Ilene Springer
Living in Colonie, NY
Total page views: 56,486
Published Content: 72
Fans: 8
On AC since: 10.03.07
Bio:
I am an independent writer, specializing in health and wellness, pet health, travel and lifestyle. I've been published in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Ladies' Home Journal, AARP and other national magazines and websites. Blog:
an-american-in-malta.com
I am an independent writer, specializing in health and wellness, pet health, travel and lifestyle. I've been published in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Ladies' Home Journal, AARP and other national magazines and websites. Blog:
an-american-in-malta.com
Education/Experience:
BA from Binghamton Univeristy, NY; MSW from the U of Wisconsin; CMS from Harvard University
BA from Binghamton Univeristy, NY; MSW from the U of Wisconsin; CMS from Harvard University
Motto:
If you're sick of fog, please check out my blog--www.an-american-in-malta.com
If you're sick of fog, please check out my blog--www.an-american-in-malta.com
Affiliations:
Ilene Springer's Favorites
Ilene Springer's Fans
Showing Results 1 - 72 of 72
Here's the good news: On Monday, I started working in the language school that hired me. And I discovered that the toilets work very well; in the school where I was trained to teach English, the toilets wouldn't flush.
By Ilene Springer | Published 6/5/2009 | Read more »
You know how hard it is to move from one town to another and deal with forwarding your mail. Imagine what it's like moving to a foreign country and getting your mail from the US (or your country of origin) sent to you.
By Ilene Springer | Published 5/20/2009 | Read more »
Normally, it wouldn't be mistake to walk into a nail salon during open hours and ask for a pedicure. But in Malta you have to make an appointment--no walk-ins (or fall-ins) in this place.
By Ilene Springer | Published 5/19/2009 | Read more »
In the Northeast (US) where I came from over seven months ago, spring was literally two days. There were two days of perfect weather--72 to 75 degrees F., sunny but not hot; I wasn't embarrassing myself from excessive sweating.
By Ilene Springer | Published 5/17/2009 | Read more »
The office was very dentist like-clean, professional, nicely decorated, drill sounds going. And I felt sick to my stomach as soon as I smelled the dentist office smell. But there was a difference.
By Ilene Springer | Published 5/5/2009 | Read more »
There was a medieval kitchen in one of the old monasteries. Stone walls and ovens, copper pots all over the place and pottery I wanted to steal.
By Ilene Springer | Published 4/27/2009 | Read more »
About a week after submitting my application, it was rejected through the mail-with no reason given.
By Ilene Springer | Published 4/27/2009 | Read more »
I thought I was escaping the terrible economy when I left America for Malta, but it's caught up with me. But I'm not giving up. I'm going to become self-employed in Malta.
By Ilene Springer | Published 3/25/2009 | Read more »
Going to the doctor is another country--even for something routine--may give you the jitters. But the health care experience in Malta--and other EU countries--can be a welcome surprise.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/18/2008 | Read more »
Your chances of success and a quicker adjustment are a lot better if you prepare beforehand. You've got a lot to do before you leave the country: A will, settling debts (financial), planning a budget and more and more. Here are the basic steps to take:
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
Today--during a CNN moment--I had an interaction with Barack Obama who came to Dover, NH, where I will remain living for the next six weeks before I leave the USA for Malta.
By Ilene Springer | Published 9/14/2008 | Read more »
This time I'm going to call your attention to a couple of details, which-if you overlook--could land you in a cage with your pet in quarantine
By Ilene Springer | Published 8/13/2008 | Read more »
No one can predict how you will handle the culture shock or a whole new life, possibly away from friends and family. But there is one group that you can count on when you leave your home country: expatriates
By Ilene Springer | Published 7/23/2008 | Read more »
The most wonderful thing about this climate is that you get used to it. It's not like New England where it can be 90 one day and literally drop 35 degrees the next to 55. When it gets hot, it stays hot-and you sort of get used to it.
By Ilene Springer | Published 7/18/2008 | Read more »
We know it's a pain--to buy, to wear, to reapply, to even find in your house sometimes. But If you want to look good and stay healthy, you'll wear it. Here are eight ways to make it easier on yourself
By Ilene Springer | Published 6/27/2008 | Read more »
It may be easier to get yourself moved into Malta than your pets! There are lots of rules, regulations and requirements, but it's pretty straightforward. Here are your options.
By Ilene Springer | Published 6/24/2008 | Read more »
Friends and family say I don't dress badly enough to be on the show. But that doesn't bother me. If I knew the show's crew was secretly filming me and going through my closet, I'd wear anything that looked bad.
By Ilene Springer | Published 5/21/2008 | Read more »
Fake plants require less care (almost none-except dusting), they won't die (you're in really bad shape if they do), they won't fall over and get dirt all over the place-- and your cat can't eat them.
By Ilene Springer | Published 5/20/2008 | Read more »
You don't have to worry about creepy guys hitting on you anymore; most of them are dead already.
By Ilene Springer | Published 5/12/2008 | Read more »
There are certain things you shouldn't put off doing. Thanking a teacher who inspired you is one of those things.
By Ilene Springer | Published 4/30/2008 | Read more »
Are you unemployed? A student? Do you need to supplement a freelance writing or art career? Or maybe you're retired but still want to do something and earn a little money. ;temp agency, such as Manpower, may be just what the career counselor ordered.
By Ilene Springer | Published 4/21/2008 | Read more »
Veterinarians say that about 25 percent of all cats are overweight. And when it comes to middle-aged cats, five to 10 years old, 50 percent of felines are too fat.
By Ilene Springer | Published 4/8/2008 | Read more »
They say that "Man fears time...but that time fears the Pyramids." This is true because the Great Pyramids of Giza are the last of all the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that remain.
By Ilene Springer | Published 3/6/2008 | Read more »
The question of how cats feel about water is somewhat controversial because there are cats who will do anything to avoid it, while other felines love it and jump right in.
By Ilene Springer | Published 2/22/2008 | Read more »
Old news is good news-or at least the paper it's written on. From cover to cover, newspaper's best features are its ability to absorb and cushion. Here are eight good uses for newspaper once you've read it:
By Ilene Springer | Published 2/14/2008 | Read more »
You open your mail, expecting the usual bills, junk, etc. There's a letter from your health insurance company. Uh oh....it's that time again-the annual increase. You've come to expect and dread this, but when you open the envelope, you almost pass out.
By Ilene Springer | Published 2/12/2008 | Read more »
One of things you'll notice during the Purim service is the laughter whenever the kids (and their parents) spin the grogger ( a noisemaker) to drown out the name of evil Haman when it is read.
By Ilene Springer | Published 2/8/2008 | Read more »
It can happen whether you rent or own; it can happen whether you lived in your neighborhood for thirty years or if you just moved in last week. At any point, a neighbor living next to or near you may have a dog that won't stop barking.
By Ilene Springer | Published 2/5/2008 | Read more »
The latest recommendation is that kittens should be no less than 12 weeks old when they are separated from their mother and siblings. If you can stand to wait, it's even wiser to adopt a kitten when it is 12 to 14 weeks.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/31/2008 | Read more »
When you move to anyplace abroad-whether for one year or many-you will essentially be moving the your whole life history. The sooner you start gathering this information, the better.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/30/2008 | Read more »
Talk about fulfilling lifelong dreams! According to BBC TV, a 103-year-old man and his wife from the UK finally moved to the place they always wanted to - New Zealand.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/30/2008 | Read more »
If you do decide to move abroad without your grown children, siblings or parents, telling your family may be the most difficult thing you ever discuss with them. Every family is different, of course, and every family's reaction will be different.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/25/2008 | Read more »
Being a woman of a certain age, "get me to the bathroom on time" is my mantra.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/25/2008 | Read more »
People of all ages search for Mr. or Ms. Right. And they should be commended because that's hard to do. Here's what may be easier: spotting Mr. or Ms. Wrong.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/25/2008 | Read more »
Have you ever waited on the check-in line at the airport and and noticed a passenger off to the side with a big crate and a big dog in it? You may be daunted by the idea of bringing a pet on a flight. But Lufthansa Airlines has some very straightforward steps to take.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/22/2008 | Read more »
Do you need a vacation after a vacation? For most of us, coming back from a vacation is a letdown-even more so if the vacation was too expensive or disappointing in some way. But there are some things you can do to lessen the impact of the post-vacation blues.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/21/2008 | Read more »
After ending up in physical therapy for five months and not be able to walk up and down the stairs without pain that started in my butt and ran down to my left knee, I finally figured out why I wasn't made for running.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/18/2008 | Read more »
When Hillary faced the possibility of losing the New Hampshire primary, she suddenly had tear ducts.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
How mad do you get when you go to open your car door and it's frozen? The best way to make winter life easier on you is to organize your winter supplies.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/3/2008 | Read more »
With the increased crowding, decreased service and never-ending delays, flying is just not fun. But there are a few things that each of us can do to make it better for everyone-and it involves just some common courtesy:
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/3/2008 | Read more »
Finally, there's an exercise program that really does work. But therein lies the secret to it all: work. If you walk 12,000 steps a day-without eating more food-you will start to lose weight. It will be slow-about one pound a week.
By Ilene Springer | Published 1/2/2008 | Read more »
How bad is it to call a presidential candidate an "idiot," especially in front of your kids? In this heated election season, it's natural to discuss the candidates with your spouse or partner...
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/20/2007 | Read more »
Some societies have worshipped cats; others have demonized them. In some societies, it was a crime to kill a cat even by accident; in others, cats were considered a tasty part of their menu.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/18/2007 | Read more »
It's a new year starting and along with that comes school for your kids. Plus colds, infections and other contagious things. Chances are it won't be long before you have to decide if your child is sick enough to keep home from school.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/18/2007 | Read more »
You open the can. And your cat comes running. You put the bowl down on the floor and hold your breath.....It looks like she's interested-and then, she scratches at the bowl just as she does in the litter box. Your cat has rejected another great entrée.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/18/2007 | Read more »
Talking too much can ruin relationships. After a while, too much talking can leave you talking to only one person willing to listen to you: yourself. Here are ten ways to tell if you suffer from this problem (and everyone who has to be on the listening end.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/18/2007 | Read more »
Getting your pet to Malta is not easy. There are many regulations which you must follow. Because you must do some things within certain time limitations, you may even find yourself planning the whole trip around your pet!
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/17/2007 | Read more »
Your cat seems to love just being with you. She doesn't seem to even need other cats. In fact, she gets irritated, even aggressive, when another feline roams too close to her home. And yet, it doesn't quite make sense.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/16/2007 | Read more »
You call your cat and she won't come. Well, maybe she's just being her old stubborn self. It may take a while to realize that your cat's uncharacteristic behavior may not be a result of a quirky personality but actually deafness.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/15/2007 | Read more »
Blindness can occur from a variety of conditions. "One of the most common causes is untreated viral, bacterial or parasitical infections," says Dr. Schwartz. Glaucoma is another cause of blindness, as well as retinal diseases and congenital conditions.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
Your cat comes to the door to greet you, rubs around your legs, purrs when you pet her and cuddles next to you on the coach. But if someone comes to the door, a car backfires outside--or if a strange cat prowls outside the house, your frightened feline is gone.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/12/2007 | Read more »
Robert could never get his dog Sausage to come in...except when there was a thunderstorm. At the first crackle of thunder and flash of lightning, Robert always knew where he could find Sausage: trembling and panting under the bed.
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/4/2007 | Read more »
"There is a misconception that animals somehow find a way to fend for themselves," says Carmine DiCenso, Manager of the Boston Care and Adoption Center, Cape Cod region. "The real key to survival is in planning for a disaster before it happens."
By Ilene Springer | Published 12/3/2007 | Read more »
It's that time again. You hoist the cat carrier out of the closet and set it down on the living room floor. Before you can turn around, your cat races for the nearest bed to squeeze under. Then comes the struggle to drag her out from underneath her hiding place...
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/30/2007 | Read more »
Most of us know that a reduced appetite or not eating is a sign of physical illness in a cat But what we may not realize is that cats may stop eating because of stress or emotional problems, such as depression.
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/30/2007 | Read more »
Maybe Hallmark has a good idea and is making money. And maybe my vet and pet sitter are investing in some good public relations. But I have to say that when my cat of twelve years died a week ago, it really helped when these people and others sent me sympathy cards.
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/21/2007 | Read more »
It seems like the most natural thing in the world. You have kids, raise them, they become adults and marry, and then they have kids. And you become a grandparent. But it doesn't always happen that way. About one out of ten childbearing-age couples can't have children.
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/8/2007 | Read more »
Perhaps you thought those days were behind you--outlet plugs, child-proof caps on medicines, kid car seats. They were--until you heard the joyous news you've waited for all your latter adult life: You're a grandparent!
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/8/2007 | Read more »
Joseph and Esther Katz of Manhattan are experts on long-distance grand-parenting. They have two grandchildren living in Israel. And they have five grandchildren living in the US-three grandsons from Chicago and two granddaughters from Nashua, New Hampshire.
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/7/2007 | Read more »
There's good news and bad news about headaches as you get older. The good news: your migraines will usually diminish in your fifties and older. The bad news: many medications we take for age-related conditions can cause some headaches to get worse.
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/3/2007 | Read more »
You and your partner thought you had sealed the deal a long time ago. As an interfaith couple, you pondered about, discussed and planned that you would raise your children one faithâ€"either Jewish or Christian. It was going well until...
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/2/2007 | Read more »
Kindness to animals is a mitzvah (Hebrew for good deed) and many of us animal lovers are only too glad to fulfill it.
By Ilene Springer | Published 11/1/2007 | Read more »
When we have low humidity during this season, we have to deal with the scourge of cracking, itching, flaking skin that the dry winter air brings to those of us living in cold, dry climates.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/31/2007 | Read more »
Christmas cookies on Hanukkah? Well, why not. It turns out that interfaith couples who share each other's traditional foods are more comfortable with each other's religions.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/30/2007 | Read more »
Hi Boston, it seems great now, doesn't it? The Red Sox winning their second series in only three years. Swept out the Rockies Sunday night. Don't worry, next year they'll win in Boston--just as you want it. But do you really?
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/29/2007 | Read more »
The latest facts indicate that potatoes are a desirable part of anyone's diet-even if they are trying to lose weight.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/28/2007 | Read more »
Frostbite is an emergency situation. If you can't get to medical care immediately, you'll have to treat it yourself. Would you know what to do? Take this quiz and find out:
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/24/2007 | Read more »
Some people like winter while other--maybe you--think winter is the season for getting sick. See how much you know about staying healthy this winter.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/22/2007 | Read more »
With all due respect to her memory, my mother was wrong about everything in my life--except one thing: She said I should be a writer. I didn't listen.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/22/2007 | Read more »
Your wisdom teeth may be useless, but they can sure cause a lot of trouble. Test your wisdom-tooth knowledge.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/18/2007 | Read more »
Many people take winter vacations to get away from the cold and escape to a warmer climate. The one thing they can't escape is jet lag. Here's how you can stop jet lag from ruining your trip.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/12/2007 | Read more »
Chicken fat, corned beef, and potato pancakes. Let's face it: you won't lose weight on typical Jewish food. But find out the best way to lose those pounds after you've indulged.
By Ilene Springer | Published 10/8/2007 | Read more »
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