A Father’s Day Poem to Share

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle’s flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so,

He called it … Dad.

I am grateful to the unknown author of this poem for sharing these special words. Although my father has passed on, this poem gives form to the memories I carry in my heart. Hope you’ll pass it on and share it with a special dad in your life.

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Where To Find iPhone Apps A Baby Boomer Could Love

In a few short years, the Apple iPhone has made standard cell phones an outdated concept. The iPhone’s 3G services (with 4G just around the corner), wireless transmission of information, books, music, games and video have created a new world of communication, one that Baby Boomers are discovering – and loving. Who says we can’t embrace new technology, especially one that has become an incredible all-purpose tool.

If you have an Apple iPhone, you probably have tried out the few programs that came with it. But maybe you didn’t know that it has plenty of space for additional applications AKA “apps” for your personal use. There are so many apps available these days that you’ll be able to find one for every interest and need you have. Apple’s app store, that you can access from your iPhone is where you searching for apps. If you have particular needs that cannot be met from the site, there are plenty of places available that offer free and low cost apps.

You’ll find that many websites are now dedicated to displaying the latest and greatest iPhone apps. You can stop by these sites to get a helpful review of a particular app or to comparison shop for apps in a certain niche you’re interested in. There are so many helpful and fun “starter” apps for Baby Boomers to experiment with. Once you get the hang of finding, downloading and using apps, you’ll see your iPhone transform into an amazing gadget and helpful companion.

Whatever your interests, there’s probably already an app for it. If not, there’s an enterprising programmer out there who can create it. That’s what I found when I decided to take my online outreach to people over 50 to the iPhone platform. I found business app developer, Phil Wright at Touchopia who created the free Amazing Life After 50 app for me. Many apps, like Amazing Life, are now being designed for both the iPhone and its new cousin, the iPad.

Now I don’t have an iPad yet. But I’ve seen it and am predicting that it will definitely appeal to men and women 50 plus. For instance, just imagine Baby Boomer grandparents on the go sharing photos of the grandkids and staying in touch via iPad. I want one for my grandmother’s hope chest!

But I digress – iPad or iPhone, it’s time for you to venture out into the world of apps and pick some that appeal to you. Visit my blog to read about iPhone apps a Baby Boomer could love where I list some great apps to get you started. Then venture out on your own and visit these great online resources for apps to find apps that sync with your particular interests:

• First, look for the blue icon on your iPhone screen with a white “A” in a circle. This icon will take you right to the App Store where you can order an app and download right away to your iPhone.
• 148 Apps – My favorite place to read app review and find out about the newest releases.
• Best App Ever -2009 winners
• Crazy Mikes Apps
• 101Best iPhone Apps
• App Safari
• The iPhoneApp Review
• App Advice

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Getting Direction iPhone Apps A Baby Boomer Could Love

Do you remember the days before everyone walked around talking on little hand held devices? As a Baby Boomer, I remember the first portable phone – in a bag! It was like carrying your lunchbox around, it was so big. Now of course, the bag phone is a distant memory for those of us over 50. Now there are a wide variety of handy little smart phones including my all-time favorite – the Apple iPhone.

Among the many things you can do on your iPhone through little programs called “apps” is figuring out where you are – and where you want to be. Getting directions on the road, at the airport and to a new restaurant can now easily be done on your iPhone.

For starters, your iPhone comes with built-in GPS that uses available cell towers or even wireless local area networks to pinpoint your position. You can even post your position to others if you need to be located in an emergency.

Gate Guru – This is a must-have app for Baby Boomers on the go. You can become intimately familiar with 85 airports as you search for ATMs, restaurants, first class lounges and even kids play areas. You really don’t have to try to plot a blind course through your layover; you’ll know the best places to hang out, find food, drinks and even entertainment. You’ll be the go-to person of your business group and comfortable in any airport when you’re flying for pleasure. $1.99

Urbanspoon – If you want to put a little adventure into your culinary outing, try this app. You can choose a particular restaurant or use the “Magic 8 Ball” random search feature to find a restaurant you might never have known about but for this helpful little app. You pick the general location, price and type of food then let the culinary slot machine go to work. Free

Trip Journal – This is the #1 Google Awarded Travel Application. Men and women 50 plus will love its trip tracking capabilities, along with its sheer ease of documenting, sharing and recording. With Trip Journal you can thoroughly document your vacation experiences and share them in real time with others. An added feature are the beautiful graphics on this app. $0.99

AroundMe – If you find yourself in a strange part of town and running out of gas, how would you find the nearest service station? That’s one of the great features of this app. It will pinpoint your location and help you locate the nearest hospital, service station, or any other service you might need. You get to check out a complete list of all the businesses within your chosen category along with how to get to them. AroundMe is just the app you need when you find yourself in a pinch. Free

Whether you’re planning a vacation, business trip or just searching for a fun new place to eat, the broad reach of wi-fi and iPhone 3G networks along with your favorite new direction app can help turn your iPhone into a powerful navigational tool. Get ready to step out into the brave new world that is your amazing life after 50!

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Handy iPhone Apps A Baby Boomer Could Love

I’m a Baby Boomer, “techie come lately” life coach having a midlife love affair – with my iPhone! If you haven’t gotten one of these cutting-edge innovative smart-phones, you’re missing out on a great mobile phone experience and other “perks” you didn’t even know existed. The perks are tiny computer applications or “apps” designed for a specific task.

You can download them for free or a small charge. Apps are a computer programmer’s heaven and an iPhone user’s dream. More importantly, all of this wireless technology has given us Baby Boomers a new lease on life with a wide variety of apps to make life easier and more fun – on the go.

But the big question is how do you get apps for your iPhone (or iTouch and iPad) from the gazillion out there. Well, Apple gets you started with a small group of apps that are loaded on your iPhone when you purchase it. From that point on, you’re on your own.

There are apps for business, for fun, for personal productivity, for safety and for just about any hobby or interest you might have or want to have. In fact, as of April, 2010, there were more than 185,000 apps available so you have lots to choose from. As a woman who’s 50 plus and loves to shop – even I’m daunted by the selection of apps to choose from.

That’s why I decided to put together a list of apps that Baby Boomers could love to get you started.  This collection has grown out of my explorations in the iPhone App store and beyond. Because there are so many apps available, I want you to have some to play around with to get you familiar with the big wide world of apps. Then you can add more that suit your particular interests and needs. Getting started is easy:

1. Sign up for an iTunes account from your computer so you can purchase your apps. Once you’re on iTunes, you can buy them online or directly through your iPhone. Make sure to save your username and password because you’ll be prompted for that every time you purchase an app.
2. Visit the iPhone App mega-store online where you’ll find a video tutorial and other help. You can make a purchase from the App store now or -
3. Go to your iPhone and click the blue icon with the big white “A” in the middle – that’s your mobile entrance to the App Store.
4. Pick an app from the list below, buy it and you’ll be prompted to “install” from you iPhone. If you’re on your computer, buy the app, plug your iphone in and sync the app from your iTunes online.

All the apps listed here for Baby Boomers are available in the App store for instant download to your iPhone. For the most part, the apps I like and recommend range from under $10 to absolutely free.

Alarm Clock Pro – This is not just a slight upgrade from the alarm that comes with the iPhone. It’s a wonderful power tool that allows you to customize your smart phone for various tasks. You can start your day with music from your iTunes play-list instead of waking up to an obnoxious buzzer. This iPhone app also allows you to preset operations on many of your phone functions. $0.99

Google – What can you say about the world’s leading web browser and business juggernaut? Google offers a host of apps for the mobile phone format. They have given you all the standard tools in smart phone format including handy voice-activated search for anything you’d look up on Google from your computer. Free

2Do – is another great tool for task management. There are loads of functions in this app to customize your tasks and track your progress. If you are into productivity tools, this one might permanently replace your pencil and notepad. $6.99 for the full version, the “lite” 2Do is free.

G Park – This is one of my most useful app because there are times when I’m directionally challenged when it comes to finding my car in a huge parking lot or deck. Just set your location before you leave your car and the app will get you back with pinpoint accuracy. $0.99

RunPee Mobile – Don’t laugh! This is great if you have young kids who almost always have to go to the bathroom during the most crucial points in a movie. But if you’re a Baby Boomer man or woman, you may have  this problem too (and it’s not uncommon). You’ll appreciate how this app lets you know the best times for taking those quick breaks without missing the best parts of the movie. Free

Trip Cubby – If you need to track mileage for tax purposes or company reimbursement, try this one. It is IRS compliant and exports reports easily to your excel spreadsheets. $6.99

Dragon Dictation – is an easy-to-use voice recognition app powered by Dragon Naturally Speaking. It allows you to easily speak into your iPhone and have the information and ideas transferred into documents or just handy so you don’t forget that thought. Free

Mint.com Personal Finance – Now you can track, budget and manage your money. Just sign up for an account at Mint.com and enter your account information; access your personal finances anywhere. Free

Amazing Life After 50 - If you thought I was kidding about being in love with my iPhone, the fact that I now have an iPhone app of my own lets you know how much I think of this technology. As a Baby Boomer over 50, I know first-hand that midlife change and transition at  can leave you frustrated, disappointed and just plain stuck. All that said, I believe this is also the gateway to the best half of your life. So whether this is “midlife crisis” for you or not, it helps to have a little inspiration and practical information along the way. Free

This is the first of my posts about iPhone apps a Baby Boomer could love. Watch for more on:

• Apps that are good for you
• Apps for direction
• Apps for social networking, like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Apps for fun and games
• Apps for safety
• Apps for inspiration
• Must-have iPhone gadgets and
• Websites where you can learn about the latest, greatest iPhone apps and ones that sync with your interests and needs.

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How to Be Assertive Without Being Rude or Controlling

Assertiveness is an important skill that can make your life more enjoyable, but, unfortunately, it’s also vastly misconstrued. Sometimes it’s difficult to be assertive, or make your beliefs known, while still maintaining peace and understanding.

Assertive people often come off as rude or controlling. This is because generally people don’t like to be told what to do or how to do it. The trick is in learning how to stand up for yourself without making others feel imposed upon. This is a skill you can develop with a little know-how and practice.

Try using the following tips in order to properly assert yourself:

1. Choose your words carefully. This is especially important if you’re going to assert yourself in situations where you were previously passive. Think about the different ways that your words can be interpreted. Write them down and read them back to yourself if that helps.


* Remember that there’s a fine line between being assertive and being aggressive.

2. Develop good listening skills. Being assertive takes some great communication skills. Remember that communication has two sides – speaking and listening. Truly listening will help you clearly understand the situation at hand. When you follow up with thoughtful and assertive speech, others are more likely to value your opinion.

3. Avoid taking things personally. Since being assertive can be touchy, sometimes you’ll do everything right and still end up rubbing someone the wrong way. Learn how to brush off comments that don’t matter.

4. Be humble. You can combat resistance to your assertiveness by being humble. Avoid bragging about yourself, even if it’s in a joking manner.

5. Show confidence. People enjoy being led by people who ooze confidence. If you’re going to be assertive and take charge, show the confidence to back it up. People will sense your lack of confidence if it isn’t truly there, so give yourself permission to feel good about yourself and your accomplishments.

6. Handle negative issues quickly. If problems arise, jump on them immediately. It’s a part of being assertive. Handle issues with kindness and respect and people will remember you for it. If you let problems linger or treat them in a negative manner, people will remember that too.

7. Deal with feelings of superiority. You’re only human, so perhaps you do feel superior in a situation where you’re being assertive. If so, be careful to avoid acting rudely.

8. Apologize for mistakes. When you’re being assertive, you’re no doubt in the spotlight. When you make a mistake in the spotlight, everyone knows about it. Act appropriately and apologize, and people will respect you for owning up to it.

Remember that the skill of assertiveness is something that develops over time. It may be overwhelming to try to make drastic changes overnight. Ease yourself into it and test the waters. It’s always best to think with clarity and make your changes slowly.

With a gradual change, others will be more likely to accept your new assertiveness. Before you know it, you’ll have their respect for the new, improved you!

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