Thank you for the opportunity!

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Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.       #VZWVoices #Boomer

It is so very hard to believe, here at the end of December, that on a hot, summer day six months ago, I boarded a train and left for Chicago. It was there that I met and trained with a dozen or so “Boomer Bloggers.” What a great experience, meeting some of the Midwest’s most influential women on the Web! I felt a bit out of my league, as I am a relatively new blogger, however, these women were more than helpful throughout the entire program. It is great that technology and social media will continue to keep us in contact with one another.

phones

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I have to admit, that playing with the phones and FitBit was a blast. The cameras on both phones are fantastic! And the technology and apps I downloaded made both phones even more valuable in my very busy life! The FitBit certainly motivated me to get moving, as I saw first-hand how little I moved. Now the device is attached to my hip – literally!

The self-facing cameras on both phones were not used for selfies, (okay, maybe once or twice with my daughter!) but to video chat with my husband and son who were stationed in various countries throughout the past year. And my world clock app was a tremendous help, letting me know what time it was for my loved ones where ever in the world they were. Countdown calendars helped the days pass until my spouse got home. Yes, the technology alone made my life as a military spouse much easier.

tree down riser post

broken riser

 

 

 

 

I loaded so many apps on my phone – such as for our insurance company, which made filing a claim due to a severe summer storm much easier. The long battery life was a huge help in staying in contact with the electric company, insurance company and family members, as we were without power for over 70 hours. I became addicted to downloading books onto my Kindle app – and now using the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, reading the ebooks is much easier.

Though the technology and trip were fabulous, I think the best part of being a Verizon Ambassador was meeting so many wonderful people: the tech trainers, the staff at ComBlu, the bloggers and the folks I met via my blog and through other social media outlets. By being a Boomer Ambassador, other writing opportunities came to my inbox! The experience has truly been a blessing.

VerizonBoomerVoices

Oh, how I wish the Verizon Boomer Ambassador program wasn’t drawing to a close! And I know my Boomer Blogger Sisters have the same wish! What a wonderful experience, to share what I have learned with others. I feel that this program gave me the nudge I needed to get out of my comfort zone and learn even more! From making the switch to self-hosting my blog, to hosting both a digital and a blog party, to learning all kinds of techy terms and skills, I know I have grown both personally and professionally.

Yes, we have come a long way from the gigantic bag phones that we plugged into car lighter outlets a few decades ago. And some days the technology seems to be overwhelming and maybe even be a drawback to in-person social skills. However, as a Boomer, a military spouse, a mom, a writer and a blogger, I do believe that used properly, the technology we are blessed with today can be just that – a blessing and a way to be in touch with those we hold dear.

Thank you, ComBlu and Verizon. I am humbled that you chose my blog to be a participant in this program. Thank you for making communications easier and making the world a little smaller. Thank you to my Boomer Blogger Sisters, for all that you did to help this newbie.

Thank you to my readers. May you have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

© Lynne Cobb – 2013

 

 

The “Perfect” Christmas

Christmas treeper·fect – adjective -ˈpərfikt/
1. having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.

My morning routine includes watching the news headlines before I head out the door. This morning, Christmas Eve, was no different. I want the headlines – not the fluff – and have done my best to tune out the idle banter when the anchors drone on and chit-chat. However, when I heard this phrase again today, I reached my proverbial breaking point.

How to have the “perfect” Christmas. Ugh!

No, I am not a Grinch or a Scrooge, but I am tired and weary of the media and advertisers dangling a dream that can’t be achieved in front of our faces. There is no perfect Christmas, because there are no perfect people.

It really is just that simple.

People, women in particular, spend time, energy and money chasing that perfect scene. The perfect gift, the perfect baked goods, the perfect tree, the perfect decorations, the perfect outfit, the perfect hair. How much valuable time and money is wasted on achieving perfectionism? I mean really good, quality time, with laughter and memory making – are these lost among the strive for perfection?

When did everything have to be perfect? Not just holidays – but everything in general? What we do, where we live, what we say, what we believe. The truth is, we are flawed, and no matter how much we try, we cannot achieve perfection. That doesn’t mean we should be arrogant jerks, but instead of trying to be perfect, why aren’t we trying to be kind, compassionate and caring? Instead of worrying about appearances, maybe we should worry about how we act towards our fellow man.

Christmas has become a “make or break” holiday. When it doesn’t live up to our perfect expectation, it depresses us. We miss loved ones – gone due to deployments, distance, divorces and death. I understand that part of the holiday all too well. And, for me, I feel that pain whether it is Christmas or Independence Day. But we have become so fixated on the Hollywood version of Christmas, that we have lost the sense of the celebration. If our celebration doesn’t look like one we see on television, then we are doing it all wrong.

Earlier in the week, I kept thinking that it “didn’t feel like Christmas.” I kept wondering why? Am I jaded? Getting older and wiser? Feeling pressured to “feel like it’s Christmas?” I am pretty sure I wasn’t the only person feeling this way.

Christmas is when we observe Christ’s birth. Yes, we can debate the pagan roots of decorations, the actual time of His birth, but, since we do not know the particulars, for all intents and purposes, this is the day Christians world-wide celebrate our Savior’s entry into the world. It is our holy day.

There was nothing perfect about Jesus’ birthday – born in a stable, sleeping in hay. Humble, rustic and for germ-o-phobes, pretty dirty. But here, in the midst of an imperfect world, in an imperfect setting, to imperfect people, there was a moment of perfection – Jesus was born, and He would shoulder our imperfections.

He didn’t come into our world so we would stress about His birthday.

Maybe, as adults, we don’t feel that holiday spirit because we are so wrapped up in making things perfect. Children approach Christmas with sheer joy and anticipation. They aren’t seeking perfection. They are filled with wonder and awe.

My wish for you is to see Christmas as a child. Enjoy the wonder and awe of this Perfect Gift. May you find joy in giving forgiveness, in sharing of yourself and your talents, and in making your area of the world better and brighter for others.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas!

© Lynne Cobb – 2013

 

 

 

 

And the #giveaway winners are…

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. #VZWVoices #Boomer

Well… I hate to say it, but the party is over! However, for those who entered the Verizon products giveaway, this is the day you have been waiting for!

I must tell you, hosting my first blog party was a lot of fun! It was great to interact with so many people; some of my regular followers, and some new faces in the crowd. Thank you to all who took the time to read the post, comment and enter the drawing. And I do hope that you will return to my blog to keep up with my “random ramblings.” A big THANK YOU to my fellow blogger, the Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years. She was a huge help to me and this blog party!!! A big thank you to my family for their help and support…especially my little helpers, showing off the cool prizes!

Great prizes!

In a previous giveaway on my blog, I used Rafflecopter, which is an easy and excellent platform for hosting a raffle. However, since this was a party, I had to make it more fun! So, I had my granddaughters don Santa hats and they put names in a basket to help choose the winners. They had a lot of fun, and were pretty excited to be part of “Mema’s work.” And, they enjoyed some cookies at the party.

Who are the lucky winners

So, without further adieu, here are the winners of the Verizon giveaway. Once again, thank you to Verizon for being so generous with the products! Hope everyone enjoyed the blog party!

And the winner is...

Verizon Ellipsis™ 7 Tablet – JJ Caraway

Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation ™ – Kaye Newman

             Jawbone® Mini Jambox™ -Ali  Alsaden

Verizon Gift Bags – Kelly Maxwell, Sam Lathrop, Tina Truex,  Motor City Bob, Karen Williams Taylor, Violet Dunnam,  Renee Jollay, Ashley Pomykala,  Karen Albert Winslow, Wendy Scott, Katie and Terr Madden.

Congratulations to the winners!!! If you need to use an email address that is different from the one you provided, please let me know in the comments below. I will be contacting you for your mailing address.

If you are interested in any of the products, they are available at your local Verizon dealer or at Verizon Wireless. Thank you all for joining the party!

© Lynne Cobb – 2013

It’s a #Verizon Blog Party!!!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. #VZWVoices #Boomer

958It is really hard to believe, but it has been six months since I became a Brand Ambassador for Verizon. Back in June, I traveled to Chicago to learn about some fantastic devices and programs offered by Verizon. I was more than happy to blog and tweet about my new phone, my new FitBit One and other items.

I really fell in love with my Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD – specifically because of the camera and the ease of use of the phone. Then, about a month ago, I was supplied with a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and well, let’s say I am head-over-heels in love with this “phablet.” It is a wonderful phone, and a wee bit smaller than a 7″ tablet, so it makes reading on my Kindle app much easier – no reading glasses needed for me! And let’s just say the camera is amazing, and the stylus pen allows me to use the phone as a note pad. I have scrapbooks and notes set up. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is an amazing piece of technology.

phones

I am so sad that this Brand Ambassador program is drawing to a close. I have met and worked with so many talented #Boomer bloggers. And the staff at ComBlu and Verizon couldn’t have been more supportive or generous if they tried! Truly, a wonderful group of people.

What has really amazed me is how much I have learned in six months! In addition to really learning how a smart phone can enhance and help a blogger’s life, I found myself becoming more interested in how technology can fit into so many aspects of our lives – especially as “Boomers.” There are devices, like “Sure Response” than can assist in the care of aging parents. There are apps for so many areas of our lives: banking, insurance, grocery, health and fitness, shopping – even apps for the NFL and NHL (Go Wings!). I learned how to use Rafflecopter and see the power social media – all in less than a year.

Which brings me to my blog party…

Part of being a Brand Ambassador for this program was to host a few parties. A fellow blogger and I hosted a digital party in October, and now, I am hosting a blog party on my own! Sorry that I don’t have refreshments to serve, but I do have a few “real” gift bags, courtesy of Verizon, for my virtual guests! And, there are three great prizes for three lucky people, whose names will be drawn at random.

gift bags dec

In order to qualify to win a prize, you must be 18 years or older and be a U.S. resident with a street address (no P.O. boxes, please). I also need you leave a comment here on my blog as to why you would like to win one of these prizes, or leave a comment on my Facebook page.  Those interested in being in a drawing need to leave a comment no later than 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Winners will be announced on my blog on Thursday, December 12, 2013.

So, now that the legal mumbo jumbo is out of the way, here are the prizes! Hope you like them!!

jawbone mini

Jawbone® MINI JAMBOX™ 

Beautiful, wireless sound – small enough to fit into a pocket; super light-weight; connects via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm stereo cable. Retail value: $179.99.

Learn more at Verizon Wireless or Jawbone

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 Verizon Ellipsis 7Verizon Ellipsis ™ 7 

Surf the web, check email, read books and magazines,video chat, watch movies, add your favorite apps and more! Retail value: $299.99 ($149.99 w/two-year agreement).

Learn more at Verizon Wireless and view this video.

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 mophie juice pack Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation™

This quick-charging external battery gives high-output power for just about any USB charged device. Compact; works with Smartphones, tablets and portable gaming systems. Great as a back-up plan during power outages. Retail value: $79.99.

Learn more at Verizon Wireless and Mophie.

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If you have any questions on the products, just ask in the comment section. Good luck to all who enter. Feel free to share this post with your family and friends!

Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of these fantastic items, courtesy of Verizon! There will be three give-away winners, and twelve readers will win a Verizon gift bag! 

© Lynne Cobb – 2013

How I Celebrated Small Business Saturday

bakery

“Behind every small business, there’s a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores – these didn’t come out of nowhere.” – Paul Ryan

This past Saturday, my husband and I helped stimulate the local economy when we stepped out onto Main Street and took part in “Small Business Saturday.”

The idea isn’t really new to us. A few years ago, when we took the kids for a weekend get-away, we stayed away from stores and restaurants that we could patronize at home. The goal was to get a flavor for the towns we visited, to try foods indigenous to the area, and it spurned a habit that has continued today.

When our son worked at a small independent grocery store, I began to really see the need in supporting a business that supported my child through his high school years. The grocery store still receives a sizable portion of our grocery budget. They were flexible in working around his school and sport schedules. And now that our daughter works at a family-owned pizzeria, we support that business as well. These small, local businesses have been the springboard for students, first-time job holders and career paths for generations.

In addition to frequenting these businesses, we shop at our local Farmer’s Market almost every weekend, buying the freshest, locally-grown produce, farm-raised meats, flowers, honey and other grocery items. It is tastefully rewarding, to say the least. And we are getting to know the farmers that grow our food.

On our Saturday outing, we first stopped at the market. In addition to the usual load of produce, we discovered two local bakeries who have stands in the market, and, well, we started on our mission to stimulate the local economy. Then, we visited a few of the antique and vintage clothing vendors, where I found a winter jacket and – bonus – a vintage hat to match my previous week’s vintage coat find. The cost of the coats, plus the hat and dry cleaning bill came to the same price I would have paid for one coat at a big-box chain store, and the coats are unique! And warm – amazingly warm.

vintage hat

apple peeler We loaded our finds into the car, and off to the next stop, a thrift store, where there were all kinds of cool items from clothing to furniture to kitchen gadgets. I found an apple peeler – which would have been very handy when making my apple pie for Thanksgiving. (It was suggested that I now have no excuse to not make another!)

On we walked down Main Street, where we found yet another bakery, several unique clothing stores where we purchased Christmas gifts, and then we happened upon a mom and pop burger joint where we enjoyed sliders, fries and a beverage – lunch for two for $10. Not bad.

We couldn’t complain about the weather – sunny and around 40 degrees in November for our neck of the woods. It made the day even more enjoyable. Fresh air and fashionable finds – I found myself enjoying shopping, which is always more of a chore than a pleasure for me. I loved the fact that each shop we stopped in had friendly owners willing to take the time to assist us with our questions, and just chat. It felt good to purchase items right here in our community – the businesses that support our local schools and churches whenever we call looking for an item for a charity auction or a raffle.

I would be remiss if I didn’t disclose that I was a bit miffed at the larger retailers who opened on Thanksgiving this year, and I grew insanely weary of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday commercials that ran on television and on the radio – not to mention the explosion of emails landing in my inbox.  So, in my own small way, I’d like to think I sent a message  of support to the businesses who did not participate in all the marketing hoopla.

For me, going to a big-box store was part of my usual routine when looking for a gift, furniture or clothing. But, taking a day and really exploring and walking the shops through my town, I now have a better idea of the unique options available. And I have a better appreciation for the folks who have chosen to make their living by being small business owners. I plan to support them more frequently, as they support my immediate community and schools. Who knows… I may end up becoming a shopaholic!

Did you participate in Small Business Saturday? If so, did you find the experience favorable?