WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2023

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  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    edited June 2023
    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    Machka9 wrote: »
    I read an article recently that said Americans tend not to take all their vacation leave. The article gave several reasons.
    I took today off. 😀

    M in Oz

    Went into three paragraphs of my own theories about all this and then realized it was boring as all get out. To shorten it considerably, U.S. workers began something the media labeled "quiet quitting," which was a complete misnomer, during the pandemic. It actually sounds much like your work culture--a trend to give the company eight hours a day and do the job you're hired for and no more, stop overworking and overachieving. I have hope that the next generation will figure out the situation better than we ever did. I was as wrapped up as anyone else in the culture. I figured out once that the unpaid two or three hours I went in early every day (often including weekends) dropped my hourly wage by nearly half, in the end. Not so smart.
    Snowflake1968 wrote: »
    Machka - I find here that many don’t take their allotted time off either. I didn’t for a long time, but then started using mine regularly.
    For the last couple of years I’ve only taken my time as a day or a few days at a time. I think moving forward I need to use 1 week as a whole week and the other week as a day here and there thing.
    One thing I’m very upset about is I would be at 4 weeks vacation next year.

    Lisa - I had a discussion today with my daughter (34) about this “quiet quitting” thing. She says her generation calls it “Acting your wage”. I hope this next generation makes some changes and they enjoy life more than we did. As she said though, trying to navigate a system that is in the midst of such a massive change is not the place to be when you’re just trying to work and have a family.

    Tracey in Edmonton

    Tracey ... I hope something works out that you could get your 4 weeks.


    For interest, and completeness, here are a couple articles about the leave subject.

    Why Americans are bad at taking time off, and how to get better at it
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/04/07/why-americans-dont-take-time-off-work/

    Why Do Almost Half of Americans Leave Paid Time Off on the Table?
    https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/27/business/dealbook/unused-paid-time-off.html


    I have always taken all my leave off and have occasionally gone for unpaid leave as well. For several years I worked on contract jobs, and I would be sure to include a month's leave into the contract in one way or another.

    Now that I'm in Australia, I get 4 weeks annual leave plus I've opted into a Purchased Leave program to give me an extra 10 days leave plus stat holidays, of course. And believe me, I take it all! In October, I get Long Service Leave for being with the organisation for 10 years. That'll be 3 months of leave ... and I have plans for it. :)

    Incidentally, "leave" means "vacation".

    I see the following meme come up in FB every so often and I'm puzzled (I suppose) by it.
    1. Does that mean I enjoy my work so much I don't take a vacation ... like the articles above?
    2. Does that mean that I've retired so every day is a vacation?

    Personally, I don't mind my work and I know there's a place for it in my life, but I've built a life that needs and includes a whole lot of leave (vacation time).

    st2dgkag0gla.png


    As for the "quiet quitting" and the work culture in many places here in Australia ...

    There is (and has been for a while) a big emphasis on just working during working hours. However, we are encouraged to achieve things and to be engaged during those working hours. We're encouraged to meet the expected outcomes of our band level ... or more.

    For the last few years, I was producing at 2 to 3 band levels higher than what I was being paid. Thankfully, I've finally moved up to the band level where I've been working. :)

    But in an interview, if we're asked: "If you discover you've got a huge workload and then something more comes in, how would you handle it?" ...

    ... the wrong answer is, "I would be happy to work extra hours to see that it gets done."


    M in Oz
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,042 Member
    Rebecca: Ouch! Hope you’re back on your feet soon.

    It’s a dull damp day here, but I have lots to do indoors. I will go to our local shops later.



    🤗 🤗 🤗 and 🙏🏻 🙏🏻 🙏🏻

    ☘️ Terri
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,615 Member
    edited June 2023
    ginnytez wrote: »
    Machka-thanks for sharing links but couldn't read because they are subscription or ask for email. My vacation status:
    I get 5 weeks of leave per year plus 14 paid holidays (and then sick leave on top of that). We can keep 15 weeks (3 years) of vacation on the books-I am frequently in danger of losing (which is why I took off a few hours on Friday). I don't take it unless I have something I want to do but have been bad at that the first half of this year. I do find taking the occasion day or few hours mid week are good for me. I will knock off some time with trip to Arizona in a week. We are through one of our busiest times so in second half I will get more options for time off. Also-getting to keep a large balance that you get paid for when you leave is a nice savings account also.

    Take care all,

    Ginny in Ohio

    Interesting and odd you can't get into the links. They're both US newspapers and for whatever reason, I can get into them! Oh well, I'm sure you can google the article titles and find something you can access if you're interested.

    I understand the end of employment pay out benefit of not taking leave. :)


    But for me, when I take time off ...
    -- my physical health improves because I exercise more.
    -- my mental health improves because I get away from the computer because I'm often outside exercising and/or working in the garden. It also gives me time to get things done from my To Do list, which improves my outlook on things.
    -- my stress situation improves because exercise and getting things done gives me a sense of accomplishment and slowly but surely makes things better.
    -- I get a whole lot more sleep.
    -- I have the opportunity to do relaxing things like reading and colouring.
    -- I rarely get hot flashes, compared to when I am at work. At work, I'll go into a hot flash every couple hours. At home, I might have one or two a day.
    -- my tinnitus quiets a bit.
    -- my headaches reduce.

    d32gdhkxahqx.png

    As an aside, in my husband's and my most recent Brain Injury Peer Group meeting, we had a doctor of neurology talk to us about neuroplasticity. A badly injured brain will never fully recover (as in my husband's case) but through neuroplasticity, it can rewire somewhat and the injury can improve somewhat.

    Toward the end of her talk, she gave us a list of things that improve neuroplasticity in people with brain injury ... and those without brain injury as well.

    The first thing on her list was ...

    Travel.

    Seeing new things, doing new things goes a long way toward rewiring the brain.

    After that came things like learning a new language, learning to play an instrument, doing crosswords, etc.


    Machka in Oz
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,203 Member
    edited June 2023
    :) Today's big adventure will be making a trip to Costco. It has been about two months and some supplies are dwindling especially chicken which we use for making batches of favorite foods to freeze and have available for meals. Jake makes chicken with bbq sauce and mole and I make chicken with peanut and coconut milk sauce, chicken soup, and baked chicken to add to Alfredo sauce or just serve along with a veggie. We buy a few other things that we are able to use in larger quantities. We will get there at 9:15 so we'll be in line to go in as soon as they open the doors usually before 9:30. We shop from a list so we are in and out by 9:45.

    :) Thanks to all of Jake's help this year, I have far less yard work so I don't have to worry about dodging the sun in the afternoon.

    :)Annie, I admire your ability to juggle your exercise and parent care especially the part where you have to make different meals for them than for yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back from me.

    :)Heather, best wishes for successful packing and a cruise that is filled with joy.

    :)Betsy, Glad your trip turned out well. Getting home is always good, too.

    :)Tracey, This time off can be a good time for you to increase your spiritual practices and reading uplifting or spiritual stuff to nurture yourself.

    <3 Barbie in NW WA
  • myvt9v4crh
    myvt9v4crh Posts: 391 Member
    Lisa—Your comment is well said, and will help new people who want to join our community. Politics & religion are best kept private. ❤️

    Katla
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,714 Member
    Just woken up from a nap. :D
    Got a bit more sorted, including my gorgeous new makeup bag. <3 I like a place for everything, and everything in its place, and this has pockets! :D
    One of the reasons I am pacing myself is that we have three floors in our house, I have a wrist injury, and a thigh strain. :o Slowly does it.
    Next job - tops. For all weathers! Arctic and heatwave. And smart and normal. I often wear a dressier top for dinner. I'm just putting things on the spare bed at this point.
    I.was a bit bothered about wearing the exact same outfit for the three formal evenings, but I have conjured something out of a forty year old black sequinned top and a thirty year old beaded jacket. Black trousers. It will do for one when you are not meeting the captain. :laugh:
    So, all on track. I am still getting the odd anxiety wave, but it's fine.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxx
  • Anniesquats100
    Anniesquats100 Posts: 3,291 Member
    Good morning ladies!

    Barbie thank you! It always feels good to be appreciated, and I appreciate your positive spirit!

    Carol good luck with your new meds. Always an adventure!

    Lisa, love your caution about religion and politics. So gracious!

    Annie in Delaware
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,899 Member
    edited June 2023
    Carol, dear heart, that caution was meant for those new to the group, ones who might not be aware it--you need not apologize for anything.
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,324 Member
    June 2023 Happiness

    Word of the year: Appreciate : today I appreciate air conditioning in triple digits heat.


    Exercise goals added
    Yoga 10 mins 3 times a week 0/15 (100%,100%,80%,73%,.1%)
    Walk 7,000 every day 5/30 (84%,86%,94%,93%,65%)
    6 min HIIT -1x a day start April 1- 1/30 (93%,0)
    Arm weights twice a week 1/10 (100%, 60%hurt my elbow, hurt my shoulder 30%,50%,0)
    Meditation: daily. 8/30(82%(started Feb)94%,100%, 74%)

    Feeling overwhelmed and lethargic this month. Taking a break from the list above until I feel more in control. I am also having a bursitis/arthritis/tendinitis attack this month. Doctor prescribed something for me to try. Which seems to be working for my mood.


    1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 8/8–(100%,100%,0%,0%,0)
    2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 7840,6796, (7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%)
    3. Update budget every 2 weeks 2/2 —(100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
    4. Contact close family every week (4x) 90/208—(100%,100%,100%,50%, 83% should be 103.2 by July 1)
    5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)41/94 w(100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
    6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,(100%,100%,100%,0%,100%)
    7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 11/15 (100%,88%,100,100%,100%,100%)
    8. Read 12 books at least this year. 22/12 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
    9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 6/12—(100%.100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
    10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
    11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200 (100%,100%,100%)

    January Met —100%
    February met —-90%
    March met met —-90%
    April met——86.36%
    May met——-89%
    June met
    July met — met
    August met
    September met
    October met —
    November met—
    December met—



    1. Decide to look for what’s good every day this month. Started with friendly people.
    2. Say positive things in your conversations with others. I will try, but people annoy me.
    3. Re-frame a worry and try to find a helpful way to think about it. This will be about my son. Not sure how to re-frame it but will find a way today. I must realize he is a full grown man and in charge of his own life.
    4. Take a photo of something that brings you joy and share it.
    5. Think of 3 things you’re grateful for and write them down. 1. My family, 2. A roof over my head, 3. Enough food to eat.
    6. Get out into green space and feel the joy that nature brings. every day!
    7. Do something healthy that makes you feel good. 2 walks so far. And therapist today.
    8. Find joy in music: sing, play, dance, listen or share. To be accomplished.
    9. Ask a friend what made them happy recently. Did this on my trip to Lubbock to get my car back finally. Was a great day!
    10. Bring joy to others by doing something kind for them. Will report on this later! Gave a family some Little Debbie cookies.
    11. Eat good food that makes you happy and really savor it. Will do! Yesterday had a salad made from lettuce, onion, peppers, and tomato from my garden. The dressing was homemade too! Mmmmmm
    12. Write a gratitude letter to thank someone. To be done! Sent my GS a thank you note for being my grandchild!
    13. Take a light-hearted approach. Choose to see the funny side. Already happening after a very stressful day yesterday.
    14. Share a happy memory with someone who means a lot to you. Will do.
    15. Look for something to be thankful for where you least expect it. This will be fun to find things. How about turtle eggs on the beach that have to be moved to not be crushed.
    16. Speak to others in a warm and friendly manner. I will try.
    17. Take time to notice things that you find beautiful. Will do!
    18. Look for something good in a difficult situation.
    19. Get outside and find the joy in being active.
    20. Rediscover and enjoy a fun childhood activity.
    21. Send a positive note to a friend who needs encouragement.
    22. Watch something funny and enjoy how it feels to laugh.
    23. Create a playlist of uplifting songs to listen to.
    24. Bring to mind a favorite memory you feel grateful for.
    25. Show your appreciation to people who are helping others
    26. Make time to do something playful just for the fun of it.
    27. Be kind to you. Do something that brings you joy.
    28. Notice how positive emotions are contagious among people.
    29. Share a friendly smile with people you see today.
    30. Make a list of the joys in your life and keep adding to it.

    RVRita
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,324 Member
    Allie, has Carmine’s parents talked to Seth’s parents about what’s going with Carmine at home? Maybe together they can help Carmine.

    RvRita
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,098 Member
    I dont think so but I filled them in a bit when I spoke with them when I dropped off the laptop.
    So they kinda know part of the back story...
    Im sitting in Tracys car waiting for her and Miles to come out of Ulta.. she was supposed to drop stuff off at the kids consignment shop and they aren't taking it today.. so i am hanging in the car waiting on them and then will stop at dollar tree on the way back
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,899 Member
    Thank you Carol, and I like the new color. I liked the past one, too, but the combination of cut and color with this one really suits you.
  • lightstrongma
    lightstrongma Posts: 182 Member
    edited June 2023
    barbiecat wrote: »
    lightstrongma wrote: »

    So what! 1 or 15 they all throw fits at I time or another. We don’t give up on them.. ever. You say you love her.. is she not worth -your effort to try to make -her life better? I couldn’t imagine being in the same situation and not being there for my grandchildren. Hard or not. I am blessed to have my grandchildren and so are you!

    Did you ever think that maybe she gives the other parents *respect because she knows and understands they care about her.

    OMGoodness I am a complete stranger..saying this to another stranger. Wow. 😞


    -Your Granddaughter is worth my time and effort to write this to you.. A little effort goes a long way.


    :) You are not the only one to say this. I, too, am concerned about Carmine. Interestingly, there is little respect for Carmine's choice of name or pronouns or identify. That is only one of the ways that they (Carmine) are being disrespected by family. There is so much misunderstanding about gender non-conforming teen agers and young people and often parents are at the head of the line.

    I feel so bad for Carmine and the whole family. With children and grandchildren, the watchword has to be "Come from a place of love"

    <3 Barbie


    Yes.. on both! For instance..Political Motivated Agendas.. in my opinion such as gender, pronouns and identity was just brought up to me yesterday by @barbiecat. I can understand, about politics but .. we can’t or are gently reminded that Jesus Christ is off limits. 😢

    I have every right to post my opinion here on open MFP…especially when it is to me, specifically.


    If you don’t want .. different opinions.. Go to A Group and single me out!





  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,193 Member
    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    Finally had my phone with me when I went outside, so took a few pics. After last year's drought, all the flowers are just going crazy this year. The white morning glories are out, and seriously hundreds of buds left to open. They live on my carport railing and uprights. We planted deep purple ones, as well, but because they're growing from seeds, they're about a month behind, not flowering yet. Looking forward to those...
    p7pe5eculix7.png

    The chrysanthemums are supposed to bloom in fall, but these are apparently early bloomers, because they're starting already... you can see all the blooms on them just waiting to burst open, too.

    a8jcom66cb76.png

    Some may remember the hosta I planted when we first got here, and was worried about it surviving the winter. Well, it's survived quite a few winters, and is getting bigger and bigger. You can just see the hydrangea behind it - one didn't make it through the drought, but this one is coming back strong. Can't wait to see when it blooms.

    a4hxfv3nl8sb.png

    My dwarf magnolias didn't make it, but the redbud did - it was significantly further along when we planted it, so stronger to begin with. It had just a few teeny tiny buds on it before it leafed out, but it's going to make it just fine.

    I do love this place... I feel like I'm channeling my mother every time I pull a weed or plant a seed. Helps me remember that love never dies.

    Love y'all,
    Lisa in AR

    Hope you REALLY love the morning glory because you will never have to plant them again. I planted them ONCE, over 20 yrs ago in one small planter box in my back yard. Now, I pull thousands of them every singe year, not only in my back garden but also in my front and the neighbors yard has them too. They are both the purple and pink ones. They are pretty but they take over, even more than my raspberries have in the front.(was just out there picking some to have with my tea- need to go out with a bowl and pick all the ripe ones before they fall on the ground and become snail food)

    I think about my dad when I am gardening. Like , sure wish I could get his advice on why some of my plants just are not growing. I have two pots of yellow squash. Right next to each other. Same seeds. One pot is thriving and over two feet high while the other is just surviving, barely at less than 6inches high.
    I have tomato and pepper plants started back in March and are still only 2-3 inches high. Some are in the green house in small pots that need to be transplanted but others are in large pots and still the same as when I transplanted them over a month ago or longer. Most of the garden are not growing much. Maybe the weather because it has been cool and cloudy most days.
    Not giving up but would love to see them grow. Tomatoes in one raised bed are doing well and one tomato in front is doing great(ones planted the same time/same kind are just stunted)
    Plan on getting the last of the plants in the green house, except the ones going to mom's in the ground this afternoon. If I can find enough pots and places for them.

    Debbie
    Napa Valley,CA

  • lightstrongma
    lightstrongma Posts: 182 Member
    I was replying to you @fanncy0626 ^^^

    fanncy0626 wrote: »
    The thing about religion and politics. I do know that politics have been talked about on here behind the scene still part of the community just privately, almost feeling like the rest of us are wrong and excluded, and occasionally on here without rebuttal. Is that OK? Also, there are a lot of people on here that have asked for prayer since the beginning of this thread. Is that OK?

    💕 Mary from Minnesota/Arizona

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