Day 251

I started the facilitators’ manual for conscious aging and found that it was unusable for our purposes. For one thing, we aren’t planning big groups and don’t want a structured program. There are ways to personalize the material. Other than church and a refreshing walk in the wind, I sat too much. It’s so easy to drop into the comfort zone with the dogs on my lap. Today is Halloween and I’m going to the senior center dressed as a volunteer.

Charley Smith performed Janis Joplin songs for the lunch bunch at the senior center.

Day 250

Rainy Sunday morning and after a restful sleep, I’m ready for an active day. First, the exercises. They really set me up for the day and I like the feeling that I have taken care of my body proactively. Later, after church, I’ll move away from the TV and get something done that will feel better than sitting, eating, and drowsing. I’m better than that. Did get four walks yesterday. Megan and I enjoyed a last lunch at Rebecca’s Pilipino stand. 

POH

My family of origin was parents and two children. We moved a lot and had no extended family. I did eventually meet two of my father’s brothers, Uncle Lou and Uncle Ted and their families but that was never long enough to know them. Because of the frequent moves and moves within the moves, I didn’t have friends until we landed in Eureka and mother refused to move again. In the fifth grade, I met Patricia who was a neighbor and we walked to Lincoln school together. She was the reason I made an effort to stay at Lincoln after we moved to 6^th street. In the seventh grade, I met Marjorie and we rode our bicycles to Junior High together. Marjorie’s grandmother lived next door to her and was a welcoming presence in my memory. She was in her rocking chair in her warm kitchen when we would come in after school. I remember cookies and sitting with her. I also spent time with Marjorie’s aunt and uncle and enjoyed the visits to Dows Prairie where they lived. I kind of adopted her family and her little brother and sister. I didn’t like her step-father. Marjorie and I stayed close friends through marriage and babies. 

Day 249

Last farmers’ market of the season. It’s a time to share with Hollie. We look for things to do together. She is busy taking care of Chuck and her home and I am often involved in my own busyness. Yesterday was full with Rosie and plans. We are going to start the facilitators’ book and go through with an eye to adapting the program to meet our goals and our participants. Good activity for rainy days. I’ll start with PT exercises.

Day 248

The writing/story group is such a pleasure. Yesterday Carol, Laurie, Karen and I shared until 5 PM! They just don’t want to go home. We talked about the guilt that goes with retirement and the gross treatment from workers’ comp. It was helpful to all of us to share. Today I’m having breakfast with Rosie and we will get on with our workbook study and plan what to do next. I want to tell her Mike Mavris’ conversation about elder speakers.

Day 247

No housework happened, nor did writing, nor did exercising, and the workshop was disappointing. Blah. New day, new choices to make and gratitude to spread. I did get to mention conscious aging but Michael only said that POH stories would be helpful. Getting today started right: coffee, paper, lap full of dogs to watch news, and now dusting and vacuuming the rug. I finished reading the last session of the workbook and found myself already aging consciously. Not bragging, just proactive.

Day 246

Must start with housework. The floors need attention. Four dogs and rain have had their effect and I want it clean for tomorrow’s writing friends. Today is the POH workshop with Michael Czarnecki and I am so happy that Carol is going with me thanks to a last minute space cancellation. We make a good team. And I will definitely WRITE today. I’m getting behind with the reading and I want to be prepared for a session with Rosie on Friday.

Day 245

Must do day! Must exercise, must write. I can’t keep saying, Oh well, and still feel good about myself. I have tied self-care with self-respect. Today is the board of sups meeting and the weather will allow a walk in the wind. I did get steps on the rebounder yesterday but only a tiny time out in the rain and wind. It’s going to be a wet season and I need to get a weather outfit that makes going out comfortable.