Review of Lifestyle Goals
I posted my previous update on November 2nd 2018, so it's time for another progress report. Life in general is still affected by the work on the house but I have taken some baby steps forward.
Music - I've been playing a brass instrument on most days, either with the band, to practice, or just for my own enjoyment at home, so this gets a really big tick in the box. Piano playing still isn't happening because I can't get to the piano but I have been looking through some of the piano books and trying decide where to pick up from when I do actually reclaim the music room and can sit at the piano!
I tried out the singing group but I'm not sure it's for me. It's more like singing together for enjoyment, mostly pop songs sung in unison and taught by repetition, whereas I'm really looking for an SATB choir that sings from notation. I don't know where to look next but I'm not too disappointed and will keep looking.
Photography - I don't think the local U3A photography group will work out. It's been another month when I haven't been able to attend on the days they've organised something, but I'll keep my name on the list just in case.
On the positive side, I joined in the monthly Scavenger hunt organised by Kate, have announced the list for the Winter Photographic Scavenger Hunt and have been out and about taking some photos. I have my first group of photos for the WPSH to share later this week.
I've also decided that I'll do another 365 Photo Project in 2019, with my home and garden as the theme.
Health and Fitness - lots of ups and downs here! The best news is that I have reduced my blood pressure medication, something I thought would never be possible, and now take two different meds daily rather than three.
Walking has been a bit hit and miss during the past month. I contacted the leaders of the two walking for health groups but haven't heard back from them yet! My 30 minutes a day routine has taken a bit of a back seat, partly because of the work on the house, partly because of the weather, but mostly because I've got out of the habit. It's a priority for this month!
Inspired by Joy, I'm also concentrating on losing weight again, aiming for a loss of 1lb - 1.5lbs every week. I'll be calorie counting again using the My Fitness Pal app to record everything, as I know this method will work for me - last time I tried this I lost 3 stone .... but then gave up and put it all back on again! I'll also be following some of the advice on the NHS website and have set my daily calorie level based on their calculator.
Socialising - The girls night out with Julie, Lauren and Sue is happening every month and next time we are meeting for a meal before the quiz, so we'll have time to chat properly. The first film night with J, A and L is set for next week - we've chosen 'It's A Wonderful Life' as J has never seen it. It's the book group meal the evening before and the other quiz I do with J, A and L the following week, when we'll be having another meal. I dread to think how the diet will fare!
I'm still in the situation where I have plenty of evening events but few day time ones so in the new year I be trying to improve that aspect of my life.
On the whole I'm pleased with how things are going. The singing group hasn't worked out but at least I tried, and the issues with the photography and walking groups are outside of my control.
I set five tasks for November:
- Dispose of old VCRs, DVD players and games consoles - I've contacted a local company that buys old equipment but am still waiting to hear back from them
- Shredding!! - completed
- Bulk cooking to refill the freezer - I've made a start and will continue with this during December
- Finish sorting out band admin and return finished folders to storage room in Town Hall (where we practice) - completed
- Start checking that everything is removed from the old computers - this is almost finished. Just the rest of the photos to move across.
Five tasks for December:
- Bulk cooking to finish filling the freezer
- Advertise at least five items for sale
- Review band finances and order new music
- Complete tax return
- Finish removing files from the old computers
You made excellent progress on all aspects you've chosen to focus on. Too bad that some things didn't work out quite as you had hoped, but you gave it a try, and that's what's important. I, too, tried doing a couple of things, but they didn't quite work out - the knitting group at the library, for one. When that happens, it is best to move on. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have a better idea how post retirement life is going to be once the work on the house is finished and then I can decide properly on what I feel is missing in my life. I think there is plenty of choice of daytime activities in this area ... as you say it's a case of keep trying until I find the right one(s) for me.
DeleteGood for you for giving it a try even if it didn't work out. I must admit that I'm not good in social situations and tend to just stay away from them. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI'm not good in large groups and tend to avoid them when possible. Most of the group things I do are limited to a few people (max 5 or 6). The book group is the biggest group and is limited to a maximum of 10 people, but the group has grown slowly to be this size and I've got to know everyone individually as they've joined.
DeleteGreat idea to keep the goals list going through the winter months. You have made such inroads to all the sorting & selling. I know I tend to hibernate during the winter, especially after all the hub bub of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteIt's easier to keep going with the decluttering and organising now that the end is in sight. Christmas decorating will be taking a bit of a back seat this year as the decorating needs to take priority and I don't want to have to keep moving everything.
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