WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR OCTOBER 2023
barbiecat
Posts: 17,200 Member
Here is another bright and shiny month just waiting for us to plunge into new tasks and habits. I look forward to this new beginning with all of you.
Welcome to a place for support and encouragement. The name of the thread is "Women Ages 50+" but all women are welcome.
Be sure to bookmark the thread so you can find it again. Also sign your post with a name or nickname and a location, specific or general so we can more easily get to know you.
This is a fast moving thread so don't worry if you can respond to all, just jump into whatever topic interests you and enjoy the camaraderie.
Barbie in NW WA
The reason most people fail instead of succeed is that they trade what they want the MOST for what they want at the MOMENT.
31
Replies
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Thank you Barbie and Happy October everyone.
Lanette
SW WA State1 -
Thank you Barbie for giving us another clean slate.
Okie in the TX Hill Country2 -
Barbie: Many thanks.
☘️ Terri 🫶0 -
Happy October! Hugs from an old gal on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound in Washington State!🤗💖👍🏼
Thanks Barbie for continuing to be our anchor month in and month out. If anything we all are consistent with keeping up on each other. You are all family to me.🤗💖
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa5 -
Whidislander wrote: »Happy October! Hugs from an old gal on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound in Washington State!🤗💖👍🏼
Thanks Barbie for continuing to be our anchor month in and month out. If anything we all are consistent with keeping up on each other. You are all family to me.🤗💖
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa
What Rebecca said... but from this old gal in the Arkansas River Valley. One of my favorite quotes, from Richard Bach:
"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof."
That is this family, to me. Respect and joy in each other's lives.
Love y'all!
Lisa in Arkansas15 -
Happy October ya'll
Agoraphobia-Im wondering if I have some type of that after the divorce and the 2 heart surgeries my life has been kinda turned upside down
My ex MIL had it really bad and never went out ,had the curtains drawn and listened to church music..scared the heck out of my kids when they were younger..but she had severe mental issues as well.
I really have to get a handle on things and get myself back together .. one day at a time..and I will and I can..19 -
Happy Fall, Y'all.
I'm Mackenzie (Mac), 54, trying to get fit & reverse diabetes and get off meds. Hope you don't mind if I join you.18 -
MacLowCarbing wrote: »Happy Fall, Y'all.
I'm Mackenzie (Mac), 54, trying to get fit & reverse diabetes and get off meds. Hope you don't mind if I join you.
Welcome. I hope you will come back and join our conversations. There is so much wisdom here not only about health and weight loss but also about life in general.
Barbie in NW WA8 -
Thanks Barbie!
7 -
September Stats
2023 Monthly September
Walking/Running Distance (km): 51.9
Walking/Running Time (min): 648.5
Cycling Distance (km): 47.7
Cycling Time (min): 158.9
Flights Stairs Climbed Number: 354.0
Flights Stairs Climbed Time (min): 254.9
Other Distance: 0.0
Other Time: 110.0 ... gardening
Totals
Total Distance (km): 99.6
Total Distance (miles): 61.9
Total Time (min): 1172.3
Total Time (hr): 19:32:19
I've ended September about 1.4 kg lighter than I began September ... down 6.8 kg from my high weight earlier this year.July Highlights
July disappeared in the blink of an eye.* I did not exercise as much as I wanted because of my knee, but I did something most days ... especially more upper body weightlifting than usual.
* We did manage to cycle a 50 km ride before I realised that my knee injury wasn't just a bruise.
* Left arm/elbow just about healed.
* I lost another kg which isn't bad given how insanely busy the month was. So, I'm 5 kg down from my high point in mid-April.
* Added another southern continent bush in the garden bed I'm currently working on. It's one I've wanted for a while ... a Little Bibi!! https://www.pma.com.au/little-bibi
* Dug up the rest of the bulbs and I'm ready to plant them ... hopefully this weekend.
* Attended a Pop-Up Cafe featuring beekeeping.
* Attended a beekeeping webinar.
* Attended a calendar planning meeting for our long distance cycling club.
* Attended hockey matches that our son and daughter-in-law played in.
* Travelled to one of our favourite spots in northern Tasmania for a few days ... nice, quiet, relaxing.
* Some colouring and reading for pleasure.
* Read the Bible every day.
* Did not work on the online course I'm taking from a university in Melbourne. Kept meaning to, but so busy.
* Meeting, meeting, bow-beeting, banana-fana, fo-feeting, fee-fi mo-meeting. Meeeeeting!
* Lots of medical appointments.
* Dyed my hair dark brown.
It was another month of running from one thing to the next. I thought June and July would be slower more relaxed, winter months, but nope! It's full speed ahead![/quote]
August Highlights
August was ... intense!Physical - physical activity, diet, sleep, medical
* I did not exercise as much as I wanted because of my knee and and because I was so busy, but I did something most days ... especially more upper body weightlifting than usual.
* I lost another 0.4 kg which isn't bad given how insanely busy the month was So I'm 5.4 kg down from my high point in late-April.
* I ate more than I have in a while, especially during my week in Brisbane. The food at the conference was so good!!
* My sleep has been all over the place, and not enough.
* My annual cancer check was all good.
Environmental
* Not nearly enough time in the garden this month but I have started cleaning up the dry stream garden and laying down more rock. I'll post photos when I'm done.
* My husband planted the bulbs.
Occupational, Intellectual, Financial
* Conference in Brisbane. Interesting, social/networking, warm and lovely.
* Lots of reading and commenting on proposed Acts and other documents.
* 1001 meetings.
* BUSY!!
* Did not work on the online course I'm taking from a university in Melbourne. Kept meaning to, but so busy, and learning so many other things.
* Got the taxes done!
Social
* Attended conference in Brisbane! A good portion of attending the conference in Brisbane was social ... dinners, reception, ferris wheel, etc.
* Attended the local model train show.
* Attended the regular ZOOM national committee meeting for my cycling club.
* Attended our beekeeping ZOOM.
* Attended a celebration for our local brain injury association at our local government house.
* Went out for dinner at one of the fanciest places in town to celebrate our 15th anniversary.
Emotional
* Some colouring and reading for pleasure.
* It was a generally happy month.
Spiritual
* Read the Bible every day.
September Highlights
September was steadily busy.
Physical - physical activity, diet, sleep, medical
* I increased my exercise over what I did in July and August. My knee isn't perfect, but it is feeling better.
* I lost another 1.4 kg so I'm 6.8 kg down from my high point in late-April.
* My sleep has been a bit better. Trying to go to bed earlier.
* Only one medical appointment this past month. Trying to take a break from doctors.
Environmental
* In the garden, I've been expanding the drystream.
* Weeding. Lots of weeding.
* And chasing airborne things.
Occupational, Intellectual, Financial
* Busy with the project I've been hired to do and writing an instruction manual.
* So many meetings.
* Did not work on the online course I'm taking from a university in Melbourne. Kept meaning to, but so busy, and learning so many other things.
* Got several "paperwork" things done.
Social
* Attended our beekeeping ZOOM and an in-person get together and a Masterclass in Swarming.
* Was planning to go to a few things, but decided not.
Emotional
* Some colouring and reading for pleasure.
* It was a generally happy month.
Spiritual
* Read the Bible every day.
Machka in Oz7 -
0
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Thank you, Barbie, for starting us all off on another month. I love October, my birthday month, (tomorrow).
I slept well. Somehow I managed to get myself into an accepting frame of mind, and there were no butterflies! It helped a lot that I had listened to Dr Rangan Chatterjee 's recent podcast, where he interviews a Buddhist monk, who talks about Meditation. I found his approach very helpful, and similar to something I have been doing without knowing it. It was very affirming and strengthening.
Whatever, my brain, last night, responded. I can feel a little flutter right now, but I am just 'noticing' it. I'm sure it's stress central at my brother's house! Why do we make weddings so hard?
DH and I loved our tiny wedding. Just 10 guests and a lunch at the local pub. My first was larger, but I was young and thought stress and hard work was a badge of honour.
Oh well. I love my niece. We used to be quite close when she was little and she remembers that. She had a difficult teens, with morbid obesity, acute anxiety, and cutting herself. She never achieved anything like her intellectual potential, because of acute anxiety. Now she is slim, beautiful, and pursuing a career which she can handle and enjoys enough. Still anxious, but is coping.
I really wish her well.
Now will take DH a cup of tea.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx6 -
So nice to be sitting here at 7:20 pm with daylight outside!! 🙂
Machka in Oz3 -
Happy Birthday Heather
Dr. Chatterjee's interview with the monk looks very good, thank you for the review. Have fun at the wedding!
Lanette
SW WA State1 -
Barbie ~ Thanks for being our leader and for all the good advise you share with us!
Heather ~ Happiest of Birthdays to you!
Carol in GA2 -
Heather, Happy Birthday to you. I listened to Dr. Chatterjee's interview with the monk and enjoyed every minute of it.
Barbie0 -
Heather,
Hope your time with your son on the way to the wedding was terrific, and that you enjoyed the wedding, but most of all...
2 -
Happy Birthday Heather!!!
Have a fabulous time at wedding and enjoy the time with your son ..
Things getting a bit better,Carmine isn't as stressed now that she is back at Portland schools and she is opening up to Seth's sister a bit.so thats a start..
This weather is crazy now its rained for 2 days and been in the 50s now today it will be partly sunny and 79 degrees
Sheesh
Wonder if this is Indian summer ☀️5 -
Hiked up and down and up and down Bunnings Warehouse ( hardware store).
Then dug up one if the veggie beds with the mattock. Wielding the mattock again!
It's ready for snowpeas now.
Also weeded out another bed. Fortunately that one only seems to need it once or twice a year.
Happy Birthday Heather!
M in Oz
3 -
Thanks Barbie for the new thread...
Heather, happy birthday and here is hoping your year is filled with good health and good times.
Betsy in NW WA1 -
New to this thread/group. Almost 55 and back to MFP to lose the pounds I put on when I quit smoking in January. 5 more to go then into maintenance. Sometimes get super frustrated with how slow it is coming off, but know that is for the best.
meg in northwestern Michigan (lower peninsula)9 -
3843840
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Hello ladies!
Barbie thank you for the new thread!
Heather Happy birthday!
My mom is still in rehab. She isn't eating much, so she gets dizzy on standing. That has to change before she can come home. So now I need to bring her tasty food. I brought her watermelon and potato chips and a chocolate cake yesterday, but she didn't touch the cake. We have been visiting every day.
My sister is coming on Friday to help take my Dad to a funeral.
Last Friday my dad and I took Chinese takeout over to my aunt's. That was fun. My mom won't eat takeout, so it had been many years since I had eaten Chinese.
So my diet/exercise plan has fallen apart. I'm spending my spare time reading. And my clothes are getting tighter again. My dad wants me to sit down and eat with him after my eating window is over. He is driving me crazy. He lost one hearing aid at the YMCA on Friday.
Annie in Delaware
11 -
grandmallie wrote: »Happy October ya'll
Agoraphobia-Im wondering if I have some type of that after the divorce and the 2 heart surgeries my life has been kinda turned upside down
My ex MIL had it really bad and never went out ,had the curtains drawn and listened to church music..scared the heck out of my kids when they were younger..but she had severe mental issues as well.
I really have to get a handle on things and get myself back together .. one day at a time..and I will and I can..
You will get where you wish to be soon enough friend, and you have a solid head on your shoulders💖. I know for me its just easier to stay at home, because I know where my parameters are. The thing is its not a framework that's permanent. Its just a line in the sand, and my tides can change, the weather may change, and most important, I can change. Just adapt to it all. I try to do one or two things outside of my comfort zone every week. I know I am genuinely happy at this home here, even with all the things I miss about our past place on the Oregon coast. I appreciate the quiet in my life. Hugs!
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa5 -
Happy Biiirrrthdaaaaay tooooo youuuuu! (I am singing in my opera voice here) Haaaappy Biiiirthdaaaaay deear Heather, Haaaappy Biirthdaaay Too ooo ooo Youuuuuu!💖🎂💖. Have the best of birthdays friend!
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa
8 -
Thank you Barbie...
I posted this morning before remembering Oct. 1
Barbara the church The Grove of Woodbury does put our service on Facebook. If you look it up the also stream it live too!
Vicki I love the passage you shared so true for so many things. We never know the struggles someone has in their life. A reminder to met those with kindness and compassion!
(((Rita))) Surrounding you in loving thoughts I am so proud of you for all you are doing to keep yourself as strong as you can. There is nothing wrong in telling your son that you hear he is starting to show signs of his illness. (When someone is starting down that road they lose their perspective.) Remind him you are one who knows him and you want what is best for him. It is those that know him or her to alert them to go see a health professional they trust. He may or may not heed what you say. It might help to remind him what happens to him without help. Remind yourself that you are dealing with an irrational person. Do kind things for yourself and set those strong boundaries to help yourself like you have been doing!
Happy with singing today. Have such a great accompaniest with LouAnn! Fun songs to sing. Compliments on how it looked like I was enjoying what I was singing!5 -
Here is the October Happiness list. Feel free to copy/use/read any of this post you would like! You ladies ROCK!! Ps.. my yearly goal list is in here too with the results for September. I hit 99% of my goals last month!! YAY me. I think I will do what Machka suggested in her last September post to me. I may add it as a short-term goal!
💕❤️🛸👽
2023 Optimistic October
Word of the Year: appreciate—Today I appreciate the much needed rain we had last night.
Meditation: daily. 28/30 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%,100%)
Recommended exercise: cardio 5 days 30 min 23/23
Strength all muscles 2 x 0/8 a week
Flexible (yoga, stretching) 1/8 a week 10 min
Balance 5 days 10 min 2/20
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%,100%)
2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 5784, 9858, 8414,6805,(7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%—6059,87%—6458,92%)
3. Update budget every 2 weeks 0/2 —(800%)
4. Contact close family every week (4x) 213/208—(733%) should be 189 by November 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, 172.2 (600%)
7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. /23 (681%,100,100)
8. Read 12 books at least this year. 38
/12 (100%)
9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 9/12—(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, 157,0, 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——99%
October met —
November met—
December met—
1. Write down three things you can look forward to this month. 1. Another month of sobriety 2. Cooler weather 3. Decorating for Halloween
2. Find something to be optimistic about (even if it’s a difficult time)
3. Take a small step to a goal that really matters to you.
4. Start the day with the most important thing on your to-do-list.
5. Be a realistic optimist. See life as it is but focus on what’s good.
6. Remind yourself that things can change for the better.
7. Look for the good in people around you today.
8. Make some progress on a project or task you’ve been avoiding.
9. Share an important goal with someone you trust.
10. Take time to reflect on what you have accomplished recently.
11. Avoid blaming yourself or others. Find a helpful way forward.
12. Look out for positive news and reasons to be cheerful today.
13. Ask for help to overcome an obstacle you are facing.
14. Do something constructive to improve a difficult situation
15. Thank yourself for achieving the things you often take for granted.
16. Put down your to-list and do something fun or uplifting.
17. Take a small step toward a positive change you want to see in society.
18. Set hopeful, but realistic goals for the days ahead.
19. Identify one of your positive qualities that will be helpful in the future.
20. Find joy in tackling a task you’ve put off for some time.
21. Let go of the expectations of others and focus on what matters to you.
22. Share a hopeful quote, picture, or video with a friend or colleague
23. Recognize that you have a choice of what to prioritize.
24. Write down three specific things that have gone well recently.
25. You can’t do everything! What are three priorities right now?
26. Find a new prospective on a problem you face.
27. Be kind to yourself today. Remember progress takes time.
28. Ask yourself ‘will this still matter a year from now?’
29. Plan a fun or exciting activity to look forward to.
30. Identify three things that give you hope for the future.
31. Set a goal that brings a sense of purpose for the coming month.
RVRita in Roswell, NM2 -
I have been thinking about this topic of dread or reluctance to leave the house. For me, it is clearly a matter of intentional use of my time. Time is a scarce resource just like money and energy. I want to use my time as intentionally as possible and not fritter it away unnecessarily. Driving to town for me takes about 15 minutes each way plus parking at wherever I go. I want to be sure that I'm using that time wisely and not taking away from the time that could be spent on an important project in my house or yard or with my husband.
When we lived in our other house, I drove the dogs to the off leash dog park so they could run and play. Our current house is farther from the dog park but I was willing to take them there in spite of the extra time required until I found out how much they enjoyed walking on a leash in our neighborhood. Staying in the neighborhood meant a lot more active time for the dogs without the car ride. Now the only dog I have is Bessie who likes shorter walks near the house and hates the car so walking in the neighborhood is definitely better for us.
Our current grocery shopping plan has served us well for several years. We make our shopping list online during the week and submit the list to the store on Friday night. We pick up our groceries on Sunday morning between 8 and 8:30. That saves us from extra shopping trips and from going to town when the traffic is heavier. It requires planning and discipline but gives us many more peaceful hours at home.
I like to get together with friends so I meet them for a walk not a meal. That way I can pair activity with social time, I decided a few years ago that I wouldn't eat for recreation or entertainment so I don't look at going out to eat as a great opportunity. Instead, it is not a good use of my time. I don't spend time with people that are negative and drag me down.
Annie, you have so many real demands on your time caring for your parents, it must be a constant challenge to you to make the best choices. I send many hugs to you. I have had brief caring times with my mother and my husband, enough to know how physically and emotionally draining it can be.
Meg, welcome. We have all been there with wishing the road to health and fitness would move faster.
Barbie in NW WA5 -
Lisa, I, too, don't care to leave my house (except to walk in my neighborhood) so you dread resonated with me. Every five weeks I drive my friend to the retina center for macular degeneration treatments. It's an easy drive and I sit in the car and read or nap while she has her treatment. Yesterday at the end of her treatment she told me the date of her next treatment and wondered if I could take her later in the afternoon than usual. I told her that leaving the house was the hardest part for me, it didn't matter whether it was at noon or 4PM. She thought I was very flexible and was grateful for my help.
Barbie
My mother struggles with agoraphobia too.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/agoraphobia
Agoraphobia develops over time
Agoraphobia usually begins with a stressful event – for example, a person loses a job or a relationship ends. They feel distressed and limit their contact with the outside world (this is called ‘avoidance behaviour’). As time passes, they may consider more and more public places as ‘out of bounds’ until they are eventually confined to their home.
In other cases, a stressful life event triggers a panic attack. Since panic attacks are so unpleasant, the person may avoid any situation or place that they think might trigger another attack until many situations and places are eventually feared and avoided.
For a little while after my husband's accident, there were places I couldn't go without having a panic attack, like the grocery store, which was a bit problematic because I hadn't started ordering groceries online then.
M in Oz
I think my mother has agoraphobia. And I suspect my DH has a bit of this as he never wants to go anywhere but shopping or the park work-shop. Me, I’d love to go everywhere if I had unlimited finances that is. But visiting neighbors doesn’t cost anything. He doesn’t do that. He prefers people come to our campsite.
Thank you also for the wise words. You all don’t know how much you mean to me in my life! I talked to my son yesterday and fear he is not taking his medications. I can tell by how he talks and his mood flips up and down quickly for no apparent reason. I had him on speakerphone as my DH was driving and he even mentioned it. I am letting go. All this ‘cra?” Is getting to me. I don’t need that. It is why I moved where I am. I need to distance myself from all this bickering. It is affecting my physical health as well as my mental health. My DS did say yesterday, “ Don’t call them, let them call you if they want to talk to you (care)” I’ve heard that from many of you here as well as my YDD. It hit home coming from him. Please keep him and me in your thought and prayers.
RVRita, hoping to change her thinking at 67 and get healthy (especially mentally !)
You're calling your family ... and they're saying negative things to you?
Yes, your son is right. Don't contact them.
Don't call them.
Don't email them.
Don't text them.
Snooze them for 30 days on FB.
Take a break.
M in Oz
0 -
“ Yes, your son is right. Don't contact them.
Don't call them.
Don't email them.
Don't text them.
Snooze them for 30 days on FB.
Take a break.“
Great advice Machka. I am going to take a break from all the negativity and block the judgemental ones from FB and texting for a month. We will see the result of this!
Margaret and everyone else who have been supporting me, THANK YOU!🙏. You all give me strength!
RVRita7
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