Six- and seven-year-olds are taking over … Australian elementary schools.

   According to an article that was published last week in the Sydney Morning Herald, schools in Sydney, Australia expect a spike in enrollment in kindergarten classrooms this year.

   Why?

   A mini baby boom that occurred from 2004 to 2008. Seven years ago, fertility rates increased in the country as the federal government launched a $3,000 baby bonus.

   Yes. A baby bonus.

   The baby bonus is supposed to help with expenses involving childbearing, and has also been used in countries such as Canada, the Czech Republic and Singapore.

   As Australia schools make room for the influx of students, my fascination is not with the mini baby boom or the baby bonus; I’m curious about how a new generation – those born after the year 2000 – will experience the world.

   In early January, Money Talks News released a list of “Things Babies Born in 2011 Will Never Know.” Of course, a few were obvious: newspapers, magazine, videocassette tapes, encyclopedias, books, etc. However, a few were surprising – and kind of sad – such as commercial music radio, snail mail, handwritten letters, the evening news and so on.

   I understand that as technology advances, some things fall by the wayside or completely disappear, but as I lover of all things print (I make a living as an assistant editor for a print magazine), I couldn’t imagine living in a world without books. Furthermore, I’d hate to raise children who don’t even have the option to at least experience watching the evening news on television at 6 p.m. or flipping through the funny pages in the daily newspaper.

   But what do I know? …  I still listen to CDs.

   Over the years, the cost to see a movie at the local theater has skyrocketed. Ten years ago, the average cost of a movie theater ticket was about $5, according to the National Association of Theater Owner. Today, a couple could easily pay $50 for a night out at the movies – that’s about $10 per ticket plus drinks and popcorn … and that doesn’t even include dinner.

   Looking to see a 3-D movie? You’ll pay even more to don plastic-framed glasses that allow you to experience objects flying at your face.

   Here are a few simple solutions to avoid shelling out major cash to see a movie.

·        Rent (or buy) a DVD. Boomers as a group are the largest consumers of virtually every product … including DVDs. A newly-release DVD may cost about $25, buy you’ll be able to keep the disc and watch the movie whenever you want. Movie rental services such as Netflicks and Redbox allow you to have movies sent to you home or obtain DVDs from kiosks at convenient locations around town.

·        Try a local theater. Small neighborhood theaters that are operated by area owners or foundations may offer discount tickets for movies showings a few weeks after their release dates. Oftentimes, these theaters feature limited-release movies or films with smaller budgets from local directors.

·        Join a rewards program. Major movie theater corporations such as Carmike Cinemas and Regal Cinemas offer programs – usually free of charge upon registration – that allow moviegoers to earn points for making movie theater purchases that may be redeemed for tickets or concession items in the future.

·        Catch a matinee. If you want to see a film as soon as it hits theaters, try catching a movie during the daytime. Many theaters offer discounted prices for movies with early show times. You’ll see the same movie – minus the crowds and the full-price ticket cost.

   Retirement. Retirement. Retirement.

   The media inundates boomers (among others) with financial horror stories about retirement: boomers may have to work well past retirement age; boomers may not live to see mortgages on their homes paid off, etc.

   As a recent college graduate, I am terrified.

   Some say I have plenty of time to save, while others claim I should start preparing for retirement as soon as possible. Either way, all I hear about is the importance of having a healthy amount of money saved for retirement or else …

   Sure, saving money for the future is crucial, but what about the other aspects of retirement? My fears extend beyond not having enough money to survive and enjoy life after retirement. Actually, I’d hate to live an unfulfilled life before reaching retirement age.

   So, I’ve compiled a list (in no particular order): the Top 10 Things I Want to Do Before Retirement.

1.      Taste sushi. One day when I’m feeling daring. Or really hungry.

2.      “Go natural.” I don’t mean become a nudist. I’d like to go a year or two without coloring, relaxing, chemically processing, etc. my hair. Just let it be … in its natural state.

3.      Run a clothing boutique. Hopefully my own. When I’m not writing, I love shopping, fashion and just being around cute clothes.

4.      Live in a loft or studio apartment in NYC. Any 20- or 30-something journalist’s dream.

5.      Become fluent in another language. Preferably Spanish since I’ve studied it in the past. I’ll be able to communicate with others and build my resume.

6.      Be a Sunday school teacher. Random, yes. Crazy, no. I learned some of the best lessons about life and faith in a lil ole church Sunday school room back in the day. And they’ve stuck with me.

7.      Learn to sew. I’ll finally unleash my inner fashion designer – or at least save a few dollars on clothing alternations

8.      Audition for a professional dance team. At 5’3” and well over 100 pounds, I don’t stand a chance at making a big-time squad, but I’ve loved cheering and dancing since getting a taste when I was younger.

9.      Learn to swim. Sadly, I’ll have to sacrifice a few hair-dos to learn this life skill.

10.  Get married and start a family. Complete with a “mom car” or SUV and house with a huge yard. Call me old school, but what little girl doesn’t dream of this at least once in her childhood?

   What’s on your list?

   I’m a 20-something-year-old. Born in the 80s. I work out every now and then, and I feel relatively fit for my age …

   Not according to a fitness challenge that I took over the holidays. Actually, I have the fitness level of someone in his or her late 80s. 87 years old to be exact.

   I took a fitness test on the Nintendo Wii and failed miserably. Even my mother, a boomer, scored significantly better than me.

   It’s a new year, and if you’re like me, you’re struggling to keep a long list of resolutions. My toughest: controlling the l-b’s. Yes, weight.

   After packing on pounds while eating during late night study sessions in grad school and now watching the numbers on the scale increase as I work a 9-5 that entails mainly sitting behind a desk, I am somewhat “chubby” and out of shape. (Yes, I look back at my photos from my freshman year of college of a svelte, smiling undergrad and, well, cringe.)

   I generally judge how healthy I am by actual weight, body measurements and mainly by how I feel each day. Sluggish? Energetic?

   This year, I’ve vowed to hit the gym regularly and even use tips from personal trainers that I consulted in the past. Whenever my workout gets feels a little monotonous, I try alternatives like interactive fitness games or working out with a partner. No matter what, I try to stay active – and at least stay under age 50 on the Wii fitness challenge.

   No matter your age, it’s never too late to get and stay in shape. Here are a few tips to get you started:

·        Envision a new you. It sounds cheesy, but it actually works! Sit down and really evaluate how you got to the position you’re in. Emotional eating? Skipping workouts? Lack of motivation? Make a list of what you want to change about your diet and exercise habits and plan your attack – whether it’s joining a gym, signing up for a weight loss program or giving up smoking, figure out a strategy and hold yourself accountable.

·        Use your resources. Ever go to the gym and notice personal trainers or gym staff wandering around? Grab them and chat for a minute or two. Ask for tips on how to make the most of your workout. They are there to help and remember that you are paying membership fees.

·        Personalize your workout. Hate being confined to a treadmill? Try moving your workout outdoors to a park or your neighborhood. Bad knees? Try taking a few laps in the pool. Find exercises that get you going, work and are safe for you. Try something new if you feel you’re losing interest.

·        Stop dieting. We’ve heard this a million times, but most diets are short-term solutions that lead to frustration or failure (or both). Instead try lifestyle changes: eat a healthy breakfast to jump-start your day on the right track, avoid high-calorie or high-fat food late at night when we tend to be less active, substitute water for sugary drinks or soda, etc. You may not shed the pounds or inches as fast as you would on an extreme diet, but your body will thank you and you’ll keep the weight off longer.

·        If at first you don’t succeed … Keep trying until you get it right. Occasionally treating yourself to a piece of chocolate cake or skipping a workout every now and then is fine. We’re human and shouldn’t have to completely deprive ourselves of things we love. Just do so in moderation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a nutritionist and grab a buddy to help you on your journey if needed.

   Good luck with shedding the pounds (or inches), getting healthier and staying on track in 2011!