I Dream of Vacationing in an RV

Call me silly, but I've always had the lifelong dream of one day renting an RV (recreational vehicle) and going on an extended road trip with family and close friends. I can envision us bonding, laughing, and loving life together. And it seems that I'm not alone in this dream. There's a whole subculture of retirees, independently wealthy folks, and curiosity seekers who make it their business to travel the country in a "motorized home on wheels."

What are some of the reasons that one might want to travel this way?

Control of your time

When you travel by RV you and you alone are in control of your time. The world is a big-screen TV and your steering wheel is the remote.

Comfortable

Have you seen the latest generation of RVs? They're absolutely fabulous. Some of them are even luxurious. I've even seen some RVs that would make me walk off and leave my house and never look back.

Affordable

Although gas prices are sky high right now, when you take your "home" with you on vacation you have a tighter control over the cost of your trip. It's your place of lodging. You can cook while on the road and don't have to scuffle with moving luggage from place to place.

Kids

What kid wouldn't love an adventure like this: seeing the world from a large moving vehicle where they can hunker down and get comfortable. They still can even have access to their TV, video games, and whatever forms of recreation they get a kick out of.

Bonding

Think about it. You, your family, your closest friends. Traveling together, enjoying each other. The road would open up many opportunities for bonding and strengthening your relationships.

Pets

The easiest way to find a pet-friendly facility for housing your pet while on vacation is to take him with you while traveling in an RV. He can get comfortable and get settled. You can take all of his needs right along with you and establish a special place just for him in the vehicle.

These are just a few of the reasons why traveling in an RV would be the perfect trip for me.

Have any of you ever traveled in an RV? Please share your experiences below. I'd love to hear them. Let me live vicariously through you until I can get my own trip together.

Source:
GoRVing.com

*Photo: Commodore Gandalf Cunningham via Flickr.com

 

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 07/02/2014 (no longer published there).]

Why Seniors Should Join AARP

One of the first things that I did when I turned 50 was to join AARP. For those of you who haven't heard of them before, AARP is an organization for people, ages 50 and up, that offers a ton of membership benefits for only $16 a year. In my opinion, every person should join this organization once they turn 50.

AARP states that they are a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people in this age range improve the quality of their lives.

Some of the benefits offered include discounts on everyday services, such as car rental, auto insurance, prescriptions, tickets to various venues, health products, technology, and financial services.

This organization also acts as an advocate in Washington for older people in the areas of housing, income, and hunger in addition to healthcare, retirement, and employment.

They put out a variety of informative publications throughout the course of the month addressing issues that affect people in the age category mentioned.

I've found my membership to be well worth the price. I've been able to whip out my AARP card in many places and receive discounts. I'm also able to keep up to date on issues that may affect my life.
AARP even has employment opportunities available in their local offices.

AARP was one of the very first organizations to provide relevant, accurate information on the ACA (Affordable Care Act), and they continue to keep members updated on this program.
They promote recreational activities, networking, and diversity.

Joining AARP has almost become a rite of passage among the over-50 crowd. They've been around in different incarnations since 1958 and have steadily evolved over the years, even to the point of becoming a powerful lobbying influence. The website boasts a membership of over 37 million strong - and growing.

Members receive benefits and access to information and opportunities that literally affect every area of their lives.

If you have finally qualified for entry into the 'sassy silver club' and are interested in joining an organization that works tirelessly on your behalf and whose activities affect every facet of your life, I would suggest that at the very least you peruse the website and see if there is anything there that appeals to you. Even First Lady Michelle Obama applied for, and received, her membership.

I've referred a number of people to AARP, and of the many that have joined all have agreed that it was well worth the cost of membership and they renew year after year.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the link below and do your own research.

Source:
AARP.org

*Photo: Mike Licht via Flickr.com

 

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices (no longer published there).]

'Reign': What Does the Future Hold for Bash and Kenna?

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

New show a surprising success

One of the hottest new shows to hit the TV waves is the breakout success, "Reign." Although there have been many plot twists and turns during this first season, very few fans foresaw one of the greatest manipulations of them all: that King Henry's mistress Kenna would be forced to marry his illegitimate son Bash. As viewers impatiently wait for the new season to debut the question continues to arise: what does the future hold for Bash and Kenna?

'Benna' begins

Despite having a slight disdain for one another during the initial episodes of the show the pair exhibited a fiery chemistry when they finally acquiesced to the harsh reality of their marriage. They consummated their union by mutual agreement and have worked cooperatively to subtly intervene in both matters of the royal Court and in the rescue of a young man slated to be the successor of the malevolent Darkness.

'Til death do them part

Can relationships birthed in the fire of crisis survive over the long term after the crisis has passed? King Henry is now dead and so no coercions outside of societal mores bind these two together -- or is there something solid and real there?

The couple seems to have committed to a lifelong relationship and to loving each other out of a sheer act of the will fueled by mutual respect, desire, and thwarted romance. Bash exhibits a tenderness and protectiveness towards Kenna that can't be counterfeited, and Kenna reciprocates with an air of affection and solicitation.

The question remains

Though a significant segment of fans rooted for a reunion between Bash and Mary, history cannot support this as a credible circumstance in the story line. Indeed, there really exists no historical evidence that Bash even existed, much less was wed to one of the young Scottish queen's ladies-in-waiting, one who also just happened to be his father's mistress.

So in the context of a popular TV show one can only speculate based on basic patterns of human behavior and the predictability (or not) of commercial scriptwriting whether or not Bash and Kenna will endure the test of time and go down in the annals of TV viewing as one of the most popular, and least expected, pairings in television land.

Sound off in the comments below. Are Bash and Kenna sealed together by their vows and growing love or will the pressures of Court life and remnant influences of past love tear them apart?

Source:
Reign

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 06/29/2014 (no longer published there).]

10 Things to Do for Recreation This Summer

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

Summer is just a sneeze away. Now's your chance to get out of the house for some much needed recreation and relaxation. Go ahead and make it one of your goals to try something different this year. With this list of 10 things to do for recreation this summer you don't have an excuse.

1. Hiking
Become at one with the great outdoors. See the sights. Take in the sounds. Acquaint yourself with nature.

2. Swimming
Break out that new swimsuit and hit the water! If you don't know how to swim, now is the perfect time to take lessons.

3. Fishing
Most folks who enjoy fishing report that it's good for reducing stress and that it's a good activity for facilitating meditation. There's just something about developing the patience to sit there and wait for a fish to take your bait.

4. Biking
Have fun and get in shape at the same time. Biking is great for toning and strengthening the leg muscles. Bike around and see the sights.

5. Archery
Interest in archery has resurged since the release of the "Hunger Games" movies. Making that arrow fly is a true test of skill. Why not give it a try?

6. Waterslide
This one will bring back memories of childhood past. What a wonderful way to hedge off the effects of the burning summer sun.

7. Boating and Water Sports
Canoeing, paddle boating, pontoon boating, sailing … take your pick. There are a number of different ways to take a boat out on the water.

8. Bowling
Fun for family and/or friends. Great for friendly competition. I just suggest that if you can work it into your budget that you bring your own ball and shoes.

9. Camping
Camping out under the stars is a wonderful experience. Or if lying on the ground isn't your thing, rent a camper or an RV. You'll be sure to create memories for years to come.

10. Golf
This pastime of the rich is now also available to the masses. It takes more skill than you can imagine to get that little ball to go into the hole. Traipsing across the greens is also an excellent form of exercise.

This list is by no means extensive. There's a recreational pursuit out there to fit every interest and every activity level. Find one or two that appeal to you … and enjoy!

Sources:
BigBear.com
Atlanta.net

*Photo: Scott Ableman via Flickr


[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 06/06/2014 (no longer published there).]

I Started My Own Small Business ... and You Can Do It Too!

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

Even though we're told that the economy is on the upswing, many are finding that the jobs available to them aren't enough to meet the needs of their household. On taking these types of jobs, they join the ranks of the underemployed. If you are one of the folks who fall in this category, I want to tell you that there's another way to handle this challenge. I started my own small business, and you can do it too.

As the dynamics of my chosen career for the past 25 years or so continued to deteriorate, I finally became one of its casualties. I was laid off with no warning. And even though I held two degrees, one of them a graduate degree, I couldn't find any jobs that would provide a significant income for a 50+-year-old educated woman. So I decided if I couldn't find a job that would fill the need that I would create one.

I decided that I would partner with my husband, a graphic designer, to open a specialty greeting card shop. He would design the pictures, and I would write the words. It was a perfect pairing of skills.

These are the steps that I followed to get the shop going. If you duplicate my efforts it's possible that you can be up and running in the next two weeks with your own business.

1. I found a location for the shop in a small strip mall that had a monthly rent that we could afford.
2. I obtained a business license from the county that we would be operating in and applied for a tax ID number.
3. I made a list of office equipment and supplies that we would need and purchased them.
4. I worked along with my husband to decorate the shop and move in all of our equipment and supplies.
5. We opened for business.
6. We did small promotions to let everyone know that we were open, i.e., passing out and mailing flyers, passing out business cards, sending out email blasts, and asking friends and relatives to spread the word.
7. We do our best to service our customers with excellence and quality, and in this way we encourage repeat and referral business.

So, you see, it doesn't have to be brain surgery. It really can be this simple. Don't allow the job market to determine whether or not you can make a decent living for your household. If the market doesn't offer opportunities that are in line with your goals, get out there and create an opportunity for yourself!

*Photo: opensource.com via Flickr

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 06/06/2014 (no longer published there).]

How to Make Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist a Fun One by Being Proactive

by A. L. Woods, Staff Writer

Yay! One of your child’s first rites of passage has arrived: his first trip to the dentist. And how you handle this situation will make all of the difference in whether or not this will be a good first experience or a bad one. Here are a few tips to mitigate any potential stress and make his appointment fun, comfortable, and pleasant.

Be proactive. Small children operate better under these types of circumstances when they can still find some connection with their comfort zone. Book an appointment with a children’s dentist and make arrangements to take the child to the office in advance of his appointment. This alone will help fend off many potential challenges as most children’s dental offices are well trained on how to make a child feel comfortable.

Introduce your child to the staff and facilitate their interaction with him. See if the dentist can take just a couple of minutes (get this approved beforehand so that you don’t interrupt his office schedule) to come out and introduce himself to the child. If possible, allow the child to go back to one of the examining rooms, let him sit in the dental chair, show him the equipment that may be used during his procedure and explain how each piece works.

Start talking about the child’s appointment a few days before the appointment. Emphasize in child-friendly terms how going to the dentist will benefit his teeth, explain a little about what a dentist does, and promise that the child will receive a special treat after all is said and done.

Does your child have a special stuffed animal or toy that he particularly favors? Great! Assure him that he will be able to take the toy with him and keep it by his side while he is getting his teeth serviced.

Play little games with your child, i.e., have little “tests” where he answers questions about some of the things that you’ve told him. For example, What is the name of the dentist that you’re going to? What does a dentist do? How will going to the dentist help your teeth?

Aside from all of the above, make sure that your child’s dentist is familiar with his health history and that he knows about any pre-existing conditions, allergies (very important!), or medications that your child is taking.

All in all, your child’s dental visit doesn’t have to be stressful or fearful. With just a little bit of proactivity you can make it both a fun and memorable experience and start him off on the road to good dental hygiene with a laugh and a smile. 

*Photo credit: Finizio via Flickr

Best Camping Locations in Morrow, Georgia: Guide to Local Locales

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

Looking to create a new, or revive an old, happy camping memory and you live local to the Morrow, Georgia area? Here are three of the best camping locations where you can make your dreams come true. Most important of all, these areas are all within an hour's drive from Morrow, are located near major outdoor recreational venues, and report majority positive camper experiences.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camping gear and let's get started!

Stone Mountain Campground
Location: 4003 Stonewall Jackson Dr; Stone Mountain Park; Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (770) 498-5710
Hours: Registration/check-in before 11:00pm.
Atmosphere: Cozy, well maintained. Great facilities and staff. Great view of the lake.
Parking or Public Transportation: Automobile and RV parking available.
What It's Known For: Historic Stone Mountain.
Why Locals Like It: Family friendly, many amenities.
Neighborhood Information: City of Stone Mountain
Additional Information: Stone Mountain Park

Shady Grove Campground
Location: 7800 Shadburn Ferry Rd; Cumming, GA 30041
Phone: (770) 205-6849
Hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
Atmosphere: Clean. Numerous wooded camp sites. Great lake views. Excellent facilities.
Parking or Public Transportation: Available for automobiles, RV's, and boat trailers.
What It's Known For: Located near Lake Lanier.
Why Locals Like It: Many amenities, including a boat dock and beach.
Neighborhood Information: City of Cumming
Additional Information: Shady Grove Campground

Chattahoochee Bend State Park Visitor Center
Location: 425 Bobwhite Way; Newnan, GA 30263
Phone: (770) 254-7271
Hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
Atmosphere: Recent reviews on this one are mixed, with most reviews leaning to the positive side. Majority report campground to be clean and well maintained while a few state just the opposite. Negative reviews are consistent in that they reflect that the success of their camper experience is tied in to just where they actually camp out in the park. Family friendly. Nice personnel.
Parking or Public Transportation: Available for automobiles and RV's.
What It's Known For: Situated on the Chattahoochee River.
Why Locals Like It: Great for boating, camping, and fishing. Lots of activities. One of Georgia's largest state parks.
Neighborhood Information: City of Newnan
Additional Information: Chattahoochee Bend State Park

All in all, if camping's your thing, at least one of these sites should be more than adequate to fit your needs and more than probably you'll have a great camper experience. Regardless of whether you're camping with family or friends, each campground offers a variety of woodland adventures and activities for your fun and enjoyment.

Happy camping!

Sources:
TripAdvisor.com
Yelp.com

*Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via Flickr

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 05/20/2014.]