Travel Tips From a Former Airline Worker

November 4, 2019November 4, 2019Travel & Adventure14 Comments

A teacher I work with, Leigh Turner, used to work for an airline. I recently asked her some random questions I’ve always wanted to know about airline travel. Her answers were very interesting. I hope you find some helpful tips here. Let me know your airline travel stories by leaving a comment. Leigh said, “I can only answer these from a ticket agent/gate agent perspective. I’m sure flight attendants will have a whole other list of do’s and don’t’s!”

* Things airline workers wish passengers would stop doing or things they would love to tell passengers but can’t because they need to keep a job or keep the peace.

READ THE FREAKING SIGNS!!! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!!!

I DID NOT LOSE YOUR LUGGAGE BUT IF YOU CONTINUE TO BE AN A**, I CAN GUARANTEE YOUR LUGGAGE WILL NOT BE FOUND AS QUICKLY AS THE NICE PERSON BESIDE YOU.

DO NOT EVER JOKE ABOUT BOMBS, CRASHES, ETC. I WILL NOT LET YOU ON MY FLIGHT, AND I’M WELL WITHIN MY RIGHTS TO DENY YOU BOARDING.

Do not stuff your suitcase full and expect that it will arrive in the same condition. Overpacked luggage has been known to bust open.

* What kind of luggage is best? What about luggage locks?

Any luggage is fine. I have never locked my luggage but then again I don’t pack anything worth stealing. I will say I had a fake Louis Vuitton duffel bag stolen in Milwaukee. After that experience I never traveled with expensive luggage again. Do not check breakables. They will probably become broken.

* Reasons luggage gets lost. Can it be avoided? Prevented?

There are many different reasons from simple human error to late connections to lazy workers. The main way you can reduce your chances of lost luggage is to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes- one hour before departure. What the traveler CAN do is to ALWAYS put identification on the outside AND inside of your luggage. As a reminder don’t ever check anything that you can’t easily replace. Between the ramp workers and TSA, there may be people going through your luggage. Jewelry, medicines, expensive purses, etc. should not be in your checked luggage.

* Why do they ask us to turn off our cell phones on a plane?

Not sure

* When is the best time to buy tickets? I’ve heard Tuesdays. Is that true?

That’s what I have heard too! Sign up for price alerts is the best way to monitor fare sales.

* How can being polite really help your travel experience? As with any customer service experience, you can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar. Long story short, don’t cause a scene or make inappropriate jokes, you can and will be removed from a flight and/or denied boarding.

Weather is uncontrollable…that’s why it is referred to as an “act of God.” Every employee working your flight wants it to be on time too and wants your luggage to arrive with you!

* Packing tips – Roll, roll, roll all of your shirts, sweaters, and pants. Tuck underwear and socks into shoes, pack LIGHT!! Avoid checking luggage unless you must. For international travel I never carry a purse. I always use a backpack.

* What do the huge numbers on the runway mean?

Those numbers refer to the runway number. The runway numbers are based on 360 degrees. For example, in Memphis runways 9 and 27 run east and west. They represent 90 degrees and 270 degrees in a circle. Additionally, there are runways 36 and 18. Those refer to 360 degrees and 180 degrees.

* Things passengers don’t know about air travel:

Airplanes are an incredibly safe way to travel; much safer than driving. Airplanes are chilly, dress accordingly. Weather affects air travel. It may be sunny and beautiful in Memphis but If your aircraft is coming from San Francisco and they have delays due to fog, your flight may be delayed. IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE AIRLINES! Trust me, they want it to be on time too, late flights cause a chain reaction for the rest of the day!

* Are the tray tables really clean?

It depends. If your aircraft is the first trip of the day then, yes its clean. If your aircraft has a quick turnaround, meaning it pulls into the gate unloads and reloads, then no. No one has had the time to clean all of the trays.

* Is the water OK to drink?

Technically yes, however I would avoid it if possible. The taste will be different and the holding tanks are not as clean as your home.

* Is it really better to fly early in the day?

Not really. Fly when you want to!! However, your chances of your flights being on time are better the earlier you fly.

* Where is the best place to sit on an airplane? Back? Aisle?

This is personal preference. When I traveled with my small children, I preferred the back. The engines were louder which tended to drown out the whining and/or crying. Personally, I don’t like to be over the wing because I love to look at the scene unfolding outside of the window. If you are someone who needs to use the restroom often, then by all means, get an aisle seat!

* Is it true that if you check in late you will get your bags first?

Not necessarily true. The later you check in, the more you run the risk of your luggage not making the flight. Also, when you check in later, then yes, your luggage will be some of the last luggage loaded and obviously some the first unloaded. However, most of the time the rampers have many luggage carts to fill and don’t leave the aircraft until all luggage has been unloaded.

* Comment on dress code – how it has changed, etc.:

As a general rule, society has become much more “relaxed” in their dress code.

* Comment on flying pets

Where??? Did that monkey just start flying?? Just kidding. It can be expensive and very stressful for your pet. PLEASE see your vet ahead of time and get your pet some anxiety reducing meds – same for you if you need it. Generally, it is safe and the employees are well trained and love pets too just know that accidents could happen. Personally, I have never traveled with my pet nor would I want to.

* What’s with the first class line?

You pay more, you get treated better! LOL

* Are the blankets and pillows cleaned?

Yes, however, if you are the first flight of the day your chances are higher that you are the first one to use it. If you are a germaphobe, flying may not be the best way for someone to travel.

* What do you know/what can you recommend about airline reward programs and reward credit cards?

I would highly recommend them. Check with Consumer Reports or a similar type magazine for comparisons.

* What to bring on the airplane:

Depends on the length of the flight. For short domestic flights; snacks, earbuds, a book, magazine, and or crossword book will be fine. For longer international flights, all of the above plus socks, and possibly compression socks and I like a blow up neck pillow.

* Anything else 🙂

For long flights, drink lots of water and keep your shoes on. Your feet may swell!

Try to stay away from alcohol – it enhances swelling.

Dress in comfortable layers.

Once the door has been closed, if there is an empty seat somewhere just ask the flight attendant if you can move.

For international travel or trips that will involve shopping, leave room in your suitcase for your purchases or plan to carry them onboard.

Read over the TSA website and the airline website and review what you can and can’t take on board and put in your luggage. Make sure your carry- on luggage fits the size of the bins on the aircraft. You can find this on the airline’s website.

Fully research your destination.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure!!!

I hope you enjoyed reading these tips. Do you have any to add? Any interesting flight stories to share? I’d love to hear from you.

Delicious Sausage & Tortellini Soup

November 1, 2019March 28, 2020Food, Home LifeLeave a comment

So I just did an experiment and created my own delicious soup recipe! It was go good I wanted to share it with you, my readers. It is super easy to make and does not have to cook for hours like some soups do to get the full flavor. Just mix all of the ingredients below except for the tortellini into a big pot, bring to a boil then add the tortellini, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. That’s it! Serve it with rolls or cornbread muffins for a yummy dinner on cold nights. Enjoy!

Do you know about Prime Pantry? So awesome! Amazon Prime members in select areas can skip the store and have everyday essentials like snacks, beverages, beauty and cleaning supplies, and more shipped straight to your door. How cool is that? Free shipping over $35. And I have a deal for you. If you order before November 16, 2019 you can get $10 off your first Pantry order of $40 by using the code WELCOME10 at checkout!

Ingredients:

2 32 oz. cartons – Chicken Broth

6 oz. frozen chopped spinach (can put more if you really like spinach)

12 oz. sausage (ground or links, cut up into small pieces) – I used turkey sausage

12 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 t Italian seasoning

1 t garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

10 oz. cheese tortellini

Running for St. Jude

October 21, 2019December 3, 2019UncategorizedLeave a comment

The first Saturday of December every year for the past ten years or so I have participated in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. The last marathon I ran was the St. Jude full marathon in 2004. It took me over 5 hours, and I haven’t run a full marathon since then. But I have completed many of the other races held that weekend. Last year my husband and I ran the half marathon, and this year we will be doing the 10K. A 10k race is 6.1 miles and is doable by almost anyone with the proper training. It sounds far if you are a beginner, but you will be surprised at how much endurance you will build up in just a few weeks. At the end of this post I have provided a training plan for ten weeks to a 10K. It is geared for beginners, so if you are more experienced you can just add a little more distance and speed work. And if you would like to find out more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or help me raise money for them as a St. Jude Hero click here.

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

But before you dive into a training plan let’s talk about shoes.

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to running is to get the right shoes. I’ve seen so many people go to one of those big box stores and try to get advice from some kid who not only does not run himself but also doesn’t even know where the shoes are in the back of the store. Going to a general sporting goods store or buying shoes online will not actually save you the money you think it will. Most major brands of running shoes are price fixed, meaning they will not allow stores to sell their brands below a certain price. This is called MAP pricing (minimum advertised price). Getting the right running shoe for you is not like picking out black dress shoes. These are shoes you will be training in. They need to withstand heavy impact, keep you in proper running form, and not rub blisters or cause injury. The shock absorption on your shoe when walking is 1 ½ – 2 times your body impact force, but that doubles when running. When running it jumps to 2 ½ – 4 times your body impact. Your running shoes are sort of a big deal! My husband and I have purchased our running shoes from a local store called Breakaway for years. If you are in the Memphis area I highly recommend trusting them with your running needs. Tell them that you heard about them from Banjo and Layla. Here is why I recommend buying local: Barry Roberson, the owner, tells me that he sees his job not as selling but as matching people to the right products. He also knows running. He has been running since 1971 and selling shoes for almost as long as that. He also cares. He cares about running, and he cares about people. For the past several years he has organized a free training program for runners participating in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. He gets up at 3:00 A.M. every Saturday morning to set water out on the course and prepare for the early morning Saturday training runs. My husband and I have participated in these training opportunities a few times, and I can tell you from experience that he and his volunteers give just as much support and encouragement to those of us at the back of the pack as he does those in the front. Besides training, he encourages fundraising for St. Jude by providing fundraising prizes and incentives. He also donates shoes to schools in underprivileged areas in our city. In the past 5 – 6 years Breakaway runners have raised over one million dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital here in Memphis!

Most large cities have a local running store. Employees at a local store care, because they know they will end up seeing you out on the trail and at races. They are runners just like you. They know how to ask the right questions and get the right shoe to keep you injury free. Barry is constantly giving free advice to runners on training and injuries. When it comes to shoes Barry says that it is important not to have unrealistic expectations. My mom tells me that when I was a little girl I said that my new shoes “make me run faster than I can.” Don’t we all wish there was such a shoe! But beware of unrealistic claims from advertisers. And be careful about thinking that some online survey will match you with the perfect shoe size and type. Barry says that Breakaway can ship shoes anywhere, but unless the person ordering has already been fitted somewhere else he needs an actual foot to make the right shoe match for a person. Breakaway also has a 30 day return policy. If the shoes don’t work out, the customer can bring in the used shoes within 30 days and make a trade. Barry says that the most expensive running shoes are not always the best ones. Usually mid-prized shoes are best. You can expect to pay around $150 – $170 for good quality running shoes. Out of curiosity I asked Barry about the barefoot running trend. He said that this trend came about from a popular book called Born to Run. In theory it makes sense, but there was no concrete and pavement back then when people first ran. And the toe shoes are no different. They were actually started as water shoes, but runners who use them have reported a high rate of stress fractures from having no shock absorption.

Running is one of the most economical and convenient forms of exercise. Running shoes and clothes are the only equipment you need, and you can run almost anywhere. Fitness Centers and gyms see the same thing all the time – especially in January. People think, “If I pay for exercise I’ll do it.” But then they quit. If people can just get over that initial discomfort of getting off the couch and get out there they will be fine. But getting a schedule and sticking to it is all it takes. Almost anyone can run. It just takes determination and patience. Many cities have running clubs and training groups for all levels. The Memphis Runner’s Track Club in our city puts on a series of races every Fall called the Road Race Series. One year my husband and I did all 10 races and were rewarded with a trophy for being “Road Warriors.” The series is made up of 2 5K’s, 2 5 milers, 2 10k’s, 2 10 milers, and 2 half marathons.Others have found running apps to be helpful. One example is Charge Running which has live, trainer led running classes. You can run with people from all over and get personal feedback from a trainer who uses the data from your phone to give you specific and personal coaching. I think this is a brilliant idea! Let me know how it goes for you if you try Charge Running. The price is very reasonable, and it works! Some of the nicest people you will ever meet are runners. And the running community is so diverse. I see all ages and body types out running. Believe it or not you do not have to be skinny and fit to run. When I did my first marathon it was when Oprah Winfrey had just completed the Chicago marathon. I told myself that if Oprah could do it I can do it. And I’ve done three!

Below is your ten weeks to a 10K Training Plan for Beginners. This schedule is only a guide. It is OK to make small changes to fit your work and family schedule. Also, the first three weeks are the same, so I have only shown 8 weeks. If you are already conditioned you could shorten it to an 8-week schedule. Some of the terms you may see in the schedule are also defined below.

Rest: On the schedule it is designated with an “R.” Rest is super important. This schedule suggests resting on Fridays before your weekend workouts and on Mondays after those workouts. You cannot train properly if your muscles are fatigued. Take rest days seriously.

Running workouts: As a beginner, don’t worry about how fast you run; just cover the distance–or approximately the distance suggested each day. Ideally, you should be able to run at a pace that allows you to carry on a conversation comfortably with any training partners. In this beginner plan you run three days of the week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Cross-Training: On the schedule, this is identified simply as “CT.” Wednesdays and Sundays are cross-training days: swimming, cycling, walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or other forms of aerobic training. But don’t cross-train too vigorously. Cross-training days should be easy days. You can also choose to do a very easy run on these days.

Long Runs: The longest runs are planned for Saturdays, since you probably have more time to do them on the weekends. If Saturdays don’t work for your long runs, feel free to do them on Sundays, cross-training on Saturdays. The pace should be slow. Don’t be afraid to take walking breaks. Just cover the distance.

Strength Training: Have you lifted weights before? If not, you may not want to start the same time you start a running program. Tuesdays and Thursdays are good days for strength training–after your run. Stretching also is important to keep your muscles loose. Make sure your muscles are warm before you stretch.

Walking: Walking is an excellent exercise that a lot of runners overlook in their training. In the training schedule below, walking workouts are not specified, but feel free to walk during your running workouts any time you feel tired or need a break. It is OK to walk!

NOTE: mi = mile and m = minute

Training Schedule

	M	T	W	TR	F	Sat	Sun
1	R	1.5-mile run	CT or R	1.5-mile run	R	2-mile run	25 – 30 minute run or CT
2	R	2-mile run	CT or R	2-mile run	R	2.5 mi run	25 – 30 m run or CT
3	R	2.5-mile run	CT or R	2-mile run	R	3.5-mi run	30 – 35 m run or CT
4	R	2.5-mile run	CT or R	2-mile run	R	3.5-mi run	35 min run or CT
5	R	3-mile run	CT or R	2.5-mile run	R	4-mile run	35 – 40 m run or CT
6	R	3-mile run	CT	2.5-mile run	R	4.5-mi run	35 – 40 m run or CT
7	R	3.5-mile run	CT	3-mile run	R	5-mile run	40 m run or CT
8	R	3-mile run	CT or R	2-mile run	R	R	10K Race

So get out there and buy some new running shoes and start your first steps! Let me know how you like this plan. I’d love to read your comments below.

It’s Fall Festival Time!

September 30, 2019October 18, 2019Travel & Adventure, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s Fall. Leaves changing, cooler weather, football, pumpkins, and lots of Fall festivals in towns all across the U.S. In The Memphis area where I live there is a festival in almost every town. I do love the Italian Festival in June, and there is always the famous Music Fest and Memphis in May. But since Fall is one of my favorite seasons I enjoy Fall festivals the best. Two of the biggest are the Cooper-Young Festival and the Germantown Festival. The Germantown Festival is one of the longest continuously run festivals in the area. My husband and I recently attended the 48th annual one this month, and I wanted to share some pictures with you.

The Germantown Festival is a free family fun weekend. with over 400 local and regional artists and craftsmen selling their unique treasures such as pottery, artwork, jewelry, metal, woodwork, hand-stitched clothing, paintings, and photography.

There is lots of food – everything from fair food like corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes to brats, barbecue, and even lobster. There is a Kids Zone with rides and activities for children, an auto show with new and classic cars, and live musical entertainment on a stage.

But being the dog lover that I am my favorite part is the Weenie Dog Race called “The Running of the Weenies.”

It is the cutest thing. There are lots of people with weenie dogs everywhere, and they have a Best Dressed Contest before the race when people embarrass their dogs by dressing them in creative costumes then parading them before the judges. And then the race. Owners line up holding their wiggly pups, while another person the dog loves is at the finish line cheering them on and encouraging them to run to them. It is hilarious. Half the dogs get sidetracked, and some even turn around and run back to the start! So cute.

So I want to hear from you. Comment below and tell me about your favorite festival where you live.

My Interview With a Travel Agent

September 22, 2019September 22, 2019Travel & AdventureLeave a comment

Earlier this month I was fortunate to get to interview a seasoned travel agent. Mike Stetson of Custom Travel in Collierville, Tennessee has over 30 years of travel experience and was so full of information and travel stories that I couldn’t write it all down! Below are the highlights of our conversation. I hope you find his insights helpful as you plan your next trip.

Cindy – Thank you so much for agreeing to tell us a little bit about travel. Your agency is called “Custom Travel’ located in Collierville, TN. What is this agency’s area of expertise?

Mike – We are a full service agency. We have 6 employees and between us all we have been to every continent.

Cindy – How long have you been in the travel industry and how many countries have you personally visited?

Mike – I have worked in the industry 30 years and have been to 132 countries myself.

Cindy – What made you want to get into this line of work?

Mike – I grew up an Air Force Brat and traveled a lot growing up. I first started out working in the toy industry and traveled internationally for my job. I moved over into travel, because it seemed like a safe, highly regulated industry with a lot of potential for me.

Cindy – What is your most favorite place you have ever traveled to?

Mike – Any place that I haven’t been is my favorite, because I’ve been so many places over and over. I’ve been to Cancun over 150 times, London over 50 times, Italy over 100. I’ve been on 450 cruises. Now most of these were group tours. But if a place is new to me I like that.

Cindy – What is the best time of year and does location matter?

Mike – As a general rule the best times to travel are between April 20 and May 20 or between Sep. 10 and Oct. 10. The most expensive time to travel is holidays – like July 4 or between December 18 and January 2. Traditionally the worst days to travel are the Wednesday and Sunday before and after Thanksgiving Day.

Cindy – Unfortunately for me as a teacher I can only travel during those expensive holidays! L Can you give my readers any tips or tricks for getting the best airfare?

Mike – Always book your flight far in advance. 330 days out frequent flyer tickets go on sale. So you don’t want to buy then – that’s too early. But 200 – 270 days out is the best time to find good prices on airlines.

Cindy – What documents should I carry?

Mike – Really a passport is all you need. It is recognized everywhere.

Cindy – What are your thoughts on travel insurance? Should people purchase travel insurance?

Mike – It depends. First, you should ask yourself, “Why am I buying it?” Am I accident prone? Do I get sick a lot? Do I have ill parents at home? Things like that. Then look at the cost. Some companies are self-insured. You want to look for one that says you are covered if you cancel for any reason. Otherwise there might be things they don’t cover. There are several good companies to choose from.

Cindy – What about all these fees we see? What is the advantage of using a travel agent vs. booking a trip myself?

Mike – Only the airline has a service fee. The travel agent will quote you the price of airfare plus a $40 service fee. When you look online, you see the price as is with no fee. However, travel agents are trained to know where to look for upgrades and deals. You also don’t have to call the airline when there is a problem. For example, during the recent hurricane Dorian that pounded the Bahamas the airline we had booked people on had a three hour wait on hold if you called them direct. For everyone who booked through us, we were able to redirect all of their flights with no problems. We are on call 24 hours a day.

Cindy – How can you tell if a travel agent is legitimate or is trying to trick you out of your money?

Mike – Always beware of agencies online only. Almost all of the travel scams are online or on the phone. Beware if there is no physical address – if their phone number is from Florida or California but they have no real address. If you do get scammed your credit card will usually protect you, but I always tell people to go with a local agency. There are some good travel agents who work from their homes, but they are still local. Always deal with a local agent unless there is a reason to buy somewhere else.

Cindy – Talk a little about all-inclusive resorts and cruises. What are some benefits and things to look out for?

Mike – With an all-inclusive resort many are located somewhere remote, and you are locked in to just the resort. So it is nice to be able to eat at any restaurant there without worrying about paying. Usually there are different themed restaurants like Mexican, Chinese, Italian, steak, and things like that so you can have variety. And it is all included. Pay attention to which room you choose. There is the island view then garden view then pool view then ocean view then ocean front. The first three are self explanatory, but ocean view usually means something different in other countries then it does here in the U.S. “Ocean view” somewhere else means you can see the ocean even if it is a half mile across the street. In the United States they cannot call it ocean view unless at least 60 % of the ocean is in view. And ocean front in the U.S. means there is no obstacle in between your window or porch and the ocean.

When booking a cruise watch for the cabin you choose. The progression is inside, ocean, balcony, then suite and the price increases with each step. There are inside cabins with no window and exterior with a window but depending on the level your window may be underwater completely. Some people say they never spend any time in their cabin. They just shower and sleep there, so they would rather not spend the money. Some people do not like that claustrophobic feel and want to be able to see out. Sometimes you can upgrade, but just like with airlines getting an upgrade is much more likely if you act nice.

Cindy – What is the craziest or funniest thing a customer has ever asked you?

Mike – I had a guy ask me who was the (expletive) who said it was going to be a 9 ½ hour train ride from here (Memphis) to Little Rock, AR. He expected it to be the same as driving and could not understand that if the route goes to Chicago first it will take 9 ½ hours by train.

Then there was the lady who asked if she could drive to Honolulu!

One of the funniest stories did not happen to me but it was a major airline and the video was on YouTube for a long time. The flight was canceled or delayed or something like that, and this man was irate. He tried to argue with the lady at the desk, and said “Do you know who I am?!” The lady got on the intercom and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone know this man? He does not know who he is!” That is so funny!

Cindy – That is funny. J What would you say are the top 3 mistakes travelers make?

Mike – #1 – They forget their passport. Without your passport you will not get very far.

#2 – Not knowing the rules or customs in the country they are visiting. America has laws that apply to citizens. So do other countries. Be aware of the rules and laws where you are traveling. And #3 – They don’t tell anyone where they are going. Always leave your itinerary with someone back home.

Cindy – When it comes to spending money on travel, what would you tell people is worth splurging on, and what would you say is not worth spending money for?

Mike – If it is a new destination for you, spend money on tours. You are there to see the country. A hotel is just a hotel. You are only there at night and will be out sight-seeing during the day. So go with a moderate priced hotel, and spend more on going out. If you are in Europe go ahead and go first class on the rail system. You will be so much more comfortable having all that room. Now in Asia it is just the opposite. Go ahead and pick a very nice hotel, because what is a $400 hotel over there would be $700 here. So if you have never stayed in a super luxury hotel, Asia is your chance.

Cindy – Wow, you have so much information and so many stories. Thank you so much for sharing your travel knowledge with my readers!

Mike – It was my pleasure.

For more information contact Mike Stetson at Custom Travel.

Do you have any other travel tips? I would love to hear about your funny travel stories and helpful hints.

Our Trip to Discovery Park America

September 4, 2019September 9, 2019Travel & AdventureLeave a comment

Cindy Baker

We have been wanting to visit Discovery Park ever since we heard about it when it was first built, and we were not disappointed. Discovery Park of America, located near Reelfoot Lake in West Tennessee, has something for all ages. According to their website, the mission of Discovery Park of America is to inspire children and adults to see beyond. From the 100,000-square-foot museum to to beautifully landscaped 50 acre heritage park outside, there is such a wide variety of interesting nature, science, technology, history, and art displays and hands-on activities that there really is something for everybody. From history to space exploration, Discovery Park of America aims to inspire you to see beyond and provide a greater understanding of our world – past, present and future. The park is located in Union City, TN so if you live in the area, it is an easy day trip from Nashville, Memphis, Jackson, and Dyersburg in Tennnessee and Paducah and Murray in Kentucky. Read to the end to watch our video.

We decided we did not want to get up early for the drive, so we went up from Memphis the night before and stayed overnight in Martin, TN. If you are ever in Martin, TN and are not on a diet try a cool restaurant we found called The Grind. It is a mac n’ cheese burger bar with lots of original unique menu items such as their creative milkshakes.

Museum

The museum showcases ten exhibit galleries focused on topics like Native American history, the military, natural history, regional history, science, space technology, art, transportation and more. Here is a list of experiences from their website:

Theater simulation of the 1811-12 earthquakes that contributed to creating the beautiful landscape in this region
20,000-gallon aquarium revealing the underwater life of Reelfoot Lake
Dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric artifacts
Military equipment, vintage automobiles and an actual Titan I missile ready to launch
Interactive displays focused on science, technology, engineering and math – and dozens more hands-on experiences. Enjoy some of my museum photos below:

Heritage Park

The 50-acre outdoor heritage park includes a man-made river flowing through the extensively-landscaped property, along with waterfalls, bridges and other water features. Here is a list of visitor experiences from their website:

Reproduction of a turn-of-the-century town with a working gristmill, windmill and one-room school house
Japanese, European and American gardens
Authentic 120-year-old church
Vintage train station and depot with locomotive, cars and caboose to explore inside and out
Liberty Hall including a replica of the Liberty Bell
One-of-a-kind, nature-inspired playground experience featuring a PlayOdyssey Tower, log steppers, log balance beams, hillside climbers, slides and a mini zip line
Ag Center showcasing the agricultural traditions and heritage of this region
Log cabins, farm buildings, equipment and family items providing a glimpse into rural life in the 1800s Enjoy some of my Heritage Park (outside the museum) photos below:

Discovery Park America is open Tuesday – Sunday. We found it to be very reasonably priced. For more information info@discoveryparkofamerica.com I hope you enjoy our little video:

On our way home we stopped by Reelfoot Lake to take some photos. I had never been there. The lake was formed from the violent New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812. The mighty Mississippi River flowed backwards for three days. How strange! The lake looks pretty cool, because there are Cypress trees growing up out of it. Below are a few pics.

Here’s a short video of Reelfoot Lake:

What is your favorite museum? Leave a comment below.

The Secret to Less Stress and More Productivity

August 30, 2019September 11, 2022ADHD2 Comments

Cindy Baker – Want to know the secret to a life with less stress, more productivity, and a better mood? Up until fairly recently, the subject of sleep was often ignored by doctors and surrounded by false beliefs and myths. Now, though, we are beginning to understand the importance of a good night’s sleep to our overall health and well-being. Here are ten good reasons to get a good night’s sleep:

Here are 10 reasons why you should call it and early night:

1. Sleep Reduces Stress

It now been proven that sleep lowers stress. According to Medscape, Sleep deprivation affects normal thyroid functioning, the stress hormone cortisol, appetite suppressing hormones, and glucose tolerance When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body’s functions are put on high alert, which causes high blood pressure and the production of stress hormones. The stress hormones make it harder to fall asleep. And we all know that high blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.

2. Sleep Keeps Your Heart Healthy

We’ve also learned that when people get less than 6 to 7 hours of sleep each night, they are at a greater risk of developing diseases Your heart will be healthier if you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Heart attacks and strokes are more likely to occur during the early morning hours, which may be due to the way sleep interacts with the blood vessels. Lack of sleep has also been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol as well as weight gain, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

3. Sleep May Help Prevent Cancer

Did you know that people who work the late shift have a higher risk of developing breast and colon cancer? According to Very Well Health, Researchers believe light exposure reduces melatonin levels. Many people buy over the counter supplements to boost melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is thought to protect against cancer because it seems to suppress the growth of tumors. As a teacher, I see sleepy students all the time who say that they have their phones in their rooms or stay up late watching video games. The flickering light from these screens negatively affects sleep. In order to help your body produce the melatonin it needs, try to keep your bedroom dark and avoid using electronics right before bed.

4. Sleep Reduces Inflammation

These increased stress hormones caused by lack of sleep can raise the level of inflammation in your body. This also creates a greater risk for heart-related conditions, as well as cancer and diabetes. Inflammation is thought to cause the body to deteriorate as we age.

5. Sleep Makes You More Alert

As a teacher I cannot express how important it is to stay alert in class or at work. Being alert reduces stress, because you do not feel so overwhelmed. A good night’s sleep makes you feel energized and alert the next day. Being engaged and active not only feels great but increases your chances for another good night’s sleep.

6. Sleep Improves Your Memory

Researchers do not fully understand why we sleep and dream, but they have found that sleep plays an important role in a process Very Well Health calls memory consolidation. During sleep, your body may be resting, but your brain is busy processing your day, making connections between events, sensory input, feelings, and memories. Deep sleep is a very important time for your brain to make memories and links, and getting more quality sleep will help you remember and process things better.

7. Sleep May Help You Lose Weight

I have read many places that researchers have found that people who sleep fewer than 7 hours per night are more likely to be overweight or obese. It is thought that a lack of sleep impacts the balance of hormones in the body that affect appetite. This should be a great motivation for me, but I still struggle to get to sleep on time. Don’t you? But if you want to maintain or lose weight, don’t forget that getting adequate sleep on a regular basis is a huge part of the equation.

8. Napping Can Make You “Smarter”

Nighttime isn’t the only time for sleep. Napping during the day is an effective, refreshing alternative to caffeine that is good for your overall health and can make you more productive. Very Well Health cites how a study of 24,000 Greek adults showed that people who napped several times a week had a lower risk of dying from heart disease. People who nap at work show much lower levels of stress. I wish we teachers could have a nap time at school! I have read several places that napping also improves memory, cognitive function, and mood.

9. Sleep May Reduce Your Risk of Depression

Sleep impacts many of the chemicals in your body, including serotonin. People with serotonin deficiencies are more likely to suffer from depression. Popular prescription anti-depressive drugs such as Prozac are designed to boost serotonin levels. You can help to prevent depression by making sure you are getting the right amount of sleep: between 7 and 9 hours each night.

10. Sleep Helps the Body Repair Itself

Sleep is a time for your body and mind to rest and relax, but it’s also a time during which the body is hard at work repairing damage caused by stress, ultraviolet rays, and other harmful exposure. According to Very Well Health, your cells produce more protein while you are sleeping. These protein molecules form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair the damage.

So instead of buying another planner or book on time management, try getting more sleep for less stress and more creative productivity!

A peaceful night’s sleep can make all the difference in the world.

How Serving Others Together Can Help Your Marriage

August 29, 2019Home LifeLeave a comment

Quality Time

Cindy Baker – Everybody always talks about the importance of spending time with your spouse in order to strengthen your marriage. You don’t want to just live separate lives then be roommates only. Yes, we all know spending time together is important, but is that time well spent? There has been a great deal already written about helpful tips on ways to spend quality time together and how doing so can help couples strengthen their marriage, find new common interests and keep the relationship fresh and interesting. When my husband and I were dating I got him interested in trail running. I’m still not sure if he actually liked the running or just liked looking at my butt, but either way it provided a great opportunity for conversation to get to know each other. Meeting each other’s friends and making new friends together, trying something new together and making time for regular date nights are just a few ways couples can grow closer in their relationship. I mean let’s face it, life is busy – sometimes even crazy busy – and sometimes the stuff of everyday life can crowd out any room for intimacy (and not just the bedroom kind).

But there’s another, often-overlooked activity that some couples report has done wonders for their relationship: community service together. In fact, my husband and I met while serving the homeless together at the Memphis Union Mission. He was there with his older daughter, because her church singles group was serving there and he wanted to spend time with her. I had friends at that same church and was there with them. I had learned that when I served other people I was happier and less focused on myself. I always joke that I met my husband at the homeless shelter, cleaned him up, and took him home.

Why does serving others together strengthen marriages? Well, for one, it often combines all of the things mentioned above. Activities like volunteering at a soup kitchen, handing out water at a road race, getting involved with Habitat for Humanity, participating in a clean-up project or other types of community or church service projects are great ways to meet new people while spending time together. You might even learn a new skill along the way. If you help build houses together, for example, you might know how to make a repair around your own house one day when that knowledge is needed. More money left over for date night!

Many studies have shown that volunteer work promotes happiness for all people, whether they’ve involved in a relationship or not. And hey, you might even meet an awesome like-minded spouse like I did! It relieves stress, keeps you from obsessing about your own problems and helps you see life through other’s eyes. Many regular volunteers report that it has increased their overall life satisfaction. I mean, at the end of my life I’d like to look back and feel like I did something that mattered – that I made a positive difference in the lives of others. For me it needs to be something more significant than doing paperwork, reaching deadlines, attending meetings, or cleaning the house. Volunteers have looked outside their own lives to help someone else who really needs it, even if only in a small way, while learning more about themselves and the world around them. Watching my husband pour his life into others has also given me a greater admiration and appreciation for him.

I am not saying that you should go volunteer as a way to meet your own needs, but there’s nothing wrong with feeling better about yourself while helping others. I started volunteering at the homeless shelter as a way to avoid feeling sorry for myself while nursing the wounds of a betrayal and the end of a romantic relationship, and look what happened! When it comes back around to relationships, feeling better about yourself and gaining a new sense of confidence in your ability to be of service is probably going to make you a more appealing person for your partner to be around. My husband tells me that one of the biggest things that made me attractive was that I was serving others. The annoying phrase we keep hearing on those silly reality shows “getting out of my head” actually has merit. When you serve others you develop empathy and compassion and become more selfless, all of which can make you a better marriage partner. Actually, anything that puts you in a better mood is bound to improve your relationships.

Benefits of Serving Together

When you do acts of service together, your experiences volunteering give you something new to talk about together, which is always a good thing if you find yourself always having the same conversations about work, dinner plans, money, and an endless To Do List—all of which will seem less important anyway when you’re thinking more about helping people in need rather than your own problems. A volunteer or community or church service project can reinforce the values you share while creating new memories together. It can also remind you of some of the common interests that might have brought you together in the first place, whether it’s a love of music, an appreciation of nature, a passion for helping children, a love of animals or maybe the satisfaction of working with your hands.

Keep trying different things until you find just the right fit for your goals, lifestyle and schedule. There are always going to be people who need your help, and trying different volunteer projects together until you find the right match can be a bonding experience in and of itself. If you have children, consider involving them, too. I remember one race I used to run every year I would see this same family with parents and their three kids always handing out water together at one of the water stops. This can be one of the best ways to teach your children the importance of helping others in need. Modeling service can make lifelong volunteers out of people who start young. With so many benefits of service work, why not go sign up to volunteer today?

Banjo and Layla Nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award!

August 25, 2019September 22, 2019Uncategorized6 Comments

I am excited to announce that I have been nominated by Cindy at Trip to Tale Travels for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Thank you so much Cindy! (You have a great name, by the way.) The Sunshine Blogger Award is for new bloggers who people find interesting, creative, and inspiring. It recognizes bloggers who bring positivity and creative content to the community of blogging. Those nominated are to answer 11 questions and then nominate 11 other bloggers. I am so grateful to be included in this honor.

This blog is a new adventure for me and something I have wanted to do for a long time. I’m a teacher, and I love to write and tell stories. I have also always loved taking pictures and creating beauty with art. My hope is that my blog will inspire others to find the beauty and joy in the things they love too. No matter what are circumstances are, there is always something we can be grateful for.

Again, a huge thank you to Cindy at Trip to Travels for reading my blog and thinking of Banjo and Layla when making your nominations. Here are my answers to the 11 questions that Cindy at Trip to Travels has asked me:

Why did you start your blog?

I have always wanted to start an online business to supplement my teaching income, but I never really knew what to do. I stumbled upon an awesome online course on how to start a blog and the rest is history. I love to write and tell stories, and I love taking pictures – especially when traveling. I want to work from home one day, so this was a great fit for me. I am excited to share some of the joys I find in life with others and maybe help someone along the way. There is so much negative on the internet. I think it is important to share the little things that make me happy – things like singing, travel, family, my dogs, and great food!

What is one thing your readers should know about you?

I am a full-time middle school teacher and am doing the best I can to try to juggle both teaching with excellence and overcome the learning curve of starting a new blog. Please stick with me, and I promise you will see more and better content and more of a social media presence once the beginning of the school year busyness calms down a little. Also, you can rest assured that I always aim to blog with integrity and respect for my readers.

What is your favorite “hometown” dish to eat?

Other than home cooking, Memphis is known for barbecue. They even have a World Famous Barbecue Contest at the Memphis in May Festival every year. My favorite barbecue restaurants are The Rendezvous and The Commissary. But I love all things Italian. There are several authentic Italian restaurants in town. My favorite pizza place is a tiny spot in Collierville, TN called “Ciao Baby.”

What has been your favorite travel adventure?

This is a tough one. When I was single I lived in Germany for four years, so I got to travel all over Europe. I loved living in Germany, and when visitors would come I loved taking them to the traditional walled city of Rothenburg. One of my favorite countries is Italy. I could just eat and drink my way through the entire country (see my favorite food above). I worked with a youth organization in Germany, and one of the coolest places we took kids in the summer was a series of five scenic villages in Italy called Cinque Terre. I love animals, so I also loved the African safari I went on at the tale end of a mission trip. With my husband I think our favorite vacation so far has been Yellowstone. You can check out my six day trip report with pictures and video here.

What are your 5 must see or do items for your hometown or surrounding area?

(1) Shelby Farms Park in Memphis (Cordova), TN – One of the largest urban parks in the United States. Beautiful running, walking, and biking trails, paddle boats, kayaks, horses, disc golf course, zip line, ampitheater, dog park. It is awesome!

(2) The Memphis Zoo – One of the best zoos in the country, hands down.

(3) There is lots to do downtown by the Mississippi River – Rock and Soul Museum, Beale Street, the ducks at the Peabody Hotel.

(4) Anything music – Elvis Presley‘s Home, Live music at Lafayette Music Room or B.B. King’s, free summer concerts at the Levitt Shell, outdoor concerts at Live at the Garden; if you like gospel check out my church Hope Church Memphis – Grammy award winners on the music team. There is always music somewhere in Memphis every weekend – rock, soul, jazz, country, you name it.

(5) I love the Collierville Historic Town Square in my town, a suburb of Memphis called Collierville. It has been listed on several “Best Town Squares in the U.S.” list and is a true hidden gem.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

I think that teaching middle schoolers all day is pretty crazy – I’m just sayin! I was pretty crazy in my 30’s. I was in a water ski club in South Carolina, and we put on water ski shows for fun. I have always been athletic, although you might not be able to tell by looking at me now. The opening act was a barefoot line, and I was the only girl in the barefoot line. The boat had to travel very fast to hold up the big heavy guys, so I was flying! And with no skis! I was also in the ballet line, did tricks in a doubles act, and was in the middle row on a three high pyramid on the water. But later in my 30’s I moved to Germany without having ever been to Europe before and not knowing the language. That was pretty crazy.

What is your life motto and how has it served you?

One is “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This is a quote from the late missionary Jim Elliot. I try to invest my time, money, and life into making a difference that will last. Decisions that I make are filtered through this value.

What is the one practical piece of advice you would have for other bloggers?

Be yourself. I will be honest, I have been discouraged many times as I have tried to overcome the technology learning curve. Everything is so new to me, and I would compare myself to others with more social media followers or more traffic to their blogs and lose confidence. I have also gained weight in my 50’s and was embarrassed to be on video, but my husband reminded me that I just need to be me – that others will relate to me being real and authentic. So I am trying to do that – to just be me and accept that it is what it is. Be you. Set small goals and stay motivated, even when things don’t move as quickly as you want.

Who is your idol in your blogging niche and why?

I am really too new to the blogging world to have a particular idol yet, but I owe my new blog to Pete and Heather Reese whose 5 Day Start a Money Making Blog Crash Course got me started. I eventually signed up for more extensive training from them after this initial 5 day course, and I learned so much. The great thing about their courses is that you have access to the material for two years and also have access to the VIP Facebook Group where class members can ask questions and get advice.

What is the one thing about blogging, that you have learned so far, that has helped you the most?

I have learned that it is worth it to take the time to watch tutorials or research how to do something if you are not sure. Sometimes trying to figure something out on your own takes longer and can be extremely frustrating. Also, it is OK to ask for help. I have gotten a lot of help from Pete and Heather Reese‘s VIP Facebook page for those who have taken their courses. I also frequently ask people I know locally who have web design expertise questions when I run into a problem.

Hands down….what is your favorite food and where do you go to get it?

I know this is not very sophisticated, but I love a really good pizza – I mean the brick oven kind with authentic crust and not greasy. The place in my town I mentioned earlier, Ciao Baby, imports their tomatoes from Italy, makes their own cheese, and has all fresh ingredients. There are probably other places like that around, but I think pizza is usually better at small family owned places rather than chain restaurants.

I had fun answering these questions, and I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about me. I am so grateful to be nominated for this award!

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

The Rules

Thank the blogger who nominated you and link to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the award and ask them 11 questions.
List these rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and on your blog.

My nominees:

Josh at Us Living Life

Lexi at The One Lex Traveled

Rebecca at Rebecca Talley

Nikki at She Saves She Travels

Jessie at The Rambling Raccoon

Erika at Simply Low Cal

Tara at Life’s A Hike

Rachel at Capturing Your Confidence

Meghan at Full House Frenzy

Cathy at Make Magic and Memories

Denise at The Versatile Scribe

Why did you start your blog?
What is one thing your readers would be surprised to know about you?
What is your favorite restaurant in your hometown?
What has been your favorite travel adventure?
What are your top five things visitors to your hometown or surrounding area should see or experience?
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
What is your life motto and how has it served you?
What is the 1 practical piece of advice you would have for other bloggers?
What is on your travel bucket list?
What is your most embarrassing moment? Nah, just kidding. 🙂 What do you know now, that you wish you knew when you first started your blog?
What new things can we expect from your blog in the future?

Be Bear Aware in Yellowstone

August 7, 2019May 13, 2020Travel & Adventure2 Comments

If you have seen my videos of our Yellowstone trip this summer, you will hear me poke a little fun at my husband for carrying bear spray on his belt. Although I think he got a little too excited about the bear spray (I think he just thought it made him look like a macho mountain man – I mean do you really need to wear it inside?), it actually could save your life in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding wooded areas.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

What visitors to the park don’t seem to understand is that animals are dangerous. The rules clearly state that you are not to approach or feed any animal in the park.

It is a fact that bison, bears, and elk have injured and killed people. The National Park Service advises staying 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals. You are not supposed to stop in the road to watch or take pictures, but are to use the pullouts instead.

Be bear aware in Yellowstone National Park — There are no words. 🙂

How to Stay Safe

Seeing a bear in the wild is a very exciting and memorable experience, but learning safety precautions is imperative. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of the bears.

First, make sure to keep all food and trash in bear proof containers. If bears ever obtain human food, pet or livestock feeds, or garbage they may become aggressive towards people or cause property damage. Many times in order to protect people, these bears have to be destroyed. This is a tragedy.

Wild bears have a natural fear of humans and will attempt to avoid people and developed areas, but fed bears do not. Fed bears will abandon vital natural food sources such as berries, fish, ants, roots, and grubs they need for proper nutrition in order to obtain human foods and garbage. They quickly become conditioned to being fed and will teach their cubs to approach people to do the same. Also, wild bears fed near roads tend to stay near roads, increasing the number of vehicle-animal accidents. There is a common saying that a fed bear is a dead bear.

Black bear in Yellowstone National Park — Black bear we saw in Yellowstone

Tips for Hiking in Bear Country

Hike in groups of three or more people, and make noise to avoid surprise encounters.
Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Read all signs at the trail head.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Don’t leave backpacks unattended.
Scan ahead for signs of bear activity. Bear signs include scat, claw marks, diggings, and logs or stumps torn apart.
Avoid taking pets; they may attract bears to you. If they are allowed, always keep them leashed.

Bear Spray

Bear spray is not the same as regular pepper spray. It is a unique formula specially prepared for use on bears. Personal defense or pepper spray is not formulated for bears. Official bear spray must have an EPA registration number. It has to contain 1 – 2% of the active ingredients capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. The suggested spray distance is 25 ft. and for a duration of at least 6 seconds.

Bears in Yellowstone National Park — Don’t get too close to bears.

Never run from a bear! Remain calm, group together, and pick up small children. Continue facing the bear, and slowly back away. If the bear continues to approach try to scare it by shouting and acting aggressively.

If a black bear attacks, use your bear spray and fight back using everything you can – fists, rocks, etc. If a grizzly bear attacks, use bear spray or “play dead” by dropping to the ground, lying flat on your stomach with hands clasped together behind your neck, and bracing yourself with your elbows and toes. All of this advice may sound extreme and unlikely to be needed. However, when we were there a Bed & Breakfast owner told us that one of her former guests was attacked by a bear in Yellowstone Park. So it is real.

For more information about this awareness campaign visit www.BeBearAware.org.

Have you ever seen a bear in the wild? I remember camping in the Smoky Mountains as a child and seeing black bears. Leave a comment below and share your story.

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