WITNESSING HISTORY       

Growing up, my parents always talked about the "where we were" moments of their lives:

- Where they were the day President Kennedy was assassinated

- Where they were the day we put a man on the moon

- Where they were the day Elvis Presley died (ok, my parents were big Elvis fans)

For me, this week marks one of those moments that I will remember always.  A black man - and a woman - are on the national ticket.   That is remarkable.  Especially when you think that African-Americans, and women, have not had the right to vote in this country for very long. 

So...from a Baby Boomer perspective, we are witnessing history.  No matter what your politics...remember where YOU were!

THE COUGAR DEBATE

  Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher

Ok, maybe I'm being a bit oversensitive here, but what's with the term "Cougars" to describe women (40+) dating younger men?  Does anyone but me see the irony of using a "predatory animal" to describe couples like 50 year old knockout actress Sharon Stone and her new 24-year old beau??  I mean, really...one article's headline reads "Cougar Sharon Stone Displays Her Kill."  http://www.popeater.com/movies/article/is-sharon-stone-doing-the-math/142284

Give me a break.

Let's be real...Older men have been dating younger women since the beginning of time.  We don't call them "Sharks."  (although maybe we should?)  Instead, they're usually referred to as "Sugar Daddies."  Ewwwwwwww!

Strictly biologically speaking, an "older" woman is much more well-suited for a younger man.  I don't think I have to spell out the reasons...

So here's the challenge...let me know what you think.  Weigh in on the poll!  Can't wait to see the results... 

DOES IT REALLY WORK?????????

I don't know about you, but I find myself riveted to those hour-long infomercials that promise to change your life or your look with the newest, greatest gadget. 

Can you really get rid of that saggy skin along the jawline with an hour-long procedure?

Is it really possible to have smooth, baby-soft heels with a little egg-like pedicure device?

How about working out at work doing the hula at your desk?  You have to check out one of the funniest talk show clips ever on the "Ellen" show...hilarious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHiqVygN-w0

This much I know from years of consumer reporting...if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.  And the internet has become a powerful research resource.  When you can decipher the ads from the real consumer websites, you can find some great first-hand testimonials and blogs from people who have actually tried the products and offer their experiences, good and bad.

But here are some helpful websites for those of you who get sucked in to the hour-long ads promising "AMAZING RESULTS!": 

Infomercialblog.com is also associated with informercialratings.com and infomercialscams.com.  It can be found at:  http://www.infomercialblog.com/?p=144

ConsumerReports.org can always be counted on for great buying advice.  Before you get stuck with the latest fitness gadget "as seen on TV," check out their website where they put them to the test:  http://money.aol.com/consreports/smartshopping/consumer-reports-infomercial-fitness-devices

Happy shopping!

COOL???

OK, I admit it - I'm in denial.

I have always been one of those individuals blessed with not just good, but great eyesight.  I always prided myself with being the "Eagle Eye" in the family.

But lately...I am squinting to read the fine print...and last year "Santa" graciously left me a pair of drugstore reading glasses in my stocking.  I was insulted - I don't need glasses!   Or do I?  The other night as I was reading my novel with one eye shut, trying to pretend that I wasn't having trouble focusing, my husband passed me those readers.  And guess what?  As much as I hate to admit it, I could SEE! 

So at what point do you bite the bullet?  What if I just do all those "Eye Exercises" you see promoted on infomercials and in books?

Well, bad news, folks...Here's what Harvard Medical School says about that:

The lowdown on eye exercises

If you wear glasses or contacts, chances are you’ve been at least a little bit tempted to investigate the infomercials and books promoting eye exercises to improve your eyesight without surgery. Some programs even claim that faithful adherents may be able to give up their glasses. If this sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.

Purveyors of self-directed eye exercise programs have not conducted randomized trials to verify the effectiveness of their programs, and there is no medical evidence for their oft-stated claim that wearing lenses weakens the eyes and necessitates ever-stronger prescription eyewear. Furthermore, some programs are based on ideas that don’t quite square with the anatomy and physiology of vision.

Practiced faithfully, eye exercises may actually help delay the need for glasses or contacts in some people. But you don’t need to buy a special program of exercises or follow prescribed visual gymnastics to accomplish these things. If your eyes are tired from excessive close-up work — such as staring at the computer — visual breaks to focus on objects at longer distances are a good idea. And it’s important to encourage your visual system to do its best.

Exercising eye muscles will not eliminate the most common maladies that necessitate corrective lenses — namely, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related lens stiffening). Above all, eye exercises will do nothing for glaucoma and macular degeneration.

What of the claim that glasses make eyes weaker and more dependent on wearing them? It’s largely a matter of perception. People often tolerate a lot of blur before they start wearing corrective lenses, Dr. Steinert says, but “once they get used to the correction, the same level of blur is no longer acceptable to them. So they perceive that their eyes have been weakened.” Also, the natural progression to stronger and stronger lenses that accompanies nearsightedness early in life may create the impression that corrective lenses make eyes weaker. Presbyopia (age-related lens stiffening) likewise progresses with time, so a farsighted person will find it increasingly difficult to see well without corrective eyewear. In none of these cases have glasses or contacts weakened the eyes.

Will getting a weaker prescription than you’re used to somehow train your eyes to see better, as some eye exercise programs advise? It’s certainly possible that some people wear stronger glasses than they need, so they may be able to back off their prescription a bit. You need to use your accommodative system to keep it flexible, and you can facilitate this by wearing lenses no stronger than you need. Also, don’t be in a hurry to start wearing reading glasses. But wearing weaker lenses than you need won’t help, especially once presbyopia kicks in.

Until evidence-based research proves otherwise, it’s safe to assume that nonmedical self-help eye exercise programs won’t keep you out of glasses if you need them and won’t change the ultimate course of your nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism. As we age, eye exercises do absolutely nothing for glaucoma or macular degeneration — serious diseases that require professional medical help.

First, I guess it's time for an eye exam.  Then, if I HAVE to, I'll go shopping.  Check out this website that features "eyewear for the irreverent and slightly jaded":  http://www.eyebobs.com/   Maybe wearing "cheaters" won't be so bad after all!

FAVORITE RECIPES FROM A GEORGIA-BORN GAL

People always ask me where the name "Cater" comes from. All I can say is that if you know anything about the deep South, you know that they name their kids strange names. For girls you can find plenty of Martha Mays and for boys there are a lot of Billy Rays down South. But last names as first names is also a popular way to go, and "Cater" was my great-great granddaddy's last name. It's been passed down in my family as a middle name, to six generations of girls/women.

I hated it when I was a kid, but as a broadcaster, it's actually been helpful. People tend to remember "Cater Lee," much more than I imagine they would remember me if I had some common first name.

Now...on to food...I promised many of our bloggers on KCAL9 and CBS2 that I would pass along my favorite family recipes.

Here is Cheese Grits casserole: (before you say "I hate grits!" you have to try this...you may be a convert!)

CHEESE GRITS CASSEROLE

Ingredients
4 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish: parsley sprigs

Preparation:
Bring milk just to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; gradually whisk in butter and grits. Reduce heat, and simmer, whisking constantly, 5 to 7 minutes or until grits are done. Remove from heat.
Stir in egg and next 3 ingredients. Pour into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until mixture is set. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired.

Yield
Makes 6 servings

Now, onto another Southern favorite - mac and cheese - for this one, I have to credit the fabulous Paula Deen!

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

2 C. uncooked elbow macaroni
2 1/2 C. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 C. sour cream
One can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
4 T. butter, cut into pieces
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. whole milk
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. pepper

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Boil the macaroni in a 2-qt. saucepan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 mins. Drain. Return the drained macaroni to the pan and add 2 cups of the grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts while the macaroni is still hot.
Add the eggs, sour cream, soup, butter, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well.
Pour the macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese on top. Bake for 40 minutes, until browned and bubbly.

Serves 12

Y'all will LOVE these recipes - I guarantee it!

DO WHAT YOU LOVE

A PURPOSE DRIVEN JOB

Some call it a mid-life crisis - I actually think it's more of a mid-life challenge to ask yourself "Do I enjoy what I'm doing?  Does it feel meaningful?  Is this all there is?"

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.  A new survey found that 6-10 percent of Americans ages 44 to 70 are already working in encore careers.  The survey, by the MetLife Foundation, found that among those people not already in encore careers, 50 percent said they want to have one.

Is that surprising?  Not really...many people reach 40 and realize that they've climbed as far as they want to or are able to climb in their chosen profession.  And they want to transition into something not necessarily more profitable, but instead, more meaningful. 

A friend and mentor of mine gave me this wonderful quiz.  If you're looking for a new passion in life - try making this list and see if it helps!

1.  What I love to do

2.  What I hate to do

3.  What I'm good at

4.  What I'm lousy at

5.  My ideal job/position would be in what environment?  (Prioritize the following:  room for growth, supportive boss, great co-workers, flexible hours, health benefits, salary) 

After you make the list, a picture should emerge of what field/job would work best.  It's also important to see what jobs/positions should be eliminated by this process.  When you figure out what you don't want, what you do want should become more clear.

Barbara Sher is a wonderful career counselor and author - I found her book "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was" full of great insights.  The link to her website is:http://barbarasher.com/

Here's to your "encore!"

Who says sexual desire wanes after 40?   I personally think that's a myth that many people use to cover up real issues in their relationships. 

I am fascinated, however, by the married couple that decided to have 101 straight days of sex to spice up their relationship.  If you haven't heard about Doug and Annie Brown's book "Just Do It," it's a very interesting experiment on making married sex better!

Sex is like any part of your lifestyle.  You have to create a balance that works for you...and you have to make an effort to keep it alive.

There's no doubt that hormonal changes can decrease your libido, but there are many remedies for that.  Studies on BHRT, or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, are very encouraging.  Doctors can test your hormone levels, then create a "custom cocktail" of hormones to replace those that have diminished with age.

An OB/GYN in Florida has created a website with a lot of good information on BHRT.  Here's the link:  http://www.bodylogicmd.com/dr-jennifer-landa                   

Here's a list of "5 Things You Need to Know About Sex After 40" by health writer Marianne Moro:

THE GOOD LIFE

In these economic times, how prepared are you for the big "R" - retirement?

I had an incredible opportunity recently to hear from some of the top economists and analysts in Washington, D.C. on retirement in the 21st century.  I participated in the National Press Foundation seminar on that issue, along with other 16 journalists from around the country.  http://www.nationalpress.org/programs3516/programs_show.htm?doc_id=685622

We all know that we can no longer count on Social Security as a sure thing to support us in our golden years.  Corporate pension funds are also changing drastically - most people can't count on those benefits as an automatic way to save. 

From a Baby Boomer's standpoint, we may have to retire the idea of retirement - certainly at the traditional age of 65.  It's much more likely that 70-75 will become the new standard age for retiring.  Before you faint at the idea of working until you're 75, consider this...as we live longer, most Boomers want to combine work and leisure.  They want to stay connected, and continuing learning and contributing to a vibrant environment.

In order to do that, to work what I call "SMART TIME/PART TIME" - you do have to have savings.  How much do you need to finance your lifestyle in retirement? 

Here's a tool that may help:  it's a Retirement Calculator that may help you figure out your money goals:  http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/retirementplanner/retirementplanner.jsp 

Bottom line - you probably need to be saving a LOT more than you are now!