Intentions Review for January 2023

My Star Word for this year is REJOICING.

I’ve been struggling with setting some intentions this year. After my heart attack on December 21, 2022, I realized that I really don’t know what I want for this year, or even for the rest of my life. At age 78-and-a-half, I could have another 20 years left, or I could easily not even have another year.

I’m tired of the pandemic, I’m tired of politics, I’m tired of pushing myself to DO SOMETHING. I’m ready to just let life happen and observe for a while. I’ll keep on writing my “5 Things”, and I’ll stick with my regular groups and activities, but I’m ready to find out why I’m REJOICING. Maybe I’ll try just REJOICING about my regular, ordinary life.

Therefore, I’m leaving the same general categories that I had last year, and I’ll use them as a wish list and fill in markers for a “diary” of events and activities.

Health and Fitness

1. Recovery – I’m feeling fine after my heart attack. Next is a blood test to make sure the meds aren’t bothering me
2. Exercise – I continue to work with my personal trainer, and try to spend 55- 60 minutes a day, five to six days a week on the NuStep
3. Diet – I’m trying to be much more proactive about the kinds of things I eat.
   • The dietitian who counseled me, said the same things the dietitian said when I lost the 70 lbs back in 2014. It was good to have a reminder.
   • Carbs, carbs, carbs
   • Weight
     • I’m keeping steady on the .9 lbs per month that I was doing in 2020

Friends and Community

1. Gazebo Group – We meet regularly once a week
2. Greisser Girls Gab – This is sacrosanct time for me
3. Other Residents at Franke Tobey Jones
   • Lunch with Jett Brooks

Learning and Knowledge

1. Great Decisions
   • January – we met and got out assignments for leading the discussions
2. Creative Writing Classes – None scheduled so far

Travel and Culture

1. Visit Harriet (upstate New York) and/or Betty (Texarkana)
2. Visit Kennewick and Bill’s Family
3. Visit Chicago and Ray’s Family
4. Visit Victoria, Canada

Hobbies and Creativity

1. Reading
   • This Body of Death by Elizabeth George – finished
   • Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver – reading
2. Writing
   • I am still writing, but more sporadically. I’m noodling over a story about a 99-year-old friend who recently died
3. Blogging – 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today continues daily
4. Memoir

Spirituality

1. Bible Study – I attend regularly on Tuesday mornings – We are studying the Sermon on the Mount right now
2. Bethany Presbyterian Church – I attend via Facebook Live every Sunday
3. PCUSA Nominating Committee – No meetings scheduled

Money and Finances

1. Quit obsessing – I’m just about ready to start the 2022 Taxes
2. Keep Al informed – I try to let Al know where we stand. Next month may be a challenge

Intentions for 2023

My Star Word for this year is REJOICING.

I’ve been struggling with setting some intentions this year. After my heart attack on December 21, 2022, I realized that I really don’t know what I want for this year, or even for the rest of my life. At age 78-and-a-half, I could have another 20 years left, or I could easily not even have another year.

I’m tired of the pandemic, I’m tired of politics, I’m tired of pushing myself to DO SOMETHING. I’m ready to just let life happen and observe for a while. I’ll keep on writing my “5 Things”, and I’ll stick with my regular groups and activities, but I’m ready to find out why I’m REJOICING. Maybe I’ll try just REJOICING about my regular, ordinary life.

Therefore, I’m leaving the same general categories that I had last year, and I’ll use them as a wish list and fill in markers for a “diary” of events and activities.

Health and Fitness

1. Recovery
2. Exercise
3. Diet

Friends and Community

1. Gazebo Group
2. Greisser Girls Gab
3. Other Residents at Franke Tobey Jones

Learning and Knowledge

1. Great Decisions
2. Creative Writing Classes

Travel and Culture

1. Visit Harriet (upstate New York) and\or Betty (Texarkana)
2. Visit Kennewick and Bill’s Family
3. Visit Chicago and Ray’s Family
4. Visit Victoria, Canada

Hobbies and Creativity

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Blogging
4. Memoir

Spirituality

1. Bible Study
2. Bethany Presbyterian Church
3. PCUSA Nominating Committee

Money and Finances

1. Quit obsessing
2. Keep Al informed

Intentions Review for 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

NOTE: *indicates intention added in June

1. Traveler
   • Train Trip to Upstate New York – postponed until at least Spring 2023
   • Northern Washington with Bill
     1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
     2. Cost – lunch for two
     3. Whale Watching with Al, Bill and Erika
        1. August 11-13
        2. Cost – I paid for the boat tickets, Bill paid for a larger car, and we each paid for our own food and lodging
     4. BONUS – Portland for Thanksgiving
        • November 23-25
        • Cost – two nights in the Marriott – no cost for food because #2 son picked up the tab
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week (see 3-C)
      2. Eat healthy food (see 3-C)
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – mostly good, but not obsessively so
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers or charcuterie plate during Football season
   2. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
3. Healthy
   1. Both cataracts are done. New glasses are in place and I see fine
   2. I’m double vaccinated and triple boosted against COVID, and so are all my family. I had my flu vaccine today.
   3. *My new Primary Care Physician gave me a new prescription for healthy living
      1. 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily – generally okay
      2. 1 hour or more of physical activity daily – usually
      3. 2 1/2 hrs of aerobic activity a week – check
      4. 2 days of strength building activity a week – I have a regularly scheduled meeting with my personal trainer – two days a week for balance and strength.
      5. 0 soda & sugary drinks – more water – check
   4. *Lose 2 lbs a month before my 80th birthday (will complete the goal I set in 2014).
      1. June 2022 – minus 3 lbs – minus 3 lbs total
      2. July 2022 – minus .8 lbs – minus 3.8 lbs total – I was definitely on track before Al had to go into the hospital (had lost 1.8 lbs). Then, the combination of no time to cook, and having Bill here put me off
      3. August 2022 – plus .8 lbs – minus 3.2 lbs total – The combination of my Birthday trip and hot weather that chased me inside set me back
      4. September 2022 – minus 1.4 lbs – minus 4.6 lbs total. Back to slow, but steady.
      5. October 2022 – minus 1.2 lbs- minus 5.8 lbs total.
      6. November 2022 – plus .8 lbs – minus 5 lbs total – Thanksgiving did a number on my numbers
      7. December 2022 – minus a total of 7.2 lbs total for the year.
   5. I had a heart attack on December 21
      • Two days in the hospital
      • Blockage in the Left Anterior Descending Artery (95%)
      • Blockage cleared, and stent inserted in artery during a Heart Catherization
      • Home on December 23
4. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Putin’s Russia – interesting history, but mostly overcome by events and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      5. Myanmar and Asean – interesting, I guess, but I’m really not interested in that part of the world (I probably ought to be)
      6. Quad Alliance – Very similar to the discussion of Myanmar and Asean
      7. Industrial Policy – Biden’s policy of economic stimulus has lead to increased job growth
      8. Drug Policy in Latin America – nothing earth shattering.
      9. Biden’s Agenda – Interesting discussion.
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley series
      2. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
      3. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
      4. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
      5. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
      6. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – finished
      7. A Place of Hiding – Elizabeth George – finished
      8. From Rocket Boys to October Sky – Homer Hickam – finished
      9. With No One as Witness – Elizabeth George – finished
      10. Mother Lode – Gretchen Staebler – finished
      11. What Came Before He Shot Her – Elizabeth George – did not finish
      12. Careless in Red – Elizabeth George – finished
      13. No Plan B – Lee Child – read
      14. This Body of Death – Elizabeth George – still reading
5. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life – abandoned
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
   3. Memoir (longer form) of our 50th Anniversary Trip – I have finished. Wondering how or when to set it loose in the world.
6. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   2. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.
      4. Keep up with my sisters – weekly on Zoom – done (my lifeline for sanity)

Intentions Review for 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

NOTE: *indicates intention added in June

1. Traveler
   1. Train Trip to Upstate New York – postponed until at least Spring 2023
   2. Northern Washington with Bill
      1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
      2. Cost – lunch for two
   3. Whale Watching with Al, Bill and Erika
      1. August 11-13
      2. Cost – I paid for the boat tickets, Bill paid for a larger car, and we each paid for our own food and lodging
   4. BONUS – Portland for Thanksgiving
      • November 23-25
      • Cost – two nights in the Marriott – no cost for food because #2 son picked up the tab
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week (see 3-C)
      2. Eat healthy food (see 3-C)
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – mostly good, but not obsessively so
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers or charcuterie plate during Football season
   2. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
3. Healthy
   1. Both cataracts are done. New glasses are in place and I see fine
   2. I’m double vaccinated and triple boosted against COVID, and so are all my family. I had my flu vaccine today.
   3. *My new Primary Care Physician gave me a new prescription for healthy living
      1. 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily – generally okay
      2. 1 hour or more of physical activity daily – usually
      3. 2 1/2 hrs of aerobic activity a week – check
      4. 2 days of strength building activity a week – I have a regularly scheduled meeting with my personal trainer – two days a week for balance and strength.
      5. 0 soda & sugary drinks – more water – check
   4. *Lose 2 lbs a month before my 80th birthday (will complete the goal I set in 2014).
      1. June 2022 – minus 3 lbs – minus 3 lbs total
      2. July 2022 – minus .8 lbs – minus 3.8 lbs total – I was definitely on track before Al had to go into the hospital (had lost 1.8 lbs). Then, the combination of no time to cook, and having Bill here put me off
      3. August 2022 – plus .8 lbs – minus 3.2 lbs total – The combination of my Birthday trip and hot weather that chased me inside set me back
      4. September 2022 – minus 1.4 lbs – minus 4.6 lbs total. Back to slow, but steady.
      5. October 2022 – minus 1.2 lbs- minus 5.8 lbs total.
      6. November 2022 – plus .8 lbs – minus 5 lbs total – Thanksgiving did a number on my numbers
      7. December 2022 – minus a total of 7.2 lbs total for the year.
   5. I had a heart attack on December 21
      • Two days in the hospital
      • Blockage in the Left Anterior Descending Artery (95%)
      • Blockage cleared, and stent inserted in artery during a Heart Catherization
      • Home on December 23
4. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Putin’s Russia – interesting history, but mostly overcome by events and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      5. Myanmar and Asean – interesting, I guess, but I’m really not interested in that part of the world (I probably ought to be)
      6. Quad Alliance – Very similar to the discussion of Myanmar and Asean
      7. Industrial Policy – Biden’s policy of economic stimulus has lead to increased job growth
      8. Drug Policy in Latin America – nothing earth shattering.
      9. Biden’s Agenda – Interesting discussion.
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley series
      2. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
      3. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
      4. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
      5. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
      6. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – finished
      7. A Place of Hiding – Elizabeth George – finished
      8. From Rocket Boys to October Sky – Homer Hickam – finished
      9. With No One as Witness – Elizabeth George – finished
      10. Mother Lode – Gretchen Staebler – finished
      11. What Came Before He Shot Her – Elizabeth George – did not finish
      12. Careless in Red – Elizabeth George – finished
      13. No Plan B – Lee Child – read
      14. This Body of Death – Elizabeth George – still reading
5. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life – abandoned
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
   3. Memoir (longer form) of our 50th Anniversary Trip – I have finished. Wondering how or when to set it loose in the world.
6. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   2. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.
      4. Keep up with my sisters – weekly on Zoom – done (my lifeline for sanity)

Intentions Review for October 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

NOTE: *indicates intention added in June

1. Traveler
   1. Train Trip to Upstate New York – postponed until at least Spring 2023
      1. Summer of 2022
      2. Cost
      3. Start saving now
   2. Northern Washington with Bill
      1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
      2. Cost – lunch for two
   3. Whale Watching with Al
      1. August 11-13
      2. Cost – I paid for the boat tickets, Bill paid for a larger car, and we each paid for our own food and lodging
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week (see 3-C)
      2. Eat healthy food (see 3-C)
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – mostly good, but not obsessively so
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers or charcuterie plate during Football season
   2. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
3. Healthy
   1. Both cataracts are done. New glasses are in place and I see fine
   2. I’m double vaccinated and triple boosted against COVID, and so are all my family. I had my flu vaccine today.
   3. *My new Primary Care Physician gave me a new prescription for healthy living
      1. 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily – generally okay
      2. 1 hour or more of physical activity daily – usually
      3. 2 1/2 hrs of aerobic activity a week – check
      4. 2 days of strength building activity a week – I have a regularly scheduled meeting with my personal trainer – two days a week for balance and strength.
      5. 0 soda & sugary drinks – more water – check
   4. *Lose 2 lbs a month before my 80th birthday (will complete the goal I set in 2014).
      1. June 2022 – minus 3 lbs – minus 3 lbs total
      2. July 2022 – minus .8 lbs – minus 3.8 lbs total – I was definitely on track before Al had to go into the hospital (had lost 1.8 lbs). Then, the combination of no time to cook, and having Bill here put me off
      3. August 2022 – plus .8 lbs – minus 3.2 lbs total – The combination of my Birthday trip and hot weather that chased me inside set me back
      4. September 2022 – minus 1.4 lbs – minus 4.6 lbs total. Back to slow, but steady.
      5. October 2022 – minus 1.2 lbs- minus 5.8 lbs total.
4. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Putin’s Russia – interesting history, but mostly overcome by events and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      5. Myanmar and Asean – interesting, I guess, but I’m really not interested in that part of the world (I probably ought to be)
      6. Quad Alliance – Very similar to the discussion of Myanmar and Asean
      7. Industrial Policy – Biden’s policy of economic stimulus has lead to increased job growth
      8. Drug Policy in Latin America – nothing earth shattering.
      9. Biden’s Agenda
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley series
      2. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
      3. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
      4. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
      5. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
      6. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – finished
      7. A Place of Hiding – Elizabeth George – finished
      8. From Rocket Boys to October Sky – Homer Hickam – finished
      9. With No One as Witness – Elizabeth George – finished
      10. Mother Lode – Gretchen Staebler – finished
      11. What Came Before He Shot Her – Elizabeth George – did not finish
      12. Careless in Red – Elizabeth George – finished
      13. No Plan B – Lee Child – reading
5. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life – abandoned
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
   3. Memoir (longer form) of our 50th Anniversary Trip – I have finished. Wondering how or when to set it loose in the world.
6. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   2. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.
      4. Keep up with my sisters – weekly on Zoom – done (my lifeline for sanity)

Intentions Review for September 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

NOTE: *indicates intention added in June

1. Traveler
   1. Train Trip to Upstate New York – postponed until at least Spring 2023
      1. Summer of 2022
      2. Cost
      3. Start saving now
   2. Northern Washington with Bill
      1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
      2. Cost – lunch for two
   3. Whale Watching with Al
      1. August 11-13
      2. Cost – I paid for the boat tickets, Bill paid for a larger car, and we each paid for our own food and lodging
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week (see 3-C)
      2. Eat healthy food (see 3-C)
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – mostly good, but not obsessively so
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers or charcuterie plate during Football season
   2. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
3. Healthy
   1. Both cataracts are done. New glasses are in place and I see fine
   2. I’m double vaccinated and double boosted, and so are all my family. We will be getting the bi-valent COVID vaccine on Friday, October 7. I’ll wait for my flu vaccine until the end of October to have immunity longer through the spring.
   3. *My new Primary Care Physician gave me a new prescription for healthy living
      1. 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily – generally okay
      2. 1 hour or more of physical activity daily – usually
      3. 2 1/2 hrs of aerobic activity a week – check
      4. 2 days of strength building activity a week – I have a regularly scheduled meeting with my personal trainer – two days a week for balance and strength.
      5. 0 soda & sugary drinks – more water – check
   4. *Lose 2 lbs a month before my 80th birthday (will complete the goal I set in 2014).
      1. June 2022 – minus 3 lbs – minus 3 lbs total
      2. July 2022 – minus .8 lbs – minus 3.8 lbs total – I was definitely on track before Al had to go into the hospital (had lost 1.8 lbs). Then, the combination of no time to cook, and having Bill here put me off
      3. August 2022 – plus .8 lbs – minus 3.2 lbs total – The combination of my Birthday trip and hot weather that chased me inside set me back
      4. September 2022 – minus 1.4 lbs – minus 4.6 lbs total. Back to slow, but steady.
4. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Putin’s Russia – interesting history, but mostly overcome by events and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      5. Myanmar and Asean – interesting, I guess, but I’m really not interested in that part of the world (I probably ought to be)
      6. Quad Alliance – Very similar to the discussion of Myanmar and Asean
      7. Industrial Policy – Biden’s policy of economic stimulus has lead to increased job growth
      8. Drug Policy in Latin America
      9. Biden’s Agenda
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley series
      2. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
      3. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
      4. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
      5. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
      6. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – finished
      7. A Place of Hiding – Elizabeth George – finished
      8. From Rocket Boys to October Sky – Homer Hickam – finished
      9. With No One as Witness – Elizabeth George – finished
      10. Mother Lode – Gretchen Staebler – finished
      11. What Came Before He Shot Her – Elizabeth George – did not finish
      12. Careless in Red – Elizabeth George – reading
5. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life – abandoned
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
   3. Memoir (longer form) of our 50th Anniversary Trip – I have finished most of it. Wondering how or when to set it loose in the world.
6. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   2. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.
      4. Keep up with my sisters – weekly on Zoom – done (my lifeline for sanity)

Intentions Review for August 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

NOTE: *indicates intention added in June

1. Traveler – partially completed
   1. Train Trip to Upstate New York – postponed until at least Spring 2023
      1. Summer of 2022
      2. Cost
      3. Start saving now
   2. Northern Washington with Bill
      1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
      2. Cost – lunch for two
   3. Whale Watching with Al
      1. August 11-13
      2. Cost – I paid for the boat tickets, Bill paid for a larger car, and we each paid for our own food and lodging
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week (see 3-C)
      2. Eat healthy food (see 3-C)
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – mostly good, but not obsessively so
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers or charcuterie plate during Football season
   2. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
3. Healthy
   1. Both cataracts are done. New glasses are in place and I see fine
   2. I’m double vaccinated and double boosted, and so are all my family.
   3. *My new Primary Care Physician gave me a new prescription for healthy living
      1. 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily – generally okay
      2. 1 hour or more of physical activity daily – usually
      3. 2 1/2 hrs of aerobic activity a week – check
      4. 2 days of strength building activity a week – I have a regularly scheduled meeting with my personal trainer – one day a week. I use the same routine two other days.
      5. 0 soda & sugary drinks – more water – check
   4. *Lose 2 lbs a month before my 80th birthday (will complete the goal I set in 2014).
      1. June 2022 – minus 3 lbs – minus 3 lbs total
      2. July 2022 – minus .8 lbs – minus 3.8 lbs total – I was definitely on track before Al had to go into the hospital (had lost 1.8 lbs). Then, the combination of no time to cook, and having Bill here put me off
      3. August 2022 – plus .8 lbs – minus 3.2 lbs total – The combination of my Birthday trip and hot weather that chased me inside set me back
4. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Putin’s Russia – interesting history, but mostly overcome by events and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      5. Myanmar and Asean – interesting, I guess, but I’m really not interested in that part of the world (I probably ought to be)
      6. Quad Alliance – Very similar to the discussion of Myanmar and Asean
      7. Drug Policy in Latin America
      8. Industrial Policy
      9. Biden’s Agenda
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley series
      2. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
      3. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
      4. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
      5. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
      6. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – finished
      7. A Place of Hiding – Elizabeth George – finished
      8. From Rocket Boys to October Sky – Homer Hickam – finished
      9. With No One as Witness – Elizabeth George – finished
      10. Mother Lode – Gretchen Staebler – finished
      11. What Came Before He Shot Her – Elizabeth George – reading
5. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life – abandoned
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week – current events have sidelined me often this month
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
   3. Memoir (longer form) of our 50th Anniversary Trip – I have finished the bones and am working on adding dialogue and color
6. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   2. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.
      4. Keep up with my sisters – weekly on Zoom – done (my lifeline for sanity)

Intentions Review for July 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

NOTE: *indicates intention added in June

1. Traveler – partially completed
   1. Train Trip to Upstate New York – postponed until at least Spring 2023
      1. Summer of 2022
      2. Cost
      3. Start saving now
   2. Northern Washington with Bill
      1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
      2. Cost – lunch for two
   3. Whale Watching with Al – Al may not go because of his recent medical set back, but we shall see
      1. August – for my Birthday
      2. Cost – tickets for the boat, two nights in a hotel in Port Townsend
      3. Bill and Erika will go with us
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week (see 3-C)
      2. Eat healthy food (see 3-C)
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – mostly good, but not obsessively so
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers
   2. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
3. Healthy
   1. Both cataracts are done. New glasses are in place and I see fine
   2. I’m double vaccinated and double boosted, and so are all my family.
   3. *My new Primary Care Physician gave me a new prescription for healthy living
      1. 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily – generally okay
      2. 1 hour or more of physical activity daily – usually
      3. 2 1/2 hrs of aerobic activity a week – check
      4. 2 days of strength building activity a week – finally got with my personal trainer this week for a program – started last week
      5. 0 soda & sugary drinks – more water – check
   4. *Lose 2 lbs a month before my 80th birthday (will complete the goal I set in 2014).
      1. June 2022 – 3 lbs
      2. July 2022 – .8 lbs – I was definitely on track before Al had to go into the hospital (had lost 1.8 lbs). Then, the combination of no time to cook, and having Bill here put me off
4. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Putin’s Russia – interesting history, but mostly overcome by events and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      5. Myanmar and Asean – interesting, I guess, but I’m really not interested in that part of the world (I probably ought to be)
      6. Quad Alliance
      7. Drug Policy in Latin America –
      8. Industrial Policy
      9. Biden’s Agenda
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley series
         1. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
         2. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
         3. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
         4. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
         5. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – finished
         6. A Place of Hiding – Elizabeth George – finished
         7. From Rocket Boys to October Sky – Homer Hickam – finished
         8. With No One as Witness – Elizabeth George – reading
5. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life – abandoned
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week – current events have sidelined me often this month
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
   3. Memoir (longer form) of our 50th Anniversary Trip – I’m taking a course in Memoir from Senior University – it’s a work in progress
6. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   2. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.
      4. Keep up with my sisters – weekly on Zoom – done (my lifeline for sanity)

Intentions Review for June 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

NOTE: *indicates intention added in June

1. Traveler – partially completed
   1. Train Trip to Upstate New York
      1. Summer of 2022
      2. Cost
      3. Start saving now
   2. Northern Washington with Bill
      1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
      2. Cost – lunch for two
   3. Whale Watching with Al
      1. Early Fall
      2. Cost – minimal
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week (see 3-C)
      2. Eat healthy food (see 3-C)
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – check
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers
   1. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
3. Healthy
   1. Both cataracts are done. I’ll be getting new glasses in July (prescription written in June)
   2. I’m double vaccinated and double boosted, and so are all my family.
   3. *My new Primary Care Physician gave me a new prescription for healthy living
      1. 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily
      2. 1 hour or more of physical activity daily
      3. 2 1/2 hrs of aerobic activity a week
      4. 2 days of strength building activity a week
      5. 0 soda & sugary drinks – more water
   4. *Lose 2 lbs a month before my 80th birthday (will complete the goal I set in 2014).
      1. June 2022 – 3 lbs
4. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Putin’s Russia – interesting history, but mostly overcome by events and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
      5. Myanmar and Asean
      6. Quad Alliance
      7. Drug Policy in Latin America
      8. Industrial Policy
      9. Biden’s Agenda
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley series
         1. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
         2. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
         3. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
         4. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
         5. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – finished
         6. A Place of Hiding – Elizabeth George – reading
5. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week – current events have sidelined me often this month
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
6. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   2. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.

Intentions Review for May 2022

My Star Word for this year is Solitude. I’m taking it as an affirmation that my introverted tendencies are just fine.

“We are human beings, not human doings:”. I set these intentions for who I want to BE not what I want to DO. As with last year I will hold these intentions loosely, and may add new ones or subtract some of these as the spirit moves me.

1. Traveler – partially completed
   1. Train Trip to Upstate New York
      1. Summer of 2022
      2. Cost
      3. Start saving now
   2. Northern Washington with Bill
      1. Because of the weather and traffic, we opted to visit Port Townsend instead of Leavenworth. We got pictures of the sound, the mountains, the shore, etc.
      2. Cost – lunch for two
   3. Whale Watching with Al
      1. Early Fall
      2. Cost – minimal
2. Content
   1. Habits to keep
      1. Exercise 1 hour a day 5-6 days a week – check
      2. Eat healthy food – check
      3. Stick to regular schedule of noon meals – check
         1. Sunday – eat out
         2. Monday and Friday – meat, starch, fresh vegetable
         3. Tuesday – feed yourself (sandwich, salad, pre-frozen pasta)
         4. Wednesday – soup of the week, or salad
         5. Thursday – pickup Fast Food
         6. Saturday – finish off leftovers
   2. Habits to change
      1. Focus on how I feel when I’m exercising and eating right and try to ignore the numbers – Check
      2. Really listen to Al instead of thinking I know what he’s going to say – It’s a work in progress
   3. Healthy
      1. Both cataracts are done. I’ll be getting new glasses the end of June or maybe July
      2. I’m double vaccinated and double boosted, and so are all my family.
3. Learner
   1. Great Decisions – first Wednesday of every month
      1. Changing Demographics – Interesting, but nothing earthshaking
      2. Outer Space – interesting perspective from others in the class
      3. Climate Change – I led the discussion and everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation
      4. Russia and the U.S.
      5. Myanmar and Asean
      6. Quad Alliance
      7. Drug Policy in Latin America
      8. Industrial Policy
      9. Biden’s Agenda
   2. MasterClass – I didn’t renew my membership. It felt like I wasn’t using it enough to make it worthwhile.
   3. Read at least 24 books this year
      1. Finish the Inspector Lynley serieI
         1. In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – finished
         2. Deception on his Mind – Elizabeth George – finished
         3. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner – Elizabeth George – finished
         4. The Sacred Bridge – Anne Hilllerman – finished
         5. A Traitor to Memory – Elizabeth George – still reading
4. Writer
   1. 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today – I’m definitely keeping up with this.
   2. Stories from my Life
      1. Publish a story at least twice a week – check
      2. Okay to use and/or expand other things I’ve written
5. Friend – Remember the only person I can change is me.
   1. Accepting Mindset
      1. Try to give other people the benefit of the doubt
      2. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions
   1. Introverted actions to take
      1. Send a kind message to distant friends at least once a month – done
      2. Keep up with friends on Facebook – done
      3. Send an email or text message to people who do nice things for me or for other people – done, but not as many as I should.