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NOVEMBER 2018
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
&Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
Gratitude for Our Clients AND ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS THEY DO
I was speaking with a client the other day, and they told me about the project they are currently working on. It’s a mission to observe Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids, which have never been extensively photographed or analyzed before. The mission and its vessel will be called “Lucy.” While most NASA projects use acronym-based code names, this mission found inspiration in a name with many cultural resonances. In 1967, The Beatles released “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” which would go on to become one of the most iconic tunes in a catalog that does not lack for classics. In 1974, anthropologist Donald Johanson and a student were on an expedition to Ethiopia when they decided to take an alternate route back to their vehicle. This decision led to the discovery of the fossils of a very early hominin, one of humanity’s ancestors. As the team celebrated that evening, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” happened to come on. Pamela Alderman, a member of the team, named the skeleton after the song, and she’s been known as “Lucy” ever since. Finally, in 2013, when the mission to the Trojans was devised, the project’s leads wanted a name that evoked the connection between asteroids on Jupiter and our humanity. “These asteroids really
are like diamonds in the sky in terms of their scientific value for understanding how the giant planets formed and the solar system evolved,” said Harold Levison, the mission’s principal investigator. So it felt only right to name the exploration after a song and fossil that evoke so much historical and cultural significance. EVERY SINGLE WEEK, IF NOT MORE OFTEN, I HEAR ABOUT A JAW-DROPPINGLY AWESOME PROJECT THAT INVOLVES ONE OF OUR CLIENTS. IT’S INSPIRING AND REMINDS ME JUST HOW LUCKY I AM TO WORK WITH FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. As my client was telling me this story, my first response was, “How cool is that?” All too often, people assume that working for the federal government is a boring career. In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. Every single week, if not more often, I hear about a jaw-droppingly awesome project that
involves one of our clients. It’s inspiring and reminds me just how lucky I am to work with federal employees. So, with that in mind, this year I want to dedicate our Thanksgiving issue to our clients and all the incredible work they do. Over the past year, we’ve been featuring stories of our clients’ lives to celebrate what they’ve done during and after their careers. These stories have all been unique — from ski trips to Norway to adventures in building furniture — but what they all share is the thread that a career in public service can lead to an untold number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And I think it’s something that deserves celebrating. As you enjoy your Thanksgiving this year, I hope you can reflect on some of the opportunities working in public service has provided over your career. Are there aspects of being a government employee that are less than desirable? Sure, but there are also benefits and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Thank you to all of our wonderful clients for sharing your stories with us over the years. You never cease to amaze us. –Ann Vanderslice
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An Attitude of Gratitude Taking the time to acknowledge who and what you’re grateful for is a Thanksgiving tradition far more important than turkey or football. It’s the cornerstone of the holiday and the reason we feast together in the first place. But when you really think about it, expressing our gratitude and appreciation for others should happen every day!
SHOULD LAST BEYOND THANKSGIVING
HOW TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE In the above quotation from Dr. Emmons, he mentions the practice of keeping a gratitude journal. This activity is a great way to start seeing the world with a more positive, appreciative eye. As often as you can, take a few minutes to write down the acts, people, and moments that make you grateful. Some will be big, others small — but all will have an impact on your mood and bring a smile to your face. Before you know it, you’ll have an entire book full of good memories and warm feelings. While keeping a journal is great, there are other ways to go about cultivating and expressing gratitude. The easiest one is simply to say “Thanks” whenever you can. It may seem insignificant, but you’d be surprised what a difference it makes. When you approach the world with the perspective that every day is Thanksgiving, it’s only natural to be grateful. We all have moments when we want to curse the world, especially as we get older, and those experiences are perfectly normal. Just as frequently, though, we have moments that are worth celebrating, often, with people who are worth appreciating. Which will you think about more?
WHY GRATITUDE MATTERS As we get older, it’s easy to succumb to negativity and pessimism — “Kids these days …” and “The world isn’t what it used to be …” are but a few negative idioms. The crabby grandparent and angry old neighbor are archetypal depictions of later life. But these fictions don’t have to be your reality. Recognizing and acknowledging gratitude will help you take stock of the positive aspects of your life and dwell less on unhappy thoughts. Being grateful has also been linked to significant health benefits. According to gratitude expert and author Dr. Robert A. Emmons, “Preliminary findings suggest that those who regularly practice grateful thinking reap emotional, physical, and interpersonal benefits. Adults who keep gratitude journals on a regular basis exercise more regularly, report fewer illness symptoms, feel better about their lives as a whole, and are more optimistic about the future.”
WHAT WE’RE THANKFUL FOR
The RPS Team Shares Their Gratitude
Besides the obvious answer of friends and family, I am thankful every day for the moment of brilliance I had at age 19 when I went to work for the government. I’m grateful for the quality of life it has provided me in retirement.
This year, I am thankful for the continued health and well- being of my family.
In honor of Thanksgiving, we wanted to provide our team members a chance to express their gratitude. We asked them a simple question: What are you thankful for this year? Here’s what they had to say.
- Dan Werts, Client Services Specialist I am thankful for my health, ability to inspire and teach others how to be the best versions of themselves, and prosperity from my employment that has allowed me to take a few vacations to the beach — my happy place — this year.
This year, I am thankful for my family. I am extremely
- Mary Beth Saldin, Accounting I’m thankful for my good health, athletic ability, and loving family. I’m able to enjoy the Colorado lifestyle with my beautiful wife by rock climbing, camping, and hiking.
thankful for the unconditional love they give and the time that we get to spend together. - Branen Berta, Client Service Liaison I have so many things that I’m thankful for this year, so it’s hard to choose. My life is full of blessings, like my family, a good job that I’m still able to do, and a comfortable life that I enjoy.
- Ashley Robinson, Financial Advisor
So now, in the spirit of sharing, we ask you: What are you thankful for this year?
- Trace Teboda, New Business Specialist
- Carol L. Tresco, Retirement Benefits Coordinator
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Get Your Grandchildren the Perfect Gifts
WITHOUT BREAKING YOUR BUDGET
‘Tis the season to flock to the stores to find the hottest deals on the coolest products just in time for the holidays. For older adults, however, braving a crowded parking lot and long lines can be a painful, difficult ordeal. Luckily, you don’t have to participate in this race to give your grandchildren presents they’ll cherish for years to come. Follow these steps to generate ideas for affordable, unforgettable gifts. STEP 1: MAKE A BUDGET Regardless of how much you’ve saved for retirement, you need to consider the
finances. The best way to establish a budget is to set aside a holiday fund including the total amount of money you’re comfortable spending. Divide that total by the number of grandchildren you have, and you’ll now know approximately how much you can spend on each gift. Remember, too, that many presents don’t have to come with a price tag. STEP 2: TALK TO THE PARENTS Parents are the best resource for ideas of what is and isn’t an appropriate gift. They can tell you what each child is interested in, as well as list any gifts to avoid. Parents’ insights will prove invaluable when it comes time to make a decision, especially because different parents have varying ideas of what’s acceptable. STEP 3: GIVE AN EXPERIENCE Consider giving an experience-based gift rather than a toy or material object. Maybe
you want to give all of the children in one family tickets for a getaway. Perhaps you want to accompany them to a museum or sporting event. No matter the experience that fits your family best, these gifts can create lasting memories for everyone. STEP 4: ADD A THOUGHTFUL TOUCH After you’ve purchased all of your gifts, take the time to add something personal to each of them. A handwritten letter, old photos, or other mementos could end up having just as much of an impact as the gift itself. It will also let the child know that you’re thinking of them, which is especially meaningful when you can’t spend the holidays together. STEP 5: HAVE FUN Buying gifts for your grandkids should be a joyful experience and a way to express your love. That’s what matters most of all.
Train Your
BRAIN!
Chipotle-Roasted Carrot Salad
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 4 ounces watercress, stems trimmed • Plain Greek yogurt, for serving • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 30 small carrots (2–3 bunches), tops removed and carrots scrubbed • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can • 1 tablespoon molasses
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss carrots with chipotle peppers, molasses, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30–35 minutes. 2. Transfer carrots to a plate and let them cool completely. 3. Once cooled, toss carrots with adobo sauce. Lay across a platter, and top with watercress. 4. Serve alongside yogurt.
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Give us a call! 303-922-4304 www.AnnVanderslice.com FAX: 303-416-4358 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F
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303-922-4304 • www.annvanderslice.com
PO Box 260787 Lakewood, CO 80226-0787
issue INSIDE THIS The Coolest Clients in the World PAGE 1 How to Give Thanks Year-Round PAGE 2
Our Team Gives Thanks PAGE 2
A Gift-Buying Guide for Grandparents PAGE 3
Chipotle-Roasted Carrot Salad PAGE 3
Three Movie Locations to Captivate Your Eyes PAGE 4
THREE FAMOUS MOVIE LOCATIONS YOU NEED TO VISIT Why Watch the Film When You Can See it With Your Own Eyes?
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Harry Potter captured the imagination of the world. There are multiple sites across the United Kingdom where you can get lost in the adventure that shaped a generation, but
Movies captivate audiences partially because of their ability to transport you to a different place. The heart yearns to be taken
places, and cinema facilitates that journey. But what if you could immerse yourself in those fantastical worlds by visiting the destinations that you’ve seen on the big screen? Here are three places that are worth the trip. HOBBITON The only aspect of “The Lord of the Rings” that is more compelling than the fantastical journey of Frodo is the alluring, untamed countryside and quaint towns that make up Middle Earth. The Green Dragon Inn, Bilbo’s house, and the rolling hills of New Zealand make for a backdrop that will transport you straight into the life of Middle Earth’s smallest people — only these houses aren’t small at all. And you don’t need large, hairy feet to enjoy them.
there is one spot at the top of almost every fan’s list. Hogwarts is a magic castle in J.K. Rowling’s books, but in real life, its film location is a functioning cathedral in Oxford. Take one step onto the
grounds of Christ Church Cathedral, and you might begin to wonder when the next Quidditch match will begin.
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK When George Lucas witnessed a poster of this famous archeological site, he didn’t see an ancient culture — he saw Yavin IV, the perfect location for the Massassi Outpost, a rebel haven found in the first film of Star Wars. Though the movie paints a futuristic look at the region, walk through Tikal National Park, and you’ll experience it as a trip through history.
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