Mountain View

Page 1


From Me To You...

As I get older, I find that the challenges of today’s technology get harder and harder to navigate. For example, I recently tried to log on to a website, only to be stopped short by the seemingly obvious and simple question, “Are you human?”

In the past I have breezed past such queries with a basic check of a box, or by picking three pictures that included a traffic light. Not today. The obstacle presented to me involved a riddle that harkened back to an SAT test.

It began innocently enough. “Click on any images that resemble the example.” Hah, I can do that! But what was I looking at? There appeared to be two subjects, however, figuring out what those things were was not

images, where you have to unfocus your eyes a bit and let things swim into view. Nope, that just gave me a headache and made me feel a tad foolish. In despair I squinted a little and tipped my head to the right. Hold on, was that the curve of a guitar? It was possible I suppose... Well, what did I have to lose? I chose three of the pictures that contained that vague shape and, closing my eyes, pressed ‘enter’. I am not entirely sure if I was correct, or if the website just took pity on me, but it granted me access — only to place me immediately into a queue, as there were too many people trying to log in at the same time!

At this point I had lost the will to navigate any more prompts or intelligence tests and I closed my computer in frustration. I spent the rest of the afternoon with a cool compress on my eyes, and a soothing libation at my elbow, wondering when I had officially become too old to understand new technology.

On Our Cover

15th Annual Trilogy Roadrunners Car Show – March 9, 2024

If you have a special car that you would like to show or you are a spectator that enjoys walking among an eclectic gathering of Custom, Antique, Hot Rod, and Exotic cars, trucks and motorcycles, then the Trilogy Roadrunners Car Show is right for you. The show is planned for Saturday March 8, 2025 from 10am to 1pm in the Trilogy at Vistancia community, 27980 N. Trilogy Boulevard, Peoria. This event is one of the many fundraising events put on by the Trilogy Roadrunners Car Club. This year all proceeds will be donated to the HonorHealth Foundation.

If you want to show your car, pre-registration is now open to the public and is accessed through the “Click Here for the Registration form …” button on the home page of our website at www.trilogyroadrunners. wordpress.com

A $25 charity donation for pre-registering your car is payable by check or Zelle. Day of event registration is $35 if space is available. This outdoor event has space for 100 vehicles. The spaces always fill up quickly, so do not hesitate if you are interested in showing your car.

Spectator participation is open to the public and it is FREE. The show will have music and an outdoor café

with food and beverages available. Door prize tickets are for sale to all at the show, with door prize drawings periodically throughout the event. People’s Choice Car judging is done by participant and spectator ballots with 1st and 2nd place trophies given in two categories. The first category is for cars entered by Trilogy Roadrunner Club Members. The second category is for the cars of Guests from outside Trilogy.

Set the date on your calendar and bring your car, your family, and your friends to enjoy a March day outside in the beautiful Arizona weather!

The Doctor Is In

7 Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Last month, we explored signs of imposter syndrome. This month, I’m sharing 7 steps to overcome it. Let’s get to it!

1. Acknowledge your imposter feelings. Labeling your fear can help you feel some control over it. Instead of engaging with your thoughts of self-doubt, remind yourself that this is your own personal, normal response to the situation at hand.

2. Understand the root of the problem. Figure out where your anxiety is coming from so you can gain greater control over it. (Hint: It starts in childhood with the development of self-limiting beliefs based on your genetics, environment and experiences, and it may take a deep dive into your history or even doing some therapy to figure this out.)

3. Focus on facts, not feelings. When you start feeling like a fraud, focus on positive, alternative possibilities. Look for ways to dispute your negative automatic thoughts. For instance, what factual evidence do you actually have that you are a fraud?

4. Ask yourself if the thought that you’re an imposter helps or hinders you. Does feeling fraudulent serve you in any way? What might happen if you didn’t have that thought?

5. Reframe your thoughts. Instead of telling yourself that you don’t deserve success, reframe your thoughts to give yourself more credit and enjoy the experience. Own your accomplishments instead of attributing them to luck. Accept that we all have to start somewhere. Successful people just feel the fear and do it anyway.

6. Accept that it’s normal to make mistakes, especially if it’s something new to you. Look for what you can learn from each mistake instead.

7. Reach out for support. Having a safe space to receive support will help you reduce feelings of being an imposter. When you feel imperfect or make a mistake, reach out to an encouraging mentor, coach, friend, colleague or therapist for support.

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you’re not good enough, you don’t belong or you are undeserving or unworthy. But it’s important to remind yourself that learning and making mistakes does not make you a fraud—it makes you human.

If you struggle with imposter syndrome, your underlying self-limiting beliefs are getting in your way. It’s time to get over yourself and get on with your life and what you want to do with it!

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.

Money Matters

You can put more into your 401(k) this year

Once you retire, you’ll likely need to draw on a variety of financial sources — and one of the most important ones may be your 401(k). And for 2025, you can put even more money into your plan than ever.

You can invest in your 401(k) in one of two ways, depending on your employer’s plan. With a traditional 401(k), you contribute pre-tax dollars, which can lower your taxable income, and your money can grow tax deferred. If you have a Roth 401(k) option, you can contribute after-tax dollars, which aren’t deductible, but your eventual withdrawals will be tax-free if you’ve had your account at least five years and you’re at least 59½.

For either a traditional or Roth 401(k), as well as similar plans such as a 457(b) (for government employees) or a 403(b) (for educators and employees of some nonprofit groups), the contribution limit has increased by $500 for 2025, to $23,500. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500, for a total of $31,000. And under the SECURE 2.0

legislation, if you are between 60 and 63, you have a higher catch-up contribution — $11,250, instead of $7,500, for a total of $34,750.

If you can afford to contribute the full amount to your 401(k) or similar plan, consider doing so. Of course, not everyone is in that position. If you’re a younger worker, you may well have other financial obligations, such as paying off student loans. And even if you’ve been in the workforce for a while, you may be putting away money for other things — such as your children’s education — as well as your own retirement. But even if you can’t “max out” on your 401(k), try to contribute at least enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.

Regardless of how much you contribute to your 401(k), consider these suggestions on managing the money within your plan:

• Create a portfolio that fits your risk tolerance. Most 401(k) plans offer up to a dozen investment options, while some plans offer many more. You obviously want to increase your 401(k) balance as much as possible, but that doesn’t necessarily mean putting all your 401(k) dollars into the most aggressive funds available. Instead, consider spreading your 401(k) contributions among a range of investments, which can help you lower your risk level while still giving you opportunities for long-term growth.

• Adjust your portfolio as needed. It’s a good idea to review your 401(k)’s investment mix at least once a year to see if it’s performing as you’d hoped. However, as you approach retirement, you may want to lower the risk level of your 401(k) by moving some of your dollars into more conservative vehicles.

By contributing what you can afford to your 401(k), and by carefully managing the investments within your plan, you can help maximize the value of this powerful retirement savings vehicle — and give yourself a key asset to help you enjoy your retirement years.

Desert Romance

Arizona’s Valentine’s Day Getaways: Where Love Meets the Wild West

As February’s most romantic holiday approaches, Arizona emerges as an enchanting destination for couples seeking something beyond the conventional Valentine’s Day experience. The state’s diverse landscape offers a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty, creating opportunities for couples to craft their own unique love stories against stunning backdrops.

Sedona’s iconic red rock formations create an almost otherworldly setting for romance. The dramatic landscape, with its towering crimson cliffs and spires, takes on an especially magical quality during sunset when the rocks glow in deepening shades of red and pink. Luxury resorts nestled among these formations offer specialized couples’ experiences, from private vortex meditation sessions to romantic spa treatments incorporating indigenous ingredients like prickly pear, desert sage, and local clay. Popular sunset jeep tours through the red rocks book up months in advance around Valentine’s Day, so early planning is essential.

In Scottsdale, high-end resorts transform their desert properties into romantic sanctuaries. Private candlelit dinners under star-filled skies become unforgettable experiences, often accompanied by live classical music and champagne service. Many resorts offer signature Valentine’s packages combining hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert with gourmet champagne breakfasts and couples’ spa treatments. The city’s vibrant arts district also provides opportunities for romantic gallery walks and intimate dining experiences at award-winning restaurants.

For couples seeking thrills alongside romance, Arizona offers countless options. Lake Powell’s hidden coves provide secluded spots for intimate picnics, while helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon create dramatic backdrops for proposals or anniversary celebrations. Private jeep tours through the desert conclude with gourmet dinners at sunset, often

featuring wines from Arizona’s emerging Verde Valley wine region.

Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden transforms into a romantic haven during their annual “Love in the Garden” event. Illuminated pathways wind through native desert flora, while live music and wine tastings create an enchanting atmosphere. The garden’s special Valentine’s programming often includes intimate concerts and chef-prepared dinners among the cacti and desert blooms.

For those seeking complete privacy, luxury desert camps offer exclusive glamping experiences that combine comfort with adventure. These high-end camps feature private terraces for stargazing, heated outdoor soaking tubs, and personal chefs who prepare romantic dinners in complete seclusion. February’s mild temperatures and clear skies make outdoor evenings particularly appealing, with strategically placed heat lamps ensuring comfort on cooler nights.

Whether couples prefer luxury resort experiences, outdoor adventures, or intimate desert retreats,

U N L I M I T E D G O L F !

Cook With Zona

Chocolate Lava Cake

If you’ve ever been on a certain cruise line, where they serve a chocolaty dessert consisting of a chocolate cake with a gooey center, served with vanilla ice cream; you know exactly what I’m talking about!

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I know some couples might scramble last minute to make a reservation or think of heartfelt gifts for their loved ones. Personally, I’d rather have chocolate cake at home over a fancy dinner, any night! Involve the whole family while baking these sweet individual cakes to feel even more love in your kitchen! Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you all!

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 14 mins

Ingredients:

1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips

1 ½ sticks of butter

4 Eggs

6 Tbsp Sugar

4 Tbsp Flour

Steps:

1. Melt the chocolate and butter.

2. Mix eggs and sugar in a separate bowl, whisk for a few minutes, then add flour.

3. Add the egg mix to the melted chocolate and mix.

4. Pour the mix into 4 individual greased ramekins.

5. Bake directly in the oven at 390°F for 14 minutes

6. Serve with ice cream and ENJOY!

Now Hiring:

If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!

The Bug Guy

A Fresh Start: February Brings Natural Pest Control to Phoenix

As winter’s mild grip loosens on the Phoenix Valley, February emerges as a pivotal month for sustainable pest management. The moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 45°F to 72°F, create ideal conditions for natural pest control methods that benefit both homeowners and the environment.

• Desert birds, particularly house finches and cactus wrens, return in greater numbers during February, naturally controlling insect populations. These feathered allies consume thousands of mosquito larvae and other problematic insects daily, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

• Local gardeners find February optimal for planting pest-deterrent herbs like rosemary, sage, and native wildflowers. These plants not only beautify yards but also naturally repel unwanted insects while attracting

beneficial ones. The cooler temperatures allow these plants to establish strong root systems before summer’s intensity.

• The month’s typically low humidity also works in residents’ favor, naturally deterring moistureloving pests like cockroaches and termites. This environmental advantage, combined with basic home maintenance like sealing entry points and proper ventilation, creates an effective first line of defense against common household pests.

• February’s moderate climate encourages beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises to become more active. These natural predators help control aphids and other garden pests, maintaining a healthy ecological balance without chemical pesticides.

For Phoenix residents, February represents an opportunity to establish sustainable pest management practices that will protect their homes throughout the year. By working with nature’s cycles and embracing biological control methods, homeowners can maintain pest-free environments while contributing to the valley’s delicate desert ecosystem. This approach not only ensures immediate pest control but also promotes long-term environmental health in our unique desert community.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Indoor Fun 4 Kids

When cooler weather or rainy days keep children indoors, there are countless engaging activities to keep them entertained and learning. Transform your living space into an adventure zone with a blanket fort building challenge - chairs, sheets, and clothespins become the materials for creating magical hideouts where kids can read, tell stories, or play pretend.

Get creative in the kitchen by involving children in baking or simple cooking projects. Making cookies, decorating cupcakes,

or assembling fruit faces on plates combines fun with practical skills. Just be prepared for some cleanup afterward! For a less messy kitchen activity, set up a pretend restaurant where kids can write menus, take orders, and serve plastic food.

Indoor scavenger hunts provide excitement and movement. Create clues leading to hidden treasures throughout the house, or make themed hunts where kids search for items of specific colors or starting with certain letters. This activity combines problem-solving with physical activity.

Art projects offer endless possibilities. Set up a craft station with paper, markers, glue, and recyclable materials like cardboard boxes and paper tubes. Kids can create puppet shows, design spaceships, or make their own board games. Consider covering a table with butcher paper to create a giant drawing surface.

Science experiments using household items captivate curious minds. Make slime with glue and borax, create static electricity with balloons, or watch crystals grow in a glass. These activities teach while entertaining.

Movement games help burn energy indoors. Create an obstacle course using pillows, tape lines for balance beams, and boxes to crawl through. Dance parties with silly movement challenges keep kids active, while yoga sessions with animal poses can help calm energetic children.

For quieter moments, set up indoor bowling with plastic bottles, practice card games that teach counting and strategy, or create a reading nook with cozy pillows and favorite books. Remember that simple activities often spark the most imagination and engagement, and a day spent indoors does not have to be wasted.

Puzzle Time

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Nuñez

Vintage

Freedom

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.