WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2023

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  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,269 Member
    175175
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    kevrit wrote: »
    I am doing this Happiness calendar for March. Feel free to copy or simply use it if you’d like!

    March, 2023 Action for happiness.org
    RVRita
    1. Set an intention to live with awareness and kindness. I intend to live with more awareness and kindness every day.
    2. Notice three things you find beautiful in the outside world.

    Sky, sand and ocean
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    3. Start today by appreciating your body and that you are alive.

    Yesterday's 54 km bicycle ride and 5 km walk on the beach ...

    4. Notice how you speak to yourself and choose to use kind words.

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    5. Bring to mind people you care about and send love to them.

    :heart:

    6. Have a ‘no plans’ day and notice how that feels.

    The only plans we had yesterday was a stroll through a neighbouring arty town to look at the shops.

    7. Take three calm breaths at regular intervals during your day.

    I do box breathing at some point just about every day.

    8. Eat mindfully. Appreciate the taste, texture and smell of your food.
    :)

    9. Take a full breath in and out before you reply to others.
    Many times.

    10. Get outside and notice how the weather feels on your face.

    Afternoon walk ...

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    11. Stay fully present while drinking your cup of tea or coffee.

    Not so much today. But usually. :)

    12. Listen deeply to someone and really hear what they are saying.

    Haven't talked to anyone other than husband today.

    13. Pause to watch the sky or clouds for a few minutes today.

    Love watching the sky. :) Our house is especially well located for that, and at certain times of year, we get fantastic sunsets!

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    14. Find ways to enjoy any chores or tasks that you do.

    Laundry! I don't mind doing laundry. :)

    15. Stop. Breathe. Notice. Repeat regularly.

    That's about all I can do today. I haven't done anything which requires effort.

    I looked up the vaccine I had yesterday. Boostrix: diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (whooping cough). I am set for 10 years!

    But headache, tiredness, body aches, sore joints and nausea are common side effects ... which I am experiencing.

    My doctor also informed me that the antibiotic "cocktail" I've been prescribed will make me feel ill and give me a horrible taste in my mouth. But it is only for 5 days and should do the trick.

    16. Get really absorbed with an interesting or creative activity.

    I've been colouring these days because I'm not allowed to do much more. Fortunately, I enjoy colouring. :)

    I've also been putting away laundry and rearranging a closet.

    17. Look around and spot three thing you find unusual or pleasant.

    The place is slightly neater and cleaner than usual. That's both unusual and pleasant. February was major house-cleaning month, then we went on holidays so the place is still clean.

    I'm at home, surrounded by things I like.

    There are photos I have taken recently showing on my second computer screen.

    18. Have a 'no plans' day and notice how that feels or If you find yourself rushing, make an effort to slow down.

    Today, I casually worked my way through part of the garden, catching up on some of the weeding.
    And we went for a short 10 km bicycle ride.
    And I've been colouring. :)

    19. Cultivate a feeling of loving-kindness towards others today.
    :heart:

    20. Focus on what makes you and others happy today.

    Walking - 3.57 km

    Cycling - 10.27 km

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    21. Listen to a piece of music without doing anything else.

    I have music on all day. Most times I'm doing things, sometimes I'm not.

    More cycling today ...

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    22. Notice something that is going well, even if today feels difficult.

    I was warmly welcomed back!!

    And immediately swamped with work! It's going to be a challenge but it's nice to have a certain degree of freedom - autonomy!

    23. Tune into your feelings, without judging or trying to change them.

    So many feelings.

    I've just started this new job so there is excitement and nerves going on.

    And it is the 5th anniversary of my husband's accident. I cried a while last night.

    24. Appreciate your hands and all the things they enable you to do.

    Especially typing!

    But I am appreciating getting my left hand back now that it is healed from the bite. I'm mixed-handed or cross-dominant, so I use my left hand a lot and miss it when it's out of action.


    25. Focus your attention on the good things you take for granted.

    Being able to move, climb, carry, walk, shovel, squat (to pull weeds) and of course ride my bicycle!

    Granted, I am a little bit stiff from doing some of that yesterday for the first time in a while, but I can still do those things. :)


    26. Choose too spend less times looking at screens today.

    No worries! I'm heading out to the garden shortly!

    28. Appreciate nature around you wherever you are.
    29. Notice when you are tired and take a break as soon as possible.
    30. Choose a different route today and see what you notice.
    31. Mentally scan your body and notice what you are feeling.
    32. Discover the joy in the simple things of life.

    Machka in Oz
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,036 Member
    edited March 2023
    Kim: Care-giving can be a such a thankless task. But you are stronger than you think, and, hopefully, things will settle down once everything is in place. (((Hugs)))
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,036 Member
    edited March 2023
    Fitbit has not coped well with the time change 😝 Technology isn’t as clever as we are in that respect. It can’t decide how much sleep I got last night.

    Continued prayers for Destiny 💕

    Intentions for March:
    🔹Maintain weight < 140 (I have managed to stay at the lower end off the 140s)
    🔹Continue with Solid Habit development

    Intentions for today:
    📍Solid habits
    📍general chores
    📍family Skype after lunch
    📍work on art display
    📍avoid mindless scrolling

    Virtual (((hugs))) and 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 for all those those who need them.

    🙋‍♀️ Miele failte to the newbies.

    ☘️ Terri

    March Action for Happiness:
    1. Set an intention to live with awareness and kindness. I intend to live with awareness and kindness
    2. Notice three things you find beautiful in the outside world.Trees silhouetted against the sky; the appearance of snowdrops in spring; the sound of waves breaking on the shore.
    3. Start today by appreciating your body and that you are alive. I meditate on this each morning when I wake up, and am grateful for each new opportunity to have a good day.
    4. Notice how you speak to yourself and choose to use kind words. Positive affirmations are very powerful. Be kind to yourself, always.
    5. Bring to mind people you care about and send love to them. We chatted with our girls about other family members, and raised a glass to them.
    6. Have a ‘no plans’ day and notice how that feels. I will do this tomorrow (7th)
    7. Take three calm breaths at regular intervals during your day.Resisting the temptation to plan my day. Serendipity reigns today.
    8. Eat mindfully. Appreciate the taste, texture and email of your food. ✔️
    9. Take a full breath in and out before you reply to others. I’m a great advocate of deep breathing, and find this works well.
    10. Get outside and notice how the weather feels on your face.I wasn’t looking forward to going outside this morning as we had snow overnight and it seemed very cold. However, the sun shone in a clear blue sky, and the wind had dropped right down again, and I spent time with my eyes closed feeling the heat on my face before I went into the centre for Latin Study.
    11. Stay fully present while drinking your cup of tea or coffee. Always! Gives me calm thinking time.
    12. Listen deeply to someone and really hear what they are saying. When I tried to do this with DH this morning, he got distracted by a discussion on What the Papers Say on TV. 😝 However, we often have in-depth discussions, usually over lunc and dinner.
    13. Pause to watch the sky or clouds for a few minutes today. The sun was valiantly trying to break through rain clouds just after sunrise, but the forecast is for heavy showers, but I’m watching the blue patches in hope that it clears up.
    14. Find ways to enjoy any chores or tasks that you do.Doing the task isn’t the problem 😝 It’s getting started that’s difficult. I sometimes put on my favourite music, or listen to a podcast.
    15. Stop. Breathe. Notice. Repeat regularly. Having coffee after putting away the week’s groceries. There is pink blossom on my prunus purpurea, magnolia buds are beginning to colour up, tulips and daffodils in the containers outside the window are beginning to bloom. There are lots of little birds flitting about in the trees. Spring is doing its best to banish the winter cold. This is a regular joy in my life.
    16. Get really absorbed with an interesting or creative activity. I am preparing some paintings for a display of my Monday Painters work
    17. Look around and spot three thing you find unusual or pleasant.Today it is more like autumn tha spring. There is a thick sea mist. My usual view of countryside is reduced to about 500 yards. Everything looks damp and grey.
    18. If you find yourself rushing, make an effort to slow down. Took things slow and easy today. Planning to do the same tomorrow as it’s Mother’s Day in UK.
    19. Appreciate nature around you wherever you are. My writing desk has a lovely view of the countryside beyond houses. And there are lots of bird life flying about amongst the trees in the neighbouring gardens..
    20. Focus on what makes you and others happy today. My writing, and my art always makes me happy, and sharing it with like-minded people makes them happy. That means that today was filled with focusing on what makes myself and others happy.
    21. Listen to a piece of music without doing anything else. ’Love Affair’ - Rainbow Valley. (NOW! That’s 60’s)Hubby came home and disturbed me 😝
    22. Notice something that is going well, even if today feels difficult. My prep for the art display next week is going well. Most members have already given pieces for display.
    23. Tune into your feelings, without judging or trying to change them. I am fully in the moment, relaxing, and contemplating what I will have for breakfast, and how I will spend my day. DH has gone out for the day so I am free as a bird so to speak. (My natural bent is positivity. I choose to be happy in the moment. I acknowledge all my feelings, but on the rare occasions when I feel down, I choose to count my blessings, put in some music and dance.)
    24. Appreciate your hands and all the things they enable you to do. I am grateful for all the pleasure I get from working with my hands at my art and crafts.
    25 Focus your attention on the good things you take for granted. Positive thoughts are so uplifting
    26. Choose to spend less times looking at screens today. Not easy, but I will refrain from being distracted, and succumbing to any unnecessary scrolling. Machka: Not much hope of getting into the garden here as it looks like the rain has settled in for the day.
    27. Cultivate a feeling of loving-kindness towards others today.
    28. Notice when you are tired and take a break as soon as possible.
    29. Choose a different route today and see
    what you notice.
    30. Mentally scan your body and notice what you are feeling.
    31. Discover the joy in the simple things of life.
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,036 Member
    Just watched the footage of the aftermath of the tornado. My heart goes out to those who have suffered such terrible destruction.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    GodMomKim wrote: »
    Hi Gals,
    So I have managed to read each day this week, but a couple of you asked and here is “in a nut shell” how my week has gone…

    The biggest "nut shell" ever - and a bit of whining
    Day One Tuesday - Check out from the rehab center had me overwhelmed I left with prescriptions to be filled, and a new list of devices I was supposed to have, and a note with the phone number of the folks it was my job to call to get home health, home OT and home PT to schedule. Got home, got mom settled, she was grumpy and in pain. And I quickly found out that the wheelchair did not fit into the bathroom, as it was not the size they told me it would be, so instead of a transfer she had to walk with the walker with only 25% weight bearing on the left leg, I am close to tears, how am I going to do this and keep my mom safe?
    But I get her to a point we are ok, and start to call pharmacy’s about the narcotic I have a prescription for. I suspect it might be hard to get. Sure enough after 16 calls I find a pharmacy that has it. I drive over it is co-located in a Target (a department store) The managing pharmacist tells me yes they have it but they will not fill it for me as they have patients in this area that might want it – my mom and her doctor’s addresses are 40 miles away. I explain the situation and she says and I quote “I don’t care about your mother, you need to leave” I sat down on the floor crying, it was just too much. Security was called, they got the Target manager who sat with me with tissues and in front of the pharmacist told me that the pharmacist was not a nice person, but she knew a better pharmacist and would call and see if they would help me. It got better from there but I was never able to get the narcotic. I figured out with the help of the nice pharmacist that a martini (or two) and a shot of ZZZquil might do the trick and it did. Thank goodness I had mom’s list of meds with me and the pharmacist to help me. I am up 4 times in the night getting mom to the toilet…. But I’ll cope.

    Day two Wednesday - great day, all goes well, I keep telling mom not to over do it. She does too much and we cannot get a handle on the pain. Up one time in the night –

    Day 3 Thursday - at 6 am she calls for help, she needs to go the toilet, but oh by the way she peed in the bed earlier because she didn’t want to wake me I needed my sleep. So I did laundry, changed the bed, scrubbed floors and then had a serious talk about 5 hours of work versus a few minutes of sleep. Still working on pain control.

    Day 4 Friday – Best day so far. Figured out balance of pain control, get someone at home health to answer, come up with things she can do to feel helpful.

    Day 5 Saturday – Finally a few hours of work on the business… remember I still have to pay the bills. Not sure if I will make enough this month to pay the bills, mentioned it to mom – little interest or help. Every conversation about money I get stone walled. But I have access to the accounts and if it is the only choice I will just take money and give her an itemized invoice for heat, food, gas and care giving.


    Kim in N. California

    Welcome to the world of being a carer ... and I'm sorry you've joined the carer world. :heart: :anguished:

    Do you have a resource like Carer Gateway in the US? https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

    This might be a place to start: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver

    {{Hugs}}


    M in Oz

  • ginnytez
    ginnytez Posts: 1,404 Member
    Kim-What a terrible pharmacy experience! Have you called doctor to see if she could get something different for the pain? Is it possible to get a smaller wheel chair? I would pick up some of the chucks mats they use at muring home. You can get them at Walmart of similar place with the incontinence stuff. It would cut down maybe on some of the cleaning.

    Terri-so sorry to hear about your group member passing so suddenly. Carpe Diem indeed-we never know.

    Rosemarie-I shudder at driving through a place like Atlanta. Even in Columbus, Oh I prefer surface roads most of the time.

    Lisa-I found myself laughing about your dream and thinking I was glad I don't have strange ones like that anymore (used to have them). Then last night-I had a really strange one! Could be I just don't remember them upon waking. I think we all have scary places inside our heads!

    Heath junk:
    Spent most all of yesterday just resting. Part could be from the muscle relaxers for the calves I take at night. After laying low on exercise for a few days, the calves are healing. Stretches are a necessity. The major part of fatigue still comes from the thyroid numbers being messed up. Having "normal" numbers when there really is no way your body should is strange. Nothing much to do right now except monitor and see if doctors are right and it gets back to where my normal should be. It also is messing with my appetite so I am watching that.

    I did get some papers sorted yesterday a some small things clean out. Even if I don't feel big bursts of energy I am doing some things from my couch so I don't feel like complete sloth!

    Thankfully the winds died down here last night. There were some power outages but nothing like the tornadoes down south.

    Take care all,

    Ginny in Ohio
  • Anniesquats100
    Anniesquats100 Posts: 3,291 Member
    Kim it will get better. You have a learning curve ahead of you, full of details about pharmacies and nurses and equipment. You are just getting started, so of course things are not smooth yet. Take it one day at a time.

    That was a lousy experience at the pharmacy. Totally rude to make you drive so far then refuse service. You are doing your best, but you are only one person in a very challenging role. Soon you will start to find a routine and things will still be tough, but a bit more predictable.

    Keep us in your pocket, and feel free to vent anytime. We care about you, and want to hear your struggles.

    Annie in Delaware, caregiver to two parents
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,097 Member
    Morning ladies
    Kim ,im so sorry your going through all this,here is hoping things get easier and you get into an easier routine.
    My hips are hurting and wake me up during the night.
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,269 Member
    176176
  • 1948CWB
    1948CWB Posts: 1,606 Member
    Lanette ~ Love the chic pics. Keep them coming.

    Kim ~ What Lisa said...document every penny and keep receipts. That's what my husband does for his brother-in-law.

    Dark and rainy here today with some tornado warnings in parts of Georgia. Feel so sorry for the folks in Mississippi who have lost everything. Makes you understand that life can change in a moment.

    Carol in GA
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    edited March 2023
    Kim, In your area caretakers are reimbursed $20 an hour for care given in the client’s home.
    If you provide transportation, room & board, laundry, and housekeeping it’s a lot more. Just sayin’…

    I recommend that you report that pharmacist to the state board of pharmacy. Since it involves a controlled substance, include a photocopy of the prescription, and list all the pharmacies you went to or called before going to that pharmacy. If you have the energy to do this, you will save other people a lot of grief in the future. https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/pharmacy/complaint.php

    A shower wheelchair may suffice for getting into narrow spaces if your mother can’t use a knee
    scooter (for her particular injury, a knee scooter would go under the “good” leg to support her weight, and she would propel gently with the “bad” leg, opposite the way it is usually used).


    Shower wheelchairs:

    https://www.amazon.com/PanelTech-Multiple-Wheelchair-Transport-Detachable/dp/B07GB884GX/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1VK7AM2STQML2&amp;keywords=shower+wheelchair&amp;qid=1679839798&amp;sprefix=,aps,208&amp;sr=8-15&amp;ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0

    https://www.amazon.com/OasisSpace-Folding-Shower-Commode-Wheelchair/dp/B0B12MXHKQ/ref=sr_1_17?crid=19KULK8D8N8AG&amp;keywords=narrowest+shower+wheelchair&amp;qid=1679839960&amp;sprefix=narrowest+shower+wheelchair,aps,76&amp;sr=8-17&amp;ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0

    owrw489lyoqn.jpeg



    xo
  • Joy1580vb
    Joy1580vb Posts: 440 Member
    grandmallie wrote: »
    Well ladies I bit the bullet and booked a cruise for this August
    I have decided with all the craziness and all the people and friends passing that,you only live once.. so Im going alone but my cruising friends are going so I wont be on my own.
    We are meeting at our favorite pizza place to plan more..
    I will drop that bomb on Tracy next week..

    How wonderful for you! So important to do things for yourself. I love travelling and usually travel solo. Tried to turn the DH into a traveller years ago but stopped when I realized he was simply not interested. I usually go once a year on as escorted tour or cruise and love it.

    Enjoy your time....August will be here before you know it.

    Joy
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    Allie, Proud of you for making this choice. You do live only once. You go, girl!!!
  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,614 Member
    Clear, bright, chilly morning.
    Terri :love: the pic of your DH helping your guest settle in. One lucky pup.
    Kim ((hugs)) Thankful there was the manager and the nicer pharmacist to balance the other. And yes, absolutely, bill your mom’s account for her share of food, utilities, supplies, mortgage, taxes and the lost wages for her care. What Annie said.
    Machka beautiful dry stream bed, great accomplishment. “pancake cat” :laugh:
    Lisa yours to Kim. As for waking from those dreams, it always made me grateful to “have to” get up and go to work ;) Hope rescheduling the Rinvoq settles things out.
    Carol hope the tornado stays far from yours.
    Karen yours to Kim also.
    Allie Bravissima! Like Teri said, seize the day. Where will you cruise?
    Joy like you, my DH never wants to leave home. Other than a couple of overnighters with gal friends I haven’t travelled since I retired. Don’t know if I’d want to now but definitely as part of a group and not solo.
    26. Choose to spend less times looking at screens today. Got it. Time to get ready for the drive to in- person church first time in almost a month. This Lenten FreeCell/Spider fast has been way harder than I I thought, but helps declutter the office. See y’all tomorrow.

    Lighter, lovelies!
    Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD x8zcp1ya37k1.gif
    2023: Be of good cheer. March: Move more, fuel better, live NOW.
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,097 Member
    Well I figured I want to enjoy the time I have left..who knows how long that will be..
    Because i am going solo its costing twice as much.I did get a balcony because i get claustrophobic and ,when Tom and I cruised before we had one and loved it
    Im hoping he will be able to watch Alfie.If not I have other options.Only thing is I don't know if I should by trip insurance or not?

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