WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2020

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  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,889 Member
    edited April 2020
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    SuziQ113 wrote: »
    Interestingly enough I took typing one and two in High School just in case I ever had to be a "secretary". It was one of the best decisions of my life given the way technology has moved forward.

    Knowing how to type is still a great asset.

    Combine it with knowing Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, and you're employable. :)


    These days, I'd also add Wordpress or another webpage developer.

    If you're a small business owner or someone who make stuff or offer services ... spending this time setting up or improving your online presence will improve your chances.

    Chances are the "new normal" will involve more online and less in-person ... but even if we do happen to go back to the way it was, a good online presence can help. :)



    M in Oz
  • nannersp61
    nannersp61 Posts: 2,315 Member
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    KetoneKaren wrote: »
    Ennio Morricone conducting his own composition (The Mission Main Theme):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oag1Dfa1e_E

    Beautiful music, it's a wonder to watch this
  • nannersp61
    nannersp61 Posts: 2,315 Member
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    Machka9 wrote: »
    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    TYPING: Machka i took the test and I'm at 58 words per minute. I hesitatingly took a typing class 1 semester (probably 1-3 x a week) in highschool and was very slow. Back then it was changing from the notion of secretary as fallback or temp or stopgap job for women (thus the hestitatingly). I very rarely typed from graduation in 85 til 1st computer about 10 years later. Unlike many (guys at least or maybe young people) I used my 10 fingers, eventually without looking, and little by little i guess that works out.
    I think it's a big mistake that most people don't take a typing class. I don't see them offered much anywhere. Am i mistaken? They would all save so much time. I have a 50+ year old guy friend who's a professional writer and he uses his 2 fingers.

    I took typing in high school and worked my way up to -8 words per minute. That's minus 8 ... because of my errors. And that was the best I could do. My fingers and brain just did not connect.

    During the 1990s recession, I varied between unemployed and underemployed. I knew I needed to do something to get some skills to gain employment, and so I found a community course for $25 that taught typing. I had to scrape together the money because I was so poor, but I took the course and worked my way up to 25 words per minute.

    That actually did help me as we came out of the recession, I got better jobs and I went back to school to get my Engineering Technology and then my Business Administration.

    In order to graduate from the Business Administration diploma, I needed to prove that I could type 50 words per minute. We had a typing class in about the second month, and then had the rest of the year to get up to 50 wpm. Some students achieved it during the class ... I didn't. I crept up to 30 wpm and then worked and worked and worked at getting my speed up. Finally, with about 2 weeks to go, I hit 50 wpm.

    But then I got it ... my brain and fingers connected!

    At one point I was up to 70 wpm, but I've kind of gotten out of practice a little bit. When I did the test earlier today, I got 61, 61 and 62.


    Machka in Oz

    Not bad!
    When I was in 9th grade, I took typing. Sat next to the hottest guy. Had a crush on him all during high school. Typing taught me how to be a good speller and to type without constantly looking at the keyboard. So glad it was required. I've used it in many of my jobs over the years.
  • nannersp61
    nannersp61 Posts: 2,315 Member
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    I am enjoying the YouTube music some have shared. When I try to share it only shows Facebook and Twitter. How do you share videos and other items here?
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,889 Member
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    nannersp61 wrote: »
    I am enjoying the YouTube music some have shared. When I try to share it only shows Facebook and Twitter. How do you share videos and other items here?

    You can't show videos from Facebook (and I presume also Twitter). You'll have to find a different source. I'm pretty sure you can do it through Youtube and Flickr and maybe some others.


    M in Oz
  • KJLaMore
    KJLaMore Posts: 2,830 Member
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    Machka- I took the typing test twice. First time I got 38 wpm. The second time I took the y key off my keyboard (I can still touch where it normally sits and the y registers) and got 58wpm. lol
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,411 Member
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    From the Facebook page "View from my window" :

    gn8173bv4264.png

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,889 Member
    edited April 2020
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    And this is similar to our Gratitude Calendar that we've done in Novembers.

    Coping Calendar: Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind.

    pivyc8y01ncs.png
    1. Make a plan to help you keep calm and stay in contact.
    Part of my plan is to stay home more days each week. I'm getting stuff done, spending time with my husband, and avoiding the crowds. :)

    Today I'm particularly happy because I've been able to spend the whole day at home getting a bit of extra rest, listening to classical music on ABC, and working on my uni homework while my husband has been busy doing stuff in the kitchen.

    In a hour and a half or so, I'll go downstairs to exercise. We would go outside, but it has been a rainy day so we've been cozy inside.

    2. Enjoy washing your hands. Remember all they do for you.
    They do a lot of typing ...which reminds me that I should also wipe down my keyboard more regularly. But I do actually like washing my hands. With my hot flashes, and with exercise, my hands are often quite damp. Washing with soap dries them up a little.

    Last weekend I also did my nails with 5 different pastel colours of gel nailpolish. :)

    3. Write down 10 things you feel grateful for and why.
    10 Things

    1. My comfortable home with its garden and view of the bay.
    2. My husband and the fact that, despite the severity of his brain injury, he has made a "remarkable recovery".
    3. The support of my parents even over long distances.
    4. University ... which is keeping me occupied.
    5. Work ... which is keeping me occupied.
    6. Cycling ... which keeps me fit.
    7. Music ... which I've been listening to a lot.
    8. Internet ... with which I keep connected.
    9. New audio visual system which is keeping us entertained.
    10. God ... who is still in control.

    4. Stay hydrated, eat healthy food, and boost your immune system.
    I have to drink a lot of water to keep my kidneys in good shape. I do try to eat a fairly healthy diet as well. :)

    5. Get active. Even if you're stuck indoors, move and stretch.
    Absolutely!! Every day! On that note, I'm up to 352 flights of stairs in March. Each flight is 20 stairs.

    6. Contact a neighbour or friend and offer to help them.
    We don't see much of our neighbours, but do kind of watch out for one.

    And right now my work colleagues (and friends) and I are helping each other move home.

    7. Share what you are feeling and be willing to ask for help.
    What am I feeling. It's a real mix. I'm happy I'm working from home and taking uni online. But this week I've been fighting back tears from time to time. Moving home made it real.

    Our lives have changed and the changes will keep coming for months ahead.

    Also, the beginning of the week (Mar 22) was the 2-year anniversary of my husband's accident so ... memories.

    8. Take 5 minutes to sit and breathe. Repeat regularly.
    I'll do that tomorrow, I think.

    It's Friday night and this week has been a little overwhelming. Last weekend I was madly working on an assignment. Submitted it on Monday + intense week at work.

    A good night's sleep and I'll be able to breathe a little bit more in the morning. :)

    9. Call a loved one to catch up and really listen to them.
    I'm not good at calling people ... a little bit of a phone phobia. But I email lots! :)

    March 30
    10. Get good sleep. No screens?? Well some nights I read a paper book. I am working on getting more sleep and better sleep, but lately I've been tense at night again.

    March 31
    11. Notice 5 things that are beautiful in the world around me. That's easy!!
    • Rhody
    • Roses ... and BTW, Rhody is the Greek word for Rose :)
    • The beach
    • The waves crashing against the rocks
    • Green ... nature

    April 1
    12. Immerse yourself in a new book, TV show or podcast.
    I don't do podcasts and the TV shows I watch are "old" ... but I have started a new-to-me book. :)

    April 2
    13. Respond positively to everyone you interact with.
    Today has been a good day for that. We nipped out to get a few things this afternoon and talked pleasantly to the checkout people. :)

    April 3
    14. Play a game that you enjoyed when you were younger.
    I haven't done this yet, but I think I will pause and play some majong shortly. :)

    I did go cycling yesterday and that's been a game I've enjoyed for ages. :)

    April 4
    15. Make some progress on a project that matters to you.
    I have done some of this, in a way. Today I've been tidying, organising and cleaning. My home office area (in the dining room) looks a lot better (not quite so cluttered) and I've cleared a spot so that Rhody can sit beside me.

    I've been busy catching up on a lot of things so I can start my week a little more prepared.

    April 5
    16. Discover your favourite music that really lifts your spirits.
    I have been listening to ABC Classic during the day most days and have been enjoying it. It's interesting, varied and relaxing. :)

    April 6
    17. Learn something new or do something creative.

    Well ... my courses. I'll be working on one of them this evening.

    April 7
    18. Fun way of doing an extra 15 min of activity? Does walking up and down the hallway tossing a purple mouse for my kitty each evening count?

    April 8
    19. Three acts of kindness? Smiling and being kind to sales people. Chatting to them briefly in a normal friendly way. Waving and saying hi to people walking on the other side of the street. Trying not to stress my husband out.

    April 9
    20. Make time for myself. Do something kind for myself. Exercise maybe? I'm having trouble with this one.

    April 10
    21. Send a letter or message to someone you can't be with.

    We and my parents have Skyped twice in very recent times!! :)

    April 11
    22. Find positive stories in the news and share these with others

    Andrea Bocelli performs Music for Hope concert in Milan's empty Duomo cathedral, in Italy's worst-hit coronavirus region
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-13/andrea-bocelli-music-for-hope-concert-in-milan-duomo-coronavirus/12143964

    April 12
    23. Have a tech-free day.

    OK ... this is not going to happen. But parts of my day are somewhat tech-free.

    April 13
    24. Put your worries into perspective and try to let them go.

    My worries. Hmmm :neutral: Add a few more rings in there for my husband's situation, my parents on another continent, my brother and his kids, the fact that we haven't been able to leave the island for 2 years and it could be another 2 years before we can ... sigh.

    81gu95n9rocx.png

    April 14
    25. Look for the good in others and notice their strengths.

    My husband, in spite of his brain injury, keeps plugging away at things. It takes him a lot longer to accomplish things now but he usually gets there. Determination.

    April 15
    26. Take a small step toward an important goal.

    I'm making progress on my assignments!

    April 16
    27. Thank three people you're grateful to and tell them why.

    I have actually thanked three people today! My husband and two doctors! :)

    April 17
    28. Make a plan to meet up with others later in the year     ... or in 2021 as the case may be.

    Well ... I'm hoping I might have a grad in December, maybe.


    April 18
    29. Connect with nature. Breathe and notice life continuing.

    We got out for a lovely walk at the beach yesterday! :)


    April 19
    30. Remember that all feelings and situations pass in time.

    And we move into a "new normal" ... whatever that may be!



    Machka in Oz
  • LuciBThinner
    LuciBThinner Posts: 207 Member
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    I am way back on p. 52…so far behind!! Gaining weight and getting concerned! I haven’t been eating as well because I am not able to buy all the fresh foods anymore. Hard to keep calories low when you are eating out of cans and boxes!

    Amber and Michele I would give almost anything to have my house with nothing to clean! So much needs to be done here, I do not really know where to start, and unfortunately, Baby takes so much energy that I don’t have any left to work on the house.

    A friend recommended using the Houseparty app to visit with friends/family. Has anyone used it? What did you think? Apparently it is similar to the Zoom experience but includes games, etc.

    Machka Looks like Rhody had a fun time outside on the leash. Love all your pictures of your area…on here and on the location you’ve posted before

    Heather The grandchildren look so happy on Easter! Love it!

    SuziQ I loved the grooming lesson. I do not like Brazilian – probably because I was abused as a little girl and do not want it to look like a little girl down there…I trim, too, sometimes better than others. It is a lot easier to do without the bigger belly. Always wonder what the “appropriate” look is for a woman in her 60s but am afraid to google it because I do not want to end up with X rated stuff jumping on the screen. Impressed with your tree trimming. Those are jobs I haven’t been able to talk myself into since I got hurt.

    Pip Such great doggy pictures…love the bunny doggy!

    Rita Your pictures are beautiful!

    Amber My neighbors have a large multigenerational house and had a party this past weekend. I try not to get upset when the party outside with loud music and all, because they do live all under one roof, but at times it is frustrating while the rest of us are limited to smaller groups. It makes me feel guilty because we had a cookout with the kids (the 4 ½ of us) after watching the baby the other night. We are fortunate to have Wednesday night dinners with them, and I felt like we were rubbing it in the neighbor’s faces by cooking outdoors, but we practically live together, and would probably stay there if it weren’t for the dogs.

    Katla I would love to chat over the fence, too. I have talked to one neighbor, but I really do not know my neighbors. They know DH because he works in the yard a lot (and has always loved talking to the neighbor ladies), I stay inside a lot.

    Rebecca I’m so OCD I write my shopping list by aisle as I go…lol. Athena is so cute in the before and on Easter shots! (and Son and Daughter with her) so precious!…

    Kylia I have a big dark hair on my chin. I do not notice until it is about a quarter inch long!

    Tracey The grandchildren are adorable!!

    Julie This does seem like it would be a really tough time to be alone. Even when DH and I are not on perfect terms, I am incredibly grateful I am not going through this by myself. I wish I could be there for all my single friends.

    JanetO Congratulations on your 30th anniversary! Glad you will be able to celebrate later, but nice that you made a dessert!

    And Cheri Great flowers, and Rebecca, too

    Heather love the drawn faces!!

    <3 to All! We will get through this! Luci in WNC
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
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    QUESTIONS:
    Is food shopping stressful for you now?

    Are you eating less meat?

    I went for my hr long walk and then to supermarket. On Sunday afternoons it's automatic checkout only.
    a) At checkout, with gloves and masks, i always find it sweaty and hot at the time i'm checking out or filling bag.
    b) When i get home it's:
    -sneakers in a box,
    -hip bag and key in a plastic box
    -take off clothes, (except undies)
    -take stuff out of packaging if possible,
    -put other stuff on balcony in bag if possible,
    -wash in soap packaged things that need to go in fridge
    -organize by date
    -wash hands a few times
    -take shower, wash hair
    -do laundry probably
    All that takes at least 30 min

    I was able to not go to shop at all for at least a week.
    there was no cabbage today, which is unusual (longest lasting fresh veggie) on Sun midday
    no cooked beets for a couple of weeks
    potatoes didn't look all that fresh
    price of red peppers was way up

    got apples, bananas, carrots, leeks, bread, crackers, kombucha, plenty of soy yogurt, 100% chocoalate (no sugar: good with tahini or on a rice cake or both or something like that)
    i'm good for several days to a week. might need to replenish fresh fruit and veggies at some point during the week but it should be no trouble to dodge in if i need something.
  • exermom
    exermom Posts: 6,347 Member
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    Did an abs workout with Gilad DVD today. The plan for tomorrow is to do a Circuit Sweat DVD.

    I’ve been hearing about all this “open up” stuff and I’m really concerned that we’re doing this too fast. I’m afraid we’re doing it too soon. I realize that people feel like certain privileges of theirs have been taken away and not being able to go to church on Easter was probably the straw that broke the camel’s back, but I still think this is too soon. Every time I hear about this “open up” stuff, I cringe

    Thanks, M, for that typing test. Took me back to my high school days. I scored a 70wpm. The main time I need to look at the keyboard is when I have to type a number. How has COVID-19 given you more freedom?

    Nancy – welcome

    Terri – even the stores that have one-way aisles, there are things on both sides of the aisles, people stop and look for what they want. There isn’t 6 feet apart if you pass one of those people or even have to look for something on the other side of the aisle. It’s just interesting to me

    Barbara – I have no clue whatsoever if the stone disks are inside that knife sharpener or not. How would I know? Do you see them?

    Bananas – I agree that people should be given typing classes. Especially now that so many things are being done on the computer. I know that Jess can’t type and not look at the keyboard.

    You know something? Last night Vince asked me if it was Sat. or Sun. I told him it was Sat. because I did a pilates DVD. Is that sad or is that sad? All the days seem to be running into each other. I do find that lately I’m sleeping in more and more. Today I didn’t get up until 6:20. Maybe I’m getting used to this “stay at home” stuff

    KJ – that fitness site you found probably makes you starve. Are you SURE it says you’d lose 100 pounds by May of 2020 and not 2021?

    Lisa – how I remember those old typewriters. We only had three Selectrics typewriters in our typing room and everyone really wanted to use them (natch)

    Well, time to get the day started.

    Michele NC
  • okiewoman510
    okiewoman510 Posts: 1,288 Member
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    exermom wrote: »
    Terri – even the stores that have one-way aisles, there are things on both sides of the aisles, people stop and look for what they want. There isn’t 6 feet apart if you pass one of those people or even have to look for something on the other side of the aisle. It’s just interesting to me

    Michele NC

    You aren't supposed to pass people on the one way aisles or walk up beside them to look at either side of the aisle. You are supposed to stay 6 feet apart front and back and go single file through the aisles. I know most people aren't doing that, but that is the theory that makes the social distancing work in the store aisles.

    Okie in the TX Hill Country
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,889 Member
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    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    QUESTIONS:
    Is food shopping stressful for you now?

    Are you eating less meat?

    Food shopping is the same as it has been for the past two years.

    I sit down at my computer.
    I make my selections.
    They are out of a few items or have restrictions on some, but not too many so I can get most of what I want.
    I select a delivery day and time.
    The groceries arrive.

    I don't usually eat much meat so I'm eating about the same.


    Machka in Oz
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 18,129 Member
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    @exermom
    “Terri – even the stores that have one-way aisles, there are things on both sides of the aisles, people stop and look for what they want. There isn’t 6 feet apart if you pass one of those people or even have to look for something on the other side of the aisle It’s just interesting to me”

    I have a list in order of the aisles when I go shopping in our nearest large store very early on Wednesday morning, so not many people about. In our smaller local store, I don’t pass people in the narrower aisles. And I block anyone trying to pass me with my shopping trolley.
    Most Fresh fruit and veg are available, and I only buy what I absolutely need to replenish my normal store cupboard items.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,889 Member
    edited April 2020
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    exermom wrote: »
    How has COVID-19 given you more freedom?

    Michele NC

    Prior to the shut down, my days were work, university, appointments/meetings. Constant rushing from one to the next to the next from early morning and often into the evenings. It was getting harder and harder to focus and think and make decisions because I was so tired and so stressed.

    Most of the appointments/meetings were in regard to my husband's situation. Before my husband's accident, I had an hour for lunch each day. I could go for a long walk, a jog, I could wander the shops or whatever. After his accident, I have had so many appointments and things that I can rarely take a lunch for myself anymore. Every time I think I've got a free lunch hour, we're hassled to do this or that to meet some requirement.

    I've also been busier at work because I ended up being given a lot of extra jobs.

    And I've been busier with university because I'm trying to finish it as quickly as possible so I can so I can focus on my husband's situation and work.

    It has been exhausting.


    Now, the number of appointments and meetings have dropped way off. There have been a few via phone or zoom, but not nearly the number there were. And we're not being hassled as much. My husband's doctor sent an email to the return to work girl basically telling her to back off while the shut down is on. She still wanted him to attend appointments and things, but when I looked up the places she wanted him to go, they weren't taking non-urgent patients so he couldn't have attended anyway. So things have quieted down a lot there.

    And right now, we're all working from home, so I've got an extra 1.5 hours in my day because I'm not commuting. :) I really like that! It means I can get my work done at my pace and get outside for some exercise while it is still daylight.

    And my university is all online so again, I'm not spending several hours each week walking to and from the university or spending time in workshops, lectures and things. It means I've got more time to devote to the assignments.

    I'm currently working on 2 research papers. Both were due Monday (tomorrow) but they've given us an extra 5 days if we want!

    I'm still busy ... especially with these papers ... but I'm getting more sleep, I'm able to read a chapter in a novel before bed, I can spend some time playing with Rhody, I'm getting regular exercise every day, I'm enjoying listing to our local classical music station all day and I can even watch a TV show or movie in the evenings. Last Sunday I even had the time to watch 2 church services online!


    I sincerely hope this shut down will continue until at least September! That would be fantastic!! I might actually get a little bit on top of things and feel slightly more rested by then.


    Also, as far as my husband goes, he's no longer being forced to do things beyond his capability and comfort. He's much happier, more relaxed, and not as utterly fatigued. The shut down came at just the right time. We can both relax and we're both not nearly so stressed.


    Machka in Oz

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