Karla Barber started her life's journey in Chicago but migrated north to Vermont where she spent her formative years. Her interests are many and varied. She was initially headed for a career in journalism, but abruptly changed her major to Computer Science during her first semester of college. She tried to minor in fashion design, but conventional thinkers in the school of engineering couldn't figure that out, so she took classes in design for ‘fun' and minored in business.
After a 22 year career in high tech, she retired in 2004 to spend more time with her family and get more involved in the local community. She serves on several non-profit boards including; The Women's Museum, the Foundation for Women's Resources, Greenhill School Board of Trustees and the University of Vermont School of Engineering Dean's Advisory Board.
She is the founding president of the Dallas Chapter of Women for WineSense and serves on the organization's national board as the Director of Technology. Upon retirement, Karla began pursuing a formal study of Wine; she holds wine certifications from the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers.
In addition to her B.S from the University of Vermont, she holds a masters degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Dallas. Karla also is a graduate of Leadership Texas, Leadership America and the Power of Self.
Karla loves to travel, ride her bike, garden, and study Italian. She and her husband have three teenage sons. Like the Chinese language, the word ‘no' is simply not in Karla's vocabulary, she did live in Taiwan for two years after all. She loves to learn; and, the good news is there are so many interesting things to pursue in life!
The Younger Next Year guys are back This new version for women provides essentially the same advice, with some additional gender specific research and commentary. Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge outline seven principles to follow that will help you live a more fulfilling, healthy, and energetic life.
Our life expectancy has doubled in the last century. We need brains robust enough to match our bodies' new life span. Dr. Sandy Chapman focused on the importance of brain care at a recent session of the UTD Center for Brain Health lecture series. We can't neglect our brains' health.
Say the word "Triathlon" and most people get an image of the grueling Ironman Triathlon; 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 miles on the bike, and a 26.2 mile run. There are shorter, more manageable lengths of this three sports in one competition.
Do you have the perfect gift in mind for your Valentine? Looking for something beyond red roses and chocolate? Take a peek at what the Girlz have planned for their significant others.
Our GNG garden expert, Julie England, called the other day to remind us that it's almost time to prune the roses. She also sent along some very useful information from the horticulture department at Texas A&M University- click here.
Functional Fitness is the new buzzword in the gym. The focus is on building strength and training your muscles to support everyday movements. Gardening is a great way to accomplish these goals in a natural way.
Have you ever lost your passport or discovered it had expired days before your trip departure? Don’t panic, I have some good news – you can get a replacement passport easily and painlessly if you live in Dallas or any other city with a Federal Passport Office (see: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_4312.html for a map of locations).
On a recent Sunday walk on the Katy Trail, what appeared to be a healthy, fit woman in her thirties, came speeding toward us on a weird contraption. We all stopped to watch, and she pulled over and offered us a ride on her vehicle. Karla, of course, jumped at the chance to try it out.
Judy: Amy and Karla started the new year with a tap of the reset button. They went back to the toughest and most restrictive version of the elimination diet to verify their assumptions. They've zeroed in on several foods that affect the way they feel and sleep.
There's nothing like the sound of a bowling ball smacking against the ten pins at the end of a bowling alley. But, is this a real sport or an excuse for a social gathering?
Jill Bolte Taylor is an incredible woman! She suffered a stroke at the age of 37, underwent major brain surgery and spent eight years recovering. Today she is an author, lecturer and all around amazing person.
Swimming is an excellent way to get your exercise. Because the density of the human body is very similar to that of water, the water supports the body and less stress is placed on joints and bones. Swimming is often used as an exercise in rehabilitation after injuries.
Meryl Streep seems to be having fun these days. And, you'll have fun taking an afternoon or evening to go see It's Complicated. Streep as Jane, pairs up with Adam, played by Steve Martin, and Jake played by Alec Baldwin in this light hearted, endearing romantic comedy.
Karla and Amy: We were both traveling last week and it was tough! Restaurants for all meals is a hard way to stay on any diet and especially the Elimination Diet.
There is some evidence that the bicycle dates back to the late 1400's, but the first reliable history of the invention is attributed to German Baron Kal von Drais in 1817. Until the late 1890's bicycle riding was for the urban well-to-do male.
Snacks to keep on hand: plenty of fresh fruit (apples, pears), carrots, avocados (for making guacamole), hummus, rice crackers, rice cakes, crispy rice bars
It’s the New Year and it's time for a New You. This You is making some changes. The kitchen is a good place to start: things pile up there when you're not looking. I’ve always wished I had the powers of Samantha on Bewitched – twitch my nose and poof - everything in perfect order!
Planning to spend New Years Eve with family and friends? Whether you are called on to make a toast or volunteer to say a few words, some advance thought will help you avoid an awkward moment.
Judy: This holiday season Amy and Karla have chosen to be spectators in the eating frenzy that grips almost all of us. They’re both so intent on the goal of feeling better that they make the determination to hold firm seem easy.
When it's time to make a toast we break out the sparkling wine. Legend has it that a french monk by the name of Dom Perignon accidently discovered the beauty of a second fermentation - bubbles!
Not all sparkling wine is created equal. Why does a bottle of 2000 vintage Dom Perignon cost $150 when a non-vintage bottle of Zardetto Prosecco can be had for $10?
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