Give us a call! 303-922-4304 www.AnnVanderslice.com Hours: 8-5 M-F
MAY 2018
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
&Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
Gratitude Isn’t a Reaction
IT’S A STATE OF MIND
“Thank you” is one of the most powerful phrases in the English language. It shows appreciation, lets somebody know you care, and is just plain polite. Giving thanks for a specific action, however, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to living with an attitude of gratitude. We don’t need to wait for something to happen to express gratitude. There is already so much in our lives for which to be thankful. We just need to take the time to stop and recognize it. Every night before I go to bed, I think of three things that filled me with gratitude that day. It’s important to take the time to think of specific, unique events or relationships, rather than generic categories, like “family” or “work.” While I’m thankful for these things, I want to dig a little deeper. The other day, for example, I was driving to work and realized how lucky I am to have a staggeringly beautiful commute. The scenery looks different every day, and the mountains are awe- inspiring. There’s nobody I can thank for the view, but I’m grateful for it all the same.
When you adopt a mindset of gratitude, you realize how abundant your life is. Little blessings happen around us all the time. We have a family of owls living in a tree
hard to understand why. As a government employee, there is so much you can’t control. Policy changes happen all the time, and nothing is guaranteed. When people talk about the federal budget or the deficit, they often forget that the budget impacts the lives of thousands of workers and millions of citizens. It’s enough to make anyone exasperated. Dwelling on these negatives will only make you more frustrated. Instead, I recommend you focus on the parts of your job and your life that you love and for which you are grateful. Even at its most chaotic, work for the public good is an honorable, rewarding pursuit. I’m guessing that something remarkable happens to you at work every single day. If you’re too busy fretting about the bad stuff, you might miss the good unfolding before your eyes. That’s why I say gratitude isn’t a response; it’s a state of mind. When you approach the world looking for the awesome, you end up happier and more fulfilled. That’s not to say there aren’t times when things are crummy. But even on the worst days, we all have something to be thankful for. Just make sure you don’t miss it. –Ann Vanderslice
outside one of the Denver Federal Center buildings. When the guard at the gate told me about them, I knew I had to take a look for myself. I couldn’t believe it. These majestic creatures made their home right outside our office. How cool is that? GRATITUDE ISN’T A RESPONSE; IT’S A STATE OF MIND. WHEN YOU APPROACH THE WORLD LOOKING FOR THE AWESOME, YOU END UP HAPPIER AND MORE FULFILLED. I bring up the importance of gratitude because I think it’s easy for federal employees to feel beaten down by the negative aspects of their jobs. It’s not
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Melissa Mision
OUR TALENTED NEW DESIGNER AND MARKETING ASSISTANT
Melissa Mision recently joined our Retirement Planning Strategies team as a marketing assistant. She hasn’t been here long, but she’s already had a huge impact. She puts her extensive background in graphic design to good use tightening up our visual branding. Melissa was drawn to Retirement Planning Strategies after speaking with Ann. “I only had to speak with Ann a few minutes to realize how remarkable her energy is,” Melissa says. “She’s extremely passionate about helping federal employees, and her enthusiasm is contagious. I love the people here. Our team environment creates a unified sense of purpose where every team member prides themselves on doing the best for our clients. That all springs from Ann’s attitude and leadership.” In addition to making sure our branding is visually appealing and consistent, Melissa has spearheaded a number of marketing and outreach projects. She’s also a social media expert, keeping our profiles exciting and informative. We’re very grateful for Melissa’s
efforts to make sure we always present a cohesive, appealing message that reflects our values as an organization.
When she’s not busy with work, you can find Melissa hiking local trails and spending time with family and friends. “I love Roxborough State Park,” she notes. “There are so many beautiful trails to explore there.” She also enjoys expressing her creative side through painting. “My favorite medium is watered-down acrylic paint. It offers a lot of the beauty of watercolors while still allowing you to be bold when you need to be.” We wanted to include some of Melissa’s work in the newsletter so you can see her talents for yourself. We are so fortunate to have talented artists on staff in both Melissa and Trace.
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Traveling With Grandkids?
3 THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE TRIP
If you’re looking to bond with
daughter asks you not to be on your phone while in crowded public places because she’s concerned you might lose sight of her child, promise to keep the phone in your pocket. If your son-in-law wants regular updates, make time before bed for your grandchild to call or Skype home and tell her father about all the fun she’s having. A little compromise can lead to less stress and more fun for everyone. PACK NECESSARY DOCUMENTS You need to have some form of ID for your grandkids. Older kids can use a driver’s license, but if you’re traveling with little ones, take a copy of their birth certificate. You also need copies of insurance and prescription cards and a notarized letter from the parents granting you permission to authorize medical care in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a letter of permission for your grandkids to travel with you. Make sure the letter is signed by all legal guardians,
especially if your grandchild’s parents are divorced. You don’t want to accidentally cause a custody dispute. PLAN A TRIP YOU’LL BOTH LOVE When planning your itinerary, ask yourself if your grandkids will have fun, too. You might be excited to visit an art museum, but younger children might not appreciate it as much. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit museums or historical sites! In fact, most of these places offer kid-centric activities, like scavenger hunts or special tours, that can help a younger audience engage with the environment. Just be sure to think of your grandchild first when planning. There’s nothing like the adventure of travel to bring generations closer together and create lasting memories. These tips will help you ensure those memories are good ones. Happy travels, and don’t forget to share the photos!
your grandkids, a trip might be the perfect
solution. It’s fun for you, and getting away
from Mom and Dad for a while is thrilling for any kid. But before you board a plane to Italy with your granddaughter or rent a RV for a trip to Yellowstone with your grandsons, there are a few things you need to check off your to-do list. DON’T LET THE PARENTS WORRY Letting their kids go on a trip without them can be nerve-wracking for parents. Don’t view parental worries as an implication that you are an irresponsible grandparent. Instead, think about how you felt when your own children were young, and take steps to alleviate the parents’ concerns. If your
Train Your
BRAIN!
SAUTÉED ZUCCHINI and Squash With Feta
Inspired by thekitchn.com
INGREDIENTS
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese • Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 zucchini • 1 summer squash • 1/2 medium red onion • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion. 2. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme. 3. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and squash. Season with salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize. 4. Place in serving bowl and top with feta.
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issue INSIDE THIS How to Live With Gratitude PAGE 1
Meet Melissa Mision PAGE 2
Secrets to a Great Family Vacation
Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta PAGE 3
The Key to a Memorable Vacation PAGE 4 ENRICH YOUR VACATION
Buy Local When You’re Abroad
Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location and culture. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby. FOOD Why have a cheeseburger from a fast- food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business! ART Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone can get a
gift shop bauble that was mass-produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region! PEOPLE While you’re sampling local restaurants and exploring markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. MEMORIES Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So get out and explore! Your life will be that much richer!
The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. However, we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans select all-inclusive packages when planning their vacations, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting.
Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home.
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