Uhhh… where do I even begin? Uprooting my life to move to Sacramento this Upcoming Monday has Undeniably Upended the Usual routine, but here I am, Unabashedly Upbeat! Yes, I’m packing Up, preparing to plant myself in a new place for a 30-day Joy Adventure with my mom, whose journey through dementia has been both Unbelievably heartbreaking and yet Undeniably filled with moments of Unadulterated love.
U might think that such an Upheaval would have me feeling Unencumbered stress. But, Until U experience it yourself, U won’t Understand how the Universe Unfolds its plan, throwing Us into situations that feel Unplanned yet Ultimately perfect. It’s as if the Universe, in its Ubiquitous wisdom, knew this was a time for Uplifting moments—time to Uncover Uncommon connections and share Unconditional love with my mom.
Upbeat Spirit Despite Challenges
And U know what? I’m Ultra excited. Despite the obvious challenges, I’m approaching this with an Upbeat spirit, ready to Unfurl some Unexpected joy with my mom during our daily Joy Hours. I’m Unifying a routine to bring stability, Uncovering new ways to spark joy and create moments that, though small, feel huge in their importance.
U could say I’m Undeniably Up for the challenge. U could even call this chapter of life a Unicorn moment—rare, beautiful, and entirely Unanticipated. The United States is full of stories about aging, caregiving, and family. This is mine. It’s Unique, but it’s also Universal in its themes of Unwavering love, Understanding, and the Ultimate truth that we all need to feel connected.
So, Universe, bring it on. I’m here, Upbeat and Uplifted, embracing this next Uncharted adventure with arms wide open, Under the watchful eyes of the stars, Uhhh, I mean… the Universe.
UnUsUal Collaboration
And by the way, this is an UnUsUal post! Why? Because my trusted helper, Unreal-UrsulAI, gave me a hand with all this Ubiquitous alliteration. Sometimes, even I need a little help from the Universe—and in this case, it came in the form of my virtual assistant!
T is a Terrific Theme for a Texas Hold’em T-Party. Our aTTire was Trendy with T-shirts, Ties, Tassels, a Tam, and Tops of Teal and Tan. I had a Two-Tone Tye-Dye with Torn Trousers and Top Hat.
The Troop Took my requesT for plen’T’ of ‘T’sing Thoughtfully. We aTe Tacos, with Tomatoes and Toppings. Tostados and Tortilla Toasts all Tasted Tremendous. To quench our Thirst, of course, There was Tea!
Tacos, Toppings, Toast, and Tea!
For Treats we had Twizzlers, Twix bars, and Tiramisu Thins. Though Texas Hold’em was The only Tournament game, There was Table Tennis, TV, and more Table games for The Team.
The Tidds
The Tidds
Let me Tell you about a Terrific Team – my daughTer, Megan, her husband, Chris, and Their Two Teens, Diego & Reneya. Together, They are The Tidds. Time Together is Treasured.
Tidd Treasure
On sepTember Twenty-eighTh, we celebraTe “Uncle Chris Day.” My broTher, Chris, would have been Turning 63. Chris Thrived on Teases and Treats, so iTs fiTTing To celebrate a Twofer – T-Weeks and Uncle Chris Day, with a Trick or Treat Testimonial.
I Threw Together a Tiny Treasure Tin of Toys and Treats To commemoraTe The occasion.
September is when I Switch my Seasonal Tree decor!
September
S-Weeks Started in September! Such a Sweet month. Still Sunny, but with Shades and Shadows as the Seasons Switch from Summer to Fall.
I love Savoring the Smells and Sounds of each Season. September brings Scents and Spices, Savory and Sweet, Stirring through Starbucks or Similar Shops. Steaming Soups or Sloppy Sandwiches, Sending Sensations of warmth and Serenity Seeping through our Souls.
‘S’-periences were Superabundant. I’ll Share a Small Sampling,
“Sky High” at the Chautauqua Silent Film Series with Rodney Sauer on pianoSweets Shared at a Special SoireeSeed Library found on a library Scavenger HuntSpanish Singers at the Sol Festival
Sometimes I Spend Sundays Sleeping in. Sometimes I Savor a Sunrise. And Sometimes I Spend time at a Spiritual Service. But I “S’pecially like Sampling Sumptuous Snacks at coffee Shops after Said Slow Sunday Starts.
My S-Weeks Sunday Sustenance at Snooze was Superb! And So Saludable (‘Saludable’ is Spanish for a Synonym of Strong.) I’m Salivating. I Strongly Suggest you Sample Snooze yourSelf.
Shares
Shares from the Carpe Diem Connections Facebook group were Sensational. I’ll Share Some Screen Shots, Specifically from Ken Katz. To See the full Spectrum, come join the group and Share your own Shots!
Summary
S-Weeks have been Super-Satisfying. I’m ‘S’tatic! It’s Such a Successful Sensation when Serendipity provides Such Sweet ‘S’-periences as we Slide into the September Season. I ‘S’pecially Savor the Sharing – the Sweets, the Stories, and the ScreenShots.
So long, Sweet S-Weeks. ‘T’easing Starts Tomorrow.
I’ve been Ready for R-Weeks. Right at the end of Q-Weeks, I was at Red Rocks and witnessed a Radiant Rainbow. Rainbows Represent Rapture to me. They Raise my mood and Remind me of the beauty that can follow the Rain.
Rainbows are Reminiscent of Recovery and Rejuvenation. I’m Relieved to have finished a Recent strength-building challenge. That, along with bone density improvements have Restored my Running Resilience. I was Ready foR anotheR Road Race in Rainbow attiRe!
Running a Race with neighboR, Bonnie
Restaurants
Relieved to no longer have eating Restrictions, I Reveled in Re-engaging in Restaurant Rendezvous with fRiends and Relatives. In fact, I believe I went to a Record numbeR of Restaurants in celebRation of R-weeks.
Restaurant Revelry
I Remain committed to eating Relatively healthy foods, but did enjoy a Rare ‘Rita at my Restaurant Reunions.
Rocking at Rock & Rails in Niwot
Though I was Remiss in getting my own photo, my fRiend, Cathy Reminded me that the Rock & Rails event we attended togetheR, was apRopRiate for R-weeks
Records
Cathy and I also Roamed down PeaRl StReet in BouldeR, Rambling and RechaRging as we Reminisced about the old days of Record stoRes.
Reflections
Sundays R a day of Reflection foR me. I Review the Recent events and Ruminate, Recounting and Remembering all that’s Right in my life.
My granddaughteR, Reneya, tuRned thiRteen. I Relish the Relationship I have with heR.
FoR my CaRpe Diem Connections GRoup, I’d like to Recognize Ronald Richard GaRcia. Ron’s Regular Ruminations R Refreshing oR Rightly Ridiculous!
I’m Really Recharged by the Regular and Resulting HumoR, Rapport, and ‘R’tful Rituals Regarding woRdplay.
Remember, only today Remains Really ‘R’s. Relax. Relinquish all Responsibilities. Ready youRself for the Sweet ‘S’ence of S-weeks.
Quinoa and Quiche: Quotidian Delights during Q-weeks
Quotidian Delights
Q-Weeks remind me of one of my favorite Q-words: Quotidian. I learned of the word, “Quotidian” when reading “The Book of Awesome.” The book described “quotidian” or “every-day” delights in such a way that the reader is ‘Q’d into the fact that we are surrounded by awesome, ordinary experiences and things every day!
In my Quest to celebrate Q’s during Q-Weeks, I Quiver in delight at Quotidian Q-encounters.
I made Quiche and Quinoa to share with my ‘Q’t visitor, Bill. I wish I’d thought to make a charQterie board.
Bill encountered a random Q-siting while Quietly doing Quiz Questions in Spanish with Babel. With his Quick wit and intelligence, he’s Quickly gaining high-Quality results!
Quintessential Colorado
Quintessential Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs
Since Bill is visiting from Florida, I wanted to show him some of my favorite sites in Colorado – He was never Querulous even when I was Queer or Quirky.
Some of the highlights in’Q’ded a concert at Red Rocks. (Admittedly, that might have been a better R-Weeks Quest.) We also went to ChautauQua, Pearl Street, and Garden of the Gods. These all Qualify as Q-Weeks Quests because they are Quintessential Colorado.
Our Quads got a good workout and we didn’t have any pe’Q’niary issues, so without Question, it was a Quality Quest.
Partying with my Minnesota Peeps at the North Shore
My P-Weeks Post is Past due! I’ve been Preoccupied, Partying with my Minnesota-based Playful Pals. Picnics are only Part of the Pleasantries. I’ve been Partaking in this annual Palooza since 2016. The best Part, of course, are the People. Patient or Playfully Persnickety, each Personality blends to create the Perfect Party.
Public Pool
P-Weeks were also the Perfect time to take a swim in the Public Pool. I’ve been Pounding the Pavement and Persevering through the Painful strength-training workouts, so a Pool Party for one Provided Precious relief.
Positive Politics
Positive People Politicians
Any People-Pleaser will tell you Politics is not a Particularly Popular Prompt Pick. This is the first time I’m volunteering for a camPaign. Personally, I don’t like to Preach about Politics, but this year, I’m Promoting Positive Politics, which is much more Prevalent in the Harris/Walz campaign.
I see Potential that wasn’t Possible before and I’m Proud to be Putting Productive efforts in Place for this Positive Pick. From a Practical Perspective, I’ve been Putting volunteer efforts into Positive Posts and it’s been Paying off. Harris/Walz are Pulling ahead, Primarily due to my Persistence, according to Political Pundits.
By the way, I’ve always considered the word, “Weird” more Positive than Pejorative, but it does seem to be Plaguing Trump. His Pity Parties are no longer Popular as his support Plummets to new lows.
Positivity
Positivity is not just a Psychological benefit in Politics, but in all communication. I’m Proud of the Positive Participation that is shared in my Carpe Diem Connections Facebook group.
From the sharing of Pretty Pictures to the Playful Participation in Promoting the letter P, Ronald Richard Garcia’s Performance Procures the Prize!
As we Part ways with P-Weeks, Please continue to Practice Patience, Pray for Peace, and Persevere through Painful Pontification from Pompous Politicians.
Kamala Harris has officially become the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States of America.
For the past two weeks, I have been on a high, thanks to Kamala Harris joining the Presidential Race.
Trump’s Lack of Leadership
Ever since Donald Trump has been on the scene, I’ve been horrified. As a leader myself and someone who has taught leadership classes, Donald Trump continually exemplifies what NOT to do!
His followers appear to be more interested in his money and power than his integrity.
His lies, racism, disrespect, arrogance, cruelty, and abuse of power are so blatant and appear to be what attracts his base. For the four years that Trump was President, I was embarrassed to be an American.
Now we’ve seen him incite an insurrection and call for the hanging of his own Vice President. We’ve seen him become even more enamored with his own power. We see him ready to support Project 2025 which would send our country back 50 years.
Kamala Harris: A Strong Leader
Kamala Harris is the exact opposite of Donald Trump. She’s charismatic, intelligent, classy, determined, positive and knows how to get things done! What a welcome, joyful politician!
I’m not a Democrat, but a Centrist. I’m even right of center on the question of abortion. Although I don’t believe in abortion for myself, I agree with Harris that such a decision is not one the government should make for me or any woman.
Extremism on either side turns me off. Donald Trump and JD Vance are so extreme they’re not even on the map! Giving Trump power would be reckless and dangerous.
Trump’s argument against Harris includes ridiculous insults about her intelligence and qualifications. Well, we’ve all seen her in action. We’ve seen her raise more money and gain more volunteers in her first week than any other Presidential candidate in history.
Get Involved!
I’ve been involved in a variety of volunteer efforts for the Harris campaign since she announced her candidacy. Everything is so organized! I just finished a two-part training on helping with social media content. This is my first blog post on the subject, but I hope to have a weekly post (probably on LinkedIn) where I welcome discussion.
I also signed up with Voter Protection to help people by answering questions about early voting or registering to vote in their state. I’m hoping to go to one of the battleground states (North Carolina or Arizona) to actually help at the polls.
It’s so empowering to jump on this band-wagon! This is the first time I’ve ever been so excited about a Presidential candidate. I hope you’ll join me in discussions and volunteer efforts. Let’s Win This!
Discussion Question
Do you agree with me that Donald Trump epitomizes poor leadership? If so, why does he have so many followers?
Remarkable 66.67% improvement in Bone Density in my Lumbar Spine!
If you’ve heard overcoming osteoporosis is impossible, read on.
The Fears of Osteoporosis
“Prepare yourself for a life of pain.”
Even though that’s not exactly what the doctor said, she implied it, telling me her grandmother, who had osteoporosis, had suffered terrible pain.
Osteoporosis, or low bone density, is known to be a degenerative disease that progresses with time. Osteoporosis often leads to fractures, which are painful. In particular, my lumbar spine was at high risk because I also have severe scoliosis – a curved lower spine, also degenerative.
That doctor advised me to take controversial medications for my osteoporosis, and when I told her I wanted to try natural remedies, she was very dismissive.
I got a second opinion from a much more positive (and professional) doctor. This doctor agreed that my bone density was a serious problem that needed to be monitored, but was open to trying natural remedies.
Though I once thought it would be impossible, my lumbar spine bone density T-score numbers went from -2.7 (Osteoporosis) to -0.9 (Normal) over 5 years. This result was without the use of any controversial pharmaceuticals.
Instead I used Algaecal’s Bone Booster Supplements, which includes plant-based calcium.
Lumbar Spine T-Score:
8/5/2020: -2.7
7/26/2021: -2.2
8/24/2022: -1.8
6/20/2023: -1.4
6/11/2024: -0.9
Everyone’s body is unique, so, of course, this solution may not be right for you. However, I certainly was amazed and excited by the results!
I’ll also note that on the initial year of using AlgaeCal, my lumber spine T-score actually went down. However, the T-scores of my hips improved, so I decided to stick with the supplements.
I was thrilled, that my lumbar spine (the area that I was most concerned about) improved to the point of no longer even being in the osteopenia (yellow flag) category. However, my left hip, while improved, is still in the osteopenia range.
Another option that I tried for a few months was OsteoStrong, in Boulder, a specialized gym designed to build bone density. The coaches there were really helpful and I was really grateful that this modern-day option was available.
An OsteoStrong workout uses machines that are kind of like weight machines that you supply a load which your bones resist against. Once you pass a threshold, your body is actively building bone.
The OsteoStrong workout only takes about 10 minutes once a week. It was absolutely easier than a typical strength-building workout. Vibration plates are also available which help with building bone density.
AlgaeCal products sold at OsteoStrong gym
Diet and Exercise for Bone Health
Of course, bone-friendly diet and bone-building exercise is one of the easiest, most natural things we can do to keep our bones healthy.
Since learning my spine was at high-risk for a fracture, I stopped running, but became obsessive about daily walking. I also became more educated about the foods that were best for building bones.
There are a great variety of resources out there to help. I’m so grateful that bone loss progression is no longer inevitable.
If you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, don’t despair! You, too, can reverse this prognosis! Check out AlgaeCal and OsteoStrong.
Note: For those who want to try AlgaeCal, if you order by phone and mention my name, we will both get discounts on our orders.
I “N”-tered iNto N-Weeks kNowing that words that started with N were Not as Numerous as others letters. It’s Not a Necessity to ‘N-N’date this ‘N’tire post simply with words that start with the letter ‘N’ when there are an ‘N’ordiNate Number of words that start with the ‘N’ sound. Let’s be ‘N’ovative with our ‘N’ergy and Not be Negative about ‘N’ything. No Need for preconceived Notions of Normalcy.
Noshing
Nourishing or Not, I like to use the celebrated letter to Nudge myself iNto Nibbling on New foods.
Now that I kNow how Nectarous Nectarines are, I’ll be eating a lot more of them! iN fact, I made a Nutritional Neoteric Nectarine’N’Nutty ‘N’salada iN celebration.
Noodles & Company
I also ‘N’joyed a Nonsensical Night Nibbling on Noodles with Scotty who was in towN! Nutella, Nori, Nuts, Naked juice, and Nestle tollhouse cookie dough were Noted Noshables.
Niwot
2Nd Nature in Niwot, Colorado
North of my home in Superior, CO, is a little towN Named Niwot. Nestled Neatly Near Boulder, Niwot hosts summer Niceties like Friday Night art walks and daNcing uNder the stars.
aNtiques iN Niwot
My friend, Mary aNd I, ‘N’joyed the Nostalgic kNick-kNacks that filled this aNtique store.
Nature
The Natural surroundings in Niwot were Nurturing. This Nature picture is actually from my Neighborhood, but represeNts Nirvana – Nothing but Nice feelings that my Niwot Night ‘N’voked.
National News is Notorious for Noise and Nastiness, but Nice News helps to remiNd us that our Nation is full of humaNity and kiNdNess.
iNdepeNdeNce Day
My N-Nudge for the Carpe Diem CoNNections group this week was “New” remiNding the group that doiNg New things helps build Neuroplasticity.
As is the Norm, I draw a lot of ‘N’ergy from the Nonsense that can ‘N’sue oN the Facebook group.
Let me just ‘N’d by Noting that I kNow National News is Not to be igNored. But today, let’s turN dowN the Noise aNd ‘N’gage iN Nonsense or Nothing at all.
On this 4th of July, I’m excited to introduce a new nonprofit, Cister, founded by my dear friend Michaela Avis. Cister’s mission is to promote ally visibility within the LGBTQ+ community.
Michaela and I have been friends for nearly 20 years, first meeting on Match.com in 2005 when Michaela was still Michael. Our bond has only grown stronger over the years.
In fact, if you read my book, The Laptop Dancer Diaries, Michaela was a main character, one of my best friends and confidantes. We’ve met Friday mornings for coffee for 18 years, discussing everything from quotidian delights to deep and dark concerns. We’ve listened and supported one another through each of our family’s joys and tragedies.
Michaela founded Cister to create a visible support network for the LGBTQ+ community, allowing cisgender allies to show their acceptance and solidarity.
Being a centrist, I shy away from political activism and I wasn’t sure what might be expected of a “Cister.”
Initially, I wasn’t familiar with the term ‘cisgender,’ which describes people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. Cister aims to empower cisgender allies to visibly support the LGBTQ+ community.
Wearing Cister gear is a way for those of us who are Cisgender to outwardly show our support and acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community.
Fellow Cister Superhero, Bonnie, and I run in the 5K Freedom Race in Louisvile, CO
Let Freedom Run 5K
When running-buddy, Bonnie, suggested we participate in the Let Freedom Run 5K, I was all for it! The ads encouraged us to come dressed as Superheroes (one of my favorite costumes!) Why not come as “Super Cisters?”
We are so lucky to live in a country where we have the freedoms we do, thanks to countless sacrifices. Those of us who are “cisgender” take for granted the freedom to be authentic, with no fear of bullying or judgment.
I feel strongly that as a nation, we love and support one another in our choices. As a Christian and an American, I’m proud of the diversity we experience in this country. This diversity opens us up to a wide range of viewpoints, expanding our minds, recognizing our uniqueness as well as our common humanity.
As we journey together to lift one another, to lean on one another, to love one another, as we work to get this right for everyone, for all the people, we encourage you to walk in the world as your best authentic self. Because that is the most important gift you have, and everyone else needs to see it.
I’m so proud of my friend, Michaela, who has created this new and unique non-profit. What a great way for Cisters to stand side-by-side LGBTQ+ in unity. (I’d like to suggest we change the acronym to LGBC-QT. That way we can get the “Cisters” represented and end with QT… Maybe next year.)
Do What You Can!
Every Effort Counts: Do What You Can
I was struck by the phrase “Do What You Can” at the Start and Finish line at today’s race. When my friend, Craig, was dying from ALS, and continued to lose physical abilities, I realized he still did what he was able. The rest of my life has been influenced by seeing his determination to remain positive in the face of such adversity. Sometimes we don’t realize that our efforts, no matter how small they seem, can make a big difference.
I told Michaela that I’d blog about Cister, but warned her that my reach was very small. I’m not a celebrity or an “influencer.” Very few people read my blog.
But still, I told her, “I’ll do what I can.” (She expects to see a big uptick in sales after this blog post, though, so I’d appreciate it if you’d help me make it go viral by sharing it, please.)
Not only do I think it’s important to show our “Cister” Support, I love the product line that’s available. Besides the leggings and racerback tank that I’m wearing in these photos, there are a wide variety of hoodies, cute caps, mugs, and bags, all reasonably priced and (currently) free shipping!
Show your Cister Support
No matter your politics, religion, or beliefs, we all deserve to express our authentic selves. Let’s support the Cister community and show our allyship with pride (and trendy new clothes!) Please join me in supporting the Cister Community!
