grow Old

Born in 1973

Needless to say it is true that as we grow old, our metabolism isn’t quite like the way it was during our teens. Although, I myself don’t see any reason for fear of growing old, but keeping a healthy figure is strictly included in my top priority list. For some individuals who have been too pre-occupied with their careers either in business, corporate or medical industry which is in great demand at the moment like the ultrasound technician positions, there are times that with our busy schedules, we do find it hard concentrating on our health, particularly the weight management issues.

So, as I’ve done a lot of researches, let me share with you these quick and manageable steps to maintain a healthy figure as we grow old. Let us together learn from this topic and try to apply it in our day to day activities:

• Create a diet plan

Making a list of what would be our meals in a day sets a realizable direction in our diet mission. Try to make each meal a nutritious one with a combination of more fruits and vegetables. Strictly follow this diet plan and for sure you are one step higher to achieving a healthy figure.

• Workout regimen

In order for our metabolism to burn those extra calories faster, we need to enroll ourselves to a workout regimen that includes total body exercise. This will not only help us maintain a lovely figure but is also beneficial for the heart.

• Adequate sleep

A well-rested night will give us the needed energy to perform our daily activities like the exercise, so try to set a standard time when your body needs to rest and sleep. A good sleep mostly requires 8-10 hours for our bodies to regenerate. Sometimes, people who lack sleep tend to eat more compared to those who had slept soundly.

• Alcohol intake

Try to limit the alcohol intake. Remember any form of alcohol drinks do contain some sugar components, so it is advisable to monitor the amount of alcohol or other forms of drinks aside from water.

I hope you learned some vital tips from this topic. Let us all face growing old with positivity. A great way to combat the physical signs of aging is to stay fit and healthy. Years may add to our ages, but these are just figures. What matters most is how we live our lives to the fullest and how we contribute for the betterment of our community is that counts best.

Rogaine For Men

Born in 1967 and for some time now I’ve noticed that my hair is thinning.

Although I didn’t have high hopes, I decided to give Rogaine for men a try.  To be honest, I actually thought that this was real snake oil but it wasn’t too expensive so I thought “What the heck!  Let’s give it a go!”

The results were spectacular!  From what I’ve read I know that Rogaine doesn’t work for everybody, but I’m one of the lucky ones.  After 3 months I noticed significant hair regrowth but it was only after 8 months that my head felt full of hair again.

I’m also lucky in that I haven’t had any side effects.  No itchy scalp, no dandruff and no allergic reaction.  To keep my head full of hair, I can never stop using it.  Small price to pay…or what do you think?

Learning to Build a Bonfire for the First Time

I was born in 1969

1980 i built my first bonfire.

When choosing a place to have a bonfire in your garden be careful not to choose a place too close to garden sheds or fences or greenhouses.  It is probably best to dig a small hole in the earth and put your burning material in the hole.  This will help the bonfire to light better.

All sorts of things can be burnt including wood, paper, cardboard and many other materials.  Do not pick a time when the weather is too windy or you may risk catching trees etc. alight.  The ash left behind is very good for the garden and can be dug in if you want to improve the condition of your soil.

Those were some good times I had in my kitchen …

Born in 1983

What kid didn’t rush to the kitchen when he or she heard something whirring there? When I was a child, I would eagerly run there, hoping for a frozen treat prepared by my parents. Over the years, I’ve forgotten about just how much fun and delicious it is to drink juices and smoothies made in my own kitchen, but ever since I got my hands on the Breville BJE510XL juicer, I quickly began to rediscover these drinks.

It isn’t just for the sake of sentimentality that I invested on a Breville BJE510XL juicer. As cliche as it may sound, aging will mean having to change my diet not unless I want my health to suffer. Gone are the days when I could just munch on burgers, fries, and bacon without a care in the world. Now, I have to be more conscious about the kinds of food that I put in my mouth, as these can actually affect how I would feel when I wake up the next morning. What’s more, research has shown just how much food choices can affect people’s vulnerability to diseases, especially as they grow older. I didn’t want to wake up one day to find out that I’ve practically collected all of the illnesses known to man, which is why I invested in a juicer.

The reason why I chose Breville BJE510XL juicer above all the other brands is not just because of its price, but also because of its functionality. I didn’t really need to spend a lot of time in chopping up the fruits and vegetables I will be juicing, since the juicer has a large feed tube that can take large chunks of food. It also comes with dishwasher-safe parts, so I dont have to worry about cleaning up after myself after Im done drinking my cup of juice.

I may not be able to control just how many diseases Ill end up collecting in the next years, but at least I can control just how healthy I can still be in spite of these, thanks to my Breville BJE510XL juicer. At the very least, reminiscing about my childhood as I prepare my juices and smoothies can probably make me age slower.

A new digital marketing age

While I was working out in a gym, two men near me who were taking a water break talked about their successes as online entrepreneurs. The dark-haired one was talking about how he dreamed of writing a best-selling novel but never got to and instead wrote self-help e-books that made him earn huge profits. The blonde was talking about the antiques he sells online. I could not help but eavesdrop as I myself have an online business. From what I heard, both of them started their business by hiring a seo agency to do the marketing.

The dark-haired one said he did not regret getting the company he hired because his e-books were promoted well using up-to-date advertising tools. He said he kept gaining online customers who paid for what he wrote. He explained that the company promoted his e-books through social networking sites, eBay, and through search engine optimization. He explained that the proper keywords that target customers actually used were sprinkled on his website.

The blonde one said the company he hired submitted his website to search engines so that it can be easily searched by his customers. The company also linked his website to other related sites so that more customers would be able to see his own site. He gained numerous buyers in just a couple of weeks.

After their coffee break, the two men went back to their exercise routines and talked about the profits they earned. As I was walking on my treadmill, it made me think that an internet marketing company must try different ways to drive traffic to a business website for it to become profitable, popular and successful.

Turning 40 and I Needed to Lose Weight

Born in 1972

Unfortunately, people who are in their forties and have weight problems are very prone to various health conditions and I didn’t want to be one of them. It’s often times something as ‘simple’ as injuries or as serious as diabetes and/or a cardiovascular problems such as hypertension. We have to face reality that our internals are just not as vigorous and healthy like before. But, you can’t face it lying down and that’s what I’m here to help you with. In this article I will give you a few natural and easy weight loss tips that helped me while turning 40.

The first and most important of my weight loss tips is to eat healthy. I have proven the effectiveness of consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables in my diet. For one, I felt happier and more energetic from the assortment of vitamins and minerals that fruits and vegetables provide. As a result, I have the will to perform both activities of daily living like cleaning my house and doing physical exercises such as brisk walking or even light weight training.

This certainly helps me avoid living a sedentary lifestyle that would contribute to gaining more weight. As they are rich in fiber, vegetables also aid me have regular bowel movements as well. Moving bowel on a regular basis works to flush out bodily wastes that could accumulate and develop into body fats.

Another important weight loss tip is to keep active. It’s essential for people to move around. Not only does being active promote fat burning, it also enhances blood circulation to properly nourish each and every cell in the body.

Lastly, and one of the most often ignored of my weight loss tips is proper stress management. The stress process brings about detrimental reactions in the body. Sadly, one negative effect is weight gain. So, if I were you, try to learn some relaxation techniques. I do daily meditation and attend Yoga classes twice a week, for instance.

I hope that you will apply these weight loss tips to help you lose those unnecessary pounds and live a better and healthier life at 40. Believe me. These weight loss tips have worked for me and they will surely work for you too.

Born in 1970 versus born in 1980: a comparison in music

Life has changed a lot since I was young versus when I see the life of my girlfriend who is 10 years younger than me. When I grew up the music was different as I listened to Black Sabbath, Rolling Stones and yes also ABBA and Europe, the other Swedish band that had a one day fly called ‘the final countdown’, which I can’t really turn on too much.

But when the love of my life, my wife turns on her old favourite bands I hear the New Kids On The Block, East 17 and Take That. Although we are very passionate for each other, we cannot and probably will never share our love for music. On the other hand we do love the way new technology has brought us together. A few years ago I went to Google.be and did a search for ‘ relatieplanet ’ which is a Dutch Belgium online dating site, as I live in the Flemish/Dutch speaking part of Belgium. Btw, I normally speak Flemish, which is a Dutch dialect spoken in Belgium. We both did a search in Google and ended up signing up, of course totally free, on a free online datingsite called ‘Gratis Dating Plaza’ which was very informative towards online dating. I think this development of internet, which we now use for probably everything was originally setup by the US government in 1970 evolved towards what we know accept as normal (with Facebook, linkedin, twitter, etc). Another benefit is we can use Spotify to listen to our favourite music life streaming via the internet. As we both love each other our playlists in Spotify are mixed with both our music and of course in specific categories as we don’t want to change from Paint it Black to The Spice girls, yes we have experienced and learned from it. I hope you enjoyed my writing about the discussions my wife and I have on a regular basis.

Born in George Orwell’s ‘1984’: how should this feel?

Although I was born in 1976 I always wondered how it would feel to be born in 1984 while born in 1948. Have you ever pondered on how it was back in the time of the Cold War when the West was scared of the communists? Recently I have read the book ‘1984’ again after I originally read it when I was 16 years old.  Well actually I didn’t read it this time, but bought the audiobook and listened to it when driving in my car from Antwerp, Belgium to Nice in France where I nowadays live. To cut a long story short, in 1948 they were afraid that the doomsday would come in 1984, at least that is the story that George Orwell made of it based on the thoughts of people in that period.

Funny thing, but I was born in communist Russia, to be exactly I was born in Leningrad, now and before the communist rule better known as Saint Petersburg. And while growing up in Russia it all seemed quite normal, you knew that the police were strict and there were many rules to abide by, but I didn’t see my country as evil. Actually, I was quite proud of the USSR as for example we beat the Americans in the Space Race as Yuri Gagarin, was the first human to travel to space, we the Soviet Union excelled in sports, mathematics (my father still holds his PhD from Karl Marx University on his living room wall), and everything.

The only thing I really missed was the access to pop music, the free love period – all the love that I later found in music have compensated when my family moved to Paris as there are many Russians in France already. But one of the things that I have done in France (the only country when you can truly say love as l’amour), for which I am now proud to be a French citizen (but quietly I also am still a Russian in my blood) is the discovery of internet dating or rencontre gratuit as we call it here in French, which means ‘free dating’. Since I started with dating on the internet, then I realized this is something back in ‘1984’ they did not know and could not experience. I personally think that this possibility in life makes our lives richer and more beautiful, wouldn’t you say? To conclude, for me the possibility to meet people online via the internet with online dating is something I really treasure in my heart and makes for me now in this digital era the most important difference between ‘1984’ and the new era.

Silver & His First Litter Box

Silver is an 3 month old maine coone, we adopted him from locat pet rescue in my town. He seems has long tufty ears and oversized paws, though i am not so sure weather he is a pure breed or not but we are still very happy because he is so cute!. An adult male Coon may weighs between around 13 – 18 pounds. The physical structure of this breed is solid. There’re strong, muscular, and well proportioned. That means he’ll be significantly longer and also wider than the majority of kitties.

I heard that the kittens are likely to learn from the adults when using litter box, unfortunately this is my first pet and we have no other adult to help silver demonstrate how to use the litter box. Short story, after some vigilant effort he able to regularly use it in the second weeks of his training yipee!. I am think of train him to use Litter Robot automatic litter box now. Although many people say that Maine Coon is way to bigger for litter robot, but a friend of mine said that it can be done if you train your coon since kitten.

Turning 21 and Buying a House

Born in 1990.

I consider myself lucky in that at my relatively young age, I have just bought my first home.  It was a big accomplishment for me, and I am very proud.  It wasn’t just luck that got me to realize this accomplishment though.  It required research and planning, including using this amortization calculator to ensure I got there.

The Coolest Kids Kicks Ever?

Lots of kids are familiar with Nerf products. Nerf are the cool toy company who make all kinds of fun kids toys and they are especially famous for their awesome water and dart guns as well as their great sports toys designed just for younger athletes. if you go to Kids Foot Locker these days though you will find a new Nerf product that might surprise you.

The new Nike KD (the KD standing for the NBA’s Kevin Durant)  4 Nerf sneakers are bright and colorful and as much fun as any Nerf toy. They come in sizes as small as toddler sizes and also come with a limited edition Nerf basketball hoop and a t shirt that matches the shoes.

 As well as lots of bright colors the sneakers also have a number of inspirational quotes – all from Mr Durant himself – embossed on various parts of the shoes.

Born in 1979

I was born in 1979.

I love wine.

I know I really aren’t suppose to love wine just yet, I’m not old and snobby enough as of yet…..but I really do enjoy having a wine of the month club membership.

Unlike so many of my friends who only seem to be drinking beer still (what are they, still stuck in college?) I’ve officially transitioned to the finer alcohol.

Wine not only creates a nice environment in my home for dinner, but it also gives my wife something in common and allows us to work wine tasting into our vacations, which is especially fun when we spend a few weeks in Italy or France.

My Generation Should Forget Retirement? NO WAY!

Born in 1970

I’m not sure what generation I am.  Is it X or Y or Z?  I know I’m not a baby boomer as I’m still in my 40s.  But one thing I do know for sure is that retirement is going to be far harder for my generation than the generations that have gone before.

You’re probably tired of seeing all the talk in the press.  How large percentages of us have not saved enough for our retirement.  How we’re going to have to work into our 70s or older.  How our pension numbers just don’t work.  The bad press rumbles on.

Quite frankly I’m bored with it.  Sure my retirement nest egg was ravaged in the financial crisis.  Yes the cost of living is going up and good jobs are harder to find, but one thing is certain: I’m not going to scale down my retirement dreams.

I’m just going to have to get a bit creative.

For as long as I can remember I’ve dreamed of an ocean side retirement home that’s close to a golf course.  Even thought real estate prices have fallen across many states, I’ll still not sure that I can afford the kind of property that I am after in the US.  I also cringe at how expensive it is to live here.

So I’m broadening my perspective overseas.  I’ve got Central America in my sights.  I’ve been reading sites like International Living and Reveal Real Estate and run some numbers.  Not only is real estate far more affordable but so is the cost of living.  In Nicaragua for example a number of expats kept a close eye on their monthly living costs and reported back that they can live a life of luxury for less than $1,000 a month.

And I do mean a life of luxury.  Most of them have a full time maid or gardener (yes full time).  They don’t scrimp on eating out (after all a fish dinner for two with a view of the ocean is often less than $10) or going to the movies (a first run movie release for $2 anyone?).  Entertainment, utility costs and transport are all far cheaper than in the US.  So are real estate taxes for that matter.

My next step: Heading to Central America to check things out for myself.

Remembering Barney; My First Pet Cat

Born in 1980

I am the youngest of four – 3 lads and a girl.  Growing up we never had any pets – mum and dad were busy at work as teachers which meant long holidays abroad in the summer and nowhere for the pet to go.  As we got older my sister would often ask mum and dad for a cat and they always said no.  When my eldest brother moved out he decided to cause a little mischief and arrived back at the family home with two beautiful little kittens – one for him and one for our sister!  Mum and dad were not happy but there was no way they could tell my sister she couldn’t keep it! Luckily we were old enough by then to not be going on holidays with mum and dad every year so they had no more excuses to say no!

Barney was our first pet and a really nice placid cat who loved a good hunt and getting up to no good.  To stop him ruining the furniture my mum and dad bought him a scratching post and a lovely cat tree and he took to them like a duck to water! He just to love darting in through the cat flap and straight up the cat tree to look down at us as we would be eating our diner.  A truly great cat!

Unfortunately, Barney didn’t pass on through natural causes but had a mishap with a car on our road.  By then, my sister had moved out but the cat had stayed with us as she lived in a small first storey flat.  As he had been used to an outside life we all felt it wouldn’t be fair to him to become an indoor cat but unfortunately that would become his down fall.  I still remember having a tear in my eye as I was digging his grave in our back garden.  There really is a lot to be said for owning a pet and I know when I start my own family I will definitely be getting a cat!

The Health Generation? Well, That’s Up For a Debate

Born in 1980

Well, awareness doesn’t always mean healthier. Despite current generations knowing so much more about staying healthy, it is unclear whether it is actually happening or not. 21^st Century has a stress level never seen to mankind before & environmental problems that contribute to many health problems. Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death for current generations, a very prevalent problem that needs to be addressed. Despite of clear evidence that stress, smoking & environment are the main risk factors & contributors to heart disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & news agencies proclaim cholesterol over & over as a primary factor of heart disease. Some say it’s due to the fact that taking cholesterol issue under control is more under the power of an individual than issues like dirty environment, stresses & poverty, others believe the big business of cholesterol lowering medication is behind the propaganda. The reality is both factors probably play a role in it, though the whole concept of taking cholesterol levels under control seems to be hypocritical & almost unpractical for those who don’t have enough income or are under a lot of stress. More importantly, even if they are able to get their cholesterol levels under control, it’s still unlikely to save them from heart attack due to high stress levels & similar issues.

Environment & air pollution is a complicated issue, and an expensive one. This and global warming are some of the issues pushed by liberals for so called solutions, however, there haven’t been any reasonable solutions offered or projected yet. There are some unrealistic goals & visions that fall apart one after the other. An example is recentCanada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol, which had goals which were unrealistic for the country to reach. Trying to comply with climate change demands with currently available options is simply not going to happen, since such changes would bankrupt any country that tried to do so, for this reason new options are needed to be sought after & new ideas are necessary. In addition to this some countries have no interest or intention to unite with the joint effort to fight climate change, with is a very serious obstacle.

Stress, stress & more stress. Stress is becoming one of the very serious causes of many diseases & it is likely to increase. Competition & competitiveness around the word increases with more population & technological advancements and these changes aren’t likely to affect our health well. More competition is going to cause even more stress, more health issues & more heart disease & heart attacks. More research is likely to be involved for advancements in the filed of heart diseases & prevention. Obviously, with almost every country in the world going bankrupt it’s not clear how theses medical researches are going to be financed, but let’s live & keep hoping for the next best thing.

Turning 30 and I Have Hypertension

Born in 1981

I guess it happens to most of us eventually; turning the big 3-0.  It still hasn’t sunk in fully, but I turned 30 years old this year, and it has served to be a bit of a wake-up call.  I don’t drink or smoke to excess, but I engage in both.  I don’t eat terribly, but I don’t really exercise either.  I saw my doctor this year to get a thorough check up on the occasion of entering into my third decade of life and I got a real eye-opener.  Although my cholesterol isn’t too bad, my blood pressure was 144/91.  According to this blood pressure chart, that’s not absolutely terrible, but it’s definitely elevated.  He says I need to cut out the smoking entirely and start exercising regularly.  Wow!  I went from being a happy-go-lucky kid to hypertension!  What happened to me?  Either way it’s a reminder that though we may feel young, some of us aren’t.  Keep an eye on your blood pressure becuase it can kill you!

Is It Really Never Too Late?

Born in 1976

Reaching the half way point of my thirties was a bit of a strange one, it fell in the middle of an 18 month trip around the world for me. When i had first told friends and family i was quitting my job and selling my house to go travelling at the age of 34 are got some mixed reactions!

Thing is they all new it was something i had wanted to do since i was about 18, i suppose when i reached my late twenties and had a good job, a house, a nice car and a great girlfriend they thought i was happy and that was what my life was now going to be. Well i had really itchy feet, in fact they had been extremely itchy since i was 18 but life just happened and before i knew it here i was in a good job i didn’t enjoy! Luckily for me my girlfriend (although 8 years younger) had the same feelings. So one night after talking about it i just went online and booked two one way flights to Kuala Lumpur!

18 months on and i was back home after having the time of my life, it went so quick and coming back to see friends and family still doing the same day to day things was admittedly a struggle. As much as i missed them i found myself wanting to travel even more! Reaching the age of 35 people expect me to be settling down and getting back into the life i once had, not for me, not anymore! I have now been on a mission to get my fitness in check so i can have a little more ‘adventure’ in my travel. I have started at the gym, cut back on the drinking (this is mainly because i can’t take the hangovers anymore) and after reading this E-Lites review i am well on my way to kicking the smoking into touch!

I guess the physical things are getting a little more difficult the older i get so this is just a way of preparing myself. In my head i still feel 21, i always wonder if anyone truly ‘grows up’. The way i see it i’m just getting going! The saying “Its never too late” really is true!

Thinking about Retirement Golfing

Born in 1971 I have begun thinking about the last few years I have constantly wondered what I would do when I finally retire. It has been hard for me to think about because my entire life has been on the go. However, I think I have finally come up with a few things I could do that would fill my life.

Start a business with my kids – There is nothing I want more then to know my kids are provided for. However, I have always thought about the phrase “if you give a man a fish he eats for a day, but if you teach a man to fish he eats for a lifetime. If I help my kids start a family business they will be hopefully eating for a lifetime.

Retire and Golf – This is one of my favorite options from all my retirement plans. I would love to buy a st George Utah real estate home and live there in the winters. I could golf year round and it is close enough to Las Vegas to go to shows and buffets.

Travel the World – I would love to see the World. Snorkeling with the dolphins has always been my wife’s dream. Therefore I think the best thing I could do is go on a whirl wind tour of the World. We would need to hit all the major tourist areas and do everything we always wanted.

Anyways if you have any retirement ideas please let me know, I would love to consider them!

40 Years Old Already – Can I Retire to an RV?

Born in 1971

My 40^th birthday has arrived, and it is a somber affair.  I find myself somewhat in denial, as it is not something that bears thinking upon too much.  Frankly, I am getting old, and I’m only getting older!

From where I am now I can see how a mid-life crisis starts – it could be very easy to get depressed about this state of affairs.  At a certain point in life dreams start becoming impractical; for example at 40 you can no longer say in 10 years I’ll go back to school and get a new degree and get my dream. You start adding those years together and the numbers look pretty grim.

I find myself spending a lot of my time dreaming about when I will no longer have to work. Is dreaming of retirement when you are forty normal? I don’t know, but I’d be interested to know what the statistics are on that.

I am drawn to the idea of RV living.  It seems one of the cheaper retirement lifestyles available.  Many people do it on a thousand a month, which is something I could probably come up without spending too many more years on the job; and anything to get me out of needing the 9-5 job looks really good!

I read about people my age who retire to South East Asia and live on very little.  This sounds tempting at first, but I really cannot imagine myself enjoying such a lifestyle.  For many men that type of life seems to involve alcohol, drugs and beautiful young women seeking a rich foreigner.  While that sounds fun, I think I would tire of it pretty fast.

As I continue to get older, I’m sure I will continue to explore more retirement options, but for now buying an RV and exploring the countryside sounds like the best prospect.  There are many great places I’d like to spend some time at, and it would give me many opportunities to visit great museums and historical sites.

I’ve always enjoyed travelling on the cheap, so I do not anticipate RV living will be much of a sacrifice.  I’ll continue to dream about it whether or not I eventually make that transition.

Born in 1972

OK, the next one up is the big four oh! Am I bothered about being 40? No, they do say life is supposed to start then. Not sure why, but maybe I will find out! It could be because not long after the kids will leave the nest, off to university (hopefully) and I can devote more time to my husband. His health hasn’t been too good, so I will welcome the chance to give him more of my time.

Some years ago my hubby started having attacks of pancreatitis. Apparently the usual cause is either too much alcohol or gall stones, but he doesn’t drink and tests have shown his gall bladder is fine. The doctors labelled the cause as ‘idiopathic’ which I’m told means ‘pecular to him’ but which I suspect means ‘we don’t know’! The first two attacks resulted in spells in two different hospitals and the message received on leaving hospital was the same in both cases: there is no treatment. It seemed strange in this day and age so I started searching the internet and found a hospital where doctors had successfully treated the illness for more than 20 years with a concoction of antioxidants and vitamins. Why didn’t doctors in the other hospitals know about this treatment? Surely it would be sensible to have a shared database that doctors could refer to if they don’t have expertise in a particular illness? Anyway, my husband started on a course of tablets. However, one of the side effects of pancreatitis is food passes through the body very quickly and he wasn’t getting much benefit. Back to the Internet (what would we do without it?) and I found aloe vera gel, a juice drink that is abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Being a liquid the aloe vera gel didn’t pass straight through him and it worked miracles. No more attacks and his general health has improved. The anti-inflammatory action of the aloe vera keeps his pancreas in order, and the boost to his immune system is a big bonus.

So, forty here we come. Do you worst! I’m going to enjoy it.

On the Run From a Mid Life Crisis

Born in 1967

My wife said it wouldn’t work, running off to spend a year in a different country to find that novel hidden in me.   Like so many things over the years she was dead right, not that I’d ever admit it of course.

Semi retirement sounds great, best of both Dashboardworlds – bit of extra cash and keeping your skills up to date plus the flexibility to do a few other things when I wanted.  In reality at least for me it never turned out like that – my hours were part time but I used up my free time in a non-paid capacity.  Work still ruled my life and I never did much else despite having a half a pay packet !

So the chance to house sit an apartment in Turkey seemed like a great way to find a new start.  Free accommodation, great climate and cheap living – at least that was the plan.  In reality I never quite took to it, although the other half did quite easily.

The climate was sunny but hot – too hot, that strength sapping heat that makes your one goal in life to become cool.   My focus was not on producing the next great novel but merely where the shade was and which bar chilled it’s beer properly.  The cheap living wasn’t that cheap either, Turkey has the highest petrol prices in the world and it’s reflected in the costs of virtually everything.   The cheap Turkey I remembered from my holidays in the 90s doesn’t exist anymore.

What was worse was that I started recreating the UK in Turkey.  I’ve never been the homesick type but I started visiting a German cafe for a British breakfast – the Germans always seem to  be able to locate sausages and bacon wherever you are.  In  the evening I discovered my computer could actually stream Iplayer abroad, and also on my Ipad.  So in with the Turkish sun setting behind the backdrop of a Greek Island off the coast I watched the BBC news.  The stories of strikes and UK Press scandals beamed through into my apartment.

I never did write that novel there, the problem was I never really moved.  My body did of course, but my mind was still back in the UK moaning about the weather and watching UK TV!

Never Thought Growing Older Would Be Such A Pain

Born In 1970

Ugh getting old is no fun.  It really isn’t…I now have more medical conditions piling up than I ever would of fathomed when I was a strapping young buck of twenty years.  I take all kinds of pills each day which is no fun I may add, and I have to wear a damn facemask to bed to keep my sleep apnea in check so I don’t snore.  These sleep apnea treatment doctors need to give me something better to fix this.  I would like to at least sleep in the same bed as my wife again, but she literally can’t sleep next to me if I don’t wear the darn mask.
It’s so funny how when were young we feel invincible and that all the stuff old people deal with seems so far off and then BAM one day you are that older person who has aches in his knees and eats pills for lunch just to maintain some semblance of health.

Growing Old Ain’t For The Faint Of Heart

Born In 1969

Aging is not fun; you can pretty much ask anyone.  Besides all the medical conditions that start to crop up when you get older, you just feel well older lol; especially when you see all the younger generations and how they integrate so well with all the cool new technology and what not.
I can’t tell you how hard it was for me when I first tried to use an iPhone, I felt so stupid asking my sixteen your old niece for help getting my email set up on it.  It makes you wonder what the coming generations are going to be like.  I used to play in the yard as a kid, now the kids seem to only stay inside and play these crazy games like WOW (world of warcraft) on the computer.
Another problem with getting old is the out of control medical bills that start piling up.  I thought I had good insurance until I got stuck with a whopping bill for over ten grand that I simply cannot pay for.  Thank God there are quality debt relief plans on the market, or I would be totally screwed.  Like I said growing old is not for the faint of heart!

Life as a Father

Born in 1979

Time keeps relentlessly pushing forward, there’s no doubt about that.  It sometimes seems like just yesterday that it was 1997 and I was starting college, out on my own for the first time.  Or just yesterday it was 2001 and I was off to Europe to travel around for a few months before starting my first real job at a big international accounting firm.  But now it’s nearly 2012, I’m 32 years old, and time just keeps pushing ahead.

My daughter was born in June 2008 and it’s almost impossible to believe she’s three and a half years old already.  It seems like just yesterday she was a tiny infant who couldn’t even hold her head up, and now she’s running around kicking a soccer ball, memorizing 100 piece puzzles and using words like ‘indentation’ and ‘otherwise’ in a grammatically correct manner.

We have a new baby due any day now (could be today actually), and that is certain to change the dynamic of our family life.  We’ve all grown accustomed to it being “just the three of us” and now we all have to adapt.  Everyone is thrilled for the new addition, and my daughter is constantly talking about how she’s going to teach the baby this and that and how she’s going to be such a big helper.  That said, I’m sure there will be some jealousy, but we’re trying to make it as positive for her as possible.

Life at 32 as a father and a husband is really wonderful; I love spending time with my girls — I just wish I had more of it to spend with them.  Work takes up an immense amount of time, and I’m trying to build businesses of my own on the side, but it’s difficult to have the energy or inclination to devote the time when I just want to read to my daughter or watch a movie with my wife.

High Cholesterol Levels

Cordyceps can be used in the treatment of high cholesterol levels. This is because high levels of cholesterol do not exist on their own. It is in most cases an indication of metabolism dysfunction. Cholesterol is mainly produced and eliminated in the liver. As such, in case the liver experiences any form of dysfunction or a disorder, the levels of cholesterol in the blood will be affected. Clinical studies reveal that consumption of dietary fats may influence lipid levels in the blood. However, this is not a major factor that is considered as far as cholesterol levels are concerned.

These studies have also revealed that Cordyceps Sinensis can help persons with high levels of cholesterol lower its level in the blood. This is usually at a level of 9-10 percent of triglycerides in the body. As such, Cordyceps is very beneficial to anybody who is on conventional medication for cholesterol. This includes people taking drugs such as statin drugs and lipex, which might have side effects like kidney and liver damage, muscle pain, digestive problems among others. Thus, people who are on medication to lower cholesterol levels in their bodies should not rely on medication from pharmaceutical alone but, Cordyceps as well. This natural medication has been recommended by thousands of health care centers. Professionals also recommend it as a holistic and natural approach of treating high cholesterol levels.

How Cordyceps works

Basically, Cordyceps is an identified source of important nutrients used in lowering the levels of cholesterol in the body. It helps in the circulation and regulation of the level of bad cholesterol in the blood stream. It has also been proven to stimulate the macrophages, cells that are very important for the body’s immune system. It plays a very important role in the process of breaking the deposition of bad cholesterol in the blood stream, which forms plaques on the blood vessel walls.

Studies show that when one consumes Cordyceps for about two months consistently, bad cholesterol levels in the blood drops by 17 percent. In addition, good cholesterol rises up to 27 percent. This is basically considered as the time frame within which Cordyceps starts manifesting its benefits in lowering high cholesterol levels.

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Wine from 1982

Born in 1982

My friends are starting to turn 30.  As scary as that is for my parents and how confused it seems to make them, it brings up a simple point-how do you give them an incredible wine gift from their bith year, if the year they were born happens to suck for wine?

As an example, 1982 was absolutely horrundous in both Napa Valley as well as in Bordeaux.

Given that situation I tend to try and find a current wine which fits well in one of the best gift baskets available.  I always think that if I can get something really incredible now, that helps to make up for the fact that many of us were simply born in a poor year for wine.

It sucks, but what can you do?

More Sensible

Born in 1980

I guess I’m not typical in that my story is about my regrets about not conforming. I’ve been reading tthe stories on this website and many people have said that they had a boring existence of work and no play, and that they left there normal lives behind to look for adventure. While on their adventure they ’found’ themselves, and often they discovered the ideal life for themselves on a beach somewhere or in the mountains.

When I left university in 1991 I wanted nothing to do with work. I wanted to see the world but I had an overdraft and nowhere to live other than my parents. I opted to share with friends and go on the dole. I then made quick money doing various illegal things that I’m not proud of and that I won’t detail here.

Once I had cleared my overdraft and saved up I a few pennies I bought a ticket to India. The first thing I did in India was to falsely claim my travelers checks were stolen thus doubling my money. I proceeded to travel around not just India but also South East Asia, Indonesia and China. I often found work along the way – working in bars, in hostels, teaching diving, teaching English, selling illicit substances. I even got a job crewing on a boat to Hong Kong.

Life was exciting. I loved the facty that one day I could be living in a bungalow on Koh Phangan and the next I could be sleeping in a train station in Xi’an. I had a few scrapes and near misses along the way. Until bad karma caught up with me. I got done trying to smuggle charas out of India. I wound up in an Indian prison for 1 year. When I got out I went home.

Now I have no money, a stamp in my passport that stops me entering many countries and I am struggling to find a job, any job. I have less idea what I want to do today then I did in 1991. I wish I had been more sensible, more normal.

Life after the Office

Born in 1972

I went to college and straight after I got an office job. I really don’t want to write about the tedious job I did in an office for nearly 20 years. That is all behind me. Needless to say I was a fairly model citizen: I put down a deposit on a house, got a mortgage and after a few years up-graded to a bigger house and a bigger mortgage. I got married and I had a kid. That was the best thing I did during that phase of my life. I paid into a pension. I paid my taxes regularly. I drove a Japanese car and took my family to holiday in Spain or Italy. I sometimes played 5-a-side for my local pub team. I got meaningless promotions and small pay rises.

And then one day. Just like the movie, I woke up and decided that I didn’t want my life anymore. That day I went into work and handed in my notice. I took my entitled paid holiday so I effectively never went back to work. The thought of doing anymore mindless typing in front of a computer was enough to make me feel suicidal. It made me feel physically sick. I had some type of mid-life crisis.

My wife was very supportive. She also did part time work that she didn’t particularly like. We talked for a week before we decided to put our house on the market. Our daughter had just entered university so we didn’t feel like we were letting her down.

It was pre-2008 and we got a handsome price for our 3 bedroom detached house. I also sold my car. I took my work suits down to Oxfam. That was a satisfying moment.

In 2006 my wife and I took a flight to Thailand. We didn’t have much of a plan. We thought we might look for work eventually but we still had plenty of money. In the end we settled in an apartment on Bang Sak beach in Khao Lak. It was there that we started taking diving classes.

Within two years both of us were dive instructors. We worked on liveaboard boats going to the Similan Islands. Recently, we have set up our own small dive school in Khao Lak with a few bungalows to rent. We have a dog and a wonderful life. Our daughter visits us every holiday. That day when I quit my office job was the most important day of my life.

Wine from my Birth Year

Born in 1968

’68 was a good year wasn’t it?

Unfortunately for those of us turning 50 (increasingly, frighteningly soon I might add) soon, there isn’t a lot of birth year wine left.  I wanted to give a couple of ’68 style wine gift baskets to my friends from high school, but the wine selection from back then is pretty barren right now.

The problem has a lot to do with two main factors.  First, I was born before the whole Paris tasting thing in the early 70’s where California beat France.  Before that happened, no one really bothered to store or cellar much California wine.

Secondly, ’68 was a bad, bad year for Bordeaux.  Evidently it rained all summer and harvest was among the worst on record, even sending a few notables into bankrupcy years later. Heck, I can’t find a single bottle available and an article in Wine Spectator speculated that most of the good wine from ’68 in Bordeaux was consumed and gone by the mid 1970’s.  The magazine couldn’t get a sample! 

Website templates defining the 21st century

Born in 1990

Even with huge modifications in the way customers are performed nowadays, and the advance of whole new industrial sectors on account of technological innovations such as the web. 21st century possess remained on the whole reasonably the same since the coming of the non-public laptop or computer. Presentations need to have not be completed in flipcharts or black/white boards because laptop or computer presentations connected to electronic projectors offer you more visually produced along with rapidly recalled alternate options.

Although the typical 21st century office set-up may well be if at all possible fitted to several agencies, it’s not automatically the best option solution for most businesses, neither would it be in the slightest the case those corporations whose functions would likely prospectively operate much more efficiently utilizing a diverse work area design always need to cohere towards the classic place of work template. This specific open up prepare method of work place in addition has meant you’ll find a lesser number of cases of distinct managing office buildings in more forward-thinking offices- by having a number of levels of the firm hierarchy doing work in the same room, connection is a lot easier.

The growth of digital advertising offers triggered the development of a vast number of companies that utilize modern day technology: no matter whether that is the image design factor, web design templates, internet search engine optimization- or perhaps a variety of other new advertising oriented industrial sectors. Not just use a large number of these businesses distributed together with classic business dress, but in addition embraced a new new way of businesses itself. Certainly companies during these career fields need pcs and also other power computer hardware nevertheless they took any radical method of the other areas of the office, doing away with those obsolete fixtures and fittings which in turn elegance much more old offices as well as earning vivid variations as well as modern day arrangements.

Back to My Garden at Last

Born in 1978

For years I have watched parents, grandparents and their friends toiling away in the garden.  To be honest I never really understood why anyone would waste their time when they could be doing something more interesting.  Slowly though I began to appreciate a quiet glass of wine whilst watching the sun going down or the starlings circling over head.

Of course then came the children and my garden was transformed into an outdoor activity centre, goalposts were placed, bouncy castles errected and the shed filled with plastic toys and vehicles.  Needless to say this was not a time to plant expensive shrubs or cultivate borders of delicate flowers of any sort.  But it what it lacked in beauty it more than  made up with laughter at least.   

But now my garden is beginning to draw me in again.  It has become a quiet, peaceful place again, the remaining child prefering his Xbox to a mad game of croquet.  Unfortunately the garden is a bit of a mess and all my garden tools seemed to have disappeared.  The only tools I seem to have left are bright yellow and made out of plastic. 

Anyway I don’t have a huge budget so I had to minimize the cost of replacing all my tools.  I shopped around for ages for a lawnmower, there seems to be hundreds of them now.  My first instinct was to check out the hover type mowers which I used to see in the 70s and 80s – they looked a good idea but were always hopeless.  After reading a few reviews I found that the general concensus was that they were still rubbish.  In the end I managed to find a great little mower from the gardening review site – Best Lawnmower Reviews.  As for the rest I settled for a spade and my gardening friend suggested that a great multi-purpose tool was the garden hoe.  I bought one for ten bucks and that was me sorted.

I can’t say I’m going to spend as many hours gardening as my parents did, but it’s a great way to unwind after a stressful desk based job.  And of course I can now enjoy my evening glass of wine in relative peace and quiet!

Tarnished Silver Promise Rings from the Past

Born in <1975>

I turned 37 on the 12^th of January and made no plans to celebrate being a year older aside from turning off my mobile phone and taking a hot bubble bath. That’s where I was when the messenger arrived. Wrapped in a towel, water slithering down my back, a puddle forming below my toes, I stood at the front door and signed for the package. There was no card, just a small black box that looked a hundred years old. Inside were two rings – both hand-hammered silver bands, tarnished, almost black with age. I was wet and cold, but the shiver that ran through me wasn’t due to either one.

It was 1983. I was eight, he was eleven. I had lived in Grenada for two years, he had lived on the Caribbean island all his life, but he said the only ones that had mattered were the two we’d spent together, swimming, sunbathing, chasing sand crabs and lizards, collecting seashells, sharing bits of conch meat with lemon and salt, sucking on coconut popsicles and repairing our small wooden canoe. Every day after school we’d worked hard, filling holes, scrubbing, sanding, painting, and finally testing it on the sea. That’s where he held my hand for the first time, and where one sunny afternoon he asked me to marry him…someday…. When? He’d have to make his fortune first and that would probably take until he was forty, at least that’s what he said. I said that would make me terribly old because when he turned 40 I’d be…. 37. He kissed my cheek and asked me to wait. I hadn’t replied. A few days later we met on the beach to collect shells to decorate our canoe, but he hadn’t brought a bag for shells just a small black box. Inside were two hand-hammered silver promise rings. He said he’d traded them for work sanding a canoe. I said it was all for nothing because I wasn’t allowed to wear jewelry. It wasn’t for nothing, he said. We could hide them in our canoe and wear when them when we were together. But we weren’t near our canoe or wearing our promise rings when the island was invaded on the 25^th of October. We suddenly found ourselves in opposite worlds. My family and I were evacuated. He remained and I never saw him again.

I stood there, still dripping, wrapped in my bath towel. The messenger had gone and I was alone, running my fingers over the tarnished silver promise rings. That’s when I noticed they were engraved. Inside each band was a roughly scratched date – January 12, 2012. Beside the date in one ring was the number 40. The other ring had a 37.

Retro Refrigerators – Technology Back In The Day

I remember fondly the old retro refrigerators we used to have back when I was a kid. In our home we had this delightful lime green fridge, and back then that was considered perfectly normal!  Youth today have only ever seen white or black or maybe stainless steel refrigerators in their homes, and often laugh at the look of old style vintage refrigerators.

It is funny, however, that many people – especially baby boomers – are willing to spend huge amounts of money to buy ’new’ vintage retro refrigerators that replicate the old school look with todays techologies.  Brands like Smeg sell for thousands of dollars, and while they are definitely cute, they do not provide anything spectacular in the way of extra functionality.

As a matter of fact, true retro refrigerators may not even have features like water filters and ice makers – which are standard in most any high end fridge freezer these days.  So it is clear that buyers of these refrigerators are buying for looks only!

While I don’t see myself personally paing the big bucks for one of these fridays – I was born in 1970 – I could see my parents buying one.  To me these retro fridgs are just a fuzzy memory that I will occasionally stumble across a refrigerator review for, but to prior generations they are a strong reminder of better and simpler times!

My Introduction To Smokeless Cigarettes

Born In 1968:

I remember there not being so much of a taboo to smoking when I was growing up in the late seventies, early eighties. It seemed like everyone smoked and not only that but you could do it wherever you wanted! The local newsagent used to have a an ashtray next to his till that was constantly full and every time I saw him he always had a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth. It didn’t really come as much of a surprise to me looking back that I tried my first cigarette at the age of 14, looking back it was quite a normal thing to do, all the kids were doing it.

What seemed so harmless at the time though did end up being a 27 year habit, one that thanks to The Safe Cig coupon code and electronic cigarettes I have now managed to kick the habit. It’s never too late to stop smoking and improve your health!

Health and Middle Age

Born 1969

I am now 43. People tell me that I am now middle-aged. I wince when I hear this. I guess most people my age do. I don’t feel like I belong on the scrap heap, or that my best days are behind me. It is impossible to tell when middle age really is because no one knows how long they are going to live. If you die at 30 then middle age is logically 15 years old.

One thing I have noticed about being in your 40s is that your powers of recovery slow down. It takes longer to recover from a bad back, a cold or a hang over. I still like to go out and party, I still say ‘yes’ when I should say ‘no’ but I do now know when to stop. My younger friends will carry on partying until well into the following day. I like to hit the sack before the sun comes up.

One useful recovery drink that I have discovered is coconut water. I buy packs of Vita Coco coconut water from Amazon. I keep them in the fridge and drink one or two a day. I have one after doing exercise as coconut water contains lots of essential electrolytes that help with rehydration. I also drink a carton of coconut water before I go to bed if I have been drinking heavily. It lessens the pain the following day. I nearly always have one first thing in the morning.

Coconut water contains lauric acid. It is the antimicrobial agent that is found in mother’s milk. It helps to protect the body from viral infections. Since I started my coconut water regime 2 years ago I haven’t had a single cold. I’ve not missed a day off work. This is great because I can use all my paid holiday doing fun things with my family and friends.

My advice to people my age: if you don’t want to feel middle aged than drink coconut water. It doesn’t perform miracles but it gives you that extra boost, in a natural way.

Making a Place of My Own

Born 1975

I am now in my late 30s. During much of my 20s and 30s I’ve been traveling and working. I’ve had the traveling bug for a long time. With a modicum of initiative, luck and determination you can fund yourself by working abroad and then using the money to see new places. I’ve pursued this course to see a lot of Asia, Africa and South America. I never really wanted to waste money visiting rich countries such as Australia, Canada or the USA. The only wealthy places I’ve spent much time in are home (the UK) and Japan (where I taught English).

During my wondering I held to a philosophy of non-materialism. I just needed enough to get by and no more. I was happy to stay in the cheapest places and eat the worst food with those at the bottom of society. I hated getting on a bus with other foreigners, or being forced to stay in a hostel with drunken yobs.

Experiencing the beaches of Thailand was a turning point for me. The nature was spectacular, the people friendly and the prices really cheap. As fate would have it I was offered a plot of land next to one beach in Thailand. Rather than blindly rushing in I took legal advice and bought rather than leased the land.

Slowly over the years I’ve put money into building a house in Thailand. It hasn’t been easy. I made many mistakes that I had to go back and re-do. After 7 years I finished it. Every year I stay there for free for a month or so. I sit on my huge balcony and look at the sea view. I feel at these moments that I am home, that I could settle down.

Wine….Born in 1979

Born in 1979

It wasn\’t easy to dig out data about wine that was grown back in the 1970\’s.  The modern vineyard chart wasn\’t really born until much later, so we\’ve been stuck with someone trying to fill in the data based on assumptions and inuendo.

That being said, a few things come to mind when we talk about wine in the year of my birth, 1979.

1) 1979 was a good year to give a wine gift

2) 1979 was not the most easily characterized vintage.  It was overall a good vintage, but the wines from premier growing regions like Bordeaux were not considered to be truly age worthy.  Instead they were ready to drink immediately.

That\’s interesting and will continue to hold back wines from my birth year from being considered among the best ever.  At the end of day, not every vintage can be 2009 in Bordeaux.

Julian Casablancas

Born in 1978, Julian Casablancas was to become a part of a group that would later be labeled the saviors of rock ‘n roll. He met all the band members through his different schooling locations, meeting some in New York first while meeting others abroad. But it was in New York that the band, The Strokes, would form and begin to make music.

They were influenced by some of the great bands that came out of the New York scene before them such as Television and the Velvet Underground. Their music was a kick back to the old times of rock music, spearheading a style of music later to be dubbed as garage rock revival. It created a whiplash to the modern music scene.

Many of the themes within their songs were about living in the metropolis. Their debut album, Is This It?, generated a lot of buzz for its nostalgic style and great songwriting. Without Julian Casablancas, there may have never been a rock ‘n roll revival.

Partying at 40

Born in 1970

One thing I’ve learned about growing older is that age does not confer wisdom. I also know that being staid, boring and middle class is not the same as wisdom. Just because someone goes to bed early, doesn’t drink or smoke, buckles down at a boring job, gets a mortgage, a big car and a family doesn’t make them wise, smart or even clever. Conformity should never be confused with intelligence. That is unless you live in a repressive authoritarian regime where, as the Chinese say, the nail that sticks up get hit first.

The only wisdom that I have gleaned from my 40 plus years on this earth is:

• Nobody goes to the grave wishing that they had done more work.
• Don’t believe everything that you read or hear. Reserve judgment, and don’t be afraid to stand alone in doubting something. Just because everyone disagrees with you doesn’t make them right ipso facto.
• Money is nothing but ‘survival tickets’ as the late and great Robert Anton Wilson so rightly noted.
• Avoid sociopaths.
• Worry more about your character and reputation than your looks.
• Never stop enjoying yourself. Life is not a dress rehearsal.

With this last point in my mind I recently went to a Full Moon Party in Thailand. I left the wife and kid at home and went with some mates. We didn’t just go to any full moon party in Thailand, but the biggest and the best. The one held on Haad Rin Nok in Koh Phangan. It’s a party that draws up to 20,000 people per party.

My mates are all about my age. On the night of the party we were surrounded by people half our age. I didn’t mind this. Young people know how to have a good time, and so do I.

The party was off the hook. The music was average. The atmosphere and the beautiful natural surroundings made up for the prevalence of slow and dull trance tunes. The Orchid Bar played drum and bass and so we hanged out there the most.

When the sun came up we were still drinking. Around us many youngsters were lying in their own vomit. Some were in the sea looking for all the world like they had a death wish.

I went to bed at 11am alone and supremely happy. It’s great to be alive even at 42.

The Medical Industry Changes So Fast

Born in 1981

When I was 14, I was told that I needed a spinal fusion to correct two huge curves in my spine, otherwise known as scoliosis.  My parents were terrified (as was I) and eagerly agreed to the surgery because we all thought it was my only option.  Prior to finding out I needed surgery, I was given a lift in my shoe to correct a hip imbalance and was shown a few scoliosis exercises, but other than that, little information was provided.

Long story short, I had the spinal fusion surgery — ten vertebrae fused together with rods, hooks, screws, and a bone chip/bone marrow goo (probably just as disgusting as it sounds).  I was sent on my way and pretty much told, “Good luck with life!”

Although I didn’t have it as bad as some people did post-surgery, no one ever told me that the un-fused portion of my spine could curve again.  No one ever told me that the fused portion could literally begin to twist itself and un-do some of the work of the surgery.  I’m lucky I don’t have chronic pain, but it’s still extremely frustrating.

Until a few weeks ago, I avoided looking up the medical advances in scoliosis surgery.  When I finally did, I had to quit after a half-hour because it was too depressing.  The medical industry changes so fast and I wish I had been born just a few years later because I would have had so many more choices.  The surgery is much less invasive now, works better, and has a faster recovery time.  I love my generation, but wish I could have been born in 1991 instead of 1981.

Change Is Harder When You Are Middle Aged

Born in 1970

Getting old is hard and sometimes not in the way you would imagine. Yes, I turned 40 last year and with it comes the increased aches and pains. I’m starting to understand why older people want to move to warmer weather.

But I discovered that I am getting old in my thinking too. Or at least just old fashioned. It’s hard for me to relate when my 7 year old comes asking me to go shopping with her for a phone. What? Cell phones for kids at her age? Not as long as I’m her Dad!

New parents today grew up without all the technology that is everywhere now. It’s a new ballgame in many respects. The rules are changing right before our eyes and no matter how hard we want things to stay the same, they won’t.

Kids today don’t seem to play outside much anymore is another strange thing. They just want to camp inside in front of their game consoles. It is a never ending battle between parents like me who want their kids to grow up like I did and the kids, who just don’t understand what is really good for them. That’s the way I see it anyway.

Growing old is tough enough without having to adapt to everything new in the world. I imagine that these new advances aren’t going to slow down anytime soon so I better get used to it. I need to learn how to deal with it before my kids start calling me an old fogey.

Life and Turning 40

Born in 1971

When I left school at 18 I quickly discovered that time bends but not in our favour. At school time drags interminably; every minute in a French lesson seemed like an eternity of confusion; every second playing rugby on a rock hard pitch in winter was like a season of misery; every massive homework assignment about Shakespeare was a mountain to climb. And then off I went to Uni and time was my own. I got up when I pleased; I went out every night in search of love and beer; and every Monday held as much joy as Saturday. But Holy Moses that all flew by. Before I knew it I was 21 and facing my final examinations.

At 27 I envied those who were 21. I didn’t have a painting hidden in the attic and so my youthful looks were fast been corroded by the passing years. I was having to work and although this was far less pleasurable than being a pretentious student time was still flying by. It is also the time when you realize that a lot of boats have already sailed. I would never play footie for England. I would never be ‘discovered’ by Hollywood as the new Tim Roth. As you approach 30 you give up on the notion of your potential. Reality creeps into your thinking. It is at this point that a man thinks that he had better get married since he is not going to run into Scarlett Johansson at the King and Castle. It is also the time when the issue of money can be depressing. Friends and contemporaries have good jobs, have taken steps up a financial ladder and have even taken out a mortgage. While you still wear the same baggy sweater you did at University.

Health is another issue. At 30 most of my friends had stopped smoking and were drinking less. You look at yourself and you discover that as your body deteriorates your desire for drugs ? both licit and illicit ? have only increased. Those around you go to the gym and drink coconut water while you regularly go to Koh Phangan and drink Thai whisky. Still, at 30 life remains fun even though it moves at breakneck speed towards that frightening day when you turn 40.

And then one morning you wake up hung over and it has arrived. You are 40. For many men and women this is not a moment to celebrate. A decade has shot past your senses and again you are not rich, you haven’t managed a menage a trois, you don’t own anything worth having and even that favourite jumper of yours has been lost along the way. You feel cheated by life. Where is the wisdom that I was promised with age? Was it lost in the post? Jesus and Buddha had brain change moments at 30 and here I am at 40 with no more understanding of the ways of the world than I had when I was 30. It also dawns on you that the next awful landmark is around the corner. The half century.

This is of course all too cynical. They say life begins at 40. For me this is partly true. At age 40 my baby daughter was born. Witnessing the birth of a new life; the heavy responsibility of protecting and guiding the fragile thing through the same mazy life choices as I went through has made me understand one thing. We live our life in a blur of self obsession. We are concerned with things that are irrelevant in the bigger scheme of things. Why bother counting off the years when it is only you (and the tax man) who is paying attention? Age is a means of pigeon holing people the same as gender, sexuality and ethnicity. People make their reality tunnels easier to navigate through the short hand that pigeon holing represents. Let them live like that, my hope is that I communicate the alternatives to my daughter so when she gets to 40 she will realize that her dad wasn’t such a nutcase after all.

The Health Generation

Born in 1975

Even though we were on average much healthier when we were growing up, our generation can be defined as being very health conscious. Rates of obesity and diabetes have skyrocketed in recent decades. During this time, so has our awareness about healthy vs un-healthy foods. The problem for older people and middle aged spread isn’t just that they’re getting older, it’s that they’re eating the wrong kinds of foods.

The information is out there. The China Study led by T. Colin Campbell, conducted while we were growing up demonstrates that rates of disease are closely correlated to the types of foods we eat. The recommendations for a long and healthy life are to eat a whole foods, plant based diet. It really is that simple.

We can make all the excuses we like but in the end, it’s up to us to do the right thing or not. After all, we’re the ones who will experience the benefits or have to deal with the costs of the dietary decisions we make. For the easy route to better health, look at a juicer buying guide to see just how easy it is to look after yourself the right way.