Surname Saturday: Krise

The Krise family actively participated in the Civil War. Brothers Stephen, Daniel and Henry, along with brothers-in-law, Joshua Cretin and Daniel Brand; and nephews William Ryan and John Albert Nagle all served with Union forces. Joshua fell at Antietam, William in 1863 and Daniel is buried in Alexandria National Cemetery having died in August 1864.

Daniel & Henry serving with the Pennsylvania 11^th Company A fought and were captured during the Battle of Gaines’ Mill June 27, 1862. They were held at Belle Island until the Regiment was exchanged August 5, 1862.

My great-great-grandfather Steven Krise served as a Private in the 3rd Maryland, PHB. This is his discharge paper from the Union Army.

 

I'm Trying Something New Today

I’m trying something new today, its Jin Shin Jyutsu. Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient art of harmonizing the life energy in the body. Jin Shin Jyutsu brings balance to your body's energy, which promotes optimal health and well being. It complements conventional healing methods, reducing the effects of stress and promoting relaxation.  Typically a Jin Shin Jyutsu treatment is supposed to leave you feeling relaxed, balanced and serene. Yay, I can definitely use more balance and serenity in my life. For my treatment, which I get to stay dressed for, the practitioner will with a light touch clear blockages to harmonize and restore my energy flow. I can’t wait to feel the results. I’ll keep you posted.

Understanding Everyday Stress

WHAT STRESS IS...

Stress is an abnormal condition that disrupts the normal functions of the body or mind. No two people are affected in exactly the same way, or to the same degree, but most people living in our society suffer from its effects at one or more times during their lives. Symptoms range from mind headaches, occasional bouts of insomnia, overall restlessness, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

SELECTED LIFE EVENTS THAT CAN BRING ON STRESS:

•       Death of a close family member or friend.
•       Major personal injury, illness or pregnancy.
•       Major change in the health of a family member.
•       Marriage, marital reconciliation, divorce.
•       Arguments with spouse, family members, friends, co-workers.
•       Financing major purchases.
•       Major change in eating habits, living conditions, moving.
•       Changing to a different line of work.
•       Major change in responsibilities at work.
•       Changes in working hours or conditions.
•       Being fired at work.
•       Starting a new job or career.
•       Retirement from work.
•       Business readjustment, changes in financial condition.

How many of items on this list are effecting your life right now? Know you are not alone and there is help. There are a mirade of healthy things you can do to relieve stress; walking  outside, talking with close friends, hugging a pet, taking a bubble bath are on my list. Life coaches, therapists and support groups are available to help you help yourself.  

Growing Old Gracefully

Today, according to the World Bank, our life expectance is 78.4 years. Conservative experts believe that man is really build to last about 100 years; and that medical advances and more healthful living habits could bring this about within a generation or two. Gulp, panic is setting in as I try to figure out how I’m going to finance that many years, let alone what to do with all that time. The truth is what good is it to add years to life if we do not also add life to years?  In fact, unless people learn to enjoy life and to grow old gracefully, the extra years may be an additional burden. I don’t know about you but I intend my golden years to be joyful as I gracefully age into Centurion status.

The traditional view of aging is generally accompanied by a loss in physical and mental flexibility.  This is noticed in a tendency to become stiff in the joints; a slower comeback after a strenuous trip, or excessive "night life;" in slower healing of wounds, sore muscles, and sprains; in slower recovery of pep after an illness; and in greater difficulty to adjust to new people, new places, and new ideas. Well wasn’t that just a cheery future to look forward to.

Gratefully new studies have brought about new thinking. The conclusion now is that the performance and ability of the elderly has long been underestimated and can be greatly improved by a proper diet, sleep and exercise along with rest and relaxation. Many elderly people tend to lose their joy and will to live and chronic worriers may mope around and withdraw.  Medical authorities now say that laughter is one of the best medicines for the elderly.  You can always keep your sense of humor tuned up by surrounding yourself with pleasant and interesting people.  So don't be afraid to laugh at yourself even when no else is around.

Now that we all know the role that physical activity plays in our lives, remember to do something physical every day.  The joints must be used or quite simply they will tighten with age creating that stooped worn out appearance we so often associate with getting old.  Keep yourself flexible and fit on an exercise program consistent with your ability and don’t forget to laugh. As for me, I’ll be hitting Planet Fitness later today and texting Diana to find out the when & where of her next Laughter yoga session.           

                               

New look Option 2

So this template is Tic Tac what do you think?

New look Option 1

Blogger has come out with some new templates. My old template felt to green too me, after all I'm not Kermit. What do you think of option 565?

Civic Duty: Pull the Lever

Today NJ is holding their School Board elections. When I dropped my dad off to vote at his polling place, I was presently surprised by the large turnout. As a poll worker for the primary and general elections, I am very aware of the low voter turnout for most elections. Historically Presidential elections get the largest turnout of elections held. Yet the 2008 Presidential election only tallied a 64% turnout. I’m sorry but for a country whose existence was created as a response to taxation without representation, I find it appalling that every eligible citizen over the age of 18 does not avail themselves of the right to vote.

Voter turnout began to decline in 1964 hitting its lowest point during the 1996 Presidential election when only 49% of the electorate voted. Midterm elections for Congress and State government elections have an even more dismal attendance. Sadder still, the Daily Record is reporting that the usual turnout for a School Board election in Morris County is a paltry 18%.

The November election for Governor garnered a 47% of possible ballots cast. Today’s School Board election 36% of my fellow Roxbury residents showed up to cast their vote doubling the usual county turnout. I am hopeful that even more citizens across the nation will stand up and be counted at this year’s Midterm primary and election.

Reminder New Jersey residents, Primary elections will be held on June 8^th. See you around the polling place.