books - Growing Older Everyday

2022 Goals – April Update

Posted on May 4, 2022May 4, 2022 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my 2022 Goals April update:

Goal: Lose 5 more pounds. I am maintaining my weight, but currently not losing. I need to get more serious about losing weight.
Goal: Ancestry: Contact at least two cousins. I have reached out to 2 cousins but have not heard from them. I tried someone else. Most of these cousins are a lot younger than me, and I’m thinking that may be why they are not responding since I’m old. A great excuse isn’t it?
Goal: Read 30 books. I have read 15 books. I’m still reading about four books at the same time. They are mostly books about writing. They are going slow.
Goal: Get through at least my second and third drafts of the book I wrote in 2021. Finish the first draft of my second book. I have joined a group that will really help me with this. And I have a writing coach now, so that should help. She and I talked on the 31st of January and I’m excited. I am finished with my second draft and moving on to the third. I have found out that I should not work on the first draft of my second book. It is non-fiction and those should be written after they have been accepted. I did start looking for an agent to represent me.
Goal: Visit three states that I have not visited before. We are going to New Mexico, Wyoming, and North Dakota this year. We made most of the plans for the New Mexico trip in 2021 since we are going with a group. I still need to find any other things that I would like to do while we are at the “must-see” spots. I need to plan the other trip. We visited New Mexico so we have one state complete.
Goal: Complete 2 quilts. I plan to finish a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law. I already had the pattern for my son-in-law. In January, I bought some of the fabric for this one. I bought a pattern and most of the fabric for my daughter-in-law in 2021. I didn’t make much progress this month, but I believe I have purchased all the fabric I need.
Goal: Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for 4 years and never reached it. I need to be really serious about this, this year. The fifth attempt must work. So far this year, I have walked 205 miles. April was a good month until the end of the month. I’m not feeling very good. Yes, it’s currently May, but I had a lot of tests run to figure out why I’m not feeling very good. So unfortunately my miles may not be very good in May.

April was good for my walking and travel goals. How are you doing on your goals? Let me know below. Keep working toward your goals. We can do this.

2022 Goals February Update!

Posted on March 2, 2022March 1, 2022 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my 2022 Goals February update:

Goal: Lose 5 more pounds. I am maintaining my weight, but currently not losing.
Goal: Ancestry: Contact at least 2 cousins. I have reached out to 2 cousins but have not heard back from them.
Goal: Read 30 books. I have already read ten books. 1/3 done for the year.
Goal: Get through at least my second and third drafts of the book I wrote in 2021. Finish the first draft of my second book. I have joined a group that will really help me with this. And I have a writing coach now, so that should help. She and I talked on the 31st of January and I’m excited. I have been going through the second draft, making changes.
Goal: Visit three states that I have not visited before. We are going to New Mexico, Wyoming and North Dakota this year. We made most of the plans for the New Mexico trip in 2021 since we are going with a group. I still need to find any other things that I would like to do while we are at the “must see” spots. I need to plan the other trip.
Goal: Complete 2 quilts. I plan to finish a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law. I already had the pattern for my son-in-law. In January, I bought some of the fabric for this one. I bought a pattern and most of the fabric for my daughter-in-law in 2021. I need to go shopping. My usual fabric store has been little help, so I need to take a half-day and drive further away.
Goal: Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for 4 years and never reached it. I need to be really serious about this, this year. The fifth attempt better work. So far for this year I have walked only 95 miles. I slightly increased my miles over January.

February was not long enough for me. I made a little progress, but I was out of town or had guests quite a bit. I’m expecting March to be a much better month. How are you doing on your goals? Let me know below. Keep working toward your goals.

2022 Goals January Update!

Posted on February 2, 2022February 28, 2022 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my 2022 Goals January update:

Goal: Lose 5 more pounds. I am maintaining my weight, but currently not losing.
Goal: Ancestry: Contact at least 2 cousins. No progress.
Goal: Read 30 books. I have already read six books. The fact that I had Covid a large part of January helps explain why I’m a fifth of the way done with this goal.
Goal: Get through at least my second and third drafts of the book I wrote in 2021. Finish the first draft of my second book. I have joined a group that will really help me with this. And I have a writing coach now, so that should help. She and I talked on the 31st and I’m excited.
Goal: Visit three states that I have not visited before. We are going to New Mexico, Wyoming and North Dakota this year. We made most of the plans for the New Mexico trip in 2021 since we are going with a group. I still need to find any other things that I would like to do while we are at the “must see” spots. I need to plan the other trip.
Goal: Complete 2 quilts. I plan to finish a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law. I already had the pattern for my son-in-law. In January, I have bought some of the fabric for this one. I bought a pattern and most of the fabric for my daughter-in-law in 2021. I have purchased more fabric this month. Unfortunately, I was down with Covid when the big 40% off sale at my favorite fabric store was held.
Goal: Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for 4 years and never reached it. I need to be really serious about this, this year. The fifth attempt better work. So far for January I have walked only 45 miles.

Covid put me behind a bit, but once it was over, I had a lot of energy that helped me catch up on things a bit, but unfortunately, not so much on my goals. I’m looking forward to a better February. How are you doing on your goals?

2021 Goals December Update

Posted on January 5, 2022January 5, 2022 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my list for 2021

Completed: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year. We finally did it a few weeks ago. It looks great and finally feels finished.
Completed: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I will lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021. I am currently losing weight. In July, I started the old system I used, and I have made progress!! In September, I felt like I had hit a plateau. So I have started using Noom. I am losing weight again. And I’m excited to say I have lost the five pounds, which in reality is 10 pounds.
Progress: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Contact at least 2 cousins. I have contacted two cousins; however, they have not answered me back. I contacted another one and have heard back from him and his mom.
Completed: Read 46 books.
Completed: Ride my bike. I did it on July 23 – it was a bit wobbly and I will have to practice my turning, but I did it. I overcame my fear.
Completed: Visit three states that I have not visited before. In September, we finished our travel to Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas.
Completed: Complete 3 quilts. My quilts are at the quilter. So I am done.
Not completed: Walk 1000 miles. This was my 4th year to fail, but it doesn’t mean I will give up. I didn’t hit 600 miles, so that is a long way off. I tried to pick up my pace for December. But then I got sick on December 27 and there went that. Once I feel better again, I will have to work harder to hitting this next year.

In December, I read two books. Thanks to Noom, I have lost the weight I wanted to for the year. I did pretty well with my holiday eating. It seems like I should give up on walking 1000 miles, but I am not going to unless something drastic happens.

How did 2021 go for you? I hope you did better than you expected. 2022 has just begun. Let’s make it a productive year.

I’m looking forward to hitting all my 2020 goals.

2021 Goals November Update

Posted on December 1, 2021December 1, 2021 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my list for 2021

Completed: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year. We finally did it a few weeks ago. It looks great and finally feels finished.
Completed: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I will lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021. I am currently losing weight. In July, I started the old system I used, and I have made progress!! In September, I felt like I had hit a plateau. I switched to Noom. I am losing weight again. And I’m excited to say I have lost the five pounds, which in reality is 10 pounds.
Progress: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Contact at least 2 cousins. I have contacted two cousins; however, they have not answered me back. I contacted 8 cousins on November 29. One of them was a second request, so I’m hoping to have results this time. On November 30, I heard from one of my cousins. We are talking back and forth to each other. Excited. I hope to complete this in December.
Progress: Read 45 books. I have finished 44 books. I am on track to make this one, easily since I’m already started on my 45th.
Completed: Ride my bike. I did it on July 23 – it was a bit wobbly and I will have to practice my turning, but I did it. I overcame my fear.
Completed: Visit three states that I have not visited before. In September, we finished our travel to Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas.
Completed: Complete 3 quilts. My quilts are at the quilter. So I am done.
Progress: Walk 1000 miles. I’m not as far as I should be. I have walked 584 miles, walking 61 in November. This has been something I have attempted for 3 years and never reached it, but this year is my worst and I’m not sure why. However, I have to give up on this. But at least I’m going to go out trying hard to get as far as I can.

In November, I read three books. Thanks to Noom, I have lost the weight I wanted to for the year. I need to make it through Christmas yet. I still have another 6 to go next year, but maybe I’ll be able to lower that by the end of this year if I lose some more weight. We completed our yard, which looks great. And I’ve made more progress on my ancestry project.

So I made some progress. How are you doing with your goals? I hope you are checking them off your list.

And 2022 is just around the corner. Have you started making, or at least thinking about, your goals list for 2022? I have. Several items remain the same, but there will be some new things on mine. And I’m determined to walk my 1000 miles next year!!!

Be sure to commit below on your progress. I’d love to hear how you are doing with your goals.

2021 Goals Update October

Posted on November 3, 2021November 2, 2021 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my list for 2021

No progress: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year. Unfortunately, this waits for my husband to instal sprinklers, so I don’t have much control over it.
Progress: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I will lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021. I am currently losing weight. In July, I started the old system I used, and I have made progress!! In September, I felt like I had hit a plateau. So I have started using Noom. I am losing weight again. And I’m excited
Progress: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Contact at least 2 cousins. I have contacted two cousins; however, they have not answered me back.
Progress: Read 45 books. I have finished 41books. I am on track to make this one, easily.
Completed: Ride my bike. I did it on July 23 – it was a bit wobbly and I will have to practice my turning, but I did it. I overcame my fear.
Completed: Visit three states that I have not visited before. In September we finished our travel to Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas.
Progress: Complete 3 quilts. I’m doing much better than last year. I have three baby quilts cut out already. My only progress this month was to buy fabric for the backing of the quilt, that I have yet to sew. I have sewn one – it is now about 3/4 done. Instead of all baby, I might get working on a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law. Maybe next year.
Progress: Walk 1000 miles. I’m not as far as I should be. I have walked 523 miles. This has been something I have attempted this for 3 years and never reached it, but this year is my worst and I’m not quite sure why. This year it is in writing, so I had hoped I will complete it at last. However, I think I might have to give up on this.

In October, I read 5books. I am making progress on my weight. I am down about 8 pounds since I started Noom. I’ll continue doing that for the rest of the year, I hope, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming and I tend to eat more then. Doesn’t everybody? I’m sure Noom will give me guidance.

2021 Goals August Update

Posted on September 8, 2021September 7, 2021 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my list for 2021

No progress: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year. Maybe September when it cools down a bit.
Progress: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I will lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021. I am currently losing weight. In July, I started the old system I used, and I have made progress!!
Progress: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Contact at least 2 cousins. I have made contact with two cousins; however, they have not answered me back.
Progress: Read 45 books. I have finished 32 books. I am on track to make this one.
Completed: Ride my bike. I did it on July 23 – it was a bit wobbly and I will have to practice my turning but I did it. I overcame my fear.
Nearly complete: Visit three states that I have not visited before. On August 31, we were in Kansas, on our way to Nebraska. So in September the states of Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska will be completed.
Progress: Complete 3 quilts. I’m doing much better than last year. I have three baby quilts cut out already. I have started sewing one – it is now about 3/4 done. Adult or baby. Instead of all baby, I might get working on a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law.
Progress: Walk 1000 miles. I’m not as far as I should be. I have walked 429 miles. I have attempted this for 3 years and never reached it. This year it is in writing, so I hope I will complete it at last. However, I will have to speed things up to come close.

In August, I read 3 books. I am making progress on my weight. I am down a few pounds, and I’ll continue doing that for the rest of the year. My trip to three states will be accomplished on next month’s results.

How are you doing with your goals? August was another busy month, and we spent several days out of town, which means I treated myself to some food items I shouldn’t have. I need to be making more progress. Do you have a secret that helps you accomplish your goals? Would you mind commenting below? Thank you.

Retired? Now What? 50, + 20 New, Ways to Fill your Day

Posted on May 26, 2021May 20, 2022 by Kimberly Anne

You have retired, now what? I hope these 50, + 20 new ideas, help you in your quest for what to do each day. Or maybe they will stimulate your mind toward something you would have never thought about. Go out there and enjoy your day!

If you feel the need to keep working, look into getting a part-time job.
Travel. Isn’t traveling what you planned to do in retirement? If you are alone, check into packages of group travel. Maybe take a cruise.
Spare your children a multitude of decisions by decluttering your house now. Or give them the items you plan to give them in your will, now. Donate what you can. Or, if you want to sell things, have a garage sale or sell them online through Facebook groups or Craig’s list.
Start a garden. If you don’t have room in your yard, check into a community garden. And if there isn’t a community garden, see if you can start one in your neighborhood or city.
How about a compost pile to use in your garden? It is a great way to use or reuse leftover produce, eggshells, used coffee grounds, newspapers, and even dryer lint and hair.
Start a new hobby. Is there something you wished you had time for when you were working but never could do it? Take up that hobby or maybe quilting, crafting, woodworking, model trains, writing, etc.
Learn how to play chess. If you already know how to play, find someone to play with or teach a child how to play.
Read all the books you have accumulated on your bookshelves. If you run out, buy more at a garage sale or estate sale.
Once you have read those, visit your library for more books. If you don’t have a library card, sign up for one. You will be surprised how many things you can check out of a library, besides books—things like movies, music, and magazines. Libraries usually have computers for you to use. Some cities have lending libraries that lend tools. In California, they include Berkeley, Oakland, Loma Linda, Tulare, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Sacramento. But there are many more in states throughout the country. Check with your local library or PG&E.
Put aside your former excuses and join a gym (be sure to check for a senior discount) or start walking or running.
If you want to relax, start taking a daily, or as needed, nap.
Get to know your neighbors. They may end up being great friends. Maybe they can keep an eye on your house when you are out of town. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a Neighborhood Watch, you can work on establishing one.
Take a class or two at your local community college. In my city, they usually offer courses in jewelry making, composting, music lessons, cooking, dance lessons, CPR, and so much more. Or if you prefer, try Accounting, Music, Geology, or Math.
Get a college degree. Maybe you never did, and now you have the time. Learn new things, and once you have finished, you can walk down the aisle for your diploma, as your proud children and grandchildren cheer you on. You won’t be the first person to graduate in their 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s.
Go golfing or learn how to golf. If golfing doesn’t appeal to you, try tennis.
Load up the boat and go fishing. If you are lucky, you might bring home dinner.
Go out to lunch with a friend. Or track down an old friend from high school and go out for coffee.
Travel to visit your grandchildren or, if they are local, take them out for a special day at the zoo or the lake.
Create a list of the states in the United States that you have never visited and begin planning trips to see them. A great way to show your progress is a scratch-off map that you can hang on the wall. Check Amazon for an excellent selection.
Go on a group excursion offered through your local college or travel agent. Our Junior College offers shopping trips, theater trips, and trips to sporting events.
Start going to garage sales and estate sales. If you learn the value of old items, you may be able to resell the items on eBay or Craigslist for a profit. Or maybe you will find a hidden treasure to keep. Keep in mind #3.
Change your hairstyle or if you are adventurous, change your hair color.
Hike somewhere locally or far away. If you are an expert, think mountains.
Make a budget to plan your future, so you can afford to finish off your Bucket List. If you don’t have a Bucket List, make one.
Take a train ride on Amtrak. Be sure to take advantage of the 10% senior discount.
Is it time to do a little updating in your home? Consider expanding your master closet, adding a shop in the garage, a wine cellar in your home, or maybe a craft room.
Take a hot air balloon ride. Or, if you are fearless, go skydiving.
Go on a date to the local putt putt golf course.
Become a regular fan at your local minor league baseball games. Part-time jobs at baseball stadiums are plentiful if you are interested. Mascot anyone?
Attend any local events like Chili-Cook-Offs, Annual Festivals, Craft Fairs, Car Shows, Farmers Markets, and Fund-Raising Events.
Check into the social opportunities through your local senior center.
Take wellness classes through your insurance, a local yoga studio, or a local church. Possibilities include but are not limited to grief counseling, monitoring your health, divorce care, caregiver support, women’s health, etc.
You can play board or card games with your friends or family. Or put together a puzzle.
Attend City Council meetings and get to know what is happening in your community.
Run for a political office in your local community, like the mayor or city councilperson. Or set your sights higher.
Do you love sports? Follow your team through their season, seeing every home and away game. Or possibly visit every professional baseball stadium, even if it takes you a few years.
Join a Bible study.
Go shopping, window, or actual, depending on your budget from item #25. Take a trip to a local shopping outlet, Ikea, or maybe the big city.
Start training for the next 5K, half-marathon, or marathon in your area. Enter it and have your fans cheer you on as you pass the finish line.
Visit your state capital.
Get a DNA test. This can be very interesting for you and a conversation starter among your friends.
Do a random act of kindness and pay for the person behind you in the drive-through. It is especially nice if there is a mother with small children behind you.
Surprise someone you love with a romantic picnic.
Go to a concert, symphony, or play. Maybe an outdoor one if you have one in your area.
Roller skate or ice skate like you did as a kid. Extreme caution is suggested.
Take a cooking or baking class and impress your guests at your next dinner party. Homemade pasta, anyone?
Go bowling. If you like it, try joining a daytime bowling league.
Beat the crowd and see a matinee. When you see a movie, always ask about their senior discount.
Keep your brain working with crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Buy a paperback book full of them.
Learn photography and take pictures of every trip you take. Enter them at your local county fair.
Winery tours are common in California. What kind of tours do you have locally? Check them out.
Don’t forget to have your annual medical checkup.
Take a relaxing bath.
Start a blog.
Buy your Senior Lifetime National Park Pass for $80 and start seeing all the National Parks. It’s a super deal. https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/blog/understanding-national-park-senior-pass-rate-increase
If you are brave enough, try a zipline. If you like that, keep searching for ziplines when you travel. They are exciting and can be in the midst of breathtaking scenery.
Go to your State Fair. If it’s far away, make a weekend of it.
Make a bucket list of the things you would like to accomplish in your lifetime.
Support those in need in your community. Find a local charity to support. Volunteer your time and donate your money to the charity.
Adopt a pet from the local animal shelter. Be sure to take time to think about this before you run over to get a pet. Think about potty training if you are buying a puppy. Consider how often you are gone on trips. Can you take your pet with you? Do you have a place to bring your pet or someone that can watch it while you are gone? Don’t forget the love and support you will receive from that pet.
Pick fruit in season at your local farms that allow this. In my area, you can pick several kinds of berries. Buy what you can’t pick at a fruit stand. Fresh is the best.
Learn how to can, dehydrate, and freeze produce. Maybe some of your garden’s produce.
Learn boxing or karate or something similar. This skill may come in handy if you are caught off guard by someone trying to steal your purse or rob your wallet, cell phone, or camera.
Attend the opening of a new artist at an art gallery.
Did you always want to ride a horse? Learn how to ride one.
Go on a cruise to Alaska or the Caribbean. Or any other place of your choosing.
Start star gazing. Visit the closest observatory to your home. See if you can locate the Big Dipper. Go to your library to check out some astronomy books. Then, purchase the ones that interest you the most. If you find it as fascinating as you hoped, buy your own telescope. Share your findings with friends and family, especially grandchildren.
Try yoga. Or goat yoga.
If your neighborhood allows it buy a few chickens and start collecting those fresh eggs each day.
Get your cowboy on and attend a rodeo.
Relax at a spa. Get a massage. Maybe a manicure and/or pedicure. Get your brows done or maybe some waxing.
Have you had an adventurous life or possibly a desire to write a novel? It could be time for you to write a book. Learn everything you can about the ins and outs of writing and publishing a book and then have at it. If that works out successfully, you might want to write another.
Become a tutor or yard duty person for a local elementary school.
Start making your own wine or beer. First, learn all about the process and then take steps to create what appeals to you.
Take all your recipe cards and type them into a recipe organizer like Recipe Manager or MasterCook. It makes it easy to find the recipe you want. They also can help you make a grocery list.
Simplify your life by taking all of your old VHS tapes and have them copied to CDs. Or you can purchase the machine needed to do it and copy them from the privacy of your own home.

I hope you don’t mind that I got carried away and added a few extra. Learn something new every day. There is a world of knowledge out there, waiting for you to discover. Most of all, make the most of the rest of your life.

Let me know which idea is your favorite in the comments below. I know you have a favorite! If you are looking for more ideas, check out the latest version of this post Retired? Now What? 100 Ways to Fill Your Day – Growing Older Everyday

Why You Should be Reading James Patterson’s Books

Posted on March 10, 2021March 10, 2021 by Kimberly Anne

If you love thrilling books, most of James Patterson’s books should be of interest to you. Actually, he has written a few love stories and non-fiction books, too. However, there are too many of his thrillers out there, for me to spend time with the others at this time. It is one of my goals to read nearly every book he has ever written. That may be difficult since he comes out with in excess of twenty books each year.

James Patterson is the bestselling author of the world. He has had 73 #1 bestsellers. Some of his books have been turned into movies. He has written for both adults and teens. He started writing for teens when his son wasn’t reading many books. Mr. Patterson says “there is no such thing as a person who doesn’t like to read, only people who haven’t found the right book.” If you like to stick with the same author, you can plan on reading his books for many years, since he has already written over 300 books.

Continue reading →

2021 Goals – January Update

Posted on February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 by Kimberly Anne

Here is my list for 2021

Status: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year.
Status: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I am going to lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021.
Status: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Spend time contacting at least 2 cousins. I have reduced this goal to a more doable goal.
Progress: I have finished 4 books. I am on track to make this one. Read 45 books.
Status: Ride my bike. This can be a challenge because of my balance issues that seem like they will be permanent.
Status: Visit three states that I have not visited before. This was a great goal last year and we did it, despite Covid shutdowns. I’ve already picked the states, so I am ready to start planning.
Progress: I’m doing much better than last year. I have one cut out already. Complete 3 quilts. Adult or baby. I might get working on a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law.
Progress: I’m not as far as I should be, yet I have walked 57 miles. Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for 3 years and never reached it. This year it is in writing so I hope I will complete it at last.

In January, I only made progress on three of my eight items. And that progress is not as much as it should be if I’m spreading this out evenly. But I am further than I was at this time last year. Of course, my weight has once again gone up. Too much stress in my life right now is what I blame it on. But it’s really my fault no matter what I blame it on. I’m the one that buys the cookies at the grocery store.

How are you doing on your goals? Please let me know how much progress you have made in the comments section below.