November 2009
November - Time for Giving Thanks!
The week of November 23rd begins what I call " the cooking frenzy." To be honest, this is my favorite week of the year and I will admit to being 100% part of that frenzy, I love it!
The trick is getting all that food on the table at the same time, HOT. Each year it is my personal challenge. :-) Regardless whether you get all the food on the table hot or not, the most important ingredient of the day are the people who are sitting around the table.
This is a time of thanks. In many homes there are three and sometimes four generations of families all gathered in the same place all giving thanks for each other, their blessings over the past year, and the food on the table.
Of course, some are praying that their favorite football team did not eat too much turkey before the Thanksgiving Day football game! On this day funny stories and laughter are being served for dessert along with traditional pumpkin pie.
During November we also take this time to say "thank you" to a very special type of person "The Caregiver." There are over 50 million people in the US who take care of a loved one. They are true heroes who give selflessly of themselves. Caregiving is a demanding job that requires much sacrifice. Often times the Caregiver puts the needs of others before their own. We send a special "thank you" to those individuals who are giving daily the most precious gift - themselves.
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September 2009
Value - What does it mean to you?
There is much talk today about consumer spending. The experts tell us we are spending our dollars more carefully these day and that we are looking for value in what we are purchasing.
Personally, I have been finding more value these days in the "little things" that life has to offer each day. Last week I sat outside one evening and just looked up at the moon for the longest time. During that time I was remembering where I was when Astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth in 1962. I was watching a very small black and white TV in my parents living room, up way past my bed time. My mom did not want us to miss history in the making. Seven years later, in my parents living room, we again watched history being made as Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the moon. That evening, as I sat outside, I was again reminded of the value of family and the importance of the memories we give our children.
What are you finding value in these days? Maybe you are reading that book you never had time for, taking walks, enjoying the summer flowers, spending time at the beach or maybe playing cards with friends?
Click here and tell me, during these very hard economic times what are you finding value in. I will share your comments with our readers during my upcoming blogs. Sometimes a little diversion is not a bad thing.
More Later ...
Terri
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July 2009
Let Freedom Ring!
The title of this blog is appropriate on many levels.
We just celebrated July 4th! And now, we’re about to celebrate some very special people who have declared their independence! These are real people who have overcome the stigma of bladder weakness and succeeded in living the life they want.
Soon, I’ll be able to share their inspirational stories of hope, TENAcity and moving forward in Terri's ‘Person of the Month’ section of the Café.
There were so many incredible stories submitted, it was challenging to choose just twelve.
I was touched by the stories of the brave men who battled prostate cancer and won. I was impressed by new moms like Tanya, Joanne and Emily - loving the miracle of childbirth but trying to understand why they are suddenly experiencing this condition.
It was not only the heartfelt stories of the men and young women that moved me, but that of older women, as well. Like Joan, a 66 year young grandmom who is not only spoiling her only grandchild, and managing her diabetes but doing daily volunteer work in her community.
I’ve literally been moved to tears by the sheer resolve of the human spirit!
Hyperbole? I think not.
In the months to come, you will read fabulous stories of everyday people who have taken a taboo condition, found a solution and moved on to a bigger challenge. Life.
Nothing can stop these warriors!
More Later ... Terri
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May 2009
Real Men Wear Pink on Mothers Day!
Thousands of people across the United States started Mothers Day the same way. They laced up their sneakers and gathered with a community of people to walk/run for one common cause – breast cancer.
The pink thread that tied everyone together was hope. The hope that, within our lifetime, a cure will be found.
We honor not only those brave women who are waging a daily battle and the families who give them unconditional love and support … but the women who have lost their brave battle.
It is in their memory that we carry on the fight for the cure.
Meanwhile, Breast Cancer Network of Strength® (www.networkofstrength.org) has been providing immediate emotional relief to those touched by this disease for more than 30 years and who can’t wait for the cure.
I always say ‘if you want to know something, go directly to the source’. Their YourShoes™ 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center, for example, is staffed entirely by breast cancer survivors. These women are warriors who have walked a mile in your shoes and can relate to what you…or your friends and family…are going through.
These warriors were out in full force in 16 cities throughout the country, including Chicago during its Walk to Empower events, the Network’s core fundraiser which fuels it free programs and services all year long.
Click on the link to view generations of women, men and children united together for hope. http://www.networkofstrength.org/events/walk09/index.html
Regardless of your gender - pink was the color of the day!
I am proud that TENA is a supporter of this incredible organization. For those of you using TENA products, every purchase you make will generate a donation to Network of Strength. It’s a "win-win" scenario: you helping yourself with TENA … and helping support those with breast cancer! (Click here for details)
It is amazing what we can accomplish when we join together for one common cause. And remember, if you or someone you love needs breast cancer information and support, call YourShoes at 1-800-221-2141 or visit networkofstrength.org.
More Later …Terri
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March 2009
What's in Your Closet?
This is the time of year for a fresh start. Of course, one of the first steps is to start cleaning out old stuff. I have not quite figured this out, but it’s amazing what we hold onto.
Example. My 1969 plaid mini skirt will probably not come back in style or ever fit again. It’s a “definitely not” for my husband’s leisure suit. Ditto for a Beta version of the movie Funny Girl. Professional organizers say that if you haven’t worn it, eaten it or paid attention to it in 6 months … toss it! And toss it I shall.
After all, cleaning the closets will give me the room to store more valuable things.
(Which will be of no value next spring.)
But I wonder...
Is this also the time of year to clean out our mental closet? To throw away old thinking? To clear up some misconceptions? I say yes, yes and yes.
Open your windows and open your mind!
Let's take this opportunity for a fresh start on the topic of bladder weakness. It’s the perfect time to set a few things straight:
1) True: Bladder Weakness is as common as hay fever. 1 in 4 women have this condition.
2) True: Pelvic floor muscles hold the bladder in place. Kegel exercises strengthen these muscles to help prevent leakage.
3) False: Bladder weakness only affects women. There are approx 3.4 million men who experience this condition.
4) False: A pad made for periods can be used for bladder weakness. Only a product made specifically for bladder weakness can insure protection from urine leakage.
I think it’s time for all of us to get out there and enjoy this season of renewal.
Let’s celebrate what’s coming up roses...and what’s not in your closet!
More later ... Terri
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February 2009
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I think about how elementary schools celebrate this day.
Of course, they decorate classrooms, bake cupcakes, write poems and such. But what tugs at my heart is the Valentine’s cards created by the children often mention what they appreciate about others. What a terrific idea.
How do I love thee, let me list the ways. For example:
I appreciate you snow shoveling
I appreciate you watching one television program at a time (all that clicking drives me crazy!)
I appreciate you serving breakfast (in bed would be nice)
I appreciate you not slamming the door
I appreciate you talking instead of texting
To all visitors to Terri’s Café, I’d like to say that ‘I truly appreciate you’. I celebrate your spirit, your love of life and your tell-it-like-it-is attitude. Not just on February 14th … but on the other 364 days, as well.
Happy Valentines Day to all of you and don’t forget to spoil yourself today with candy and flowers! Your deserve it!
More later … Terri
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1/12/09
Happy New Year!
Doesn’t it seem like yesterday that we were worried about the "Y2K" phenomenon? Sometimes it is hard to accept how fast time flies. Because here we are, approaching the first full decade of the new millennium!
This is typically the time for making grand resolutions about how much thinner, wealthier, greener, and more zen we promise to be in 2009. But this year, an email from Elaine has me thinking a bit differently about what really needs to be resolved.
Elaine was comfortable enough to share her feelings here at Terri’s Café. She confided that she has bladder weakness, had discussed the challenges with her doctor and uses TENA every day.
What’s really bothering her is this.
“I’m angry”, Elaine wrote. “Will I ever get past this anger? Am I alone, or does anybody else feel this way?”
Personally I was angry and resentful for a long time until I realized things could be worse. Asking myself, "why me?" did not give me any answers or much consolation. Elaine is not alone in her feelings of anger. It is natural to ask yourself "why me?", "what did I do to deserve this every day?". Rationally, Elaine has read all the facts and figures about women and dealing with bladder weakness. Emotionally, though, those statistics can’t stop her from being resentful about having to wear a product every day.
My advice to Elaine and everybody else who shares these feelings is really simple. Control what you can and try easing up on what you can’t. Resolve to be more forgiving, especially to yourself.
As the New Year begins, why not replace the word ‘resolution’ with ‘acceptance’. For example:
- I will accept that my husband is late for everything
- I will accept that as I get older I cannot eat late at night
- I will accept that my children have a cell phone next to them at all time … that drives me crazy :-)
We don't have to be happy about accepting the bumps in the road of life. But sometimes, acceptance does make the journey a whole lot easier.
If you have any more suggestions that might work for Elaine, I’d love hearing from you.
More later … Terri
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11/22/08
Take a deep breath, Thanksgiving week, the ultimate in multi-tasking. Did you ever wonder if the Pilgrim women worked this hard for one dinner?
This week we will accomplish things we never imagined possible, getting Thanksgiving dinner on the table HOT all at one time!
It is the ultimate balancing act and must be done with great love and precision, one mistake and the biscuits could be burned!
As you are celebrating this day set aside to give thanks don't forget to take a long look in the mirror and give thanks to you.
The gifts you give each day to your family and friends and the spirit by which you give them is worth celebrating.
You never know where inspiration will come from. It could be your small act of kindness that makes the world of difference to someone.
Happy Thanksgiving!
More later ... Terri
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10/31/08
Trick or Treat.
Isn’t it funny how as we get older how our conversations with others change? We talk about our latest doctor visit, new medications, how many more years until we can collect on our 401(k) and why we can’t stay awake to watch the 11:00pm news!
While giving out Halloween candy with my sister last night our conversation took another turn. She told me she heard there are exercises that women our age should be doing so that we don’t leak. She was surprised that I knew they are called kegel exercises. I discovered them a few year ago when literally “I laughed so hard I peed myself”. Kegels help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and they really do work. She was even more surprised I did them since I am not an exercise queen. They are simple, easy and no sweat involved.
Click here to learn more about kegel exercises.
She told me every time she coughs she notices little leaks. There we were, giving out candy talking about our leaks. Later she told me she was happy we had this conversation. “People change their life with exercise and these exercises could really help me” she said.
It is a treat to want to grow older gracefully, but there are tricks we need to learn to make it happen.
Happy Halloween!
More later … Terri
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Welcome to Terri's Blog!
Who am I? Why is there a café with my name on it? But most important, do my children know I have a blog? They would be shocked!
Let me introduce myself. My name is Terri and for the past 20 years I've had the extraordinary opportunity to work with TENA on products specifically designed for bladder weakness.
But my interest in this topic started long before my career with TENA. I have a sibling who, from a very young age, was a bed wetter. My heart broke as I watched the humiliation they suffered. Sometimes what we don't understand scares us. As fate would have it I had a child who also was a bed wetter. Drawing on my earlier life experiences, it was important for me to find out everything I could on this topic to help my child understand what they were going through. I made sure they understood how to deal with it every day and most of all that they never felt alone.
I was, and continue to be, stunned by the millions of people who are dealing with some kind of bladder issue. Everyone from new moms and senior citizens to gymnasts and diabetics.
Please come back often to my blog. We'll be sharing stories, solutions, special tips, even recipes! We'll talk about everything. No topic, especially bladder weakness, is taboo in Terri's Cafe!
More later.......Terri