Getting Older - It's Not All It's Cracked Up To Be...

A friend of mine and her daughter were here this last weekend for a climbing competition.  Her daughter is an incredible climber and they were in Boulder for the nationals.  

During the long weekend, my friend and I were discussing some of our pains and illnesses that seem to be coming on more and more as we get older.  We did not anticipate getting older when we were young and strong (she was a Stanford woman's softball coach, so when I say young and strong, I mean it!). And my first injury or serious pain in life was when, as an adult, I got a whiplash from a roller coaster ride in Santa Cruz. 

So what is it like to get older?  That's hard for me to put into words, but I'm going to try.  I know myself so much better than I ever could have when I was younger.  I like myself and my friends more than I did when I was younger.  My friends now have a certain grace that comes with aging.  Plus, I choose my friends more carefully now than I did before.  

My body is definitely changing.  I just laughed out loud at that simple statement.  I can't keep weight off like I used to.  My skin is not as taunt as it once was.  My feet hurt sometimes.  Overall, I am thankful I am healthy and strong.  I just wish...

that as we aged, we did not have as many illnesses and diseases -- just like when we were younger.  It seems like once we hit 40 and 50, surprises come our way that we never thought would happen to us.  Like the increase in cancer and heart disease.  Diabetes.  Arthritis. And dementia.  Yes, at 40, dementia is now easy to diagnose and is a scary thing to live with, along with all the other diseases that are prevalent as we get older.

If you are in your 40's or 50's and you have not yet taken care of you will, guardianships for your children, and powers of attorney for medical and finances, to name a few, please think about it.  No one ever expects to age.  Don't ask me why.  Nor do we expect to have serious medical conditions where we possibly cannot fend or make decisions for ourselves.  That only happens to other people.

Take a minute and think about my 9 step program found on my website at:  http://www.kaydiller.com/9steps. I promise you, my 9 step program will help you get things organized and in order in a simple and effective way.  Go do it now, before something else takes away your attention, like that back pain that wasn't there yesterday!

Take care,

Kay

Reviewing Insurance Coverage (boring!)

I don't know about you, but I can procrastinate on reviewing my insurance cover from now until forever.  It's tedious and takes time away from what I really like doing - just hanging out!  So today, I am making myself a promise that I will go out on the internet and get new quotes on my car insurance.  I think I'll have to narrow down what that means, too.  I will get bids from three (3) insurance companies that I've heard good things about over the last few years. There, a narrow and easy to accomplish goal.  I'll be back...

I'm back after looking at my car insurance and with only one insurance company - a huge one that is supposed to give the best rates.  So much for that goal of three quotes, but wait until you hear what I learned...

While my policy is about $100 more a year, I get much better coverage than the other company would offer.  This is probably due to my being with my current insurance company for so many years.  Plus, they have a local office where I know the people who help me with questions.  I'm staying put for now.   

That was fast and painless - gosh, why didn't I do this a long time ago?  

Now I know I have the insurance coverage I want with my car at a price I am comfortable with.  I could have let go of that nagging voice in my head a long time ago - that voice that rags on me when I procrastinate.  I'm sure you have a voice of your own, too.  Get rid of it like I did just now. 

So what's your excuse?  Seriously, get out there and do some comparisons on your insurance.  I have friends who reduced their car insurance by 40% when they did a comparison quote.  Maybe you can, too, or maybe you'll be like me and find out that you are happy with your coverage.   Either way, you'll know for sure you have the coverage you want and need.  Spend the time.  It's worth it. 

Take care,
Kay