Mind your Mind

I often think about my own personal safety and the times when it has been compromised. Currently, I am in the process of making some powerful life changes and thinking about personal safety in new ways. In addition to protecting ourselves physically (with non-lethal defense weapons), we must remember to protect our mind and soul. What good are we to the world if we are stressed out and riddled with indecision? We have to guard our mind from the worries that creep in so they do not take over!

Traveling in this vast world we live, I’ve worked with many philanthropic organizations and have been involved in charity work. I have seen the world as both an amazing place and a place filled with much conflict and strife. We can travel safely in both places by being informed, alert, and maintaining (or incorporating) a healthy dose of optimism. We can try to find the opportunity in every obstacle.

"Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character."

Author Unknown, from Be Thankful

Let’s not ‘tune out’ instead remember to stay ‘awake’ in life and in the world regardless of what is thrown in our way. Yes, it can often be overwhelming but we can breathe and rise to the challenge. Just like the world, we (as women) are amazing and challenging. Let’s strive for a healthy balance in our minds to feel secure in our thoughts, our speech, and the way we carry ourselves.

"If we don't change,

we don't grow.If we don't grow,

we are not really living.

Growth demands a temporary surrender of security."

~ Gail Sheehy ~

I also want to take a look back this week as we missed talking about International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on March 8. The website contains articles on a variety of topics. As I was reviewing their website (noted below) I found the following information interesting to read which I chose to share here this week:

GENDER FACTS

Networking:
Women use 20,000 words a day while men only use 7,000

Global Issues:
Females in developing countries on average carry 20 litres of water per day over 6 km
Globally women account for the majority of people aged over 60 and over 80
Pregnant women in Africa are 180 times more likely to die than in Western Europe
530,000 women die in pregnancy or childbirth each year
World population hit 6,872,741,131 on 1 January 2009
Of 1.2 billion people living in poverty worldwide, 70% are women
80% of the world's 27 million refugees are women
Women own around only 1% of the world's land
AIDS sees women's life expectancy of 43 in Uganda and Zambia
5 people are added to the world's population every 2 seconds
Women are 2/3 of the 1 billion+ illiterate adults who have no access to basic education

Innovation:
Globally women comprise 42% Internet users (Italy 37% ... US & Canada 51%)
In OECD countries women comprise only 30 per cent of degrees in science and technology
Women's representation in computer and information sciences workforce is around 30% globally
Female inventors still only account for around 10% of the US inventor population

Business / Finance:
Women control $14 trillion in assets and this should grow to $22 trillion over next 10 years
Women comprise 21 of the 37 million people living below the poverty line in the US
Only in Japan and Peru are women more active in starting a business than men
Women spend more time researching before they invest than men do

Media / Arts:
Only 21% of all news subjects (people interviewed or whom the news is about) are female
Women less than 1% department heads, editors, media owners but third of working journalists
80% of UK purchasing decisions are made by women but 83% of 'creatives' are men

Work:
Women do two-thirds of the world's work but receive only 10% of the world's income
Women's education is the most powerful predictor of lower fertility rates
One year out of college women earn 20% less than men and 10 years later 31% less
Women on average are away from workforce for 14.7 years compared to 1.6 years for men
The biggest EU gender pay gap is in Cyprus and Estonia at 25% then Slovakia at 24%

Government:
56% of women who voted supported Obama compared to only 49% of men voted for Obama
Until 20 years ago there had never been more than 5% women MPs globally
Benazir Bhutto was the first woman prime minister of a Muslim country (assassinated 27/12/07)
From the 27 EU member states, UK ranks 15 for women's representation in national Parliaments
From 1945 to 1995 the percentage of women MPs worldwide increased four-fold

SOURCE: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/facts.asp

WEBSITE LINK: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/default.asp

"Wishing you Good Mental Health". ~Dr. Frasier Crane~

Next Stop - Memorial Day

Today we are thinking about upcoming plans over Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (on May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action. (From Wikipedia)

We like the idea of peppering these entries with some spirit and creativity. In addition to women’s safety, family safety, and other non-lethal defense topics, we will share inspiration from poems to recipes and information relevant to the current month.

Wherever your plans take you this upcoming weekend, let’s try and take a little mental break from our stresses and safety issues. Enjoy some time with family or friends, have a picnic or barbecue, take a bike ride, a hike, or a walk (hopefully the weather will be nice). Attend a parade, local event, or enjoy a quiet day, but don’t forget to pause at 3 p.m.

Congress established The National Moment of Remembrance in 2000. We are asked to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. local time, in an act of national unity. This moment is to honor and reflect on those who served and gave their lives for our country to protect our freedom.

Suggestions for a Picnic Menu:
Crock Pot Ribs (recipe enclosed below)
Potato Salad
Green Salad
Corn on the Cob
Fresh cut fruit (in season)
Berry Cobbler w/ Fresh whipped Cream

Crock Pot Ribs Recipe

Ingredients
2-Pork Rib Slabs – cut to fit/fill your crock pot
1-Bottle your favorite BBQ Sauce – save the bottle
¼-cup Spicy Brown Mustard
¼-cup Ketchup
2-Tablespoons Brown Sugar
¼-cup Water

Directions
Stack slabs inside pot add sauce, mustard and brown sugar.

Use water to rinse out and capture sauce from bottle and pour over the top.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Uncover and enjoy!!

NOTE: If taking somewhere you can unplug and continue the process at your location – almost any outdoor parks and picnic areas have electricity poles these days.

You see, we didn’t have to say too much about defense devices, personal safety and personal protection this time. (Except this reminder to be alert and safe if you are driving.) So until next time, enjoy your week and the long weekend – the unofficial kick off to summer! Our thoughts go out this Memorial Day to all the families who have lost someone in military service.

Women's Travel Safety

It is nearly mid-May and some of us are already busy planning for graduations (whether middle-school promotions or College) celebrations and summer traveling. We begin to make plans while the DOW continues to rise and fall; as gas prices continue to go up; as jobless rates rise; and as news reporters tout pandemics and epidemics; all media jargon which continues to try and scare us into some type of media-made captivity. Nonetheless, in the words of veteran female traveler Zahara Heckscher, "Stay safe but don't stay home!"

As we venture out, female concerns may include sexual-verbal harassment, come-on’s, inappropriate comments, crude propositions, unwanted touching, groping, physical assault, rape. Women are also more likely to be the victims of theft. A crucial reason we need to use our common sense and basic street smarts as we would at home (or learn them).

Basic travel tips for Women’s Safety Solutions:
Conceal your valuables: You can wear a slim money belt (not to be confused with a bulky fanny pack), neck wallet/pouch, or a hidden pocket. Your essential documents are secure and hidden on you. It’s a good idea to conceal some extra cash on your body whether in your shoe, sock, or bra, in case you become separated from your bag.

Carry a light or the Electronic Keychain/Pocket Whistle connected to a small plain key chain. Carry a small flashlight and always be careful on dark streets even if you have a companion.

Express confident body language. Keep your head up and walk with purpose.

Watch the crowd and be aware of your belongings in crowded places like airports and train stations, flea markets, or during street festivals. In crowds you're more likely to be jostled and thieves can take advantage of grabbing your possessions. This would include minimizing your own distractions such as using an ipod or cell phone.

Opt for modest attire. In a nutshell, match your dress style to that of the locals and avoid clothing that will attract unwanted attention.

Don't bring the bling. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. It could be stolen, yanked off you by force, or send a message that you have more worth robbing. Save it for your parties at home – and avert that kind of attention while traveling. However, you might consider wearing an inexpensive wedding ring. This can help deter unwanted advances if you are unattached or traveling alone.

Let the bag go. If a thief tries to take your purse, shout for help, but it’s best to let go than risk assault. It is suggested not to reach for the opening in your purse to hand over your wallet as this may be enough to confuse or alarm the thief into thinking you're reaching for a weapon.

Stay safe in your hotel room with the Home Protection - Door Brace that will work anywhere. With these devices, no stranger will enter your hotel room and keep you safe while traveling.

Remember - Pepper spray can be an effective self defense weapon. Learn how to use pepper spray safely by studying the Defense Spray Facts - Booklet. You can find a wide variety of pepper sprays - purse sized and key chain sprays at http://www.istunyou.com/.

*If you choose to carry a defense device, be sure to check on the standards or local laws of the country you are visiting.

*Outside of the USA – you can note the US embassies and locate other government travel emergency assistance.
http://travel.state.gov/

Source for some of the travel tips: Kathleen Crislip @ About.com article: http://studenttravel.about.com/od/womenstudenttravelers/a/womentips.htm

With these tips in mind and following the same precautions you do in your own hometown, you equip yourself the best you can. Keep safe and hit the roads, skies, canals, oceans or trails. Travel and open your world!

A Slice of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10. We wouldn't be here without them!

As you prepare to cook a special meal for Mother, let's keep family safety and health in mind by revisiting these basic food safety tips.

Excerpted from a USDA News Release:
Rubbery eggs, burned pancakes, undercooked bacon — what mother doesn't treasure the memory of the little hands that cooked a Mother's Day breakfast! Mother's Day is the perfect time for dads and other caregivers to teach children simple food safety lessons while supervising the preparation of a special meal made for Mom.

Mother's Day has been officially celebrated the second Sunday in May since 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the day into national observance.

FSIS encourages both children and adults to put these four easy to remember lessons — Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill — into practice in order to Be Food Safe on Mother's Day and every day:

• Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Separate: Separate raw meat, poultry and egg products from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
• Cook: Raw meat, poultry and egg products need to be cooked thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to ensure foods have reached a high enough temperature to kill any harmful bacteria that might be present.
• Chill: Refrigerate promptly.

Lesson 1. Stay Clean
Bacteria can be hiding just about anywhere: in the kitchen, on a plate and on hands. These invisible enemies can multiply and make Mom sick. Cooks of every age should wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after food preparation, after playing with pets, and after using the bathroom.

All fruits and vegetables should be washed with running water before cutting or eating them. Only put food on clean surfaces. Always use clean knives, forks, spoons and plates.

Lesson 2. Keep Raw and Cooked Foods Separated
Cross-contamination is the technical description for how bacteria can be spread from one food product or surface to another. This is especially true when handling raw meat, poultry, eggs and seafood, so keep these foods and their juice away from ready-to-eat foods.

Always use a clean plate. Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry and seafood. Never put food on a dirty table or counter. Always wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water after they come in contact with raw meat, poultry, eggs and seafood.

Lesson 3. Cook Food to Safe Temperatures
Foodborne bacteria can't be seen, smelled or tasted. Use a food thermometer to make sure food has reached a USDA recommended minimum internal temperature. No matter how old the chef, you can't tell food is cooked safely by how it looks.

Always place the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food, away from bone and fat, to check the temperature. When cooking in a microwave oven, stir, cover, and rotate food for even cooking. It's important to let food stand for a few minutes after cooking it in the microwave. Always cook eggs before eating them. When cooked, eggs should be firm, not runny.

Lesson 4. Keep Perishable Foods Cold
Bacteria need time and the right environment to grow and multiply - such as moisture and warmth. Most foodborne illness-causing organisms grow quickly above 40° Fahrenheit. Some bacteria can double their numbers every 20 minutes at temperatures above 40° Fahrenheit. In a few hours, bacteria on food can cause an illness or form "toxins" that might not be fully destroyed by cooking.

Some foods that need to stay cold (at 40° Fahrenheit or below) include sandwiches or salads made with meat and poultry; tuna and egg salad; milk, cheese, and yogurt; and peeled or cut fruits and vegetables.

Finally, any leftovers from Mom's special meal should be refrigerated within two hours. Perishable food left out for more than two hours should be thrown out and not fed to the family pet. Even pets are susceptible to foodborne bacteria. To reheat leftovers safely, make sure they reach 165" Fahrenheit as measured with a food thermometer.
Full Article Here: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_042809_01/index.asp

And now for some sentiment - a poem and more ideas to follow:

A Mother's Love ~ By Helen Steiner Rice

A Mother's love is something

that no on can explain,

It is made of deep devotion

and of sacrifice and pain,

It is endless and unselfish

and enduring come what may

For nothing can destroy it

or take that love away . . .

It is patient and forgiving

when all others are forsaking,

And it never fails or falters

even though the heart is breaking . . .

It believes beyond believing

when the world around condemns,

And it glows with all the beauty

of the rarest, brightest gems . . .

It is far beyond defining,

it defies all explanation,

And it still remains a secret

like the mysteries of creation . . .

A many splendoured miracle

man cannot understand

And another wondrous evidence

of God's tender guiding hand.

Also, make a nice personalized gift for Mother by sharing a favorite poem (of yours or hers) or try writing one yourself! For helpful and inspiring poetry tips, see this article at Lifescript.

AND... How about serving up some strawberry shortcake? The simplest way I know, is to use prepared shortcakes or pound cake (or you could make your own). Get some fresh strawberries - wash and slice.

(Personal Safety tip: Always chop or slice slowly and carefully - cut away from your body - and curl fingers under on the hand holding the food.)

Pile strawberries on top of cake slice and add a dollop of whipped topping and Viola!

Hello May

MAY Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley

As well as honoring Memorial Day and Mother’s Day, May is…
National BBQ and National Hamburger Month National Egg, Strawberry, and Asparagus Month!

The first week of May includes the 23rd Anniversary of National Physical Education and Sports Week and National Egg Salad week (Yummy!).

So how can we do all of these wonderful things in May?

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (http://www.fitness.gov/) issues the President's Challenge: A program that encourages all Americans to make 'being active' part of their everyday lives.

Each year the National Association for Sport Physical Education (NASPE) develops special integrated activities for teachers and their students to do during National Physical Education and Sport Week, May 1-7. This week is encouraged by parents and educators to help ensure kids are getting daily exercise. In addition to being alert about children's safety, their health can become at risk with extra pounds. All the more reason they need to get regular exercise and play. Since this week is encouraged by parents and educators to help ensure kids are getting daily exercise, why don’t we use this awareness to motivate ourselves to exercise daily as well?

Just as we always want to be mindful of our own personal safety, physical exercise and a healthy diet are solutions to keeping our bodies and minds healthy and strong. It is important for women to do weight-bearing exercises to prevent bone loss and help tone muscles. There is a wide array of fitness activities available including: walking, running, biking, hiking, lifting weights, dancing, yoga, swimming, and many more. Out of all of these activities, biking presents a unique safety challenge.

Biking Safety Tip
Something to bear in mind for biking safety is to use bicycle lights. A headlight and a tail light will make you more visible to motorists.

On a nice day, after your bike ride or exercise walk, pack up a lunch with egg salad sandwiches, strawberries and asparagus and go enjoy a little picnic.

Here is a basic, tasty egg salad recipe:

4-6 Hard-boiled Eggs, peeled and chopped
1-2 TBSP Mayonnaise
1 Celery stalk washed and chopped
2 teaspoons Red, Sweet White, or Green onion finely chopped
1 tiny squeeze of Lemon Juice
Salt (or garlic salt) and Pepper, to taste

Gently mix the eggs, mayonnaise, salt and pepper in a medium-size bowl. Stir in the celery and onion. Taste, and adjust if needed.

Spoon some egg salad on your choice of bread. Add a couple pieces of lettuce, sliced tomato, or avocado if you like.

Better yet, include your mother in all of this if you can and before you know it you are celebrating May to its fullest!!