WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2021

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  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,840 Member
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    exermom wrote: »
    Viv – when we take down the trees depends, really, on the weather. Like it’s supposed to be nice on Mon and Tues, we’ll probably start taking down the outside decorations. Now if it was cold, we’d probably start taking down the inside decorations. Last year the inside decorations were left up (not all of them) until we came back from FL. Speaking of the trees: I’ll try to post pics of them here since not everyone is on Facebook

    Michele NC

    I admire your dedication to all the trees and other Christmas decorations!!


    barbiecat wrote: »
    I stopped setting goals for the month and started making resolutions after I read this from Gretchen Rubin:

    You hit a goal, you achieve a goal. You keep a resolution.
    I think that some objectives are better characterized as resolutions, others, as goals.
    “Run in a marathon” or “Become fluent in Spanish” is a good goal. It’s specific. It’s easy to tell when it has been achieved. Once you’ve done it, you’ve done it!
    “Eat more vegetables” or “Stop gossiping,” or “Exercise” is better cast as a resolution. You won’t wake up one morning and find that you’ve achieved it. It’s something that you have to resolve to do, every day, forever. You’ll never be done with it.

    I went the other way. For a few years, I tried setting resolutions but found them either so vague or so restrictive.

    A resolution of "I am going to exercise every day" is very restrictive for me and doesn't fit with my goals. Because my goals require that I do bigger days of exercise, I therefore need rest days. And some days I just don't feel well or energetic enough to exercise. When I tried a resolution to exercise "every day, forever" I found myself feeling guilty and defeated when I couldn't do it.

    They are also easy to forget as the year wears on.


    So I started setting goals which are, as you mention, specific. I can set a goal to run a 10K this year (and it's on the list!) and then I will exercise in a way to achieve that. It won't be every day, but it will be often enough so that I can attain the goal.

    As it happens Specific is the first letter of the SMART goals acronym.

    Specific
    Measurable
    Achievable
    Relevant
    Timely


    I also like to create my annual list of things to do about this time of year - review last year's list and create this year's list.

    That list is more or less how I will attain my goals. So I might have a goal of decluttering and organising the house (yep!), my list of things to do are the steps I need to take to get there such as going through my clothes and taking clothes that I won't wear again to the OP shop.

    It's not something I have to work at every day. I can take days off! I don't need to feel guilty if I go to the beach after work and take photos instead of sorting through my toiletries as another decluttering step.

    But by the end of 2021, unless there are some major unforeseen circumstances, my house will be less cluttered and more organised than it is now.


    We've got to go with what works for us, and this is what works for me.


    Anniesquats100 wrote: »
    I got more Christmas presents than I bought. So now I'm thinking I should go out and pick up a few more. But I have no idea what to get for these people. And they all are sick right now, and hoping it's not Covid.

    Oh well. I have to just let it be for now. Maybe later I will shop online.

    Annie in Delaware

    Don't worry about it. If those people are still in your life next Christmas, get them something nice then. Or surprise them with a birthday gift or something.


    Machka in Oz

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,840 Member
    edited January 2021
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    teklawa1 wrote: »
    Barbie, Thank you again for the new thread and for sharing thoughts and support. I look forward to reading everyday. Often I don't comment but it strikes me how much we all have in common. This group is like a trusted friend and has helped me wind my way through this year.

    Tracey, WOW! so happy to hear the facility is moving in the right direction. It has been so scary and just hope and pray that the tests continue to come back negative. Nice way to start off the new year.
    These last two weeks have been a whirlwind here... I turned 70 and it was wonderful... 4 of our 5 kids called and wished me well. Had great conversations and felt loved. Also got a call from my sister and got extra nice vibes from my DH. Then had my 5 year colonoscopy and had one polyp removed and no cancer. Cool. Had an eye pressure scare but was a non issue. Love my doctors. My DH wore a heart monitor for two weeks and it just got sent back... waiting to hear results so medication can be reevaluated. My sister has been battling diarrhea for six weeks and medication isn't controlling it... but 12/30 her cramping and dizziness stopped and last two days has been loose but not diarrhea. It has been 13 months since she was diagnosed with lung cancer. What a journey.

    I appreciate the mention of books and authors on this thread ... it has led me to so many wonderful reads... Thanks for too many to mention... Robyn Carr, Women Rowing North....and so many more.

    Betsy in NW WA

    Happy Birthday!


    Workoutahloic50 wrote: »
    Happy New Year!!!🎆 I am 55 today.The Christmas trees are Beautiful!
    Debby in wet Va


    Happy Birthday!
  • teklawa1
    teklawa1 Posts: 675 Member
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    Happy Birthday, Debby! Hope it is a wonderful day and a wonderful year.
    Betsy in NW WA
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,840 Member
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    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    Clearly the thesis is the most stressful one. if I could just take that out of the equation that would lighten my schedule and feeling of pressure considerably.

    A suggestion ... if you want the thesis out of the way, and if you've only got one more year to work on it, maybe that should be the main focus of 2021.

    Get it done and then focus on the other things.


    M in Oz
  • ginnytez
    ginnytez Posts: 1,331 Member
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    Janetr OKC-Great job with logging! That some snow-we just had freezing rain.

    Katla-3,001 days?! We certainly have some long timers in this group.

    Michelle-your trees are something! My house can fit one.

    Julie-your goals/resolutions seem to be thoroughly thought out.

    Flea-I can understand your frustration with your niece. In terms of home assistance with your mom, there may be some programs that can provide services, even if it is on a sliding fee scale. I would check with the local senior center/agency for aging. Most states have some form of this. They would know the services. Julie provided excellent advice!

    Debby in VA-Happy birthday!

    Still giving thoughts to goals/resolutions for the year. I have started working on a list.

    Discovered SIL in Switzerland suffered aortic aneurism New Year's eve (believe state day before). She went through 7 hour surgery in Zurich and is currently in intensive care. She was husbands half sister and grew up in Germany. We have only seen her a couple of times but quite like her. She and other SIL have gotten close the last few years.

    BIL was at emergency room New Years Eve and has three kidney stones (his wife is sil who is close to sil in Switzerland).

    Meanwhile, I have been in the house puttering around today. Got a workout and treadmill in. Made my pork and sauerkraut. I am hoping if this rain does stop I may be able to go outside for a walk tomorrow.

    Take care all,

    Ginny in Ohio
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 16,527 Member
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    took down the tree and put away the lights n stuff...
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,840 Member
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    For 2021 ...

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  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,840 Member
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    2020 Goals

    My main goal, the one that mattered the most, was to complete my degree. I did that.


    2021 Goals

    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.

    The goal is to have an organised and decluttered house.


    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 endeavours includes my volunteer work with Audax Tasmania ... and maybe even riding some events again myself!

    The goal it to improve my fitness level


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

    The goal is to have a relaxing and functional area outside for reading, exercise and socialising.


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

    The goal is to keep him as healthy as he can be.


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

    The goal is to make myself more marketable by focusing on the practical side of what I do.


    Machka in Oz
  • exermom
    exermom Posts: 6,336 Member
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    Flea – I totally understand your wanting to be in the MD office when your mom is there. Is there any way you can maybe videochat just the three of you? I’m wondering if Meals on Wheels is healthy food. They, I would think, rely on donations. I know that at the soup kitchen the food isn’t the best (health-wise). Then again, the soup kitchen has to rely on the food donations and what gets donated the most? At least they don’t have a deep fryer. But some of the foods!

    Debbie VA – happy birthday!

    So proud of myself, I actually threw out the macaroni and cheese that Jess had. I’m from the “clean plate” family, and I hate throwing things away, but I was able to. I’m proud of myself. Now to keep it up (throwing out things that aren’t good for me)

    Ginny OH – I’m so sorry for your family. It’s so hard when they’re so far away, isn’t it. And to top it off you know that you (at least for now) can’t even go see them. We had pork for dinner, too. And green vegetables (I gave Vince a salad since he won’t eat any green veges)

    Michele NC
  • skuehn48
    skuehn48 Posts: 2,815 Member
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    <3
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,197 Member
    edited January 2021
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    I don't really make resolutions or goals. My life is very much as I like it already. There are a few things I would like to do and if they come off that's great, but I've only got one hope for 2021 and that's to finish my my memoir and publish it. A big task, but I'm on track and writing nearly every day.

    I have an excellent exercise routine for my day which serves me well and I eat beautifully. My house is very tidy, and clean enough. All these things I do automatically without even thinking about them. It's not a chore. I'm a neat freak. (Apart from the utility room ) In tidy terms I'm a ladybug. I have a lot of storage and a lot of supplies stored, not always neatly, but I do have a system and know where things are. My public areas are tidy and minimal.

    My DH's study could do with a declutter because I've used it as a repository for boxes of books I can't decide what to do with. Occasionally he complains about it, so that could be a goal. I will schedule an afternoon or two to deal with that, but it's more a problem of emotional attachment to old books that I never look at and will never read again. My head would like to throw them out and my heart says no. At the moment charity shops are not open and most of them do not want old philosophy books. :D I feel bad throwing them in the dump, but they are only paper, not people. We gave boxes and boxes to the Amnesty and Oxfam bookshops when we moved, maybe thirty, but nothing is open right now. Nor are the books in great condition for resale. I will have to just dump them. :'( DH is not in much of a dumping mood, so stuff sits in the garage waiting.

    We would like to have the hallways and stairs painted this year and the floors sanded. I have already asked the painter for a date and estimate, but covid restrictions keep getting in the way. I will text him again today to at least get us on his schedule for the spring. We know he is very inexpensive. My hall does bother me and we have got so much pleasure from our renovations this year. Lightens the heart!

    Hope to go on a cruise again. Vaccine permitting.

    I will improve my CICO to enable me to lose the 'creep' pounds from 2019 that I don't like. Trim a bit of food here and there. I've already started having either chocolate or cheese after dinner, not both. I have been logging for over eight years every day. I wouldn't know how not to! Somewhere my calculations are going astray as on the face of it I should be losing a pound a week. I am staying the same.

    I aim to keep life simple. This has considerably held me back professionally as I don't do social media or take on responsibilities. I don't join things. I like a clear head and a lot of space in my life. I would like a more public persona and I am envious of those who have one, but I know that I am not prepared to put in the work required to achieve one. I hate being busy, I find it exhausting. I hate having to do things. I don't keep pets, or indoor plants. I don't run things or have meetings to attend. I avoid all that. I don't even like social obligations, so 2020 was extremely restful for me and I enjoyed not having to be sociable or make committments. I am a minimalist in my life.

    I am rather dreading 2021 getting back to normal. I will get a return of FOMO and envy, which I have so very much enjoyed a break from. I have loved knowing no one else was doing anything either. I am going to tell myself I don't have to do anything I don't want to. I can still be a happy hermit.

    I would like to get my website functioning. I've had it a year and not activated it. I only really want it so that people can contact me (via a server) about my books. I think I would be open to talking about them on a public platform, but given what I have said above, I'm not entirely sure. I am torn.

    Thanks for listening, if indeed you have!!

    Much love to all. Rori, my heart goes out to you.

    Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    edited January 2021
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    @Workoutahloic50 Happy Birthday!
    Machka9 wrote: »
    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    Clearly the thesis is the most stressful one. if I could just take that out of the equation that would lighten my schedule and feeling of pressure considerably.

    A suggestion ... if you want the thesis out of the way, and if you've only got one more year to work on it, maybe that should be the main focus of 2021.

    Get it done and then focus on the other things.


    M in Oz

    I totally agree. I feel like that would have been best been the case pour the past few years, but I haven't been into it for one reason or another. I was in the beginning. I know this dynamic is not unusual (indeed many drop out- apparently a very high number in the humanities), but one plus is my teacher is finally acting like a teacher after many years of not doing so, thanks to online classes (potentially recordable so she can't just do whatever anymore), and changes of direction at the school (i'm sure there's more of a request or requirement for regularity and evenness of offer-not the case in the past- very old school), and the departure of her pet student.


    I'm going to aim to do an hour today (even though it's not a weekday). Monday will be busier with school starting again.
    Machka9 wrote: »
    2020 Goals

    2021 Goals

    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.
    ...
    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.

    The goal is to have an organised and decluttered house.
    ...
    Machka in Oz

    My list is 2 good pages with subcategories! I'm glad to read others have longer!
    I actually need to sort out my computer (save, file, archive update, repair). It's really another major filing space.
    I missed that in my goals. I need to at least back up my computer files for sure.
    barbiecat wrote: »
    :)
    :) I averaged over 14,000 steps a day in 2020. What helped keep the average high, was the decision I made to walk in the evening. I finished today with over 14,000 steps so I've made a good beginning to the year.
    Great steps! inspiring!

    @snowflake1968 lovely beds!

    @Poerava14 (((Hugs))) Rori, Is it possible to get some outside help so you can have some time off, go for a walk or whatever it might be that you can enjoy a bit in a day? (have a quiet cup of coffee or whatever)- carve out some personal time to enjoy?
    cityjaneLondon wrote: »
    I don't really make resolutions or goals. My life is very much as I like it already. There are a few things I would like to do and if they come off that's great, but I've only got one hope for 2021 and that's to finish my my memoir and publish it. A big task, but I'm on track and writing nearly every day.

    ...

    Hope to go on a cruise again. Vaccine permitting.
    ...

    I would like to get my website functioning. I've had it a year and not activated it. I only really want it so that people can contact me (via a server) about my books. I think I would be open to talking about them on a public platform, but given what I have said above, I'm not entirely sure. I am torn.

    Heather UK xxxxxxxx

    Sounds like you are totally on top of things Heather. Having just one goal makes it more likely to achieve I imagine, in most cases.

    You can have your website functioning and you don't have to answer, or you can use it for a while and then stop using it, and just leave it up and not have any discussion or input area. anything goes, and more easily changeable. My website is not up to date at all. When I first made one I just put up one picture! and that was it for a few months! :D

    Ok it's 9 am now.
    going out,
    breakfast
    My 4 habits (meditation already done, so 3 left).
    Have a walk planned with a friend today in the park.
    ...oh yeah, and an hour on the thesis.


    There's a new meditation series on Netflix: basically 1/2 guided meditation (different approaches) & 1/2 explanation of the scientifically benefits by trained teacher. Called HEADSPACE GUIDE TO MEDITATION

    It's more like a podcast.

    During the one on gratitude I found myself grateful for
    -having pleasant (for me) place to walk around in.
    -having time and possibility to tend to home and make it more cozy.

    Have a nice start of the day ladies, or at least a nice moment.

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,840 Member
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    As Australia has a bit of a flare-up ... we've been given a reminder. Fortunately there are still no cases in Tas, but I suspect there will be soon.

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  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    edited January 2021
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    I put my 2020 calendar away and am moving into my 2021 calendar. Right now it is empty. I want to fill it up with friends, family and the activities I enjoy. Getting vaccinated is the key to opening those doors. I hope our turn comes soon.

    Today I plan to start putting Christmas decorations away.

    Katla in beautiful NW Oregon
  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,483 Member
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    "Get to do"s and "chose well"s
    Chose well: leaner/stronger 11 mins wii, Tumble 7, BP, charged Bluetooth speaker.
    Bonus: 22 mins vacuuming, 74 mins grooming Tumble & Shadow, livestream catchup one of last week’s services,
    Get to do: take BP, dogs to powerline, call R & S, 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, Monday: call roofer, pickup library book.
    Happier January:
    1: find 3 good things to look forward to this year: Thought about this and decided to choose things that were more likely in my power to bring to be … since we all know what happened to event planning last year ;) 1. Improved communication with Joe by being really present with him at least once a day. 2: Closer relationship with dogs by investing at least 5 minutes each in daily play training. 3. Feeling stronger with better stamina from weekly BB&B, TC or SWSY and daily walks.

    December Summary and January Plan updated
    Dogs, dancing, AF, outside, up hill, 21 planning all need improvement. Sitting with Joe, CICO and average steps YAY!

    Jan 1: 145.3!!! vs Dec 1:143.3 Yikes up 2 lbs in Dec and 3 lbs since last Jan. Shifting focus to measurements, really want to trim that belly fat. Changing morning weigh-in to wii quick test daily full test weekly. Do some balance/cardio games instead of daily full test.

    Yesterday Joe took the dogs out three times! To Crissey field when the plumber was scheduled to arrive, to Harris Beach campground while plumber was still here, then late afternoon down the drive to the powerline. Missed my chance to join that last one because I was too lazy to change from slippers to hiking boots. Grr.

    Lisa being married to a Kentuckian, another noun leapt to mind when I read the word you’re toying with :devil: :laugh:
    SuziQ Smiling to hear of the good that’s coming from your gleaning. Not just for the food bank recipients, but for your coworker who needed your email. Doing for others brings light to those dark times. AND you get to socialize safely. I’m a little envious ;)
    Machka you’re inspiring me to work on the LoveList and Personal Medical Records as well as our wills.
    Michele :love: your trees and skirts. Is that a railroad track under the main tree? And how did Grumpy Cat know that in Sept 2019??? Does he predict the D&J or horse races??? Brava for discarding food that isn’t good for you. As the child of parents who were young adults during the depression, it is hard for me too to throw food away.
    Barbie your take on goals vs resolutions is why I’m resolving to choose to be leaner/stronger/kinder NOW. Every time. To make the healthy loving choices become second nature.
    “in honor of my resolution…” :laugh:
    Annie imho, thank the givers and leave it at that. No need to buy any more presents. Liked Machka’s suggestion about surprising them this year. Could your Dad watch your Mom to keep her from getting on the stepladder? She might take such direction better from her spouse than her child…
    Allie I love hearing how well your doing, but sorry to hear the scar is troubling. Is it still open or has it healed over?
    Belated best birthday wishes Betsy!
    Janetr :love: your “second chance” reflections. SMH at the snowy Florida room view :laugh:
    Flea would the doctor put you on speaker phone while meeting with your mom?
    Debby in WVA the very Happiest of birthday wishes to you.
    Terri con VERY gratulations for keeping that promise to yourself.
    Beth “I figure that surviving 2020 was enough.” Amen, sister, very AMEN!”
    Rori your determination to keep looking up, reminded me of the story of the guy who fell into a hole, the doctor, the priest and the friend. You are inspiring.
    Tracey :love: the idea of “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” for the doll bunk beds. “You are my sunshine” might make it hard to get those dollies to sleep… ;)
    Heather hoping the FOMO and envy get left behind with 2020. I’m so with you about the old books, it would hurt my heart to dump them, but do I want to burden Joe with their disposal when I’m gone?
    Julie so glad to hear of your advisor’s improvement. Would you tell us the general topic of your thesis?

    All in all a fair start today. Wine, yes, but only 1 glass. Pouring down rain so wimped out on the dogs to powerline/go up hill, walked in place while watching YouTube and Livestream instead. Groomed Tumble for almost an hour, needs more. Chose healthy food and activity, even worked on learning “One Margarita” NOT a newcomer dance despite being so categorized.

    Lighter, lovelies!
    f8qt1s098sxm.gifBarbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
    January: leaner/stronger/kinder than December.
    daily: sit with Joe: 1, weigh/wii: 1/11, steps>5592=6098  vits=1 log=1 CI<CO=1 CI<250<CO=1 Tumble 5=1 Shadow 5=1 mfp=1 outside=0 up hill=0
    wkly: BB&B,T’ai Chi or SWSY x3 =0 rx= dance= clean 60 mins=.5 packwalk=
    mnthly: board mtg= , grant= , 21 plan= bonus: AF= play=1 sew=
    2021: choose to be leaner/stronger/kinder NOW

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