WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2017

Linda good t see you post again.

I had a good time with my former colleagues at the luncheon today.

I am trying to instill a routine around my sleeping habits. I do think it is helping. I rarely have leg cramps now and find I am only waking up at most one time a night. Slept nine hours last night with one time waking up and had a dream. I am a strong believer in routine especially when trying to change a habit.

Sleep Routine:

All video off at 8 p.m.
Hot bath with Epson salts for Magnesium, All make up off and coconut or shea butter night cream with rose essential oil.
Write in note book...

Check list in bed by 9, drink tart cherry juice before 8 (to up my melatonin for sleep) did I exercise, get outside in the afternoon, listen to my bedtime CD's What did I do today? What to I plan to do tomorrow? What am I grateful for? Did I place my cares on my healing tree?

Listen to yoga relaxation CD
Read for half hour to forty five minutes light reading nothing upsetting
Read with a 15 watt bulb no LED light
Have black out curtains
Cover any light source like the CD player I use to listen to sleep CD
Right before I go to sleep I listen to a CD that puts me into a trance that leads to sleep. Usually I asleep before it it over no later than 10.

Am I able to stick to this routine every single night. No but I try the best I can. Will my routine work for everyone? No! This is what works for me.

I just know if I want to stay healthy sleep is one of the first places for me to start.



Margaret

Decided on my word for 2018: S T R E T C H
as in: physically, emotionally and financially!
NYKAREN

Pillow talk: Thanks to everyone for the views on pillows! I checked the "My Pillow" website which theoretically has "buy one get one free" but when I put it in the shopping cart and went to check out, there was a different price, much higher than if I'd get 2 of them at Walmart.

Beth, thank you for the information about the infomercial. DH said he'd look for it, I know we've seen it on a couple times this week.

I will probably pick one up next time I'm at Walmart, just to see. Karen in VA - my current pillow is actually a $5 Walmart travel pillow which did a good job for a couple months and as it started to flatten, I put folded towels under it. Geeze.

Allie - when you said they'd found that mass in your dad's colon, I immediately thought how wonderful you were able to take him to Virginia this summer. I can still see that photo of him and John Warner! And you! You know, you are just a terrific person - very caring and thoughtful to the elderly, that's a gigantic plus in my eyes. ((((BIG HUGS!!!!))))

Rye - I'm not quite sure about what triggered that situation with your new friend. Were you with our group when we discussed the Myer's Briggs Temperament Sorter earlier this year? If you're not familiar with it you can google it and find free tests online. It is interesting to see what makes us "tick". And what makes others tick. I know I've felt like you are feeling before, and just glad to be home where DH and the dogs appreciate me, lol. A place where I feel safe in being introverted, silly me!

I'm to the point if friendships are a lot of work, I let them go.

Your illness and meno/hot flash stuff might be affecting your outlook right now too. Hope you are feeling better.

Wendy - glad the bank reimbursed you for the stolen funds and you have a cellphone that is working. I agree, getting mad and getting even isn't worth your time. And, what goes around comes around - fate will teach the thief a lesson. And thank you for posting that Jack LaLanne information! There's a lot of truth to what he said, and perfect for this time of the year when we are looking at goals and making plans for a healthy 2018. Good timing!!! I can still see him doing jumping jacks on TV when I was younger in his white jumpsuit.

Katla - I am so tickled for you - new healthy grandson and dog getting better! Woo hoo! (not woo-woo, lol).

Michele - I found Hemp Milk at the health food store next to the almond milk. Walmart didn't have it. It actually tastes good - I get the original unflavored and put it in my coffee like a latte. Most nut milks seem thin and watery to me. Pacific brand Hemp milk has 50% of a day's calcium in one cup. Just curious, who's taking care of Denise and Pete's dog?

Joyce - hugs! There's no place like home and glad you'll be there tomorrow. I was reading something yesterday about the how meditation and prayer are both good stress relievers. The person who wrote the article said to try repeating a simple phrase in prayer like "Jesus Loves Me" or "God is Good" or even "Thank You" - I am making these up but you get the drift, and it puts a person into a relaxed, comfortable state of mind. I don't think I'm much of a meditator either but I can focus on repeating simple phrases for a few minutes.

Barbie - glad you are able to keep walking in this rain. We have to put a raincoat on the puppy who normally takes her time doing her business - tho when it's raining heavily she gets to it quicker. I bought some waterproof New Balance hiking shoes per your recommendation and say "Thank you" every time I go tramping through the puddles!

Tonight, I made a "massaged" kale salad for supper and it was yummy. Cut the kale into ribbons, put into a bowl, massage/rub a teaspoon of olive oil onto the ribbons for a couple minutes. Makes them brighter green and helps cut any bitterness. Added a little diced cucumber and half a diced avocado, then dressed it with vegan/GF ranch dressing from a recipe a girlfriend gave me who is a fabulous vegan cook. I have known 3 vegans who are very health conscious and they really make delicious food.

So it will be a grand experiment, and hopefully a habit, to concentrate on making beautiful, healthy food even tho I'm the only one in the house that eats it. DH did take a bite of my salad and lived, lol.

I do eat salads but they are generally packaged coleslaw mix with Litehouse Caesar Caesar dressing. By golly I'm gonna branch out!

Have a good evening!

Lanette
SW WA State

My youngest grandson (10) wrote the letter below. I'm sure he'd be mortified if he knew I shared it with you ladies. Shhhh don't tell...but it's the cutest Dear Santa letter.

Janetr OKC