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FEBRUARY 2024
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
& Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
FATEFUL ENCOUNTERS AND UNENDING APPRECIATION A Reflection on the Bonds That Brought Me Where I Am Today
Have you ever thought a certain person was destined to be in your life? I often think about the “invisible thread” that connects people and how some of us were meant to have some sort of connection in life. I’m sure some of you might think this sounds a bit mystical, but I feel so grateful for the people who’ve entered my life and I truly believe they are fated to be there! That’s why I love to send clients, friends, and loved ones a special gift: a frame of a thread and the following quote: “An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. May you be open to each thread that comes into your life — the golden ones and the coarse ones — and may you weave them into a brilliant and beautiful life.” When looking back on my career, I know many people have helped me along the way, and this thread ensured they were there in the first place. At the time, I probably didn’t think too much about how they’d impact me, but later, I realized they were central to uplifting me. Of course, some connections and
lessons aren’t always positive. But something can always be learned even from negative experiences, and I believe they were meant to happen. No matter what, I am immensely grateful for all the actions of those who have had an influence in where I am today. I’m happy I announced my retirement ahead of time, as many people have reached out to me since then to share their appreciation and little moments I don’t even remember! When reminded, I recognize these connections happen for a reason. There’s one principle I always do my best to live by: gratitude. Gratitude to those who have influenced my experiences. Gratitude for my successful business, and gratitude to those who have nudged me the right way at many different junctures! One invisible thread was to a client I was helping retire. She wanted to work part time in her retirement, so I offered her a job! At first, I was a bit scared about letting a client see behind the scenes, but it was one of the best decisions I could’ve ever made. Now, years later, I’ve had around a dozen retirees work part time for me and every single one has left an incredible “thread” in their wake. One gentleman was the type of person who seemed to know everyone and had that enviable knack to make anyone feel comfortable. He would always share his experience and show others retirement isn’t as scary as it seems. I know so much about the retirement process and can advise based on facts and figures, but he had lived it! All these folks are golden, invisible threads that have brought me joy, strengthened my business, and uplifted my clients. I couldn’t be more grateful to each of you and to all my clients and partners for the invisible threads that have been woven together into a brilliant and beautiful life. While my retirement is coming soon, these threads will never break, and I hope you know I appreciate you! –Ann Vanderslice
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ON THE ROAD AGAIN Alan Ward’s 3,000-Mile Epic Journey — Cycling Into Retirement
As Alan Ward wraps up his illustrious federal career, he’s not stepping into the traditional retiree’s world of relaxation and golf courses. Instead, he’s grabbing life by the handlebars and embarking on a thrilling journey into retirement. With just three weeks before his official retirement, Alan recently completed the challenging Great Continental Divide Trail, an epic 3,000-mile biking odyssey spanning Canada to Mexico. What makes his journey unique is the unconventional approach he and his two buddies have taken over the past seven years to ride the entire trail.
shared love for adventure and cycling continues to fuel their free time and is sure to continue into retirement. In August, Alan plans to take on the challenging Colorado Trail, a 400-mile journey that promises to be more arduous than the Great Continental Divide Trail. Nearly a quarter of the trail requires pushing the bike (mostly uphill) but Alan is readying for the challenge by spending the months beforehand researching tips on how to explore this arduous rocky terrain. As Alan embarks on this exciting chapter of his life, he encourages everyone to grab a bicycle and experience the health benefits and sheer joy of cycling. It doesn’t have to be an epic cross-country journey; starting close to home and gradually expanding horizons can be just as rewarding. In the coming years, Alan looks forward to more adventures on two wheels, meeting new people, and enjoying the freedom that retirement and biking bring. “If you’ve got a bicycle,” he says, “get on it!” The road ahead promises more stories, challenges, and the unparalleled joy that comes from pedaling into the unknown.
necessary repairs. This unexpected twist added not only to the richness of the journey but a solid night’s rest. The Continental Divide trail is seldom used and rarely sees cars or people, offering cyclists an immersive experience with nature and wildlife. Alan shared encounters with elk, badgers and other wildlife and left him awe-struck by the beauty of Yellowstone’s ecosystem. Meeting fellow riders from around the world on the trail became a common occurrence and has created a tight-knit community of cycling enthusiasts. Alan recounted a U.S. film premier about the Divide Trail featuring an Australian rider who finished the entire 3,000 miles in under seven days, showcasing the incredible feats achievable on this winding route. Now that he’s retired, Alan looks forward to more biking adventures with his wife, Stacey. Together, they dream of biking through South Africa and pedaling the Amalfi Coast. Alan and Stacey share a passion for biking, having met during the Ride the Rockies event 23 years ago. This
Rather than tackling the trail in one go, Alan and his friends would spend a week every summer cycling along the Great Divide. They finally completed the entire trail in October 2023, a fantastic way to culminate their extraordinary seven-year experience. However, this challenging trail didn’t come without its share of surprises and obstacles. During their adventure in New Mexico, Alan’s brakes failed at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Undeterred, he embarked on a long walk and hitchhiked to get the
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A HEROIC HOUND’S STORY
The Bravery of Tank the German Shepherd
In a remarkable display of courage and instinct, a German shepherd named Tank recently became an overnight sensation. His heroic act, captured in a TikTok video with over 45 million views, showcased the extraordinary bravery of our canine companions. Tank’s story begins on an ordinary day that quickly turned extraordinary when he saved his owner’s 6-year-old son from a dog attack in November 2022. As the young boy played in the front yard of his South Florida home, a neighboring dog, unrestrained and aggressive, charged toward him. In an instant, Tank leaped into action. The dog pushed the boy to the ground and then placed himself between the boy and the oncoming threat, averting a possible tragedy. Tank’s quick thinking and fearless stance saved him and demonstrated the innate protective nature of German shepherds. German shepherds are a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them the first choice for families seeking a dependable guardian. Like many German shepherds, Tank possesses a unique blend of courage, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs are not just pets; they are devoted protectors and family members willing to put themselves in harm’s way for their loved ones.
Tank’s story is more than a viral sensation; it’s a testament to the deep bond between dogs and humans. His actions remind us of dogs’ invaluable role in our lives, offering unconditional love and unwavering protection when needed. The boy’s mom wrote on social media that Tank is their “highly skilled professional home security officer.” “This is Tank, and no, he is not professionally trained. He’s just a man with killer instincts, who loves a good chew toy,” she wrote after posting a video of Tank playing with his favorite toy.
In today’s world, Tank stands out as a true hero. As we watch Tank’s story, we are reminded of the extraordinary capabilities of our four-legged friends
and their profound impact on our lives
Train Your
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
BRAIN!
Inspired by Weelicious.com
Valentine’s Day means heart-shaped everything, even desserts! Bake these puff pastry berry hearts for Valentine’s Day or any other day.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
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Ann Celebrates the Invisible Threads That Bind Us PAGE 1 Alan’s 7-Year Cycling Adventure on the Great Divide Trail PAGE 2 Meet Tank, a Canine Companion and Protector Puff Pastry Berry Hearts PAGE 3 Ancient Brews and Ghostly Wins! PAGE 4
UNLOCK HISTORY’S STRANGEST SECRETS Our Ancestors Were Weird
History is more than just a chronicle of battles and treaties; it’s a rich tapestry woven with odd and almost unbelievable events that can mystify us now. A dive into the quirky corners of the past can reveal historical anomalies, including ancient beverages and victories from beyond the grave. Besides entertaining us, our history shows our ancestors as multifaceted, creative, and peculiar as we are today. The First Beer In ancient Sumeria, people were not just trailblazers in writing and architecture but also avid brewers. Archaeologists unearthed a 5,000-year-old Sumerian tablet
miraculously remained in the saddle, and his horse, Sweet Kiss, crossed the finish line in first place. This extraordinary event remains the sole known instance in sports where a participant posthumously claimed the gold medal. A Smoking Monkey Looking to the East, North Korea’s Pyongyang Zoo featured another oddity in 2016: Azalea, a smoking chimpanzee. Trained to ignite and puff on cigarettes, this chimpanzee was a peculiar draw for visitors.
In sparking controversy over animal rights, Azalea illustrates the bizarre and often questionable ways humans have historically interacted with animals. These stories demonstrate that the annals of history are not just repositories of conventional wisdom and significant events but also a collection of the bizarre, the unusual, and the extraordinary. These peculiar tales help us gain a more nuanced and colorful understanding
depicting individuals consuming a beer-like substance through reed straws from a shared bowl. This ancient concoction, possibly the earliest known beer recipe, underscores the longstanding human passion for alcohol and communal gatherings.
Racing to the Grave One of the most astonishing stories in sports history involves jockey Frank Hayes. In a 1923 horse race at Belmont Park, New York, Hayes achieved victory from beyond the grave. Suffering a fatal heart attack mid-race, he
of our collective past, shedding light on the complexity and eccentricity of our history.
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