Janienne Jennrich's Blog
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hi ,
I been testing many laptop bags lately. This is a perk of being a writer. In order to give you (the readers) a true review (beyond what you can see in product brochures), I need to feel and use products. Because of this, I am sent samples to try. One was the terrific bag I discuss in Skooba Computer Laptop Bag Review.
I've searched for laptop cases with more pizzazz than simple basic black. In this search I found many great bags and one I especially love for those of us who would like a less cumbersome way to tote laptops.
I see more and more seniors out in coffee houses, etc. with computers. It's nice to get out among people, use free wireless internet (Wi-Fi - which many of us do not have at home), and be able to browse the web, work, or email.
When toting your laptop, you need a good quality carrying bag. If you want a light bag, please check out my latest article: Review of a Casauri Computer Laptop Carrying Bag. It is about a nice bag by a company called Casauri begun by sisters Emily and Helena McHugh. I will hopefully have a more senior-oriented article up on the same bag soon in this Seniors/Grandparents section.
In a phone conversation today with Emily McHugh, CEO/Creative Director for Casauri, she expressed to me that her intention in the development and growth of the company (with her sister and staff) has been to create multi-generational products to cater to the taste of many types and ages of people. I think you will agree with me that Casauri is doing just that.
The website Coolest Laptop Bags and Laptop Computer Sleeves has laptop bags and other computer products and information. You may also buy Casauri products there.
Best,
Janienne
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Summer Greetings !
Summer is here and it's time to dust off our entertaining and party supplies and plan some fun in the sun and some great parties for those with upcoming birthdays. Often seniors host family parties, so I thought it would be nice to introduce you all to a few webpages with lots of birthday party ideas and themes and very nice party and gift products you can easily buy online. Shopping and buying online is safer than ever and you can save gasoline too!
Check out these websites, which also link to many of my birthday party and entertaining ideas articles:
Teen Birthday Party Ideas and Themes
Teenage Birthday Parties are Fun! This page is full of Cool Ideas for Awesome Teen Birthdays. Birthday Themes, Party Goods, Things to Do, and Places to Go! Great Teen Birthday Gift Ideas too! Everybody Loves Presents!
Birthday Party Themes and Ideas
Fun Birthday Party Themes and Teens Birthday Party Ideas, Cool B-Day Parties for Kids, Babies, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Friends, and Family! Planning B-Day Events, Best Party Games, Good Food for Entertaining, Cute Birthday Cakes and more.
Entertaining All Year Long : Parties, Events, Holidays, Fun!
Party Planning, Teen Birthday Party Ideas, Cool Themes for Parties, English Afternoon Tea Party Tips, Holiday Entertaining, and Special Events Planning. Great Parties and Events: Father's Day, Spring Tea Parties, Graduation, Independence Day - 4th of July and more!
Patriotic Party Theme Ideas and Products Cool Ideas for: 4th of July Party, Independence Day, Red White and Blue, Patriotic Birthday Party, Military Birthday, Military Homecoming / Welcome Home, Voting and Campaign Events and more!
I hope you find these pages enjoyable. You can also find links to ALL my articles about many subjects on my profile page.
Until next time,
Janienne Jennrich
Feature Writer, Seniors and Grandparents
Suite 101
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hello,
I have been writing several articles about funeral music choices and have been thinking of what I would like for my own memorial or what my family members might want. During a stressful time such as the loss of a loved one, it can be very difficult to make memorial service decisions.
There are several books available on funeral planning. Purchasing one of these and filling it out (perhaps even with a loved one) may be a good idea. Some of these books and other ideas for funeral planning may be found at Funeral and Memorial Planning and Flowers.
Some of the highly rated books listed for sale on this website are:
- Planning a Celebration of Life, A Simple Guide for Turning a Memorial Service into a Celebration of Life
- Grant Me My Final Wish: A Personal Journal to Simplify Life's Inevitable Journey
- Saying Goodbye Your Way: Planning or Buying a Funeral or Cremation for Yourself or Someone You Love
- Planning The Catholic Funeral
- Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying
- I Died Laughing: Funeral Education With a Light Touch
I am currently working on an article about older hymns for funerals. If anyone has suggestions for good hymns, please join the discussion. Also chime in about anything else you may have to say about funeral planning and funeral music.
Here are some of my articles on Suite 101 about funeral songs.:
Uplifting Christian Funeral Music, Childrens' Funeral Services Music, Country Songs for Funeral Service, and Uplifting Sensitive Funeral Music.
Dying is part of the circle of life. We should plan for our deaths as we plan for our lives.
Carpe Diem! (Seize the Day!)
Janienne Jennrich
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hello,
I am on vacation for a family wedding and am staying with my senior parents (78 and 79). It's got me thinking about my own aging and how I need to take better care of myself.
My mother, especially, has taken good care of herself over the years. She has maintained a good weight, not smoked, rarely has an alcoholic drink, and excercies. Even with this good care, she has many aches and problems of aging, like pain in her knees. But generally, she is doing quite well.
I am much younger and a baby boomer, approaching senior status in some circles. Yet, I have knee problems already. I have not take as good care of myself, and although I have never smoked, I have had weight issues and not gotten proper excercise in some time.
I think it does make a huge difference how we care for our bodies. Putting in decent fuel (food) and keeping moving is important to aging in better health. Without your health, one really does not have the same quality of life.
I hope this visit will urge me on to begin to take better care of my body as it ages. After all, we only get one.
Be happy and healthy!
Janienne Jennrich
Feature Writer
Seniors / Grandparents
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hi-
I have been very interesting in online college degree programs and courses available online lately. The opportunities to learn and earn a degree online these days is endless.
If you are interested in finding out more about online colleges, financial aid, student loans and more, try checking out these resources and articles:
Articles:
Senior Citizen College Discounts and Senior Citizens Going to College.
College Web Resources:
College Education and University Information
Best Information for Seniors and Senior Citizen Caregivers
Brainwork and Senior Memory Resources:
Playing video games can really help build up those brain connections! Here are 3 sites with easy-to-learn games of all kinds (word games, number games, adventure games, etc), all FREE without any sign-ups, registrations, or anything else. Just free fun:
Enjoy! We're never too old to learn new things!
Janienne
Feature Writer
Seniors and Grandparents
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hi Seniors and other Folks,
If you want to work from home for a part-time income and you can write well about just about anything or have a special interest, you might be able to build up an income over time.
One good option for senior citizens is to write for Suite 101, right here! At the top of the website pages you will see a link that says "hiring freelance writers." Click on that and read about applying to be a writer. That's how I got my online job here! I started off making pretty low pay, but it builds on itself and depending on how much you want to write, there are few limits to what you can make.
Another thing seniors (or anyone) can do is go to www.squidoo.com. Squidoo is like a giant book. Each page of the book is made by a different person and is about a different subject. It can be a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is fun to make a one page website (which they call a "lens"). I am doing this part-time and so far have only made about $30 a month, but I know it will grow as I make more and more pages and link them to each other. If you are an expert on something or have a hobby or ANYTHING, you can make a Squidoo lens and tell the world about it, in your own way.
In comparison, Suite 101 is a more serious type of writing with more editorial rules. Squidoo is more of a "do what you want" sort of place.
Try one or both if you like creating with words!
Have a good online day!
Janienne
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hello all,
Which do you prefer - tea or coffee?
I am more of a coffee person.
Lately my daughter has discovered Chai Tea and loves it.
I love tea parties, but rarely drink tea on a daily basis. Now that there are reports of the health benefits of tea, I am trying to include in my diet more often.
If you search go to my article list, you will find many articles I have written about tea parties.
I also recommend this tea party website: Tea Parties, Tea Party Themes and Teatime Ideas.
How about you? Sound off over in the discussion area (linked to the right of this page)
Janienne
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hi!
Do you watch American Idol? I have found that it’s a television show that seems to cross generations. That is rare these days. My teen children, my husband and I, my older sister and her family, and my senior parents all enjoy the program. If you’ve never seen this singing competition / reality TV show, it’s not too late to jump in for the end of the season.
Season 7 for American Idol 2008 began in January, but many of the early programs are dedicated to try-outs, weeding out the worst singers through auditions across the U.S., and then sending the best of hundreds of thousands of hopeful vocalists to Hollywood for the final cuts. Then they have a Top 24 (12 gals, 12 guys), which compete to become the American Idol Top 12.
At this point, the show is down to the Top 6 finalists. This is a fun time to begin watching, as the singers have grown in talent over the weeks before and are all quite good. Each week one more person will be eliminated until the finale in a few weeks.
If you haven’t been watching American Idol, give it a try. From kids to seniors, many people love this weekly musical getaway.
See this Squidoo Lens site on American Idol - tons of videos, info, more! Check out the David Cook American Idol 2008 website for videos, new and fan items all about David.
Best,
Janienne Jennrich
P.S. We’re cheering for David Cook at out house!
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hi all,
In my local travels, I have noticed many senior citizens are continuing to work into what would normally be considered their "Golden Years." I wonder what the reasons are for this? Is it fullfillment? The need for supplemental income? Is it for social opportunities?
I know my own parents have continued to volunteer to stay active and give back in their own retirement years. This is unpaid "work," which can be very fulfilling.
On the flip side of many seniors working, my husband ( just barely over what is considered the youngest of the "senior" years) is currently looking for work. With the real estate market down, he is looking to go in another direction. He is finding much of the work he sees is too physically demanding (mostly on his hands), though he is a strong man for his age. Also, many employers seem to be preferring younger employees to his more senior status. Or so it seems.
If you have any input about why you work, any discrimination you feel is happening in relation to your age, or any other issues related to seniors and work, please start or add to a discussion on the home page for Seniors and Grandparents. There is also a discussion on senior volunteer oportunities - please chime in. Add your favorite charity where seniors of all ages are welcome to help. I'd love to see people start meeting here to network and share ideas.
Have a happy April. We had one day of sun. Hmmm. They keep saying spring is around the corner... Okay, I am still waiting!
Hey- but the daffodills are blooming and the robins are out!
All my best,
Janienne Jenrich
Feature Writer, Seniors/Grandparents
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
HI-
Many senior citizens are living in group homes, active living senior apartments, and group homes with assisted living. While many seniors come and go, a lot also tend to stay homebound, which can get a bit boring. As a senior caretaker for an elderly lady, I found that bringing over new activites interested her much more than the "same old things" she had access to everyday. I used to look around my house for simple games and gadgets, movies and music, and magazines to amuse her.
I would love to hear from other caregivers (many are the senior children of elderly parents) out there. What are some good activities which have been successful with a senior you know? My grandfather had a weekly writing group with a teacher who came into his apartment complex. Many group home situations have arts and crafts sessions. Or if you are a senior in a homebound situation, what activities do you enjoy? I know watching The Price is Right TV show daily was a big hit at the adult home at which I visited.
Some Popular Articles on Senior Activities:
Fun Visits With Senior Citizens
Memory Help for Senior Citizens
Fun Activities for Senior Citizens
English Afternoon Tea for Seniors
Fun Activities for Active Seniors
Online Senior Citizen Gift Ideas
Gift Tips for Less Active Seniors
I hope you enjoy them.
Please feel free to write a note in the discussion area for seniors and grandparents. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I will repeat this note over there, too, and hopefully get some ideas flowing between people.
By the way, does anyone else have a rather obnoxious woodpecker outside waking them up waaay too early? I sure do. Cute creatures... but Argh!
Have a good week,
Janienne
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hi!
Hey, the time is upon us to start planning those spring and summer vacations!
Once all the "young'uns" are finished with their wild and crazy spring breaks, it's time for those with RVs, dreams of relaxing hotel stays in deluxe resorts, more humble rough-it campers, and those who just like to head out and explore to get a few trips in before the crowds begin.
Our family hasn't had much time for vacations this year, but it would be nice to take a little two day trip to the shore once the weather warms a bit.
I have just finished an article on grandparents taking a vacation to Hawaii with their grandkids (Hawaiian Vacation with Grandkids). I found a wonderful resource in Franko's Maps. This is a growing home business that makes gorgeous trip guides for the Hawaiian Islands (okay, they are really maps, but there is so much more to them, it would be a shame to call them simply "maps.") The owners of the company are grandparents to 3 little girls, all under 4 years old. I wonder... when will they feel brave enough to take the grandkids along on one of their trips to Hawaii?
Whether traveling with family, friends, or alone, we'd all love to hear what everyone has planned for fun and leisure this upcoming season. Please share on our discussion board for Seniors/Grandparents.
As our last snows fall, it's nice to get toasty with warm thoughts of sunny places.
Happy travels!
Janienne
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Top 'o the Mornin' to ya!
Tis the time of year for the wearing' 'o the green, planting true Irish shamrocks, eating Irish foods like Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, colcannon (cabbage cooked with mashed potatoes) and more. People enjoy dressing up in leprechon hats and gathering in pubs serving green beer and Guinness, which is too dark to dye any color.
In our area, a Irish-owned restaurant is renowned for serving free green ice cream to all who visit, giving out green balloons, and doing free face-painting for children. This has turned into a sort of tradition with our wee-bit Irish family and our friends. Irish music is played and centerpieces are real russet potatoes with tiny Ireland flags, little "gold" nuggets and shamrock confetti.
This is probably not very traditionally Irish, but it is fun. Whatever a family does together on a consistant basis becomes a family tradition, I suppose. We also do the "wear green or get pinched" silliness. In our house, you had better wear green to bed, or you will be pinched awake!
Well, whatever your family does on this fun holiday, we wish you all the best. Here is an Irish saying you can toss out to the family or use as a dinner toast:
May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing
All good things be yours,
Janienne
(thank you to the quotegarden.com for the quote)
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
HI-
Coping with chronic health problems is nothing new to many people I know, or to myself, and maybe to you.
I don't feel I have a lot of answers for how one overcomes pain or depression that can come with health issues.
Many look for some larger purpose for discomfort. I used to wonder if my migraines would inspire one of my children to a medical career. Perhaps I was a stepping-stone to a cure for chronic headaches? Perhaps my pain was some sort of blessing for mankind.
Nope. Neither child leans in the least toward a career in medicine or research.
Okay, so maybe I'm meant to learn something. I have tried. Really tried.
Guess what? After twenty-five years... zip, nadda, nuttin'. So much for that one. Of course, I am an expert on migraine medications and all manner of healing. Yes, prayer and positive thinking, included.
A famiy member with pain answers "How are you?" with the enthusiastic reponse, "UN-Believable!" This is neither a negative or positive answer, but it keeps one from sounding whiny (oh, I have another headache...what else is new.. I am the most boring person on the face of the earth...).
See, I don't have any good answers on coping. Mostly I just get through "bad days" and catch up on "good days." Helping others is a good uplifting distraction. I pick projects I can do in small spurts. I try to make my kids laugh. Nothing is more healing than the laughter of a child.
So, how do you deal with chronic pain, recurring health issues, or other challenges? There is a discussion question on the main Seniors/Grandparents page where you can share. I'd love to hear from you.
Be happy,
Janienne
Posted by Janienne Jennrich
Hello everyone,
I would like to introduce myself. I am the new Feature Writer for the Seniors and Grandparents area here at Suite 101. I have over 18 years writing and editing experience, have been published online and on the web, and have worked with seniors as companion and care giver. I have no grandchildren as yet, but my older sister does, and I am in close contact with her and my great nieces,
I thank the upper management and my editors, Fiona and Irene for this opportunity and look forward to doing them (and you, the reader) proud.
My hopes are that this blog will be a place of inspiration, mulling, brainstorming and thinking aloud. I ask only for your support and good thoughts as I embark on this new journey with you.
In the discussion area, I hope we will have lively and life-changing talks, laugh a little, maybe cry a little, and with any luck, improve our lives and the lives of others.
Sound a little sappy? Okay, so I'm a little sappy and a little hopeful. I think the community that can be felt on Suite 101 is a wonderful opportunity for people (including hose seniors and others who might otherwise be isolated), to be able to interact daily with others with similar backgrounds and concerns.
Please feel free to share your ideas for this section via an online post or a personal email to me.
All my best,
Janienne (btw, it's pronounced like "Janeen or Janine")