Friday 3rd December
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| a mackerel sky - the view from my back garden yesterday |
All of the online classes I've mentioned so far have been organised by Goldster. I thoroughly enjoy the classes I do regularly but am feeling in need of something slightly different that is more for entertainment rather than learning, so I signed up for a few of the sessions run by Mirthy. I tried the first one yesterday, a Community Coffee Morning, with no idea what to expect from it and as it turned out it was the very first session of it's kind so it was new to everyone. It was organised via Zoom and after the initial introduction the participants were divided into break out groups of three or four people for the opportunity to unmute and chat to each other. There was a 'leader' in each break out group to help get conversations started if needed and the break out group lasted for 20 minutes, so enough time for each person to introduce themselves and for a bit of a conversation. When the 20 minutes was up we were automatically returned to the main Zoom screen and then divided into different break out groups for another 20 minutes for the chance to talk to some different people, and then finally back to the main group for a final chat with the Mirthy organisers which was more of a short Q&A session to see what we all thought of the set up. I really enjoyed it and can see that in time I will get to 'know' some of the regulars. This will fill a need on the social side of things as it provides the opportunity to actually talk to others rather than using the chat messages, so I will be adding this to my diary. One lovely coincidence was that one of the 'leaders' looked familiar but she lives in the Midlands so it was unlikely that I knew her, but it turns out she used to live in Trowbridge and ran the local shop on the estate where my niece lives. As soon as she said that it all clicked into place and I knew where I'd seen her before. It's a small world!
The others sessions I've signed up for are a coffee and cryptic crossword group where participants will put their heads together to solve a crossword, and two of the book club events ... the book of the month review (Snowflake over Bayview Terrace by Fay Keenan) and a book club games session, which I think is a literary quiz. So, three more things to look forward to before Christmas and fortunately, none of these clash with my regular Goldster classes.
The Age Well class was about the importance of sleep. My own sleep pattern is improving and although I have a night here and there where sleep seems to be elusive, most of the nights are good nights and I average seven hours of good sleep.
Today, the only thing in the diary is the nutrition focus which is looking at ways to outwit the excuses people make to avoid eating healthily. We have covered this subject before but she always adds extra information when repeating topics, so I expect to pick up some ideas. Apart from that, I'm hoping to see my nephew and family tonight but it will depend on what time he gets home from work. If it doesn't work out for tonight I'm sure we'll find time over the weekend.
The Coffee Morning sounds like fun, it's good to chat to different people and learn something about them. I know what you mean about recognising someone but not able to place them, it certainly is a small world. Sleep is so important to our well-being, I play word games in my head that help me drift off otherwise I can stay awake for hours. My food excuse is hubby is a fussy eater so I really should buy what is good for me instead of doing without. Hope you manage to spend time with your nephew and family tonight.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great way of chatting with others from the comfort of my own home. One lady was in Romania, another in Scotland, one on the Isle of Wight, so it's a chance to meet people from all over the globe.
DeleteI have a night time routine of sorts which includes reading in bed before I turn of the light. I'm pretty lucky that I usually fall asleep easily. It's not too often that I lie awake for hours although that did used to be the case.
I'm not sure what my own food excuse it and will need to think about it. I used to have the same issue as you as my late partner could be a fussy eater and it was just easier to go with his choices.
What an interesting sky!
ReplyDeleteThe coffee morning sounds like a fun activity. I think you might make some friends among the regulars after a few weeks.
Sleep seems to be a very important aspect of aging well! Just today, my daughter was telling me that I don't get enough sleep and adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a good memory!
I hope you are able to see your nephew and family this evening. Have a lovely Friday, Eileen. :)
I think the coffee morning idea is a good one but I'm hoping it doesn't get too popular. I can see that if there were greater numbers of attendees you are likely to be meeting new people every time rather than starting to develop friendships with people you speak to more regularly.
DeleteI hoping that I've overcome my sleep issues. How many hours do you sleep on average?
It'll all depend on what time he gets home from work as I don't want to be out too late. If it doesn't work out for today I will see them over the weekend. x
Glad your new online adventures proved to be a positive. Break out groups/rooms are a great way of handling larger groups in Zoom. Let's hope that they don't become too popular. I've just tried a couple of Zoom card making workshops & thankfully small enough the instructor could repeat some steps. Oh I am so envious of your sleep - even after 4 workshops, & 2 re-dos, I still have horrible sleep. Anxiety I know is my root cause. I am very reluctant to use any form of self medication or prescription as they all create their own problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary-Lou. This is the first time I'd seen break out groups being used and like the way it all worked. My worry is that if it becomes too popular, so you are constantly meeting with new people, it will end up being similar introduction type conversations every time.
DeleteI believe that my sleep issues were all related to anxiety and bereavement. My sleep pattern started to deteriorate when I was caring for Ced but gradually life in general is improving and sleep is improving alongside that. I've come to terms about a life without Ced and am gradually chipping away at the anxiety through the decluttering, retirement, and the lifestyle changes I've made. I'm still a work in progress though as there is still room for improvements.
Stunning photo of the cloud formation. Thank you for sharing it Eileen. Arilx
ReplyDeleteThanks Aril. I'm glad you liked it x
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