01/17/2021, SUNday

Diane, like you, I'm normally an optimistic person, but these times really test a person's ability to be positive. I worry the violence is not over. Coupling this seismic shift in our democratic processes with the numbing monotony of quarantine, staying optimistic is a heavy lift. But yes, we must keep at it, because spiraling into despair is no place to live. I'm finding mindfulness is helping me, watching the squirrels and birds, savoring my tea, noticing how nice my sheets feel, immersing myself in a novel...

Nice to dream about retirement a bit. I am so much more active in warmer weather. I kayak, I swim, I cut brush, I lug bags of dirt around, carry heavy planters, and bend and squat and lunge while planting and weeding, paint the porch, clean out the garage, and none of it feels much like exercise because I love being outside and doing these type of projects. But winter is a whole nother story. Initially, I thought I wouldn't retire until 65. after I got cancer, I was hoping to retire at 62. Like get on with the next stage, because there are no guarantees. But if I wait until 64, my pension increases by almost $700 a month. That's a significant amount. And I would postpone Social Security too, which would also improve the cash flow for later, so who knows when that beautiful day will come and I can leave cold weather behind.

In the interest of moving my body, and focusing on the here and now and what I can control, I'm taking care of all sorts of little odds and ends this weekend, like filling up all the soap dispensers, and making veggie broth with the scraps in the freezer, and I am putting away Christmas stuff slowly. While I'm doing that, I'm sorting and tossing things we no longer use, so I'm hoping to condense the number of bins.

I used to decorate for all seasons when the kids were little. We used to host a family Valentine's party, potluck. You had to bring something heart shaped or red. So much fun, all the kids running around with heart shaped balloons, and the adults drinking red wine or champagne with strawberries. Now that we're home so much, we're back to decorating for different seasons. So Valentine's for February, and we'll bring out the Easter bin March first, and maybe a little St.Patrick's Day layered into the Easter fun for a few days. Little distractions...

$700 is really significant! That would make me willing to stick it out...

Greetings My Tribe

Yep, its pretty easy to get discouraged now. Seems like one terrible thing after another and yet I am pretty much unscathed. I am a cynical skeptical person yet deep down I always have hope that things can be better in the future. In fact its hard for me to not think about the future more than the present. At age 69 I need to focus on here and now.

Our county is not beyond the 75 year olds in vaccine schedule so it will be awhile yet. My brother in so cal somehow got an appointment in Riverside for a shot and took it. He is 66 but has that terrible heart disease so he deserves it. He is one of those people that appears to be lucky but I know he works hard and leaves no stone unturned to get what he needs.

Cute kid Peps. I see why you adore him. So glad you are exploring the challenges of tv teaching and finding ways to make it work. My niece is just finishing her training to be a high school science teacher. But she had to do her classwork remotely so I guess she has ideas.

Yep Diane M, too many people feel entitled; ie are just plain selfish. So many people are angry and want to blame others for all their issues. Don't they get that personal responsibility is a core american value?

Congrats on getting the house sold Cici. Once you have removed what is to be kept, I highly recommend 1-800 Got Junk. 15 dump truck loads from my mom's house who hadn't thrown anything away in 60 years. We took the wanted things over a period of years but who was left was tons and tons of old psychology books and journals.

And CiCi, I have heard San Angelo Texas is a great place. No clue but look it up.

Made some barley to go with the pot roast. Grains taste so good. No wonder I am a carb addict.

Gearing up for the ppp loan app tomorrow. Its mainly a clerical challenge to find docs and scan them. I am not good at it.

Pt pie from the deli tonight.

And Liz I think you should get a motor cycle. Diane S

Did I just hear Liz's children all scream no in unison?

I think both Riverside and Orange County have opened vaccinations to over 65s. But still quite a feat that your brother got himself an appointment! Good job! Thanks for the heads up on 1800gotjunk. That may help with the garage. The problem we have is a lot of stuff that's too nice! (Silver place settings and serving pieces, China, crystal, antique Knick knacks...). The realtor had some ideas for consignment.

I?ll look up San Angelo!