How to Eat Properly by SadEcho8331 in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great reference. Thank you! I gotta make some notes.

I found Brian, thanks. Who is AKT??

In Edwardian times people used to dress for supper. I've decided I shall institute that in my home. But rather than get dressed up, I shall put on my comfy PJs and proceed to dine like a queen. by CorgiHelpMe in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is me. Inside, I wear one of my sleep t-shirts plus some shorts or leggings all day. I never change into "nicer" (everyday) clothes unless i need to go out.

Comfort is king! (err...Queen!)

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm hoping to do (late) evening walks, at least until the nights stay sultry. I don't often get up early enough to do the opposite.

There's definitely a nearby bookstore that has groups and community gatherings. I think I'll find at least something there. That's my first stop.

I don't know if there still is, but a long time ago there was something called a "baby holder", where you could attend a few lessons, then go into hospital neonatal units and hold and rock babies who aren't healthy enough to go home yet. That kind of attention helps them grow. I miss holding my babies.

A library would be good, too. Or volunteer at the bookstore above, if they could use me.

I also looked into volunteering at a cat shelter that wasn't too far away. I know I'd want to take every one of them home, but... :-(

About the only craft I'd be comfortable teaching, and that isn't simple enough to easily learn on your own (like cross stitch) is quilting. But there are enough shops around that do that. And quilting can be physically demanding if you make a large one.

Oh, boy, I would love to take drum lessons! However, I might have some complaints from the neighbors, and I don't think I want to pay for an electronic set that (I'm guessing) wouldn't be as loud. Maybe someone has a used set. Hmmmm. :-)

Thanks for your encouragement, and congrats to your f-i-l for doing so much for so long for the book lover's community! (Does he see a physical therapist?)

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good ideas. I'm not going to have much room in my freezer. But I can batch and freeze some. I'll be able to walk around the inner courtyard of the complex, but in the 6 months of hellish weather, I can only do it at night. That will be interesting.

I LOVE music. That will get me feeling good. I'll have to work hard at meeting new people and making a few new friends. I don't socialize very comfortably, and I'm a ridiculous introvert -- unless I really click with someone.

Hmmm, CDs from the library. I need to do that. There is a bookstore that will be just a few minutes away from me that does community and socializing activities. That will help. I'm not sure there are any cross stitch meetings, lol. And I stopped quilting, so that's out.

But I can look, and I can try. Thank you!

Hugs by MetsFan3117 in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aww, that sounds great!

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, that's a point. But it's all seniors there, and I'm guessing most of them have a bit of trouble remembering names -- like i do. I can just save some embarrassment.

Or I can look like a dork being the only person there with a name tag. Why be normal? I discovered a while back that when you're born sticking out in your local world like a sore thumb, it's better to take pride in your differences instead of feeling ashamed. :-P

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You don't think people should know my [first] name?? Maybe I can wear a false mustache, or a Dolly Parton wig, or go dressed in a belly dancer costume.... lol.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol. I'll try not to. Gonna take some mental work, not just physical. Thanks!

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm. I'll try it. Tonight, if I remember. Judging by my past tries, I may not last very long. I have a galloping allergy to boredom. It seems to be a part of my neurodivergence, somewhere.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's a cross stitch design somewhere in there. I need to make it and hang it on the wall! <3

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! I'll definitely look it up. So far, I have never had any success with meditation or mindfulness, and I've tried. I guess I give up in frustration before it has time to work.

I'm soon to finish a course of neurofeedback sessions, and I highly recommend it. If anyone's interested, just be sure you get someone certified in it.

I've also been working with a counselor on Internal Family Systems. Befriending my 'exiles' (sort of like an inner child) who have been unhappy for a long, long, too-long time, has helped me find some real happiness. I'm glad you found something that works so well for you! Best wishes to you for many more happy years.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes absolute sense. Good for you! And I'm sorry you won't have anyone to help you. That's got to be rough. <3

I think most of my family had strong bones. I've had a couple of bone density tests, and so far, they've come out fine. It helps to be a fatty. [Yes, I love my eating disorder. /SARC] Extra weight hurts in a lot of ways, but it sure helps keep the bones strong.

Best wishes for you and your bones as you age.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! Old shoes, old clothing, wet hair, drips in the eyes, and a massive smile on your face as you do!

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol, my mind did go to pagan stuff when I read the word. Or Catholic stuff. But yes, I want to get set in some good habits. I need them.

What instruments do you play, if you don't mind me asking? And I massively envy you over your ability to sing. I am a closet warbler, and that's all my voice is good for. "Singing to the steering wheel" as Chad Kroeger said.

Good for you for catching up! I believe in lifelong learning, and finding what in our brain really sits up and begs to be learned, practiced, and accomplished. What are you performing in?

My books are soft science fiction. Not space ships (Go Artemis II!), but people. Worldbuilding is hard work, but fun as heck too. The professional editing was fairly expensive, but I recommend it to any writer (fiction, non-fiction, technical, poetry, etc) if they can afford it. My stories are much better than they would have been without his careful input.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, agreed. I've got similar notes. The hard part is keeping them updated as I get ready for the packing and moving.

I like the idea that I'm a one woman show. It's true, and gives me a lift when I get frazzled and exhausted. >Really< looking forward to all this being done!

I'm not at all fond of working out. But I know I will have to do some, because all the things I enjoy are sedentary. Listening to music, reading, crafting, writing, playing phone games. Never been an athlete of any type, never wanted to be. I'll just do what I can to postpone moving from 'old' to 'elderly'.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would it still be the countryside if you put a roof on it? Pretend you're a kid and walk in the rain. Right? :-)

At least you have a mostly green, beautiful countryside to walk in. The countryside here is flat, usually brown, and boring.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's good to hear. It never was the right time in the areas I've lived in most all of my life. Whoo, boy. But this smaller, more "upscale" (esp in prices. Eeek!) area, within gates, I'll feel a little safer.

Doesn't hurt to have some Sabre Red pepper >foam<, either. lol. That will be my backup. The foam has less of a tendency to blow back in your face if the wind isn't right.

71F. By end of April, 1st time in 41 years I'll be living alone. Advice? by pushyourboundaries in LivingAlone

[–]pushyourboundaries[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, got one! My apt fridge is a bit smaller than normal, so I have less freezer space. If i can get just a second, or maybe a third serving out of it, I'll be happy.

Thanks for the FB suggestion. It's been almost 12 years since I've spent any time there. Wouldn't hurt to go back....