WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2023
barbiecat
Posts: 17,255 Member
The first day of a new month is a good time to start a new habit or recommit to an old one. Taking this step is best done in the company of a supportive community. That's what this thread is about. I hope you will come here every day for the support and encouragement you need. Be sure to bookmark the page so you can find it again. Please sign your post with a name or nickname and a location so it will be more personal and easier to identify each other.
Barbie in NW WAMy word for 2023 is "please" to remind me to be kind and do things that will please me and the others in my life, to remind me that politeness (saying "Please") will take me far in dealing with others, and to urge me make my environment as pleasing as possible (organizing and decluttering might fit in here).
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Thanks Barbie!
Evelyn, Vancouver Island1 -
I have been looking forward to April. I plan to start the month by getting a library card in Gilman, IL. I love to read. ❤️ Thank you Barbie, for the new thread. ⭐️
Katla in Illinois1 -
Thanks Barbie! Spring is hopefully around the corner. We can get out and be more active if nasty weather has been keeping us inside.
Lanette
SW WA State0 -
Wow is it April already? Thank you Barbie!
I ate 1104 calories today, Yay! That's my usual plus an extra cup of tea with honey.
I did an hour of yoga, plus thirty minutes of aerobic walking, plus fifteen minutes on the bike. Yay! So my calorie deficit was 448. Yay!
Much better than yesterday. Thank you my friends for all your encouragement!
Annie in Delaware8 -
Thanks Barbie for starting us off well for the month of April.
💖
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa1 -
Thank you Barbie for our fresh start.
Okie in the TX Hill Country1 -
Here's to a peaceful, serene April for us all. Thank you Barbie, as always, for being our center.
March decided to go out like a lion to us...
A third of the tree at left fell, and a large limb off the one behind it came down. I heard the crack, but Corey was actually driving up the driveway and saw it fall. Quite safely, I might add, though it was hard on my little mimosa that you can see standing straight up toward the right. It snapped off the top branch but left the rest. Free tree pruning... and wood for next winter, to boot!
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR12 -
Thank you Barbie!
April already???
I am hoping for more answers than questions this month. March came in like a lion health wise and mentally. Cheers to a fresh start!
Kylia 1 pound heavier than the start of March ;(5 -
Well I received a lovely present from a friend today. She had a dogwood tree planted in my yard as a memorial for my husband. I hope I can keep it watered and get it to bloom.
On the topic of cats. The ones at the shelter are feral and I have not attempted to pet them. They do not come up to me or try and interact with me. They certainly watch me. How do you think I should go about trying to touch one of them?
I have found that even with cooking dinner my hardest time of the day is between 5pm and 7pm. I get very depressed and tired during this time. I do play music sometimes which helps. Sometimes I nap. Usually I get a second wind and pull out of it.
Best
Rosemarie from Georgia
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2023 Goals
My 2023 goals are a continuation of my 2021 and 2022 goals based on my ToDo list and my 50Things list with reference to a Wellness Wheel.Upcoming Appointments - these are at the top of my list. The things I need to deal with in the next few weeks.
Intellectual/Occupational/Financial or Education/Career: Advancing my career. Moving from adequate to proficient at SQL, brushing up on VB and cost accounting, learning Python and data analysis software.
Also, I want to have a closer look at our financial situation to see where we can save money and to make sure we're on top of things.
The goal is to expand my skillset and to improve our financial situation.
March Update: Started new job. Started learning lots of new things.
Medical: my husband's appointments, which I also need to attend because I'm his ears and cognition and my appointments now that I've been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease.
I also want to create medical record binders (and on the computer) for both of us, in case something happens.
The goal is to keep us as healthy as we can be and to ensure we have information at our fingertips.
March Update: I think we're on top of things except for my kidneys (May), our COVID boosters (probably this month), and figuring out what's with my finger.
Fitness/Sports > Cycling > Audax Tasmania: There are a number of fitness/sport things I'd like to try, with a focus on cycling, and a large part of my cycling endeavours includes my volunteer work with Audax Tasmania ... and maybe even riding some events again myself!
On my 50Things list I have all sorts of things like riding a horse for the first time, trying archery, learning to dance. Maybe this might be the year to try a bit of that.
The goal it to improve my fitness level.
March Update: March was a better month for exercise. Also did quite a bit for/with our cycling club.
House > Office > Computer become more specific as they go along. I have a number of thing which need to be done in the house (kitchen, dining room, etc.) but most importantly the home office needs a whole lot of work. And along with that I need to organise the drives on my computer into a better filing system.
The goal is to have an organised and decluttered house and computer system.
The goal is also to ensure all paperwork is up to date and accessible by both of us.
March Update: More gardening than inside work in March. But started organising my computer system a bit.
Garden: I have several projects I would like to do this year. One of the main ones is to finally finish my dry stream.
The goal is to have a pleasant, creative, relaxing and functional area outside for reading, exercise and socialising.
March Update: My dry stream project is complete ... now I'm just waiting for the new flowers to come up! Did general garden clean-up and started on new garden project.
Spiritual: Continue to read the Bible every day. And attend church a little bit more often.
The goal is to learn, relearn, revitalise.
March Update: Reading the Bible every day.
Emotional/Social/Recreation: More creativity, relaxation, connections. I have all sorts of things on my 50Things list like doing more with my photography, playing the piano again, working on my website and more.
The goal is balance. Doing a variety of things that aren't just work and education.
March Update: lots of coloring! Lots of reading.
Highlights of January
• I exercised 30 days of the 31, and completed a total of 35 hours of exercise in the month of January between cycling, walking, climbing stairs, lifting weights, and doing lifting and digging in the garden.
• We completed the longest bicycle ride since my husband's accident: 100 km.
• Skin cancer surgery on nose and hip healing.
• I have seen my new doctor.
• And have had medical tests, including yesterday's nap, I mean MRI.
• No breast cancer. New lenses in my glasses.
• I finally have an appointment with a kidney specialist.
• In the garden, I've made progress on my dry stream project and am really pleased with the way it is looking.
• At work, I've produced my first official project plan and am now doing the consultations. Great opportunity, great learning experience.
• We're continuing our relationships and connections within the beekeeping community, cycling community and brain injury community.
• Plus I had lunch with the ladies I used to work with.
• We took the Christmas decorations down and have been tidying the house.
• I had a lovely 5-day weekend off work and we were able to travel to northern Tasmania. First trip anywhere since September!!
• More reading for pleasure, rather than study.
• I've been reading the Bible every day.
Highlights of February• I exercised 27 of the 28 days, and in that time, I walked, cycled, climbed stairs, rowed, and gardened
• I had a follow-up with my new doctor. Brain cyst holding steady, most blood numbers are the same or improved. Kidneys still and issue.
• In the garden, I have basically finished the dry stream project. Yesterday, I finished the planting around the dry stream. I'll likely keep playing with it a bit ... adding a few more rocks, monitoring the flowers around it, etc. but the work is done enough that I've just started on another area of the garden.
• We have checked and wintered-down our bees ... well, OK, that was today.
• At work, I produced a fairly final project plan and presented it to management. I also got each of the 3 goals started, and presented those to management too. Wonderful learning experience!!
• I also gained experience in dealing with a difficult coworker. Both project management and dealing with difficult coworkers are areas in interviews where I've been a little bit weak. Now I've got strong responses to those questions!
• We're continuing our relationships and connections within the beekeeping community, cycling community and brain injury community.
• We had guest in mid-Feb and a house inspection toward the end of Feb so we have cleaned our place! So much tidying inside and out as well as vacuuming, scrubbing, washing etc. etc. Even the outside of the windows got cleaned!
• Lots of colouring and reading for pleasure.
• I am off work for 2.5 weeks which is lovely.
• I've been reading the Bible every day.
Highlights of March
• I exercised 26 of the 31 days, and in that time, I walked, cycled, climbed stairs, and gardened. I missed 4 days because of the cat bite, and 1 day because we were travelling.
• We completed two 50 km rides fairly close together!!
• Skin cancer removal scars healing on nose and hip. Cat bite on hand healing. Coincidence (??) - while I was taking antibiotics for cat bit, my nose scar area seemed to make a significant improvement! Tests for right index finger - might be a fracture, might be arthritis. Found 2 good doctors I could use as back-up doctors through hand issues. Kidneys still an issue.
• In the garden, I added a few more rocks to dry stream garden, tidied up the whole garden/yard, and worked a little on new garden project.
• At work, I started a new job!! I'm back working in health again but with data and accounting!! Lots to learn and really nice to be back with people I've known for almost 10 years and some new ones.
• We're continuing our relationships and connections within the beekeeping community, cycling community and brain injury community.
• Got new photos of granddaughter - she's so cute!
• We took a holiday during the first half of March and travelled to northern Tasmania. Cycling, walking on the beach and in parks.
• Lots of colouring and reading for pleasure.
• I've been reading the Bible every day.
Machka in Oz7 -
Rosemarie2972 wrote: »Well I received a lovely present from a friend today. She had a dogwood tree planted in my yard as a memorial for my husband. I hope I can keep it watered and get it to bloom.
On the topic of cats. The ones at the shelter are feral and I have not attempted to pet them. They do not come up to me or try and interact with me. They certainly watch me. How do you think I should go about trying to touch one of them?
I have found that even with cooking dinner my hardest time of the day is between 5pm and 7pm. I get very depressed and tired during this time. I do play music sometimes which helps. Sometimes I nap. Usually I get a second wind and pull out of it.
Best
Rosemarie from Georgia
Cats - give them time. After a while, they might start coming closer to you. Then try crouching, kneeling or sitting down at their level and seeing if they'll play with a length of string or other toy where they don't have to come too close to you. It's a gradual process.
BTW - last month, we talked about kneeling and sitting on the floor. I do that with Rhody fairly regularly, so I have practice!
Can you exercise between 5 and 7 pm? I find exercise can give emotions a different outlet.
M in Oz8 -
Machka: There must be more than 24 hours in a day in Tasmania. It is amazing all you do and all you accomplish and still work at the same time and care for your husband as well. Do you have short or long commute to work?
Best,
Rosemarie from Georgia3 -
Rosemarie2972 wrote: »Machka: There must be more than 24 hours in a day in Tasmania. It is amazing all you do and all you accomplish and still work at the same time and care for your husband as well. Do you have short or long commute to work?
Best,
Rosemarie from Georgia
Longish commute.
On a good day it is about 30 minutes each way.
On a bad day, it's an hour each way.
Most of the time it's somewhere in between the two.
That's where I catch up here and on FB, and sometimes I deal with work and other emails too.
I have an hour lunch break so I usually walk - either to appointments and running errands, or just to walk and get away from it all.
M in Oz6 -
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Thanks for the April link Barbie.
Betsy in NW WA0 -
Katla1 -
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Thank you Barbie for being our rock.
I slept! I usually don't after the excitement of booking something. I'm not looking forward to ringing them back today, as the wait is always long, but I will do it. No idea what the hitch was.
I really don't mind if DH backs out of the extra April cruise. I want him to be 100% happy about it. I am happy to do some other kind of holiday, but he finds it all too much effort now. Saga comes and picks you up from your own front door! No flying, packing weight restrictions, getting to airports etc. Means a lot to us. He has gone off flying.
I will find out his thoughts when I bring him his morning cup of tea.
Not much writing will get done next week. It's the Easter holidays and we have the kids quite a bit. My conscience is telling me I ought to do some extra today (I don't normally write at the weekend) but my sensible side says I should just go with the flow. I think I will listen to that side.
Brighton Marathon on tomorrow, Sunday. DH'S nephew is running for a hospice charity. (He is a palliative care nurse) The course passes at the end if our road, a hundred yards away! Twice! We will be out to cheer him on at a certain time, and he said he will try to message us two miles ahead.
DH's sister and his niece are going to park in our drive, and DH is hoping to meet up afterwards somewhere. I'm finding all the arrangements a bit vague for my OCD, so I'm keeping out of it until I know their definite plans. 
If they want to come back to the house afterwards then they are welcome, and we can order pizza. Otherwise, I will just go and cheer!
I'm slightly miffed because I have given money for the nephew's run, (DH hasn't) and I always support and like his Facebook etc, but I get no likes back on my posts, and I was not specifically invited to the post run meeting. I'm admitting all this to you folks because I know my hurt feelings are unwarranted and it's just that he has a busy life, so I'm 'fessin' up' . DH has often felt hurt by him likewise in the past and was so delighted to be asked to join them. Wel!, no one asked me!
Question. Do I clean the downstairs in case they come back?
Part of me says 'f... it', but I expect I'll spruce it up a bit, just in case.
The nephew is also running the London Marathon in three weeks time!
Love you all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx8 -
Saturday --
Sleep
Gardening
Laundry - including hauling it outside and hanging it up, then hauling it back inside
Cycling
https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/Apr 2023.jpg
Machka in Oz
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Rosemarie-I found the early evening time difficult also. I found I was watching what time I came into the house after work. I had come in about 6 pm and found my husband collapsed and I realized when I went back to work, etc., I was either coming home well before 6 or after-all subconsciously. I would sometimes go to the store to pick stuff up, go for a walk (still my standard time is right after work). Many times I will be checking here and a couple of other websites while eating dinner. Don't fight it, Jost go with it. It gets better a little at a time.
Tiring week at work. Lots of drama. Had some issues that I had to deal with publicly that I was hoping would stay in background a bit longer. Hope to finish up final report on issue this coming week and turn it over to others. Some days I don't like being responsible adult in charge.
Doing regular stuff this weekend. Will get taxes done today. Going to store in a few minutes to pick up stuff. I like going first thing in the morning before they are crowded. Then I will have weekly chat with SIL and get laundry etc started. Want to devote 30 minutes today and tomorrow towards sorting out back bedroom that is getting junked up. If I put a time limit on some things it makes it easier and a little less overwhelming. Will also do some work stuff.
Happy April Fools day!
Take care all,
Ginny in Ohio6 -
I rang Saga on the dot of 9. Got through straight away. Was on the phone for an hour, but it's all booked. We have an Aft cabin for the April cruise. Fore cabin for October. Complicated system for paying, because of my credit card limit, but she accepted a reduced deposit at my request, and she will ring later this month to take the rest, when I've shuffled my money around!
We will have to keep an eye on our passports. DH will have to send off after the cruise this year for a new one (it takes ages) and I will have to send mine off straight after the 2024 October cruise. You have to have 6 months left on it to travel.
Also Europe are planning a new ETIAS system which might start this autumn, so will have to do that as well.
Still, all good for now. The insurance will ring us sometime to complete that bit.
Phew!!!!
Only managed to get my rowing done first thing, so I will get on the bike in a minute. I have remembered to fill in my online repeat prescription for blood pressure pills.
Will take a photo of the cruise routes for you.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx7 -
Ginny: Thank you for your kind thoughts. I don't sleep through the night either. It is 6 am and I have already had breakfast and vacuumed well before now. Oh well, at least I am getting things done!
Heather: I took one cruise in the 80's. It was for young people and lots of fun. Every day we went to a different beach on the smaller Islands on the Caribbean and sporting equipment was set out for us. I remember Antigua, St. Bart's and
St. Kitt's. I would love to see a map of the cruises and pictures like you did for the last cruise!
Well today I hope to walk 2 miles, do a video workout, have lunch with a friend and work on the taxes. If time I will do some gardening as well!
Best,
Rosemarie from Georgia5 -
Here they are. I know some of you like travelling vicariously.
First one April/May 2024.
Always wanted to go to Oporto and the Guggenheim in Bilao.
Second one October 2024
I like the two separate stops in Sicily, because you get a better idea of the place. I will go to the ruins of Carthage in Tunis. Ceuta is a Spanish enclave in Africa. We've never been to any of these ports (although DH has been to Sicily) apart from Gibraltar last November.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
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Rosemarie Continued HUGS! You are in the right place for support and not alone. We carry you in our pockets all day long with the other ladies suffering from losses.
HeatherUK I am excited for your journeys also! I have never been on a cruise. Maybe one of these days. My brother and SIL are going back to Italy this year. I would love to go with them, but it just isn't in the cards with me still working full time. SIL says we are welcome to come with them any time, but if we do go her advice is get in, buckle up, shut up, and enjoy the journey!
Yesterday was rough all day long. I don't know if it was the weather or what.....then I had some young punk (yes punk) who said he was there for a pick up for Duncan. I said pick up what? Repair? Parts? He said of course a repair and to quit being rude! Really?!?! Like he is the only customer?!?! No, it wasn't Duncan but some kid that works with him. He was just plain rude the entire time he was in the shop. I put on my biggest smile and cashed him out. Now....if someone hadn't answered the phone that should have been working on mowers ....or...if said person had bothered to tell me that they had called and were coming in, I would have had a heads up, but still. There are blades, chains, tires, parts, repairs, and new equipment to be picked up. I am not a mind reader. Even the customers that came in behind him were wondering what his problem was....GRRR! Anyway, today is a new day!
Our furnace and ac unit are Lennox from 1996. Got quote yesterday to just replace furnace. Will call Monday and find out about replacing AC unit at the same time. Seems like the intelligent thing to do. Average life is 20 years. The positives are that the heat ex-changer has a lifetime warranty and is no longer available, so we get an upgrade at 50% off! Old unit is 92% efficiency, new one will be 96% so that will help with propane and electric. I even found the original receipt in the event they need it
Now if I can convince DH to replace old thermostat at the same time-LOL!
Better get a few things done. Action for Happiness Calendar printed.
Happy April Fool's Day!
Stay safe in the storms both weather and life!
Make the best choice you can at the moment!
Much love and support!
Kylia in Ohio safe from the bad weather hoping to not get blown away by winds today7 -
Heather,
I sometimes miss a reply to a Facebook status I have posted - in fact, they don’t always appear sequentially, so there may be a new comment buried in the midst of old comments - and if I don’t meticulously check it, I can inadvertently fail to acknowledge a reply, which undoubtedly makes the person feel slighted. Not to mention that many people are a bit haphazard in general with acknowledging contributions, FB replies, etc. If you are OCDish about such things it makes it harder not to feel miffed when you are disregarded, but it is usually due to obliviousness and lack of attention to detail and doesn’t mean anything. I know you know this, but just wanted to say that I sometimes fail to acknowledge others without being aware of it.
Having said that, I’m not sure there is a good excuse for not inviting you to the after party.
Karen in Virginia6 -
Question for you all ...
When you were young (under 20), what did you want to be when you grew up?
M in Oz1 -
Morning ladies
Heather- your trips look lovely,the one im going on.I have been on the ship before
Its one of there older ships but they refurbished some of it in 2018.
They rake you over the coals for everything extra..Im not a big drinker so I will bring my Yeti,and drink whatever is free. I might break down and get a fru fru drink or 2,but they are charging 102.00 a day for the deluxe drink package so alcoholic drinks,soda,specialty coffees and teas fall into that category. Really who wants to spend over 700.00 to drink
Sheesh
We can bring on a 12 pack of soda which we will do
And we don't do the fancy dining room,we just do the buffet4 -
Question for you all ...
When you were young (under 20), what did you want to be when you grew up?
M in Oz
I was going to be a doctor, lawyer, and linguist. Instead, my parents had a nasty divorce, I felt lost, married out of high school, had two wonderful girls, and now work on/in lawn mowers. However, still interested in languages and family cones to me asking medical questions.
Kylia5
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