Category Archives: Solitude

Intentions Review for May 2023

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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.
    • I had a blood test in late February and my cholesterol numbers were exactly where they should have been all along.
    • I went to Cardiac Rehab early in March, and the nurse agreed that my personal trainer can do everything they would do, so I should keep on working with him. If I ever want to go to Cardiac Rehab my referral is good for a year.
  2. Exercise
    • I continue to work with my personal trainer on balance and strength.
      • While working on balance in May, I stumbled and fell on my knee. I didn’t do any permanent damage, but my leg was bruised and swollen. It’s gradually improving.
    • I 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.
      • Three fruits and two vegetables every day – limit red meat – eat more fish
      • Weight
        • I was keeping steady on the .9 lbs a month loss from last year until the latter half February. Living in temporary housing, and not being able to cook made March a total loss. In fact I gained a pound.
        • I was back on the weight loss wagon in April and finished the month .4 pounds lighter than I started March.
        • I seem to have hit another plateau, and haven’t been able to lose any more weight in May, ending the month exactly where I ended April, but at least I didn’t gain anything.
        • It’s an average of .7 lbs a month I’ve lost since May of 2022.

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
    • There was a new resident in the Duplexes in April who has been attending Gazebo Group pretty regularly recently.
    • With better weather and the relaxing of pandemic restrictions, other folks in the Gazebo Group have been traveling. I’ve vicariously taken a cruise to Egypt, enjoyed a bicycle tour of the Low Countries in Europe and cruised to Alaska in April and May. Maybe one day…

Learning and Knowledge

  1. Great Decisions
    • January – we met and got our assignments for leading the discussions
    • February – Energy Security – There wasn’t much I didn’t know already, but it was nice to have a conversation about it.
    • March – War Crimes – We basically agreed that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are war crimes, and shortly before our meeting Putin was invited to explain himself at The Hague.
    • April – China and the U.S. – We are fortunate to have an ex-State Department employee who lives here. He was able to give us first-hand insight into our relations with China during the early part of this century.
    • May – Economic Warfare – This discussion was right in my wheelhouse, and I really enjoyed it.
  2. Creative Writing Classes
    • Al and I took a course in Journaling in May. I learned that my 5 Things is doing double duty as a blog and a journal.
    • In June I’m looking forward to a course in Finding, Telling and Sharing Life Stories taught by the same professor as the Memoir class.

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 – finished
    • A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean – finished
    • Raven Black (Shetland Island #1) – Ann Cleeves – finished
    • White Nights (Shetland Island #2) – Ann Cleeves – finished
    • The Way of the Bear – Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Red Bones (Shetland Island #3) – Ann Sleeves – reading
  2. Writing
    • I am still writing, but more sporadically.
    • Memoir – I took a course on Journaling in May
    • Personal/Family Stories – starting a course the end of June that will last into July
  3. Blogging – 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today continues daily

Spirituality

  1. Bible Study – I attend remotely on Tuesday mornings – We are in the season of Ordinary Time
  2. Bethany Presbyterian Church – I attend via You-Tube every Sunday
    • Sadly broadcasting the service live is very expensive, and will end at the end of June
  3. PCUSA Nominating Committee – No meetings scheduled

Money and Finances

  1. Quit obsessing
    • I finished the 2022 taxes and sent the return off in early February
    • I planned very well last year, and owed $3.00 that was deducted from our bank account on April 18.
    • I need to look at increasing the amount I send to the IRS a little bit.
    • Apparently my obsession was warranted as the country barely seems to have averted a crisis over the Debt Limit.
      • We retired counting on five US Government checks every month – Al’s Air Force retirement check, his VA Disability payment check, his Air Force Civilian retirement check, his Social Security payment, and my Social Security payment.
      • The settlement in Congress seems to be all right, and we did receive our first of the month checks for June, but I’m not breathing easily yet.
  2. Keep Al informed – I try to let Al know where we stand.
    • Al may be eligible for the PACT Act. If so, it will increase his VA check to up to 100% disability.

Intentions Review for April 2023

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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.
    • I had a blood test in late February and my cholesterol numbers were exactly where they should have been all along.
    • I went to Cardiac Rehab early in March, and the nurse agreed that my personal trainer can do everything they would do, so I should keep on working with him. If I ever want to go to Cardiac Rehab my referral is good for a year.
  2. Exercise
    • I continue to work with my personal trainer on balance and strength.
    • I 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.
    • Three fruits and two vegetables every day – limit red meat – eat more fish
    • Weight
      • I was keeping steady on the .9 lbs a month loss from last year until the latter half February. Living in temporary housing, and not being able to cook made March a total loss. In fact I gained a pound.
      • I was back on the weight loss wagon in April and finished the month .4 pounds lighter than I started March.
      • It’s an average of .8 lbs a month I’ve lost since May of 2022.

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
    • There’s a new resident in the Duplexes that I haven’t met yet
    • With better weather and the relaxing of pandemic restrictions, other folks in the Gazebo Group have been traveling. I’ve vicariously taken a cruise to Egypt, and enjoyed a bicycle tour of the Low Countries in Europe. Maybe one day…

Learning and Knowledge

  1. Great Decisions
    • January – we met and got our assignments for leading the discussions
    • February – Energy Security – There wasn’t much I didn’t know already, but it was nice to have a conversation about it.
    • March – War Crimes – We basically agreed that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are war crimes, and shortly before our meeting Putin was invited to explain himself at The Hague.
    • April – China and the U.S. – We are fortunate to have an ex-State Department employee who lives here. He was able to give us first-hand insight into our relations with China during the early part of this century.
  2. Creative Writing Classes – I’m signed up for a course in Journaling in May.

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 – finished
    • A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean – finished
    • Raven Black (Shetland Island #1) – Ann Cleeves – reading
  2. Writing
    • I am still writing, but more sporadically.
  3. Blogging – 5 Things that Made Me Happy Today continues daily
  4. Memoir – I’ve signed up for a course on Journaling beginning in May

Spirituality

  1. Bible Study – I attend regularly on Tuesday mornings – We are in the season of Easter
  2. Bethany Presbyterian Church – I attend via You-Tube every Sunday
  3. PCUSA Nominating Committee – No meetings scheduled

Money and Finances

  1. Quit obsessing
    • I finished the 2022 taxes and sent the return off in early February
    • I planned very well last year, and owed $3.00 that was deducted from our bank account on April 18.
    • I need to look at increasing the amount I send to the IRS a little bit.
  2. Keep Al informed – I try to let Al know where we stand.
    • Al may be eligible for the PACT Act. If so, it will increase his VA check to up to 100% disability.

Intentions Review for March 2023

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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.
    • I had a blood test in late February and my cholesterol numbers were exactly where they should have been all along.
    • I went to Cardiac Rehab early in March, and the nurse agreed that my personal trainer can do everything they would do, so I should keep on working with him. If I ever want to go to Cardiac Rehab my referral is good for a year.
  2. Exercise
    • I continue to work with my personal trainer on balance and strength.
    • I 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.
    • Three fruits and two vegetables every day – limit red meat – eat more fish
    • Weight
      • I was keeping steady on the .9 lbs a month loss from last year until the latter half February. Living in temporary housing, and not being able to cook made March a total loss. In fact I gained a pound.
      • It’s an average of .7 lbs a month I’ve lost since May of 2022.

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
    • There’s a new resident in the Duplexes that I haven’t met yet

Learning and Knowledge

  1. Great Decisions
    • January – we met and got our assignments for leading the discussions
    • February – Energy Security – There wasn’t much I didn’t know already, but it was nice to have a conversation about it.
    • March – War Crimes – We basically agreed that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are war crimes, and shortly before our meeting Putin was invited to explain himself at The Hague.
  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 – finished
    • A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean – reading
  2. Writing
    • I am still writing, but more sporadically.
  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 in Lent
  2. Bethany Presbyterian Church – I attend via You-Tube every Sunday
  3. PCUSA Nominating Committee – No meetings scheduled

Money and Finances

  1. Quit obsessing
    • I finished the 2022 taxes and sent the return off in early February
    • I planned very well last year, and owed $3.00 that will be deducted from my bank account on April 18.
  2. Keep Al informed – I try to let Al know where we stand.
    • Al may be eligible for the PACT Act. If so, it will increase his VA check to up to 100% disability.

Intentions Review for February 2023

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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.
    • I had a blood test in late February and my cholesterol numbers were exactly where they should have been all along.
    • I have an appointment with Cardiac Rehab early in March.
  2. Exercise
    • I continue to work with my personal trainer on balance and strength.
    • I 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.
    • Three fruits and two vegetables every day – limit red meat – eat more fish
    • Weight
      • I was keeping steady on the .9 lbs a month loss from last year until the latter half of this month. I slipped a little with all the brouhaha of moving to temporary housing, etc.
      • It’s still an average of .8 lbs a month since May of 2022.

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
    • There’s a new resident in the Duplexes that I haven’t met yet

Learning and Knowledge

  1. Great Decisions
    • January – we met and got out assignments for leading the discussions
    • February – Energy Security – There wasn’t much I didn’t know already, but it was nice to have a conversation about it.
  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.
  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 in Lent
  2. Bethany Presbyterian Church – I attend via You-Tube every Sunday
  3. PCUSA Nominating Committee – No meetings scheduled

Money and Finances

  1. Quit obsessing
    • I finished the 2022 taxes and sent the return off in early February
    • I planned very well last year, and owed $3.00 that will be deducted from my bank account on April 18.
  2. Keep Al informed – I try to let Al know where we stand.
    • Al may be eligible for the PACT Act. If so, it will increase his VA check to up to 100% disability.

Intentions Review for January 2023

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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 Review for 2022

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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

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
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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

Posted on by
1

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

Posted on by
1

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)