Amazing Facts About Books- High Employee Turnover

Here are some updated fascinating facts about books that will leave you amazed:

From My Face Book Page Today:.

1. The longest novel ever written is *In Search of Lost Time* by Marcel Proust, with over 1.2 million words!

2. The most stolen book from public libraries is *The Guinness Book of World Records*.

3. The word “Dracula” means "Son of the Dragon" in Romanian, based on the title *Dracul*, given to Vlad the Impaler's father.

4. Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers before Bloomsbury took a chance on J.K. Rowling.

5. The Bible is the most translated book in the world, available in over 3,000 languages!

6. The famous opening line "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" comes from Charles Dickens’ *A Tale of Two Cities*.

7. There’s a word for the fear of running out of something to read: abibliophobia!

8. Reading for just 6 minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%, more effective than listening to music or going for a walk.

9. The world's most expensive book, *The Codex Leicester* by Leonardo da Vinci, was bought by Bill Gates for $30.8 million!

10. J.R.R. Tolkien typed the entirety of *The Lord of the Rings* with just two fingers!

11. The Bible is the most translated book in the world, available in over 3,000 languages! (Yes, it’s so amazing, it deserves a second mention!)

12. The first book ever printed using a printing press was the Gutenberg Bible in 1455.

13. Ray Bradbury wrote *Fahrenheit 451* on a rented typewriter in the basement of UCLA’s library for 10 cents per half-hour.

14. The famous phrase "Happy Birthday to You" comes from a song in a children's book called *The Birthday Song* published in 1893.

15. The first “novel” ever written is believed to be *The Tale of Genji* by Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century.

16. The term “bookworm” dates back to the 1600s and refers to people who are as hungry for books as worms are for paper.

17. Book burning dates back to ancient times, with the most famous incident being the destruction of the Library of Alexandria.

18. Studies show that reading fiction improves empathy, as readers experience life through different perspectives and characters.

Lastly, here's our meal time conversation last night:

Ist Resident: I did not see Cydney at the Happy Hour this afternoon?

2nd Resident: Do you think she quit or get fired?

3rd Resident: I believe it is her day off?

Me: She just got promoted and had a Pay raise, why would she quit?

Ist Resident: The recent rapid turnover in the Activity is a sign of micromanagement.

2nd Resident: As a former manager, micromanagement results to employee dissatisfaction.

3rd Resident: Incidentally, I have not seen Martha this last couple of days

Me: Let me ask one of the Servers.. Is Martha on Vacation? The server said yes and she will be back in the next couple of days.

1st Resident: The high turnover is in the Activity Department not in the Kitchen/Server Crew.  

2nd Resident: I heard the pay scale here at THD is low, no retirement and medical Benefits;

I told the group, that during my graduate school days at UC Berkeley for my Master's Degree on Business Management, one on the research papers I did was on the negative effect of high turnover in an organization. Here's the conclusion of my research:

"High employee turnover is costly and can negatively affect on the organization. High turnover is caused by a lack of communication, support, and company culture. Ensuring that your staff has an amazing experience with your organization can help decrease turnover and increase employee satisfaction and engagement.  Effective internal communication can help increase engagement and ensure that your workforce feel connected to your company ".

Let us hope that with Karen Kopp back at a temporary basis, THD activities will return back to normal and be a part of our daily lives here at THD as usual. 

Julie Andrews- My Favorite Things

I love song Parodies. I wrote my first one in 2002 about My Beach House in the Philippines and composed A song Parody _I left My Heart in Marinduque ( not San Francisco). 

My second song Parody I wrote just recently about my two pet Cats, Batman and Robin. My creation has to be sang to the tune of " Some Enchanting Evening" from the movie, South Pacific.

Today I read the song Parody of Julie Andrews- Regarding her Turning 79 birthday. Her song Parody of "My Favorite Things" is Funny!

"To commemorate her birthday , actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favorite Things' from the legendary movie 'Sound Of Music'. 

Here are the lyrics she used: (Sing It!) - If you sing it, its especially hysterical!!!

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,

Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,

Bundles of magazines tied up in string,

These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,

Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,

Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,

These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,

When the knees go bad,

I simply remember my favorite things,

And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,

No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,

Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,

These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',

Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',

And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,

When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,

When the eyes grow dim,

Then I remember the great life I've had,

And then I don't feel so bad.

>>>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>

Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd

that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores. Please

share Ms. Andrews' clever wit and humor with others who

would appreciate it.) Posted from My Face Book Page.

Meanwhile, Can you translate this in simple English?!

Meanwhile here's a photo of the David B Katague Clan, Taken Christmas 2022

I hope the above song parody brightens your day! Advance Thanksgiving Greetings to ALL!

Fifty Golden Rules of Life and Success

My Favorite Rule is # 40! What is Yours?

From My FaceBook Page This Morning!

50 GOLDEN RULES FOR LIFE.

1. Never shake hands at anyone without standing up.

2. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.

3. If they trust you a secret, keep it.

4. If they lend you a car, return it with a full tank.

5. Do things with passion or don't do it at all.

6. When you shake your hand, make it firm and look that person in the eye.

7. Live the experience of traveling alone.

8. Never turn down a peppermint pill, the reasons are obvious.

9. Take advice if you want to grow old.

10. Come eat with the new person at school/office.

11. When you text someone and you're angry: finish, read it, delete it, and rewrite the message.

12. At the table you don't talk about work, politics, or religion.

13. Write your goals, and work on them.

14. Defend your point of view but be tolerant and respectful to others.

15. Call and visit your relatives.

16. Never regret anything, learn from everything

17. Honor and loyalty must be present in your personality.

18. Don't lend money to someone you know won't pay you back.

19. Believe in something.

20. Tend your bed when you wake up in the mornings.

21. Sing in the shower.

22. Care for a plant or a garden.

23. Keep an eye on the sky every chance you get.

24. Discover your skills and exploit them.

25. Love your job or leave it.

26. Ask for help when you need it.

27. Teach someone a value, preferably a small one.

28. Appreciate and thank the one who extends your hand.

29. Be kind to your neighbors.

30. Make someone's day happier, it will make you happier too.

31. Compete with yourself.

32 Treat yourself at least once a year

33. Take care of your health.

34. Always greet with a smile.

35. Think fast but speak slow.

36. Don't talk with a mouth full.

37. Polish your shoes, cut your nails, and always keep a good look.

38. Don't put your opinion on issues you don't know.

39. Never mistreat anyone.

40. Live your life as if it were the last day of it.

41. Never miss a wonderful opportunity to remain quiet.

42. Recognize someone for their effort.

43. Be humble, even though not all the time.

44. Never forget your roots.

45. Travel when you can.

46. Give up the step.

47. Dance in the rain.

48. Seek your success without giving up.

49. Be fair; stand up for those who need you.

50. Learn to enjoy moments of loneliness.

Meanwhile, what are the 7 rules of success?

• Believing that anything is possible. Successful people believe that anything is possible, as long as they work hard enough. ... 
• There is no such thing as failure. Failure is not an option. ... 
• It's in your hands. ... 
• You don't have to understand everything. ... 
• Appreciate. ... 
• Enjoy what you do. ... 
• Commitment is key.

Lastly, here is what I found in my E-mail today:

My heart is full. Full of gratitude for the trust that you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve.

I know you gave so much of yourselves to this fight. And I am so grateful to you. 

The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. And it is not what we fought for. But the light of America’s promise will always burn bright – as long as we never give up and keep fighting.

While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.

The fight for the ideals that reflect America at its best: Freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity. That is a fight I will never give up.

I will never give up the fight for a future where every American can pursue their dreams. Where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. The fight to protect our students and our streets from gun violence. The fight for our democracy.

Because the fight for our country is always worth it. And we cannot give up now.

I know this team. And I know that you do not back down from a hard fight.

This is not the time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.

You can and will make a difference.

Thank you,

Kamala

Personal Note: Four Thousand (4,000) Biden Presidential Appointees will be replaced by Trump loyalist. Sad to say, my youngest daughter, is one of the four thousand who will lost her job next year. The good part is she will be back in Sacramento ( closer to me). I am still sad Kamala lost the election! Time for another beer to drown my sorrows!!

Children Perception of their Grand Parents

My Six Grandchildren: Carenna, Elaine, Ian, Philip, Alix and Marina - Photo Taken-12/20/2014

From My Face Book Page Today:

1. I was in the bathroom, putting on my makeup, under the watchful eyes of my young granddaughter, as I'd done many times before. After I applied my lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye....

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 68. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like. "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.

6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I really think you should try to figure out some of these colors yourself!"

8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised "Mine says I'm 4 to 6." (WOW! I really like this one -- it says I'm only '38'!)

10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting." she said. "How do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."

12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child.

"No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close. “They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and whenever we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."

14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

SEND THIS TO OTHER GRANDPARENTS, ALMOST GRANDPARENTS, OR HECK, SEND IT TO EVERYONE. IF THEY'RE NOT ALREADY GRANDPARENTS, MAYBE SOME DAY THEY'LL GET LUCKY AND BECOME ONE!  IT MIGHT JUST MAKE THEIR DAY!

Lastly, I hope this posting put a smile in your Face! Have a Fantastic Day!

I am super shock of the election results. Hopefully the next 4 years will not be as chaotic as the previous Trump administration.

The Secrets to Aging Gracefully

Today is Election Day! Vote in case you have not yet voted.💚

During my 17-months of my residency here at THD, I have observed several of my fellow senior residents developing initial signs of early Dementia. On particular fellow resident, appeared to be more forgetful and is not aware that he repeats the same questions during our meal time conversations.   Others  forget where their cell phones are and leave them in the THD van after an errand. Others have forgotten where they park their cars during an errand trip to the Grocery or Drug store. These incidents reminded me of an article I read recently and I am reposting it in my blogs. It is just a reminder to us, that there are ways to age gracefully.  The source is at the bottom of the page.

Aging is a sensitive topic. It can be difficult to face the fact that we are no longer as spry as we once were or to accept that we may need to make changes to keep our physical and mental health in check. But aging is nothing to be ashamed of; sadly, it is a privilege denied to many. Discover the art of gracefully navigating the aging process. While everyone’s journey is distinctive, a few fundamental strategies can steer us toward a life of improved health, happiness, and fulfillment.

1. Stay active

One of the most important things you can do to age well is to stay active. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, plus some muscle-strengthening.  Regular exercise can boost both physical and mental health, helping to prevent chronic diseases and improve cognitive function. But exercise doesn’t have to mean running marathons or lifting weights. Walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi are all excellent ways to stay active and limber. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that you can stick with.

2. Eat a healthy diet

What we eat plays a big role in our health and well-being. As we age, our bodies may require different nutrients than they did when we were younger. But one thing remains constant: a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is the foundation of good health. Try to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and alcohol. Check out the brain-boosting benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet recommended by Harvard Medical School.

3. Seek out social connections

Being social is like a mood booster for seniors. It helps fight feelings of loneliness and isolation that can creep up as we get older. Studies even show that social engagement can improve mood and reduce depression. So, go ahead and chat it up with friends and family or join a community group – it’s good for the soul.

Socializing isn’t just a fun way to pass the time – it’s a brain workout too. Engaging in stimulating conversations challenges our minds and helps keep our cognitive function in tip-top shape. Recent studies imply that keeping socially active can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia in seniors.

Whether it’s through volunteering, joining a club or hobby group, or spending time with loved ones, make sure you are nurturing your social connections for the good of your body and mind.

4. Stay on top of preventive care

Preventive care is an essential component of healthy aging. Regular check-ups aren’t just about fixing existing health issues – they’re also about catching potential problems early and tackling them head-on. Taking a proactive approach to preventive care can be hugely beneficial for our health as we age.

The CDC encourages routine tests for high blood pressure, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer. These screenings can help spot these conditions early on when they’re easier to handle.

• Blood Pressure Check: High blood pressure often hides like a ninja but is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. So, regular checks are a must.

• Blood Sugar Test: Diabetes increases the risk of many serious health problems, including kidney disease and heart disease if left unchecked.

• Cancer Screenings: Early detection through routine screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies can seriously boost survival rates from cancers like breast cancer or colorectal cancer, respectively.

Vaccinations also play a vital role in preventive care by shielding us from diseases that could be nastier or harder to treat in seniors, like influenza or pneumonia. The CDC provides an adult immunization schedule, which outlines recommended vaccines based on age group and other factors.

Incorporating these measures into your healthcare routine is key to aging well while maintaining tip-top health. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. 

5. Embrace change

Finally, it’s important to embrace change as we age. This article in Psychology Today agrees. Our bodies and minds may not work the way they used to, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy life and pursue our passions. Learning new skills, trying new activities, and adapting to changing circumstances can all help us stay engaged, fulfilled, and alive. Change can be scary, and that’s okay. Recognize your emotions and find healthy ways to cope.

Aging gracefully is about more than just avoiding wrinkles or staying physically fit. It’s about maintaining our overall health and well-being in order to live our best lives at any age. These simple principles help patients lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Take these tips to heart and embrace the aging process as a natural part of life. 

Source: https://www.weliahealth.org/2023/09/advice-on-aging-gracefully/#:~:text=Aging%20gracefully%20is%20about%20more,healthier%2C%20and%20more%20fulfilling%20lives.

Meanwhile, my prediction that one or two employee turn over will occur before the end of the year became a reality. I heard that newly hired Activity Director, Kellie Schuyler resigned the other day.  She was just worked here for about 2.5 months. I heard she found a better paying job and better working conditions/environment.  

Kellie, my special thanks for your follow-up and implementation of the first Filipino Cocktail Hour ( serving lumpia) during THD celebration of Filipino American History Month, 2024.  My apology for getting you in trouble from THD Management for asking and sharing your photos of our recent Sterling Vineyards tour with me for my blogs. I was not aware that THD employees are not allowed to share their personal photos to residents during a THD sponsored event. Anyway, Good Luck Kellie in your new position. I will not forgot your excellent hosting abilities ( trip at Sterling Tour and night caps on Thursday Evenings).  

On a positive and upbeat note, I heard Cydney Carbah, has been promoted to Activity Manager and will be assisted on a part-time basis by Karen Kopp, our former Activity Director. Congratulations Cydney on your well-deserved promotion. Energetic and capable Cydney have been a fantastic host for Our weekly Tuesday morning Chair Volley Ball, Corn Hole and Ladder Ball Games.   

💚Lastly, on a national level, I am cautiously optimistic that Kamala Harris will be our next President and will be officially announced today or in the next couple of days. My Prayers for a Good Future for the US and also the end the War in Ukraine and in Israel soon.