SENIOR DISCOUNTS

"I've got good news and bad news," announced my neighbor. "The good news: I got the senior discount at the movie theater last night."

"What's the bad news," I asked.

"I'm 52."

REFLECTIONS ON AGE

I have been reflecting about my age and my life. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful family and my comfortable and happy life style for less grey hair and a stronger body. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and think less about myself. I have become my own best friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie (gluten free), or for not hanging up my pants or for buying that latest expensive electronic toy. I'm entitled to a treat, to be messy and to be extravagant. (and my iPhone, my iPad, Facebook, my Twitter and my Kindle 2 provide me a great deal of pleasure.)

(And my grandchildren think it's cool that Poppy has the fastest thumbs for texting in the West for grandfathers and has more "friends" on his Facebook than they do.)

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 am?

Yes. There are advantages of aging. It sure does beat the alternative.

SPEAKING ON BUSINESS

SPEAKING ON BUSINESS was a syndicated radio program heard daily on 12 Utah and eight Idaho stations. I was called the "voice of Utah business" for the 13 years I did The Metro Business Report and then 12 years doing Speaking on Business. So after 25 years of doing a daily show, my last program was aired on April 30, 2010. Health concerns caused me to end this most enjoyable venture. I miss it! Here is a copy of my final script.

This is Fred Ball , Zions Bank, speaking on business.I don't know how many times I have said those words over the past 13 years., but I do know that today will be the last time I say them. Speaking on Business has been an important and most enjoyable part of my life, but circumstances now make it appropriate that I turn the pleasure of hosting the program to someone else.

Speaking on Business has featured more than 2,500 businesses over the years. You have heard about companies with hundreds of employees and millions of dollars in annual revenue. You have also been introduced to sole-proprietors with one employee working out of his garage or basement. We have talked about companies under the direction of a fourth generation of ownership and companies just emerging from the incubator stage. I hope all of the stories were of interest and of some value.

I loved the opportunity to travel so I could visit and interview many of the program's subjects. I have been in shops, stores, factories, restaurants, fields and many business locations. I marvel at the entrepreneurial spirit of the people in our area. Frequently, I would get in my car after a visit and interview and say to myself, "Gee, why didn't I think of that."

I'm grateful to the many business owners who have allowed us to highlight them on the program. I'm most appreciative to you listeners who have made the program popular. I valued you emails, phone calls, letters and input regarding possible business to feature and suggestion to improve the program. I'm appreciative of the fine staff members who so ably assisted me preparing Speaking on Business. Mostly, I want to express deep appreciation to Scott Anderson, president of Zions Bank, for giving me the opportunity to join the staff of this exceptional organization. I have enjoyed my 14 plus years as an employee and can never adequately express the joy and satisfaction this relationship has provided.

So.. it is time for me to say "goodbye and thank you."

For the last time... for Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG (2).. See Sept. 12 posting

The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with you your entire life, is yourself. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

Cherish your health. If it is good preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

Tell the people that you love that you love them at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
The true value of a man is not in his wealth, but in his worth. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

"A" GOOD DAUGHTER MAKETH A GLAD FATHER."

Daughters are the most wholesome of the race; the sweetest,for they are the freshest from the heart of God. Whimsical, ingenious, loving, caring, sometimes mischievous, They fill my heart with joy, pride and good humor. Daughters add to the wonder of being alive. In all these ways, they keep their father YOUNG.

WHERE DAUGHTERS ARE NOT, HEAVEN IS NOT.

Daughters are natural mimics - they act like thier parents. In spite of every attempt to teach them good manners.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

Throw out non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height.Let the doctors worry about them. That is why we pay them.

Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devils name is Alzheimer's

Enjoy the simple things.

Laugh often, long and loud.

Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county or to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.