BE Progressive

Does anyone else love the Progressive commercials featuring Dr. Rick? If you haven't seen one or need a refresher, check out the one below that is my current favorite:

I find them hysterical yet am TOTALLY aware that I too am slowly becoming my parents! {Note: There is nothing wrong with wooden signs with inspirational sayings!} But, I also know that it's super important to continue to grow, progress, and adapt as we age so I am committed to doing so!

Just figuring out how to create this blog, from a technical standpoint, was a major learning experience for me and I feel so empowered now that I have acquired those graphic design skills. That might not be a skill you need in your life, but how about an update to the music you listen to; your make up routine; or to your knowledge of current slang? Read on for how I’ve progressed in those area too.

(1) MUSIC: I love my 80's dance music and when I go on my walks that’s typically the playlist I go with, but because listening to the radio isn't something I do as often as I did when I was a teen, I have trouble finding new songs that I like. So...during the holidays I tortured my kids by making them listen to some of my old faves and then asked them to create a playlist for me of current songs that they thought I'd like based on what they heard. The result is an every growing 'For Mom' Spotify playlist with a variety of amazing music. I listen to it and simply ‘like’ any of the ones I’m feelin’ and VOILA…I have musically progressed! Now I love artists like Lizzo, Post Malone, Neon Trees and so many more! I feel cooler (haha) and being able to enjoy the songs my kids play when we are in the car together is priceless. Ask yours to create a ‘For Mom or Dad’ playlist today!

(2) MAKE UP: I learned how to put make up on by reading SEVENTEEN magazine in the 1980s. We didn’t have access to endless YouTube videos with step-by-step instructions on how to use highlighter (whatever that is) or primer (is that really necessary?) like young women do today. And, honestly I’ve been kinda busy since then- going to school, working, having babies, raising a family, etc.- so I've been doing it the same for years. But…it turns out that daughters really love calling you out for your old ways! The horror mine express when they see me put my foundation on with my fingers is palatable. You see, apparently, there’s a new invention called a 'beauty blender' which is a much-improved way to apply it. {Yes, I am kinda kidding here as I’ve known about beauty blenders for a long time, but I’ve never made the jump to actually use one... until now.} Well aging butterflies, it’s time to spread those wings because….a beauty blender is a MUST buy! Your make up goes on so much more smoothly and evenly and it's super easy to use. Just dampen the blender slightly, pour some of the foundation on the back of your hand, and then use the blender to apply and spread it all over your face and neck. I highly recommend making the switch!

(3) SLANG: Ok old dogs, let’s prove to these young whipper-snappers that we can learn new tricks! Be honest, how many of the following slang words can you accurately define: bet, cap, stan, low-key, snappin', clipped, and fit? If you're over 50 and not super active on social media, the answer is probably close to zero! Well, luckily for you I did some research and am here to help. According to my kids and urban dictionary... bet=for sure; cap=lying, stan=big fan; lowkey= secretly; snappin' = put together; clipped=a situation that is totally over; and fit= hot (as in good looking). So kids, am I doing this right...

"No cap, I stan George Clooney cause he is fit! Amal is low-key not snappin' so when they are clipped, he'll be all mine- bet!"

LOL- I think my high school English teacher, Dr. Falkenstein, just rolled over in her grave! Nonetheless...I am going to try and learn a few slang words every time my kids come home for a visit. This Gen X'er is committed to being as progressive as she can and that includes understanding what the Gen Z'ers mean when they use these far-out words!