WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2020

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  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
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    I did an hour on the stationary bike yesterday evening. When typing my HR is around 100, not a lot, but much higher than resting HR of around 50 finally, and when not typing around 110-120 if I don't make a major effort, which is ok.
    Last 20 minutes or so on bike I did dumbbells as well. I have these tiny 1.5k dumbbells that I had bought for PT 10 years ago when I had to retrain after having had frozen shoulder. I have hardly ever used them otherwise. A bit light to use alone, but as compliment to stationary, not so bad. I realised I can do upper body stretches and twists too while cycling.

    We have curfew here.
    We have to be home at 8pm, including new year's eve. exception was made for xmas. people are allowed to spend from 8pm to 6 am on new year's together with maximum of 6 people.
    it's dark out at 5pm and everything has been closed and we were in moderate lockdown prior to that, so, already many months of alternating between curfew and moderate lockdown.
  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,492 Member
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    "Get to do"s and "chose well"s
    Chose well: called VP, emailed list of 1st responders for vaccine,
    Bonus: returned fire marshal data call, cleaned area behind washer, called plumber, Shadow stroll with C & T
    Get to do: take BP, dogs to powerline, call R, zoom with Barb, plumber, fire call data into state system, corrected roster to Cal-Or, minutes and letter to Howard, index mutual aid files, watch STAS Day 19, submit grant pics and receipts, test Bluetooth speaker so can do BB&B or T’ai Chi from voice recordings, make experimental almond paste, declutter sideboard, practice new dances (I ain’t never gonna love nobody but Cornell Crawford (Alley cat), A Little Less Broken, One margarita, I’m so used to being broke, All Night, Nothing but You, Blame it on my beating heart, Homesick); finish mulching flowerbed; broadcast cover crop seed in veg garden areas, invest another 10 minutes in prepping living trust, Freddie’s for complete series TDAP <$48, get Shingrix vaccine, find and configure a screen time popup, figure out where to plant naked lady bulbs, and soon as it warms up above 50 and dries out below 60% humidity I’ll tape and spray paint those rusted areas of Aunt Elsie’s stove. Reconcile Joe’s EOB’s Thrivent shows only 2263.48 so far, next BGBS ask Terry about GB’s FD firetruck tax levy – contacts, media, advocate???,
    Reward: inventory seeds, plan next year’s garden, wishlist replenishments, ask faucet question, if answer ok order. Tuesday: pickup library book.
    Do Good December
    29: turn off digital devices and really listen: to VP and to Joe.

    Lisa so good to see your post. Welcome back!
    Pip :love: Yogi’s contemplative look while his butt is one step above his front paws :laugh:
    Kim while you were righting your tree this morning, I was pulling my washing machine away from the wall to try to see from whence the water puddling on the floor came. Called the appliance repair who walked me through and ended up recommending a plumber. Let them know we’d be in the market for one of their Speed Queens soon, then called the plumber. He’ll be here tomorrow at noonish.
    Allie the way you’re keeping up with your PT is positively inspiring. WTG gal!
    Rita ((hugs))
    Evelyn :love: the pics especially (both) the 2020 and crocheted ornaments.
    Tracey :cry:
    Janetr Alas! I share your fudge sabotage/logic.
    Katla which brand of lime sparkling water do you like? My fave sparkling water (cranberry/mandarin) only comes from TJ’s and I won’t get back there ‘til Feb so I need an alternative.
    Barbie and Julie :love: your gratitudes.
    Rebecca Great gift from a great son!
    Machka bicycle sprint gravel road? Brava!
    Michele maybe it’s time to take that foot to the Dr or a specialist?

    Had a nice stroll and visit with T and C today, will sleep well tonight.
    Lighter, lovelies!
    f8qt1s098sxm.gifBarbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
    December: better than November.
    daily: sit with Joe: 28, weigh: 29, steps>5505=6870 vits=29 log=29 CI<CO=28 CI<250<CO=20 Tumble & Shadow 5=25 mfp=29 outside=20 up hill=20
    wkly: T’ai Chi or BB&B x3 =0 rx=4 dance= clean 30 mins=7.5
    mnthly: board mtg=1 grant=1 20for20=0 bonus: AF=18 play=0 sew=0

  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
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    Barbara: I buy lime sparkling water from Safeway.

    Katla
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,890 Member
    edited December 2020
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    :lol::lol:

    This is what I was faced with in most of the stores when I went hunting for my grad dress!!

    3zwstvjiy5lv.png


    Not kidding!

    I could have had this for $59.

    https://www.target.com.au/p/belle-curve-shirred-waist-dress/63976267
    knr0pb7bf92l.png

    And this "burlap sack" went on clearance for $25 but even that didn't entice me.
    https://www.target.com.au/p/shirred-bodice-dress-red-paisley-print/63453102
    zgdpzkafpngf.png


    M in Oz
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    edited December 2020
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    auntiebk wrote: »
    "Get to do"s and "chose well"s
    ..., I was pulling my washing machine away from the wall to try to see from whence the water puddling on the floor came. Called the appliance repair who walked me through and ended up recommending a plumber. Let them know we’d be in the market for one of their Speed Queens soon, then called the plumber. He’ll be here tomorrow at noonish.

    nice that the plumber can come so quickly.
    Machka9 wrote: »
    :lol::lol:

    This is what I was faced with in most of the stores when I went hunting for my grad dress!!


    Not kidding!

    I could have had this for $59.


    M in Oz

    I noticed that in France there were tons of house dresses for sale, and mostly just that last summer at least, and fall too I think. Different styles in France, but still the housedress. Why not have one for wearing around home if one likes, but not really a style that suits me for going out.
    I found this online "Towards the beginning of quarantine, you might have heard about the "house dress" trend, and if you need a lil refresher, it's literally a dress you can wear around the house as, like, elevated loungewear. But the dress style is more specific. Usually, they're midi or maxi length, they don't have constricting waistlines, and they're just all-around pretty breezy and comfortable. (Think voluminous skirts, drop waists, smocking, wrap designs, linen and cotton fabric, etc.)

    Basically, if you're sick of all your sweatpants and leggings and pajamas, get yourself into a house dress and you'll be just as cozy because of the roomy shape, but you'll also look way fashionable on any video calls or for your party-of-one happy hour at home (no shame) while social distancing."

    --

    My cleaning lady told me last week she had very few clients this week so could easily come at 10 am today. and didn't show up. when I wrote to her she just wrote: "no, I'm not coming today"
    I asked if she changed her mind last minute without letting me know and she didn't answer.

    It's super weird because the house was much cleaner than usual, and I gave her a little gift (an upscale pastry). Nothing special, but you'd think that she'd be neutral and not negative.
    Maybe she wanted to take a week off totally but she could have told me.

    If she was sick or if she wanted more time off she could have simply said so.

    I wonder if she's maybe she's depressed or something.
    She's from France but lived for a long time in canada. Her adult son went back to Canada this year and her significant other live in yet another country and can't come to France at all because of COVID.

    On this you French tube channel Hugo decrypte, he said Monday that a huge percentage of young people are anxious, due firstly, to isolation and secondly to financial issues. (reduction part-time jobs, internships, etc.).
    In France from nursery to high school students go to school all the time (nursery to middle school) or half-time (for some high schools), and companies and institutions are free to organise as they see fit, but it's been illegal for almost all the time since last march to have almost all higher education face to face classes with some rare exceptions. That looks to stay the same for the rest of the year, really.

    Plus between lockdown and curfews pt jobs are disappearing.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,890 Member
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    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    Machka9 wrote: »
    :lol::lol:

    This is what I was faced with in most of the stores when I went hunting for my grad dress!!


    Not kidding!

    I could have had this for $59.


    M in Oz

    I noticed that in France there were tons of house dresses for sale, and mostly just that last summer at least, and fall too I think. Different styles in France, but still the housedress. Why not have one for wearing around home if one likes, but not really a style that suits me for going out.
    I found this online "Towards the beginning of quarantine, you might have heard about the "house dress" trend, and if you need a lil refresher, it's literally a dress you can wear around the house as, like, elevated loungewear. But the dress style is more specific. Usually, they're midi or maxi length, they don't have constricting waistlines, and they're just all-around pretty breezy and comfortable. (Think voluminous skirts, drop waists, smocking, wrap designs, linen and cotton fabric, etc.)

    Basically, if you're sick of all your sweatpants and leggings and pajamas, get yourself into a house dress and you'll be just as cozy because of the roomy shape, but you'll also look way fashionable on any video calls or for your party-of-one happy hour at home (no shame) while social distancing."

    Unfortunately so many are made of such uncomfortable materials. Or at least uncomfortable for me.

    If they're viscose, that's OK (smooth) but not at all stretchy and thus quite restrictive.
    If they're viscose elastane, they've got the stretchy factor which is good, but they're often unflattering.
    So many dresses here are linen and that's an awful material. It feels bad to the touch, hangs badly and is very unflattering, and it wrinkles if you look at it wrong.
    And then there's this rough chiffon stuff they have as a top layer for many other dresses and tops. I can't even brush against that stuff in a store without shying away.

    Thing is, they don't appear to be selling well here and I'm hoping they'll start stocking some nice summer stuff soon!


    I just wear shorts and tank tops when I'm at home. :) The tank tops look fine in Zoom and if I'm chilly, I'll throw a soft cardi on over top.


    M in Oz
  • SuziQ113
    SuziQ113 Posts: 1,520 Member
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    Hello one and all.

    Work is kicking my you know what which was expected. This will continue through mid-January. All good – it keeps me busy and is an indication I am still needed. 😊

    I am getting very close to completing my 2021 goals. Most are financially based. I have been paying down all of my bad debt since October 2018. On December 31st I will have paid off almost $30k! In January one more will drop off of the list. In February I will complete another top-down review to see where I can double up on payments and start some real savings. Back in 2018 the numbers were very depressing and discouraging. Today I am glad I stuck to the plan, worked through my emotional issues, forgone purchases, vacations, entertainment, socializing, etc. Yes, lots of sacrifices. While I have been struggling through certain areas of my life I have to say it has been worth it. Being financially secure is the reward. All other aspects can be worked upon. I am looking at this as building myself from the bottom up.

    It’s official. Gleaning starts on January 16th! I am signed up for the 16th or 17th and the 30th. Because of the virus the coordinator is sending emails out with dates and what type of gleaners are needed (row or group). Groups are needed for lettuces, cabbages, etc., while rows are needed for peppers, beans, tomatoes, and corn. It will be good for me to be out in the fields, surrounded by nature, while helping the community.

    The food banks and soup kitchens are in desperate need of fresh foods. Here is a shocking statistic for everyone 1 in 8 people in FL are food insecure at this time. Half of those have visited a food bank for the first time this year!! This is just FL.

    Lisa – So glad to see your post. Congratulations on the lighter going out!! Setting up a security system?! On your own! Once the construction is done in our development I will be upgrading my outdoor lighting to include cameras. Not so much for security; for hurricanes. It drives me crazy when bunkered down and I hear a loud noise and the wind and cannot look out.

    Pip – The close up with Yogi on the stairs shows what a deep soul he has and how appropriately he is named. 😊

    Allie – It is so good to hear the increases of your health through your posts. Lots to learn when taking blood thinners. Green leafy vegetables should also be monitored (like romaine) for they also thin the blood. Organ meats such as liver are another thing to avoid.

    Katla/Tracey – I discovered Virgin River on Netflix. I enjoyed the series.

    Evie – I love the masks. What beautiful work. I am trying to brave the scale as I have not weighed in for quite some time. I know I am up at least 10 pounds since my lightest back in May. Since tomorrow is the last day of the year I will wait until then. Love the ornament-what a way to mark the year. Imagine that one being unpacked 10 years from now. 😊 Love all of the grand pictures. Oh, I need the last ornament. I would keep it up year round – it’s my favorite word!!!

    Kim – Oh, no. Christmas tree messes are just loads of fun.

    RVRita – Hugs.

    Ginny – Oh, no 2 more staff. Sounds like you are doing well gearing up/planning for your next phase. You have got to be so excited!

    Tracey – Hugs to you too.

    Rebecca – The perfect gift!

    Flea – Your puzzle looks as bad as the one I am doing right now. It’s a mystery puzzle so I have no picture to go by. Like yours the colors are very dark. I am so glad Smokey the Brat has not yet “helped” me. Sending prayers for your mom’s recovery and sending you strength for decisions that lie ahead.

    Time flies when your having fun. I really must sign off and start thinking about getting ready for work. It will hit 80 today (yeah) so my outfit will include shorts! It was 40 on Saturday – much too cold for me. The last cold front was not strong enough to hit SFL. Winter stay north!! LOL.

    Hugs to all and prayers for those in need.
    SuziQ – SFL
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,890 Member
    edited December 2020
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    For us, 2020 was the best year in the past few years!!
    Since 2018, my life hasn't been what my husband and I planned. My husband had a workplace accident which resulted in a severe traumatic brain injury.

    Because of worker's compensation rules, we've been stuck in Tasmania and continue to be stuck in Tasmania for the foreseeable future. We can't travel like we wanted to. We can't go visit my family in Canada. Because of his brain injury, my husband is not able to cycle like he used to and thus, neither do I. We were in great shape preparing for the Paris-Brest-Paris in 2019 when the accident happened. Because of his brain injury, I've had to take on a lot more than before. And despite the fact that I've got a new degree and could potentially look for work anywhere in Australia, in Canada, and possibly also New Zealand ... I can't.

    For us, there is no hope of a vaccine that will make our situation go away. There is little hope that we will be able to leave Tasmania. There is little hope that we'll be able to see our family and friends. There is little hope that we'll be able to travel the world and do long rides again. And there is no hope my husband will completely recover.

    To all of you in some sort of temporary shut down, welcome to a little taste of our world! 😕😐

    So we make the best of it. That's all we can do. :)
    I completed my Master's degree.
    We travel around Tasmania.
    We cycle as much as we can.
    And there are many little things we can still enjoy ... the garden, the beach, walking, running, cycling, connecting via computer ...

    Fortunately 2020 was a quiet, low stress year for us.

    And I do keep thinking ... "Thank goodness Tasmania is pretty!" :)


    M in Oz
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,890 Member
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    SuziQ113 wrote: »
    I am getting very close to completing my 2021 goals. Most are financially based. I have been paying down all of my bad debt since October 2018. On December 31st I will have paid off almost $30k! In January one more will drop off of the list. In February I will complete another top-down review to see where I can double up on payments and start some real savings. Back in 2018 the numbers were very depressing and discouraging. Today I am glad I stuck to the plan, worked through my emotional issues, forgone purchases, vacations, entertainment, socializing, etc. Yes, lots of sacrifices. While I have been struggling through certain areas of my life I have to say it has been worth it. Being financially secure is the reward. All other aspects can be worked upon. I am looking at this as building myself from the bottom up.

    Hugs to all and prayers for those in need.
    SuziQ – SFL

    I'm finalising the details of my 2021 goals too. My list is 6 pages long right now and includes a table of contents. :neutral: I've divided into categories and I'm just in the process of ensuring I haven't forgotten anything and sorting out the order in which I want to do them, approximately.

    Upcoming Appointments
    Education/Career
    Medical
    House
    Office
    Computer
    Garden
    Spiritual
    Fitness/Sports
    Cycling
    Audax Tasmania
    Recreation

    House > Office > Computer become more specific as they go along. I have a number of thing which need to be done in the house (dressing room, bathroom, etc.) but most importantly the home office needs a whole lot of work, and along with that, I need to acquire a good scanner and backup hard drives so that I can sit down and scan a whole lot of paper from files, notes, and who knows what all that I've carted around with me forever. And along with that I need to organise the drives on my computer into a better filing system.

    Fitness/Sports > Cycling > Audax Tasmania also become more specific as they go along. There are a number of fitness/sport things I'd like to try, with a focus on cycling, and a large part of my cycling endeavors includes my volunteer work with Audax Tasmania ... and maybe even riding some events again myself!

    Garden is a very small category because that's my husband's domain but I'd like to finish up the patio area.

    Medical is mostly my husband's appointments, which I also need to attend because I'm his ears and cognition.

    Education/Career ... little things like becoming really good at SQL and brushing up on VB.


    I hear you about getting rid of the debt. When my first husband and I separated, he left me with quite a lot of debt and claimed he gave me money ... but didn't. Actually, I gave him money! Anyway, I tightened up expenditures and focused on getting rid of the debt and a few years later it was, happily, gone. :) It is worth it!


    M in Oz
  • Peach1948
    Peach1948 Posts: 2,473 Member
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    <3
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,890 Member
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    Beautiful day today ... drove up to the north coast of the island and did a lovely little bicycle ride there.

    kvzkwponmc31.png

    M in Oz
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,347 Member
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    Anniesquats100 wrote: »

    Meanwhile I am waiting for a present that didn't arrive yet- a book I want to read called "The Shipping News." And I need to make that lamb stew!

    Annie in Delaware

    Annie, "The Shipping News" is one of my all time favorites. It's on my re-read list for this winter. :)

    Lanette
    SW WA State
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,347 Member
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    Whidislander wrote: »
    Hooray! Got a box today and eldest son bought me a new Fire 10 tablet! It's like 6' x 10' big so no need to squint! I'm still going to limit my media usage though. I get more done that way.👍
    💕Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Washington

    Rebecca - Merry Christmas! You will love it and will be surprised how large the screen is in comparison to the one you had before. :)

    Lanette

    SW WA State
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,395 Member
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    Morning, afternoon and evening, all...

    Heather, my dear, not trying to make you feel old... you're just leading me in the timeline race!

    Thank you to everyone who welcomed me back, I missed y'all too!

    On the subject of age, Kim and I have talked quite a bit offline about life expectancy and reasons why we make certain decisions. For instance, I will take my Social Security pension the moment I possibly can, at 62 years old, just a year and a half away. I ran the numbers in Excel, and if retire at 67, (when I get "full" benefit), the cumulative amount I will receive will be exactly the same at age 77 as the amount I will have received retiring at 62. My life expectancy lands in the 75 to 76-year range, so it makes much more sense for me to take my benefit starting at 62. Not sure why that's on my brain this morning...

    Anyway, dreary, dark and dank weather today and half of tomorrow... but I've already accomplished pretty much everything I wanted to this morning already, so I think I'll go read for a bit.

    Love y'all,
    Later,
    Lisa
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,217 Member
    edited December 2020
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    Evelyn - Lovely pics. I love all the mess your active grandchildren have created. Looks just like my son's house! I have to remind myself not to have a nervous breakdown when I visit. Oh, how I wish I could visit nowdays! :'(

    I'm wearing the new long camisole I bought myself for DH to give me for Christmas! :D Fabulous bright pink. It peeps out from under my purple jumper. Happy making. <3

    Zoom later today. DH has just gone out for a walk. I have to stay in for an expensive Amazon delivery. Will row instead.

    All good.
    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    edited December 2020
    Options
    MACHKA

    Unfortunately so many are made of such uncomfortable materials. Or at least uncomfortable for me.

    If they're viscose, that's OK (smooth) but not at all stretchy and thus quite restrictive.
    If they're viscose elastane, they've got the stretchy factor which is good, but they're often unflattering.
    So many dresses here are linen and that's an awful material. It feels bad to the touch, hangs badly and is very unflattering, and it wrinkles if you look at it wrong.
    And then there's this rough chiffon stuff they have as a top layer for many other dresses and tops. I can't even brush against that stuff in a store without shying away.

    Thing is, they don't appear to be selling well here and I'm hoping they'll start stocking some nice summer stuff soon!


    I just wear shorts and tank tops when I'm at home. :) The tank tops look fine in Zoom and if I'm chilly, I'll throw a soft cardi on over top.


    M in Oz
    --
    Since 2018, my life hasn't been what my husband and I planned. My husband had a workplace accident which resulted in a severe traumatic brain injury.

    Because of worker's compensation rules, we've been stuck in Tasmania and continue to be stuck in Tasmania for the foreseeable future. We can't travel like we wanted to. We can't go visit my family in Canada. Because of his brain injury, my husband is not able to cycle like he used to and thus, neither do I. We were in great shape preparing for the Paris-Brest-Paris in 2019 when the accident happened. Because of his brain injury, I've had to take on a lot more than before. And despite the fact that I've got a new degree and could potentially look for work anywhere in Australia, in Canada, and possibly also New Zealand ... I can't.

    For us, there is no hope of a vaccine that will make our situation go away. There is little hope that we will be able to leave Tasmania. There is little hope that we'll be able to see our family and friends. There is little hope that we'll be able to travel the world and do long rides again. And there is no hope my husband will completely recover.

    To all of you in some sort of temporary shut down, welcome to a little taste of our world! 😕😐

    So we make the best of it. That's all we can do. :)
    I completed my Master's degree.
    We travel around Tasmania.
    We cycle as much as we can.
    And there are many little things we can still enjoy ... the garden, the beach, walking, running, cycling, connecting via computer ...

    Fortunately 2020 was a quiet, low stress year for us.

    And I do keep thinking ... "Thank goodness Tasmania is pretty!" :)


    M in Oz

    I didn't really check out the materials here since I wasn't interested, but I'm pretty sure that many are cotton and others are synthetic. I've seen, and warn some very nice looking linen clothes. I still have 2 classic cut linen dresses that I've had for several years (wearing out now) but I agree it wrinkles instantly, which dramatically changes the look. It also shrinks easily, which can be a major problem.
    I figured those rather old-fashioned cuts must be cheap to make and sell, relatively speaking, and thus - 1) the sellers can recoup some of the loss from 2020, 2) they can sell at a lower price to people who are really lacking money.
    impossible to wear a tank top on zoom here: too cold, doesn't look professional enough for my work. Old jeans are fine, but tank tops and short sleeve t-shirts not so much.

    t's great that you got your master's, and even that you go on local bike rides. I know it's really upsetting and it probably doesn't help but I think it's not unusual that with age-things occur (health issues or accidents) that make it harder to travel like we used to. I used to backpack and do tons of sports, and jog. That's really not an option now: knee and foot issues but also overall energy. (and also digestion issues- the GF situation makes travelling require considerably more planning- I always have to shave a little stock of something eatable in case there is no GF option (this can happen quite often, and almost always for breakfast in latin Europe).
    When my (about 49 then) came to visit 5 years ago, she had some unwellness that she had been dealing with for weeks, her DH had some lower limb issues, and her quite healthy teenage son too, leg issues from growing pains. So we couldn't walk much, which is the best thing to do in Paris. My sister had bone spurs about 10 years ago and couldn't walk much either, which we loved to do together. And we are all tired.
    When I was 20 I could take the plane and sleep the afternoon, get up for dinner and be over jet lag. Now I am so much more tired, I reduce my travelling considerably. Impossible to do now what I could when I was 20 (could sleep with ease anywhere, eat anything without issue, almost always felt better after a good nights' sleep if I was tired, which I really don't remember much being...

    Is the obligation to stay in Tasmania definitive ?

    Here, I am wont to leave as I don't see where I would have comparable health care coverage, in view of my age, occupation, etc.

    If I had energy, healthy, money, I wouldn't mind at all living elsewhere for a year (probably somewhere in the usa) to see how it goes. But I have are relatively secure very very modestly paid job in work I like for the most part, and the health care coverage situation here seems quite good overall.

    I met a French business woman coach married to a high level business man a few years back and she said they (in their 50s) too, couldn't leave for England for a couple of years, at they would've liked to, as they would lose retirement benefits and couldn't afford to. (in France the system is such that if you are missing some of the now 42 years required for full benefit, you lose something like 5% per year missed! very dissuasive!)

    If I was with a significant other who was energised and doing it together, I might still take the plunge, but it's just too much at this point in regards to health, work and other risks at my age!
    Like yous, I travelled/moved quite a bit in my younger days and I'm grateful for the positive aspects of life that has brought me.

    Actually I have moved around so much (lived in Boston area, ny, Bordeaux area, Paris, Kenya, Quebec) that I kind of like staying put to some degree. I feel sad that many of the people I have loved and met and liked and enjoyed are inevitably so far away.

    I hope you are able to visit with your family in other continents some day sooner than later and visa versa. <3<3<3

    SUZI
    Work is kicking my you know what which was expected. This will continue through mid-January. All good – it keeps me busy and is an indication I am still needed. 😊

    I am getting very close to completing my 2021 goals. Most are financially based. I have been paying down all of my bad debt since October 2018. On December 31st I will have paid off almost $30k! In January one more will drop off of the list. In February I will complete another top-down review to see where I can double up on payments and start some real savings. Back in 2018 the numbers were very depressing and discouraging. Today I am glad I stuck to the plan, worked through my emotional issues, forgone purchases, vacations, entertainment, socializing, etc. Yes, lots of sacrifices. While I have been struggling through certain areas of my life I have to say it has been worth it. Being financially secure is the reward. All other aspects can be worked upon. I am looking at this as building myself from the bottom up.

    It’s official. Gleaning starts on January 16th! I am signed up for the 16th or 17th and the 30th. Because of the virus the coordinator is sending emails out with dates and what type of gleaners are needed (row or group). Groups are needed for lettuces, cabbages, etc., while rows are needed for peppers, beans, tomatoes, and corn. It will be good for me to be out in the fields, surrounded by nature, while helping the community.

    The food banks and soup kitchens are in desperate need of fresh foods. Here is a shocking statistic for everyone 1 in 8 people in FL are food insecure at this time. Half of those have visited a food bank for the first time this year!! This is just FL.

    ...

    Time flies when your having fun. I really must sign off and start thinking about getting ready for work. It will hit 80 today (yeah) so my outfit will include shorts! It was 40 on Saturday – much too cold for me. The last cold front was not strong enough to hit SFL. Winter stay north!! LOL.

    Hugs to all and prayers for those in need.
    SuziQ – SFL

    Wow for paying off 30K this year! that's amazing! Good for you! That is motivating. I am not in debt but it's sometimes hard to forgo especially socialising, and even cheap vacations. But getting out of debt is worth it.
    I imagine someone can find it as I think it's well known but some writer wrote, something to the effect of :

    19.97 per month expenses long term and 20 pound income equals happiness.
    20.03 per month expenses long term and 20 pound income equals hell.

    I guess it's even more obvious with calories.

    There are similar stats for more people that had never before done so, going to food banks in France too.
    Just previous to COVID when we were talking about teachers conditions some students spoke and said that often many students had to choose between eating and buying materials on a given day.

    hugs are always needed, especially these days when there is no human physical contact for many of us living alone.
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    edited December 2020
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    The service that sent the cleaner called and said, when I asked, that this cleaner has occasionally not shown up to others before.
    I really don't mind one mistake but if that's a pattern, that's a pain.
    I feel sorry as I imagine things are hard for her, (she's also slightly grouchy), both financially and psychologically, but since I always show up for work or notify if I am absent, (which is rare), I really expect this from others, as a minimum.

    Bought a yet untried GF pastry from the upscale pastry shop. The taste is amazing and surprising. This is cool, as, being GF, I pretty much know everything there is on offer GF in shops, bakeries around. It's nice as this one has many excellant quality ones, and sometimes new ones (like for the new year).

    I also bought a carrot cake (can keep several days)
    and reserved a carrot cake to give away for the equivalent of Salvation Army (1000 cakes for the New Years) to pick up at the bakery and drop off at the district city hall tomorrow, at around 10 am.


    I have a post-sugar energy drop! :/
    The taste was so good, (and I am not a sugar fiend, it was subtle) but the feeling after, not so much at all!

    Finally tried the plaid flannel shirt, it looks alright (lavender and light gray and white) .. it feels nice to wear something new; I have bought almost zero clothes in such a long time. I also tried the down jacket bought weeks ago (we can't try it on in shop at present). it's ok and I'm pretty lazy about returning things so I'll likely keep it. my old one is very worn out looking if you look close.

  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    Options
    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    Morning, afternoon and evening, all...

    Heather, my dear, not trying to make you feel old... you're just leading me in the timeline race!

    Thank you to everyone who welcomed me back, I missed y'all too!

    On the subject of age, Kim and I have talked quite a bit offline about life expectancy and reasons why we make certain decisions. For instance, I will take my Social Security pension the moment I possibly can, at 62 years old, just a year and a half away. I ran the numbers in Excel, and if retire at 67, (when I get "full" benefit), the cumulative amount I will receive will be exactly the same at age 77 as the amount I will have received retiring at 62. My life expectancy lands in the 75 to 76-year range, so it makes much more sense for me to take my benefit starting at 62. Not sure why that's on my brain this morning...

    Anyway, dreary, dark and dank weather today and half of tomorrow... but I've already accomplished pretty much everything I wanted to this morning already, so I think I'll go read for a bit.

    Love y'all,
    Later,
    Lisa

    Lisa, that makes sense.
    I had been vaguely asking myself similar questions of late. I don't plan on early retirement, but I would plan things differently (let up on certain things) depending on outcome of current blood tests, that I'll get in January or so. if my life expectancy is 77 (about an average for my parents and grandparents) rather than current 90ish, based on weight, habits, age, etc, that can have a big effect on money required post-retirement (67 at latest here, normally). So I would not plan to retire early as I really don't have enough benefits accumulated, not at all, but I would not worry so much about accumulating to live out 23 years post retirement relatively comfortably if possible, which is a stretch at present.

    One of my colleagues doing similar work and similar background is considering retired at about 61 (in about a year) to live elsewhere, close to her mom and mentally handicapped siblings, and hometown, and enjoy life there with her significant other. I'm working on having my past work (regular work, falsely called non-regular work) "requalified" so as to increase retirement benefits. I believe it will be successful but requires following up in court, which is not my favourite thing to do. And court is very very very slow here, for this sort of case, takes like 2 years before court date! At least it gives time to prepare the case; without a rush.

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