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We hem, we haw, we convince ourselves not to, but sometimes we debate and then pounce and buy something that turns out to be either a reckless impulse purchase—oops!--or extra-special wonderful such as long hoped-for trip, 100 scratch-off lottery tickets with one a winner or pricy season tickets to the opera where we can chill and block out what’s going on in the world around us.   Despite the angst we might experience in making a bad decision, a good decision is a gift. Here is our list of the “best decisions we’ve made.” What’s yours? **************************************************BarbaraPurchase of Jeni’s ice cream,...

A new internist suggested to one of us after studying recent lab results that we had, maybe, 10 good years left if we’re lucky. We thought we weren’t due to expire, literally, for at least another 15 or even 20 years!  Expiration dates confront us every day. At the grocery store, we check the expiration dates before buying almost any item. An apple might feel mushy, so you ask, “How long has this been sitting here?” Expired. Move on. Same with prepared foods, a pastry or loaf of bread. Is it fresh or has its day of freshness expired? Makeup,...

They’re not a pair of lost mittens or one sock that disappeared in the dryer that can be replaced or maybe even found. Friends are different. They represent far more--perhaps a long history we shared or a strong relationship over a shorter timeline.  Regardless of the length of the friendship, they were part of our lives and in our heads and thoughts for some period of time. We probably confided some facts or emotions, told something about ourselves or our family and asked about them and their crew, possibly each time we got together. We most likely traded calls, emails...

Want to be a better friend? Learn to listen. It’s a skill that requires practice. It’s hard not to insert your comments, questions and suggestions into someone else’s conversation. Maybe they need to vent about a serious problem. At the same time, try to observe. Pay attention. Pick up on the innuendos such as their body language, their mood, expressions and tone in their voice.  Friendships that are likely to last have to be nurtured. You share problems, try to remember key dates in their lives and check in on them periodically just to ask, “What’s happening?” This is hard...

  When most of us hear the term investments, we immediately think of money: invest in our retirement funds, put money in our savings accounts or CDs, our homes, antique cars, wine, jewelry, good art, our kids’ or grandkids’ college savings plans. It’s all about the almighty dollar. Invest, invest, invest. Your money will grow. You will be OK in old age. We concede that investing money is important but this blog addresses investing in a different guise. Why not take the same mindset about money and invest in ventures without a monetary return, all the social, psychological and physical...