WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER 2023
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Here is the monthly list I use for you to copy if you’d like. Thank you Machka for posting the calendar. I always forget to post it in a format that works on here.
2023 Self-Care September 20231. Find time for self-care. It’s not selfish. It’s essential.
2. Notice the things you do well, however small.
I'm spending quite a bit of time relaxing this weekend. Self-care.
And what do I do well? I don't know ... the usual household things like the laundry I've done this weekend, working on my drystream, cycling, colouring.
3. Let go of self-criticism and speak to yourself kindly.
4. Plan a fun or relaxing activity and make time for it.
I'm not usually overly critical of myself but I will question myself, like "What are you doing?"
And today, I went for a long-ish walk at lunch then did some colouring at home after work.
5. Forgive yourself when things go wrong. Everyone makes mistakes.
And most of the time, mistakes can be fixed.
6. Focus on the basics: eat well, exercise, and go to bed on time.
All good except for the "go to bed on time" thing.
7. Give yourself permission to say ‘no’..
Getting better at that. I'm working my way through emails and unsubscribing!
8. Be willing to share how you feel and and ask for help when needed.
I ask ... but from my experience help is a rare occurrence. Occasionally, however, I'm pleasantly surprised.
One thing I've discovered is that it helps if I am very specific about the help I need.
9. Aim to be good enough, rather than perfect.
It's all about priorities.
A little story: When I have been in university and other programs getting degrees, diplomas and certifications, I discovered something. It was OK not to do all the assignments. I would look over the assignment collection for the course, and focus my attention on the one(s) worth the most marks. If the one worth 5% didn't get done, oh well.
One teacher was horrified with that approach.
I had been really sick for about three or four weeks and was getting done what I could. I handed in an assignment worth 20% and got a decent mark on it like 80% or something. Then along came a quiz worth 10% and I had not studied at all for it ... too much to do on the big assignment and just too sick. I got 40% and when he went through it with me (not pleased that I had failed), I told him it was OK. I got 40%. I was happy with that. Actually I was thrilled I got that high, given the complete lack of studying!
He couldn't understand it.
I explained that for 30% of the total mark, I was sitting at 20/30 with the assignment and quiz. I was still comfortably passing and had more of the class to go where I could potentially get better marks. I had sacrificed the quiz in order to do well on the assignment.
He didn't like that approach one bit as he imagined his students would pour every effort into every assignment.
But I didn't need to be perfect.
10. When you find things hard, remember it’s ok to not be ok.
I usually take it out on the stairs. Something difficult at work ... and I'm out the door climbing stairs.
11. Make time to do something you really enjoy.
Almost every day. Usually colouring.
12. Get active outside and give your mind and body a natural boost.
Almost every day.
13. Be as kind to yourself as you would to a loved one.
I am.
14. If you’re busy, allow yourself to pause and take a break.
Up and down those stairs!!
Walking at lunch
Walking with Rhody
Gardening
Reading
Colouring
Listening to music
15. Find a caring calming phrase to use when you feel low.
Soft kitty
Warm kitty
Little ball of fur
Happy kitty
Sleepy kitty
Purr purr purr.
I sing that to Rhody and he seems to really like it - stretches, curls up, closes his eyes, purrs.
But one day, I caught myself singing it out loud to myself at work while I was working on some difficult code!! And someone heard me!!
16. Leave positive messages for yourself to see regularly.
My memories in Facebook
17. No plans day. Make time to slow down and be kind to yourself.
That would be nice, but ...
This might happen in October.
18. Ask a trusted friends to tell you what strengths they see in you.
Someone today told me I was very good at organising myself and did a great job of presenting a project plan.
19. Notice what you are feeling without any judgement.
Happily, I don't feel much.
20. Enjoy photos from a time with happy memories.
A few happy memories this year.
21. Don’t compare how you feel inside to how others appear outside.
I don't feel much. It's good.
22. Take your time. Make space to just breathe and be still.
Tonight. When I close my eyes and fall asleep.25. Let go of other people’s expectations of you.
26. Accept yourself and remember that your are worthy of love.
27. Avoid saying ‘I should’ and make time to do nothing.
28. Find a new way to use one of your strengths or talents.
29. Free up time by canceling any unnecessary plans.
30. Choose to see your mistakes as steps to help you learn.
31. Write down 3 things you appreciate about yourself.
32. Remind yourself you are enough, just as you are.
Machka in Oz
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Going to get up get dressed and go feed Homer1
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KetoneKaren wrote: »Lisa,
Pottery is my favorite class here at the crone hotel. Experimenting with different glazes is fun, and I have discovered that I like playing with mud.
I hope you enjoy it!
Karen in Virginia
Sorry I’ve been absent a few says, been hectic with errands, granddaughter and crafts. I hope everyone is doing well. A lot of posts, so I missed a lot!
Karen in Virginia I love pottery and playing with mud 😂. I’ve been at it almost 2 years and am still learning. It really is creative fun.
Heather in UK wonderful painting! Very talented.
Well slept horrible last night. Hopefully the coffee will kick in.
Sandy in TN6 -
Good morning ladies
Heather - I watched that Zoe video about fiber in coffee. So I think drinking 4 to 6 cups per day, as long as it doesn't make my heart go pitty pat, is very healthful. I aim to get at least 1 cup of tea in - sometimes a powdered macha green tea or just plain bagged orange pekoe. Happy microbiome!
Lisa - how was the pottery class?
New Balance Shoes:I went to the New Balance outlet store on Wednesday, intending to get another pair of comfy walking shoes. I walked past a display of more casual shoes, 30% off. They are kind of like the Skechers slip on - they look similar to regular tie walking shoes, but I just slip my feet in with the aid of a pull tab at the back. I found some in D width to accomodate my cranky right foot. They will do fine for house shoes or running to the mailbox. Very comfy without orthotics. Think I'll grab another pair just to have on the shelf. Colder weather = colder floors = cold feet. Problem solved.
Raccoon:I let Rosie out for her early morning run and she took longer than usual, so I went out on the deck with the flashlight. She was real interested in a pile of scat right off the deck. It wasn't hers. My money is on a raccoon. I've been intending to get a .177 air pistol to discourage critters from getting after my chickens, just hadn't done it yet. DH has an air rifle but I want something for close encounters. I'm not interested in picking off bunnies back by the powerline like he used to do. I went out and checked the chicken coop - all safe and secure. Need to reinforce the latch today just in case.
When we lived on the farm, a raccoon killed several hens the one night we forgot to close the coop door. So I don't give these critters an inch. Besides, I don't know if Rosie would be smart enough to not try to fight one and I know she'd be on the losing end.
Shrinkflation:I'm back to logging my food on MFP most days. Yesterday I double checked the macros on a new carton of whole milk I'd been using, and I noticed it said the carton contained 7 one cup servings. HUH? I thought half a gallon was 8 cups. I had another carton of milk in the fridge, different brand, and put the containers side by side. Yep, the carton I was using was a teensy bit smaller, hardly noticable. And it was a little more expensive too. I need to start paying attention.
I'm walking at 7 with my neighbor, another bundle up day. Temp hovering at around 40f right now, we'll probably see 80f this afternoon. Then cool showery days settle in for a while.
Make it a fabulous day!
Lanette
SW WA State5 -
3643641
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I've had a very busy week at work. So many meetings and I've been racing to get something done by today. I got close. I did all the really important parts, but will have to check one bit that I don't think we use anymore and another bit that won't be used right away on Monday. I've been working slightly longer each day, and nearly an extra hour on Thursday because of that roundtable workshop thing.
In addition, we've had wild winds combined with flowers blooming all over the place. I've been drippy the past couple days. No fever. No sore throat. Just sore, itchy eyes and and a drippy nose. And tired. Very, very tired. I suspect my allergies have flared up.
Thank goodness it's Friday night and I'm going to go to bed and read a bit.
When I walked Rhody the last couple days, I noticed that tomorrow (Saturday) one thing I need to do is to go around the yard and pick up empty plant pots which have scattered everywhere because of the wind. Everywhere I looked there were plant pots!!
M in Oz7 -
LisaInArkansas wrote: »Barbara AHMOD - I'm sorry your mouth is hurty! Hope extraction under sedation is much less traumatic. My 8-year-old granddaughter just had to have a baby tooth pulled on Tuesday. It developed a painful, unfillable cavity, and the nerve was bleeding so it had to come out. Kels texted me while she was sitting with Haley, who was sedated with nitrogen oxide, so they could pull the tooth. My big strong, tough soldier girl nearly fainted, and came awfully close to yurping. She was still yurpy when she called me from the truck on the way home! You are not alone at all.
Barbie - s with you on your drive back to the Humane Association with Bodhi. My wishes added to Barbara's that some lovely woman who lives alone will find her companion in Bodhi.
Rebecca - I used food as an emotional coping tool most of my life, so I totally get that part. I think we all do at some point. It's why I usually try to treat it like fuel. Trying to bridge that gap between food as fuel and food as a big hug of wonderfulness is hard. Heather is one of the few that I've seen walk that line very successfully.
Regarding the whole thing about intermittent fasting, I had to go find the research on it because I'm that girl. The most recent piece from the Harvard School for Public Health is clear that studies show that it's no better or worse than any other kind of structured eating program. However, if you look, you can find tons of anecdotal, or personal stories about success with it.
My personal opinion is that anything that causes you to be conscious about what food is going in your mouth is a good thing. If that structure is intermittent fasting, and it works for you, then that's what works for you.
How I'm dealing with it right now:There are so many possible ways to do intermittent fasting that it becomes utterly confusing, so I ended up shaking my head and walking away from all the differing rules about when and what. Please note, I am not trying to lose weight, I'm just trying to build reasonably structured days that get my system regular. TMI, sorry, but regular for me just means pooping once or twice a day, not 12 to 25 times a day due to Crohn's. The point is also to help me sleep well, again so my system can continue healing.
Rearranging my exercise and eating schedule seems to be helping, but it's only been a week of exercising, and then a week of exercising and intermittent fasting, so please, take all this with a big, honking grain of salt.
On eating, my schedule right now is 16 hours without food, from 8 p.m. to 12 noon the next day. Then lunch about noon and dinner at 5 or 6 p.m. No snacking in between and no snacking after 8 p.m. I've found that, if I eat bread for lunch, I have terrible gas at night. Tortillas and crackers don't seem to bother me. So in other words, this is also helping me sort out what I can and what I shouldn't eat. Not for calories, but for my own health and comfort.
My husband was apparently right when he noted that grazing, indulging in the small meals I was eating every few hours, was not helping me to get regular. I am, as of the last few days, going to the potty in the mornings only. Still more frequently in the morning than how things were before I got ill, but my body is much less battered without it happening all day long.
My exercise schedule for the week also seems to be working well--Mon/Wed/Fri cardio work on the rower and the elliptical, Tue/Thu/Sat resistance work with resistance bands, small free weights and body exercise such as super pliés and crunches, and then Sunday is a rest day.
I also do a small set of yoga stretches for flexibility and balance every exercise day, and am starting to do them both before and after the exercise, to warm my muscles up and then to give them time to cool down. I LOVE cardio work, I always have, but doing it every day breaks down my knees and hips very rapidly. By adding the resistance days in between, I'm keeping the daily exercise habit up without hurting myself. Hopefully. I'll let you know. 🙃
I don't know if this will help anyone, if it does, more power to you! I'm losing weight, slowly, just because the eating window is restricting my calorie intake to about 500 per each of the two meals. It's not intentional, and after I get back down to the bottom of my maintenance range (145-150) I will be adding calories to get back to maintain my weight. Right now, I'm just trying to keep my protein over 65 grams a day and figure out what hurts me and what doesn't.SophieRosieMom wrote: »Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Lanette
SW WA State
Ahem. It's Thursday! 👀😎🙃🥰 Please note, I had to go check to make sure... Bahahahah!
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR
It is a fine line, no question. I remember being a part of a TOPS group in California, and there was a couple who had lost a combined total of 200 lbs. While I noticed their energy, I also noticed no deviation from their scheduled foods each and every day. When we attended TOPs conventions, meal times were such a struggle for both of them. If they weren't eating their normal fare they were fishes out of water. It was sad to me, no joy in food whatsoever. I promised myself I would never get to that point of food disassociation. I do have things I eat that still make me happy, and there is a balance to that.👍🏼
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa3 -
Today’s gratitude: 5 of 12 skeleton violas in the ground.
Rebecca you HAVE had an emortional year and you do deserve to feel better. Good luck!
Lanette “spent the first few decades of our marriage struggling to conform to expectations that weren't really me.” My struggle was conforming to what I thought were Joe’s expectations, but was afraid to ask. “So glad to be at the age now where "like it or lump it" has risen to the top of my personality traits. ” Amen sister to this and to “Joe is a keeper”. Amen, amen. Alas no luck finding a nearby functional medicine doctor for PCP. The only one is an ob/gyn and doesn’t do primary care. Maybe I’ll have to re-think my “female only” requirement.
Beth likewise hoping for good new neighbors for you.
Lisa your empiric approach to IF and activity. Hope things continue to improve. Look forward to hearing about pottery class.
Annie check with your local Elks, they may loan hospital beds that would be suitable.
Sorry to hear about the blood work. I’m right there with you feeling resentful of aging… until I remember the alternative.
Rita thanks for the Balance app recommendation for mindfulness, will check it out. Neither can I commit to an hour a day at this point. Please consider calling the doc today about the new med having the opposite effect. Why wait?
Ginny you sure do have some pretty neat kids!
Heather glad the trip was a success!
Barbie my BFF’s mother taught us about playing the old lady card when we got snowed in at Yosemite. Those handsome young men dug out our car
Debbie you are a super shopper!
Pip you’ll wow ‘em at the reunion. Have fun!
Michele yes my dentist uses both numbing gel and novacaine. My problem with extractions is not just the pain, but the grinding pulling ugh. When I was 17 a dentist pulled a “baby” tooth that had impacted the permanent one behind it. I’ll never forget how it felt with his one hand bracing my forehead while the other used pliers to twist and grasp. It was awful. Tried to work afterwards, but fainted. Librarian called Mama at work to come get me as I was “bleeding on her floor.” Ugh.
Allie hope you can get some good sleep soon. Your body needs it to heal.09/21: Move: ZERO sets PT, dogs to powerline, play with plants, one load laundry, Jeopardy walking. Steps:7194
Fuel: sugar in vs mfp=5 CI<CO net=552
Live: Joe, readings, BP, AD, AF, ptT. ptS, reconcile Visa, called to get interest waived, reconciled checking account. Wt:132.5
Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
September: Move more, fuel better (less sugar), live mindfully with people, dogs, open heart and mind before mouth. Never miss an opportunity to keep the mouth shut!
I am all about giving myself grace about it all. My life is simpler, and its such a relief to not be worrying so much about family members. Picking and choosing what I wish to concentrate on these days.
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa2 -
I swear to the benefits of taking ACV (with mother) prior to eating. For me it just sets the stage in my digestion to processing my food better. My gut feels healthier. I buy Braggs apple cider vinegar with cayenne pepper and honey in it. I just take a large glass, shake the ACV bottle, and put in a healthy glug in, with a can of Fresca. Sipping that, with a small bowl of fridge pickle slices, and pickled beets, it is the best. I then cook my meal.👍🏼
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa2 -
Morning from the rainy River Valley of Arkansas...
I've got a kitty on my hands who wants to be right next to me, as she will get her head wet if she goes outside, and she hates that. Every hour or so, she asks to go out the door to the carport to check and see if it's stopped, and then wants back in shortly after... and the rest of the time she's up in my business, bless her. A few more hours and the rain will stop. She doesn't mind traipsing around in the wet grass afterward, but rain on her head is unacceptable in Egg's world. 👀🥰
Corey will be calling soon, as I slept through his leaving for work. When things slow down there, he will call to say "good morning." 💌 It's a hangover from when he was checking on me because he worried about me every minute, but it's part of the routine now, both comforting and reassuring for both of us, I think.
I really do love the first cool, rainy days of fall (technically not until tomorrow!) but the pain on waking is kinda rough. My joints do fine with rain and are OK with cool weather, but not with both at once. Lanette, I just saw your 40F, and that would have just killed me this morning. We were at 60F and I hurt! This is why people who have the money have a house in the dry desert southwest for the winters... but barring the lottery, THAT's not going to happen, so oh well.
Pottery class:The pottery class was interesting, first thing up, we created a pinch pot, mostly just to get a feel for the clay, I think. Mine ended up looking an awful lot like the one I made when I was six years old that my mother used as a sponge holder for the next 30 years when it finally gave up and melted. Since there are only two of us students, we and the instructor are making things at the same time (she's making Christmas gifts, she says).
I may have mentioned that the local medical college bought the facility just this summer under a big grant, and there was still construction going on, even in the pottery studio, where they're working in the ceiling, which is, of course, the wiring, pipes, and other infrastructure for the floor above.
This was also the first full class in this new lab apparently, and everything had just been shoved into the room without thought of organizing. It was pretty chaotic, to say the least, and bless her heart, the instructor was just utterly discombobulated. She didn't know where anything was, flapping all over the place trying to find tools and molds and everything else. I'm really hoping she gets it together a little better by next week. I don't do well with chaos, as an ordinary rule.
Anyway, after the pinch pot, we put together slab pieces. The slabs of clay are basically just hunks of clay put through a thing that works like a giant pasta machine. Slab pieces were small pieces cut around a mold edge, and a pattern pressed into them, then draped and shaped over the shallow wood mold, then pressed down into deep foam to shape it around the mold. Will be like jewelry dishes, etc. Should have taken pictures, but didn't. Next week will be coil pots put through the extruder.
The extruder inevitably reminded me of the Play-Doh machines we saw in the Sears Wish Book every Christmas. I vaguely remember having Play-Doh as kids (the smell was and is quite unique, actually patented by Hasbro), but my parent's money didn't stretch to the little machines... and we usually just turned it into balls we could use in a slingshot and hit each other with them, anyway. I remember I was disappointed because the combination of colored clays only made gray, no matter which ones you combined.
Throwing pieces on the wheels is yet to come. What we did yesterday actually worked us through week 1 and week 3 in the syllabus, and then we'll go back to week 2 next week with the coils... hoping we have an extra class or two to work in the eight-week course to work the wheel, as it's what I most want to learn. Pinch pots are definitely not going to be in my future... I'll try to take pics next week.
Egg has trundled off somewhere (do cats trundle?), having given up on the rain stopping for now, I guess. She's probably ensconced on my yoga mat in the exercise room. It's been her favorite place of late. Whoops, she's back - softening up my thigh to lay on it, apparently.
I've got to put in my Amazon order, for a hat that Corey just mentioned on the phone, one that says "That's what I do, I FIX STUFF and I know things." There's one for your T-shirts, Tracey . Haven't seen you lately, hope all's well! Time to go do my cardio.
Later, y'all,
Love,
Lisa5 -
Lisa - I don't keep my balance with food all the time, but I am lucky in that I have never had a sweet tooth and I really love healthy food. I have found I am better if I keep the carbs down, but I'm not obsessive. I eat such a wide range, mainly in Mediterranean style. Healthy food is not boring, and I fully believe in enjoying every mouthful. Our sensory selves are so important and part of the joy of life. I have good digestion and no allergies or intolerances. I rarely eat ultra-processed food and find it pretty disgusting. The food 'industry' has a lot to answer for.
I do have a good appetite and have very slowly gained a bit in the last few years. I am trying to be careful at the moment, but my exercise has been less, through injury. I'm sure that is the reason I haven't lost.
I am lucky. I am educated, privileged, and have spent a lifetime learning about food and how to cook. I know not everyone is so lucky. Plus it depends hugely on where you live and the food culture. Income and time are the biggest factors, but not the only one.
My freezer defrost is nearly over! It's been very hard work! DH and I have both been working at it.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx5 -
Michele What I am trying to to not eat any high sugar or high carb foods after two. I am trying this because I get such bad lag cramps at night. Having high blood sugar at night might be part of the problem. It is also helping me cut down on my sugar intake. When I do so much hard work in the summer. Yard and house work walking DrewB twice a day I have been having dessert at lunch and dinner. Yesterday my son and I had Applebees and rather than have mashed potatoes I substituted another serving of broccoli. We have pie from the small cafe in his building. Bumbleberry. Instead of having it I brought it home and will have it for lunch.
Busy getting things maintained or repaired. Tuesday took car in at 7:30 got it back at 4. Needed alignment, oil change and transmission fluid changed. It is running better. While waiting I spent 2 hours trying to unclog the kitchen sink. Yesterday morning had the pro come out to snake it and hydro clean it. Both best left to a pro. I learned some tips on how to care for pipes. If at all possible no egg shells, coffee grounds, grease, stringy veggies, potato skins etc. I also moved the trash can that was sitting on the main drain cover in the basement. Bits from my shredding were falling near it. I also need to change the drain covers. They are now cast iron and they start to degrade in about 5 years. Those bits of rust get into your pipes and can cause problems too. It was pricey but told DH I learned from the technician too to avoid future problems. I always do this when I have someone help us with a problem we are not equipped to fix. I saved his card and put him on my who to call if I have this type of problem. I also wrote him a good review to share with his boss. Today is a shopping day. Hope all is well with everyone!4 -
I eat basically the same things at the same times of day each day. It works for me.
It's all very simple basic food somewhere in the vegetarian/blue zone/Mediterranean range.
Lots of raw or steamed vegetables and raw fruit.
Haven't been to a fast food place in years. Except Zambreros, but that's not typical fast food.
Stopped eating stuff like potato chips in early 2015.
Stopped eating chocolate bars a few months ago. I do, however, have a bit of ice cream.
Probably helps that I have a limited sense of smell. Food doesn't have a whole lot of taste so I focus more on texture.
Trying to have a mainly healthy diet to reduce health issues.
I don't live to eat, I eat to live. 😀
Food takes a back-seat to the things that interest me more and I believe that has helped me stay slim most of my life, and lose weight when I have needed to.
Machka in Oz3 -
I eat on a schedule and more or less the same things all the time. I gave up eating for entertainment or recreation. I seek every opportunity to be active. It works for me. I lost the weight I wanted to lose and have kept it off for years. I find my joy in being useful to others, my dog, my friends, my hobbies, and what I read. I have a regular set of spiritual practices that sustain me in fair weather or foul. I love the change of seasons and am as happy on the dark days as I am on the sunny ones. I have a formula that works for me. This is the best life I've every known.
Barbie in NW WA8 -
In between defrosting the freezer this afternoon, I made 38 meatballs! I bake them, like Lisa, but it's still a lot of work. It's for three meals though, so I'm good. The cauliflower to go with it is also roasting at the same time. I will do a bit of macaroni for DH, and we are having them with tomato sauce with basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan.
We rarely eat red meat, so this is a treat. We are having our Friday night red wine.
I really enjoyed writing about 'beginner's mind' this morning. It brings joy to any ordinary, everyday action. I find happiness these days in almost everything. Everything is new. I also quoted this excerpt from Little Gidding, by T S Eliot.
'We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time'
I was a TS Eliot nut when I was a teenager, and this spoke to me. It speaks even more now.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx who is over the moon about her freezer
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Barbie--Sorry to hear about Bodhi. Know it is the right choice for all of you.
Annie--Sending prayers and hugs.
Heather--Sounds like your day trip went well and was fun. Happy for you.
We got a nice rain during the night. At 3am the thunder hit and Kia starting running around barking.
Well today is Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend. We are leaving in the morning for Woodard OK to help celebrate DH's uncle's 90th birthday. Get to see family we have not seen in years. Will leave early in the morning and stay the night. Come home Sunday afternoon. Looking forward to getting away.
Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND, NE7 -
grandmallie wrote: »Yup me still awake at 12:30 am
Sheesh
sure hope you were able to get some sleep-
My sleep was broken up quite a bit. Thinking about my former father in law- had eye surgery this morning. 3 hr time difference so when I was trying to sleep he was getting ready to go to the hospital and then waiting , and waiting for the surgery- They checked in at 7AM(4am my time) and finally took him in at 11Am and had him back in his room before 11:45. Surgery went well. It was to remove scar tissue. I got the updates from former hubby. I will check in with dad later this afternoon- let him get some rest. I text him last night, thinking he would get the text this morning as I was texting late for his time zone but he responded back.
Getting ready to go over with dh- I will work on getting the weeds out of his mom's lawn(there is nothing but weeds now that we aren't supposed to water the lawns but want the big ones out) while he gives her her breakfast and pills then we will go to the cemetary and get that all cleaned up and new flowers on it. He will take her tomorrow to see it.We want all the work done so she doesn't feel she has to do any of it. I am sure she will still try. The ground is uneven so we don't want her falling again.
Have Ezie this afternoon so will walk the wetlands before getting her. With parking so bad I have to get there 1 1/2hrs early just to find a parking spot across from the school so might as well walk instead of sitting in the car.
Baking cookies to take to the ladies luncheon for church tomorrow morning. Thinking about making zucchini carrot cookies and add some oats, raisens and walnuts to it. I have monk sugar that I will try so dh can have a few now that he is being more careful, kind of, on what he is eating.
Chilly this morning- Fall weather for sure- 55 now with a high of 73 today.
Debbie
Napa Valley,CA2 -
3653650
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dlfk202000 wrote: »Accidentally started organising the home office this evening. Definitely not the plan but when I started digging through stuff to try to find something, and triggered a noisy avalanche, I figured a more systematic approach to my digging would be better. I found what I was looking for and did some organising at the same time!
I also disturbed a lot of dust and the allergies flared up a bit.
Hopefully I will sleep them off now.
M in Oz
that is how it happens often, especially on my desk. That is how the spice rack idea came about too- trying to find what I wanted and couldn't.
side note- Did you go in for your six month(now 9 month) check up? Waiting to hear you get the all clear again. Hard to believe in 3 months it will be a year since we both had our surgeries.
Not yet.
I just received a notification that I need to make an appointment. My doctor was away for a while, and I think she's away all October too.
Yes, it has been a while!
How is yours doing? I wish mine would flatten down a little bit more.
M in Oz
Mine seems to be healing but wish the color and texture would go back to normal. The scar from the donor sight feels pretty good, once in a while it feels a bit itchy but not bad. I go back in for the next full body scan in Dec.
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SophieRosieMom wrote: »Good morning ladies
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Raccoon:I let Rosie out for her early morning run and she took longer than usual, so I went out on the deck with the flashlight. She was real interested in a pile of scat right off the deck. It wasn't hers. My money is on a raccoon. I've been intending to get a .177 air pistol to discourage critters from getting after my chickens, just hadn't done it yet. DH has an air rifle but I want something for close encounters. I'm not interested in picking off bunnies back by the powerline like he used to do. I went out and checked the chicken coop - all safe and secure. Need to reinforce the latch today just in case.
When we lived on the farm, a raccoon killed several hens the one night we forgot to close the coop door. So I don't give these critters an inch. Besides, I don't know if Rosie would be smart enough to not try to fight one and I know she'd be on the losing end.
Shrinkflation:I'm back to logging my food on MFP most days. Yesterday I double checked the macros on a new carton of whole milk I'd been using, and I noticed it said the carton contained 7 one cup servings. HUH? I thought half a gallon was 8 cups. I had another carton of milk in the fridge, different brand, and put the containers side by side. Yep, the carton I was using was a teensy bit smaller, hardly noticable. And it was a little more expensive too. I need to start paying attention.
I'm walking at 7 with my neighbor, another bundle up day. Temp hovering at around 40f right now, we'll probably see 80f this afternoon. Then cool showery days settle in for a while.
Make it a fabulous day!
Lanette
SW WA State
YES, reinforce the latch- we had a coon tear off the latch to the pass through on the catio, another tore open the side of it when it was just screen(now it is chicken wire over all of it)
Mom has lost a lot of chickens to coons as well as bob cats, because they forgot to lock the chickens up at night.
2 -
cityjaneLondon wrote: »In between defrosting the freezer this afternoon, I made 38 meatballs! I bake them, like Lisa, but it's still a lot of work. It's for three meals though, so I'm good. The cauliflower to go with it is also roasting at the same time. I will do a bit of macaroni for DH, and we are having them with tomato sauce with basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan.
We rarely eat red meat, so this is a treat. We are having our Friday night red wine.
I really enjoyed writing about 'beginner's mind' this morning. It brings joy to any ordinary, everyday action. I find happiness these days in almost everything. Everything is new. I also quoted this excerpt from Little Gidding, by T S Eliot.
'We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time'
I was a TS Eliot nut when I was a teenager, and this spoke to me. It speaks even more now.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx who is over the moon about her freezer
I'm still an Eliot nut. I'm teaching Murder in the Cathedral next week. Love just about everything he wrote.
Flea
Willamette Valley OR5 -
The quotes at the bottom are things that resonated with me and I hope you all. Some have come from the mindfulness app which I put the link to at the bottom as well. It is free so far. I am in the middle of section 1 after all the intro stuff. Still no charge. I was working on that when someone texted me about going to town and I realized I wasn’t watching the time and was late leaving for my dentist appointment! I ended up only 10 minutes late which wasn’t a problem. No waiting! No cavities and I’m good for another 6 months there.
2023 Self-Care September 2023
Word of the year: appreciate. Today I appreciate fresh water to drink.Meditation: daily. 14/30 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%,100%)20. Enjoy photos from a time with happy memories. This sounds like fun! I do have my pictures rotating on my TV as a screensaver but need to go through those.
Recommended exercise: cardio 5 days 30 min 15/23
Strength all muscles 2 x 0/8 a week
Flexible (yoga, stretching) 0/8 a week 10 min
Balance 5 days 10 min 1/20
Rita
Stop B12
Switch DHEA to every other day on sept 6
Kev
Add folic acid, once a day
Add magnesium to 3x a day
Up Berberine to 3x a day
Foods to avoid:
Barley
Bell peppers
Chicken
Clam
Egg white
Eggplant
Ginger
Rye
Wheat
Winter squash
1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 0/8–(300%,100%)
2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 5784, 9858, 8414,(7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%—6059,87%)
3. Update budget every 2 weeks 2/2 —(800%)
4. Contact close family every week (4x) 205/208—(733%) should be 172 by October 1)
5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)72/94 (800%)
6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,175.6,173.4 (500%)
7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 15/23 a z(681%,100%)
8. Read 12 books at least this year. 37
/12 (100%)
9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 8/12—(900%)
10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25+25 (900%)
11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200, 107, 157,(500%)
January Met —100%
February met —-90%
March met met —-90%
April met——86.36%
May met——-89%
June met—-99%
July met — met 81%
August met—met 99%
September met
October met —
November met—
December met—
1. Find time for self-care. It’s not selfish. It’s essential. Making time!
2. Notice the things you do well, however small. I will. Talking to campers, meeting dogs, electronics.
3. Let go of self-criticism and speak to yourself kindly. I will try!
4. Plan a fun or relaxing activity and make time for it. Did this already! Went for a long walk this morning.
5. Forgive yourself when things go wrong. Everyone makes mistakes. This will be hard because I tend to blame myself for everything.
6. Focus on the basics: eat well, exercise, and go to bed on time. Will Do!
7. Give yourself permission to say ‘no’.. I’m doing this more often now.
8. Be willing to share how you feel and and ask for help when needed. I will try to remember to ask for help when I need it rather than struggle and get frustrated.
9. Aim to be good enough, rather than perfect. This needs to be a mind change for me. Whenever I do something, I get upset if it is not perfect. I need to make it a point to accept what the result is while doing my best.
10. When you find things hard, remember it’s ok to not be ok. This is apt for today.
11. Make time to do something you really enjoy. I hope to go ‘window shopping’ today. Did this and colored.
12. Get active outside and give your mind and body a natural boost. Went for a 20 minute walk then the rain started.
13. Be as kind to yourself as you would to a loved one.
14. If you’re busy, allow yourself to pause and take a break.
15. Find a caring calming phrase to use when you feel low. “Breathing in,I am relaxing. Breathing out, I am relaxed.”
16. Leave positive messages for yourself to see regularly. Sticky notes, here I come!
17. No plans day. Make time to slow down and be kind to yourself.
18. Ask a trusted friends to tell you what strengths they see in you. Forgot to do this.
19. Notice what you are feeling without any judgement. Doing that this morning.
21. Don’t compare how you feel inside to how others appear outside.
22. Take your time. Make space to just breathe and be still. AHHH Meditation23. Let go of other people’s expectations of you.
24. Accept yourself and remember that your are worthy of love.
25. Avoid saying ‘I should’ and make time to do nothing.
26. Find a new way to use one of your strengths or talents.
27. Free up time by canceling any unnecessary plans.
28. Choose to see your mistakes as steps to help you learn.
29. Write down 3 things you appreciate about yourself.
30. Remind yourself you are enough, just as you are.
RVRita in Roswell, NM
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/home/leaving?allowTrusted=1&target=https://caring-mindfulness.thinkific.com/courses/mindfulness
Mindfulness begins with paying attention on purpose.2 -
Worked and then home to prepare dinner to be microwaved. Ceramics tonight. We’re still waiting for them to pick up the old grill so I may take a walk in the meantime.
Heather – I’m feeling the same way you are. The older I get, the more I want to donate/give away things. Unfortunately, Vince hasn’t gotten there. What kind of ball and roller did you use on your thigh? I would have thought a foam roller would be good, but a ball?????
Barbara – does that dentist at least use numbing gel and novacaine? Now I usually don’t take novacaine for a filling or a crown. But when I had the root canal, I’m not totally stupid and took the novacaine. I would for a tooth extraction, too. I like Dawn for greasy food, too. Other dish detergents say that they have a degreaser in them but I haven’t found one that’s as good as Dawn.
Allie – I hope you feel better fast
I want to use the teleporter, too, to go see someone who uses the Bulletproof MCT. Looks interesting, but I really don’t want to buy a whole lot until I know that I like it. I’m going to look at the health food store when we get to FL. That’s where I had a sample of the Spirutein and found that I liked it. Now I buy a larger container. Not big on coffee, tho but I bet you can use the Bulletproof stuff in something else (tea maybe?)
Well, they picked up the old grill today. They told us yesterday that it would be picked up between 8 and 12. They got here at 1:30. But at least it’s gone.
Debbie – 75cents a pound for chicken! Wow!
Took a walk around the neighborhood earlier. Went to ceramics tonight. Working on a toucan. Hope it comes out OK
Michele NC
The MCT oil has no flavor at all. It can be used in Tea, soda, anything you can mix really. I’ve been putting it in my oatmeal lately. I’ve used it in yogurt, and soup too. I only use once a day, but it can be put in just about anything that you can stir. So if you don’t like or drink coffee, you can put it in something else with no change to the flavor. Walmart has some where they have the health food stuff like Atkins bars or Slimfast bars. It is a generic version and should work the same and the name brand one (Bulletproof MCT oil) which is a little more expensive. Check the bottle for added flavors or sugars. Should not have any. The Bulletproof brand only has Caprylic Acid and Triglycerides from highly refined coconut oil. It does not have a coconut flavor. Just the stuff that is good for you.
RVRita2 -
I did call the doctor today and have an appointment on Monday. I am also now checking my BP twice a day. I checked it right after calling and it was 152/97. I really think it is the new med. I hope they get this figured out soon. I am also waiting for an appointment with a cardiologist as well. I’ve been referred, but now just need them to call me to make an appointment.
I swear, if its not one thing, its another. My life is never boring. I would like a week of boring just to get my BP and nerves under control!
RVRita in Roswell, NM8 -
Flea - I used to carry around a paperback selected poems when I was 15 or 16. His depression rather suited my mood then. I saw Murder in the Cathedral in Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands when I was 15, on a Youth Club trip. Loved it. We used to live, until quite recently, near Canterbury and I often saw the very spot where Becket was killed. I had a season ticket to the cathedral. The crypt is amazing.
The Journey of the Magi also touched me deeply when I heard it during a school assembly.
'....this Birth was
Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.
We returned to our places, these Kingdoms,
But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation,'
.....
This is what awakening feels like in the beginning. Change, growth, is not comfortable, but so, so worth it.
Meatballs were fabulous, and pronounced so by DH. Now to watch Maigret. In French, with subtitles.
Heather UK xxxxxxxx5 -
Good news about my mother - she got up and walked to the bathroom twice. She wasn't supposed to be out of bed on her own, that is dangerous. But it's great she can walk again. The physical therapist says she will be going up stairs and ready for home in about two weeks. That is quite a relief - no hospital beds or wheelchairs for us for this round. She is ninety, so it won't last forever, but we get a reprieve. Yay!
Thank you for the links, Machka. Something to learn about for next time.
Annie in Delaware8 -
Annie - So pleased your mom is doing well.
Ahh... Cardio is done for another day. Had to drag myself through the last bit. 🥵 This is the first time I made five days exercise in a row. Tomorrow will be six days in a row, but there are more breaks in resistance work.- 🧘♀️Yoga stretch for eight minutes before.
- 🚣♂️Rowing, bumped from 18 minutes to 20. Two minutes with hands gripping top side of handles, two with hands under, alternate.
- 🏃♀️👟Elliptical, with tension at two for five minutes, then tension up to three for five minutes and alternate. Also run backward for 2.5 minutes, then forward for 2.5.
I alternate grip and direction on the rower and elliptical in order to keep my hands and feet from falling asleep.
Off to the races, kids... chores need doing, laundry and dishes and bedmaking and such...
Love,
Lisa in AR
6 -
Stats for the day-
Walk w/family- *cut walk short by 1 mi, doing longer run* 1hr 39min 11sec, 46elev, 3.05ap, 8.2ahr, 98mhr, 5.05mi= 474c
Strava app = 619c
Walk home to gym- 11.17min, .52mi= 51c
Strava app = 65c
Treadmill jog- 1hr 2min 20sec, 137ahr, 180mhr, 2mi @ 5.5sp, next 2mi @ 5.7sp, next 1-1/2mi @ 6.0sp, last 1/2mi @ 7.0sp, 10.23min mi, 6mi= 605c
Walk gym to home- 12.32min, .57mi= 60c
Strava app= 70c
Total cal 1190
Cut the kids walk short by a mile, did a longer run at the gym. Did 6mi, was ok with the result.2
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