What does Living Smart's new season have to do with the British Virgin Islands? Well, I had to take a vacation so I can prepare for a new challenging, fabulous, and interesting season. I am not much of a sailor but I have friends who are and I am very lucky every now and then they think of me and invite me to come along and wash the dishes and entertain (I can't cook or sail so I have to do something!) I had been to the British Virgin Islands once before and I must say they are my favorite in the Caribbean. First of all, there are not that many people there, only about 30,000 in all the islands. The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. Approximately fifteen of the islands are inhabited. I love deserted islands so we visited a few. Somehow I feel like I am soon to be cast on survivor or lost. (That didn't happen)
It is amazing to live in paradise, but the locals tell me they don't see it that way. As soon as they have a few days off they want to get out of the islands! As the saying goes, it is always greener on the other side.
Many have asked me aren't you worried about the economic situation, how can you spend money on a vacation? the answer is yes I am worried and the more reason I need a vacation! However, somehow the fear and anxiety I feel has led me to try and enjoy life MORE not LESS. I am being responsible with my spending but somehow I find I must live life to the fullest now because I don't know what tomorrow will bring, which brings me to LIVING SMART.
We are taping our fifth season in January. We are also taping a town forum on Houston's growth and its challenges, a new season of Houston 8, a weekly issue driven show hosted by Ernie and Latina Voices which I am hosting with Minerva Perez and Sofia Adrogue. There is a lot going on in January and I am truly excited about the new season of Living Smart because I feel all the guests can help us in so many ways, especially while we go through the stress of uncertainty about the future. Here are my guests and topics.
501 Jeff Yeager (ultimate cheapskate) (Living Smart by surviving in tough economic times)
502 Ana Maria Martinez (Opera star) (Living Smart by appreciating the value of music)
503 501 Peter Bishop PhD ( Futurist) (Living Smart by preparing what is in store in the future)
504 Daryl Koehn PhD (Ethicist) (Living Smart by engaging making smart decisions and living a good life)
505 Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. (Child Development specialist) Living Smart by emphasising the importance of human connections )
506 Elizabeth Vallette (Microfinance advocate) (Living Smart by tackling poverty and empowering women )
507 David Thomas (Integrity expert)( Living Smart by living with integrity)
508 Dr. Mae Jemison M.D. (former Astronaut, entrepreneur) (Living Smart by motivating science and technology literacy)
509 Sr. Roselle Haas (Life Educator) (Living Smart by dealing effectively with prickly people)
510 Marilyn Mcnight (Mediator) (Living Smart through conflict resolution)
511 Mark Robinson (Green consultant) (Living Smart by living green)
512 Cassandra Dhanke (Civility expert) (Living Smart by engaging in civility)
513 Deborah Fry (Parenting expert) (Living smart by proper parenting)
As you can see we are tackling the economy, poverty, ethics, integrity, civility, conflict resolution, life issues, parenting and living green. I wanted this season to be truly relevant to what we are experiencing as a nation. I want us to feel hope that things will get better and that there are so many things we can do to create a better reality for ourselves. The series will not be airing until March or April of next year, but I can assure you it will be worth the wait.
In the mean time, have a wonderful holiday and don't stress about buying "stuff" Maybe make an effort to spend more time with your friends and loved ones instead of buying expensive gifts we don't need. The fact is we need each other..now more than ever. Happy Holidays!
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