WOMEN AGES 50 + FOR NOVEMBER 2017

Heather: Keeping my fingers crossed that your friend doesn't move so far away that it is hard to get together with her. :flowerforyou:

Betty ROC: The fall leaves are beautiful. What a grand place!

(((Becca)))

Snowdog: We all have trouble keeping up. Respond when you have something to say that may be helpful and don't worry when you don't have anything to say.

Meg and Lenora: Thinking good thoughts for each of you.


We have purchased hand made puppets as gifts to each of our grandchildren this Christmas--made by the same woman who made puppets that we gave to our own children more than 30 years ago. I'm excited to be able to do this and it is putting a :bigsmile: on my face.

Katla in beautiful NW Oregon

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." - William James

Good evening Ladies!

I've been away for awhile, mentally, not physically. It's been a rough couple of months for me and I went off the rails. It's probably a combination of my job/financial situation and the coming cold, dark winter months. I was on a downward spiral which included more food and less exercise, not good for me at all. The night I spent eating frosting from the can and drinking wine made me realize I had to do something soon. I was wise enough to not isolate myself from my friends who have been very supportive. I'm beginning to find the right combination to bring myself back. A friend suggested meditation which I have been faithfully doing for 3 weeks, every morning before I begin my day. It has helped and I am slowly getting back.

A couple of very good things happened just before Thanksgiving; the person who was running the company I work for was ousted and the next day I was given a long overdue raise. Every day I worked for this man I lost more respect for him, I never worked for anyone who had such little regard for his employees. His leaving thrilled me and the raise was just icing on the cake (and not in my mouth!). I am still actively looking for a new job though.

I've had the past 3 days off and used them to get things done which will make me feel better. Saturday morning I finally had saved enough money to get the brakes done on my car and then was able to get the car inspected. It was a month overdue and weighing heavily on my mind. All this before 10:30 am. Today I went on a long walk with a friend and then came home and cooked a delicious dinner with enough leftovers for 2 more meals, just like I had done in the past but not recently. I also logged everything. I have enough calories for a slice of pumpkin pie if I choose.

I decided not to buy anyone any Christmas gifts this year. No one, nada. Financially there is not an extra dime and my friends and family understand that a roof and keeping warm are a higher priority. I miss shopping but not the added holiday stress.

So that's my story.

Love and hugs to everyone.

Chris in MA