GOTM: Go Train a Dragon

For my birthday at the end of April, I saw one of the best movies to consider for a Gift-of-the-Month--"How To Train Your Dragon". Now, I do realize that this movie has moved to second tier movie theaters by now, but if it is still in the theaters, go now! What a wonderful getaway to a far away place with a heartwarming, sophisticated tale of a young man's discovery of his full potential. It's in 3-D, but we saw it without the 3-D effect and it was still a visual delight and fun to experience. And we didn't even need to borrow children to take with us; there were plenty of unaccompanied grown-ups in the audience.

That's what a GOTM is all about. Floating in another world outside reality for a few hours. Movies are a great way to immerse yourself in an enjoyable experience and let the everyday cares go for just a while.

Don't forget the movie alternatives: renting a DVD, movies on demand on cable, movies by mail, movies on computer. If you can't make it to the theater, use an in-home alternative. But remember, your choice of film and no interruptions (turn down the lights and turn off the cell phone, just like you were in the theater!).

Have you planned your GOTM yet for May? What did you do? Was it relaxing enough to encourage you to plan for another? If you've let the month slip by, don't worry. Plan for June. It's the begnning of the summer movie season, so lots of good films arriving weekly. Check them out.

The Need a Smile Folder

I had a wonderful time at the Golden Jubilee exhibition yesterday and encourage all of you again to explore the conferences and exhibits in your local area. Often your local Office on Aging or the Area Agency on Aging will have information about local meetings where eldercare providers show off their services and where you can gather information.

While I was away, I received an e-mail from my sister which contained a half-dozen cartoons featuring Maxine, the crusty senior citizen who tells it like it is and makes me laugh out loud. It was one of my mini-vacations for the day--and a delightful one. I immediately saved that e-mail in a folder called "Need a Smile?". There are about 20 e-mails stored there, some funny, some inspirational, all sent by friends near and far who were thinking of me and sent me their good wishes. I do receive humor that doesn't make me laugh and some inspirational pieces that are too sappy for my taste, so I save only the "best" (my personal judgment) in the Need a Smile folder.

I know of other people who do the same thing in paper by cutting out articles and cartoons from magazines or newspapers and keeping them handy when life feels particularly rough. It only takes one or two of these to make the day a little brighter.

If you don't have a Need a Smile folder, start one today. Electronic, paper or both. Then when you need that mini-vacation, you have a good laugh or inspiration right there.

Blessings on your caregiving!

GOTM: Local Conferences

Last year around this time, I encouraged you to check out the caregivers conferences and workshops in your area (Caregivers Conferences). Although these conferences do focus on eldercare, they let you "get away" for a few hours to plan, think and absorb new information in a new environment. So I class these as a Gift-of-the-Month.

In the Triangle area of North Carolina, we're blessed to have several conferences throughout the year. I've been extra busy this week preparing to meet some of you at the:

Golden Jubilee
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Time: 9AM - 1PM
Where: Jim Graham Building, NC Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC
Sponsored by : Resources for Seniors

AARP has a powerful workshop called Prepare To Care (contact your local AARP chapter for times and locations); and the Triangle Caregivers Conference will be held on Tuesday June 22, 2010. And check out the Alzheimer's Association for their workshops and booklets.

Join me at the Jubilee.

Blessings on your caregiving!