With Your Family in Mind

A number of readers of The Magazine have been asking about voice-acting classes.  Here’s a recent one:
Q: I signed up for a V-O class and was upset to discover that it was held in the instructor’s living room and that there were some very professional sounding people in a supposedly beginner class, which was very intimidating.  I’d like to pursue this, so could you help me find a good voice-acting course?  —Carol B., Sunland, CA

The Mac is by far the easiest and most solid computer in the world for anyone to use.  Bold statement, I know, but having done this for 13 years, I believe that it’s true, whole heartedly.

One can be preoccupied after setting sail in the Sea of Divorce with the anticipation of storms, leaky boats, shortage of life jackets and the other perils of Mother Nature.  There may not be time or energy to consider that your ship is leaving behind the only port you ever knew.

Aging with Dignity has introduced 20 new language translations of the Five Wishes advance directive and issued a national call to action to help raise awareness among ethnic minorities about the importance of making healthcare decisions before a serious illness. The initiative is made possible with support from the United Health Foundation.  Five Wishes is an easy-to-use advance directive that helps people address their medical, personal, emotional and spiritual needs before a health crisis. Five Wishes lets your family and doctors know:

Too often we receive calls from clients who have just been in a car accident.  This is very upsetting to us.  Thus, we want to do whatever we can to help reduce accidents for our clients and for everyone who reads this magazine.  Here are a few tips and reminders that can prevent an accident from happening.

I want to start by thanking all the people of Congregation Beth Shalom of the Santa Clarita Valley who have welcomed me as their new rabbi.  The short time that I’ve been here has been so amazing.  I’d be lying if I said that it hasn’t been a little hectic and meshugah at times; it hardly seems real, but I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it.

When obstacles test our marriage, do we work it out, or end it?  A marriage commitment initially means forever.  Yet overlooking the roles we acquire beyond husband or wife, eventually it feels we’ve fallen out of love.  Do we let it all come to an end?  Is divorce the answer?

The number of people choosing to pre-fund their funerals has dramatically increased over the last decade.  Most do so after witnessing or personally experiencing the complicated and expensive process of planning and paying for a funeral.  The fact that more and more people are prearranging indicates that most people recognize it as a valuable investment, as well as a loving and thoughtful gesture.

Rosh Hashanah means, head of the year, of the Jewish month of Tishrei.  This year it is Wednesday evening, September 12, through Friday, September 14.  Rosh Hashanah symbolism includes slices of apple dipped in honey, expressing hopes and prayers for a sweet, good new year.  Services are well attended, but the heart of the holiday lies in the home, at a table surrounded by family and friends.

A 2006 study in the American Sociological Review found that Americans on average had only two close friends to confide in, down from an average of three in 1985.  The survey also recorded that the percentage of people who noted having no such confidant had risen from 10 percent to almost 25 percent since previous such surveys; and 19 additional percent said they had only a single confidant, often citing their spouse, raising the risk of serious loneliness in the event of their marital relationship ending. 

Oh, yeah.  You’ve been there nagging-yelling-pleading-escalating threats.  Homework.  Very few children just love the stuff.  As a parent who cares about your child’s education, not to mention future job prospects, you can support your child’s schooling by ensuring that homework is completed.  However, most families endure at least occasional bouts of resistance from their eager learner regarding this nightly ritual.  How can we learn to quit singing the blues and ‘waltz’ through our routine?  The keys are in acknowledgement, environment and organization.

“American Girl celebrates a girl’s inner star – that little whisper inside that encourages her to stand tall, reach high and dream big.”  This inspirational message, found on the back of “The Book Club Kit,” is apparent through the enriching activities and supplies found in this hot pink and purple box that encourages young girls to express their creativity and share their love of reading with their friends and classmates. 

Estate planning involves so much more than living trusts and wills.  Everyone must look at their assets, examine how title is held, evaluate the tax issues and ensure beneficiary designations are proper.  Most people require professional assistance with their estate plan.  Problems usually come to light after a death, when there is no “quick fix” available. 

I am often asked, “Do I have to do any estate planning?”  The answer is “No.”  You don’t have to do anything at all.  You can simply leave everything the way it is, cross your fingers and hope everything works out the way you want.  I explain to people, “You don’t have to do anything, but since the law provides you with legal tools to make life easier, why wouldn’t you want to avail yourself of those tools?”  

It is hard to believe that summer vacation will soon be over and it will be back-to-school time.  Saving for college has always been a concern for most parents.  However, as more individuals change careers or wish to upgrade their skills, preparing for education has no longer become an issue for parents alone.

Relationships will be stronger, healthier and more enjoyable when they are based on mutual respect.  However, many children, adolescents and adults often lack the communication skills to share their wants, needs, ideas and feelings accurately and responsibly.  Effective communication skills are key to developing and maintaining long-lasting relationships.  Reacting to others in a defensive or aggressive way is often the only way that people have learned to respond and can lead to feelings of worthlessness, guilt, anger at self and others and powerlessness.  Unfortunately, being a good listener, showing respect for ourselves and others, having self-confidence, knowing how to stand up for ourselves and communication skills are not always included in our childhood lessons.  But just think it is never too late to change and grow.

Some people feel uncomfortable meeting with an attorney to discuss their estate-planning needs because of unfamiliarity with the law.  However, a good lawyer will discuss your available options in simple terms that a person with no legal training can comprehend.

In the canceled television drama, “Alias,” one of the characters chases after an ancient formula that promises immortality.  In his pursuit, he becomes willing to betray his associates, his friends, his wife and ultimately his own daughter.  In the end, he obtains his immortality, but his methods land him in a virtual tomb from which there is no escape and where he must spend eternity alive and alone.