Ms. Millie and Friends

It hardly seems like five months have passed and I am still not feeling that great.  I go through bouts of feeling great and then the allergies kick in and I am having a hard time breathing.  The emphysema has worsened and although I knew this was going to happen it is still frightening for me at times and frustrating, too.  I so wish there were a magic potion I could take to erase all of this.  Had I like thousands of others known how serious it would be for our lungs and our overall health, I don’t believe we wold have taken up the habit to begin with.

But I can’t change any of it and so I am dealing the best I can with being kind to new friends and writing for the newspaper featuring a resident a month telling a little about their incredible life.

To all of my friends near and far I wish all moms grand-moms and great-grand moms a wonderful well deserved Mother’s day.

Never thought that settling into a new home would be so nice.  I must admit it has taken me at least six weeks to adjust to a new way of living.  Once I made up my mind to be open to change and to try something new each day from the various activities listed, I would have a clearer perspective and plan my days accordingly.

Now I do a exercise class for 30 minutes using stretch bands. It is nothing like my yoga practice but still beneficial to my overall body.  I am hopingto learn some basic moves that I can video tape and teach a class in chair yoga.  This will help with our mental and emotional balance. Just something simple that even our over 90 folks can do.  I am in awe of their attitudes and stamina.

This month I started writing about my family of residents featuring a single resident each month.  It is by far an exciting challenge for me as I do not have any experience doing this type of writing.   There is so much information but there is limited space and so I am learning to glean and point out the highlights and also add a tad of humor

Here I am seven weeks since my move to an independent living apartment and I have come to enjoy the freedom of no cooking (although I can) but their meals and salad bar are more than adequate and so I am keeping my stove nice and clean. There is weekly housekeeping which frees me from running my vacuum and mopping my floors. I have more time to enjoy life read exercise and make new acquaintances.

I was able to write my first column for our newsletter featuring Valentine’s Day and posing the question “what Is love”? I asked at random my fellow residents for their meaning of it and their comments were wonderful. The finished newsletter came to our mailboxes yesterday and it received rave reviews. Need I say how inspired I am and look forward to my next opportunity perhaps featuring spring and St. Patrick’s day.

Happy New Year to all of you.  It has been a whirlwind for me since my last post.  And I am finally settled (more or less) in my new residence.  Although it is a big adjustment I am finding a peace of mind and a great feeling of comfort. I don’t have to cook or clean which is a treat after doing this for a very long time Their homemade soups and rolls are filling and delicious.

Tiffany is my weekly housekeeper and she is a whiz at keeping my place spiffy and so clean.  My biggest hurdles have been  the adjustment to having things done for me.  I have so may hours to enjoy reading, chatting exercise and anything I want to do or try. Meeting men and women with years of life experiences will keep me interested as I meet and listen to their life story so to speak.

I know I will be sharing some of their stories with you, so please stay tuned.

Current Mood: Happy & Playful

In just about a week I will be flying to New York to spend some wonderful quality time with family and feast on the delicious food prepared by Darrin and Maria. I am looking forward to seeing my wonderful grandchildren and getting their wonderful hugs and kisses  These hugs warm my whole being while filling the void created by missing them.  I then realize that these are just some of the things in life that mean so much to me.  Even Sam the dog and Bonkers the cat remember me and I get some kisses from them too!

And so as I prepare for a new start early next month, I look back at all that I have accomplished and I feel pretty comfortable about  patting myself on the back.  I do recall being apprehensive about doing this or that but my personality always kicks in and tells me to try it.  If all else fails, at least you tried!  So far the failures have been few.  And, through these situations, I have gleaned so much wisdom that I have applied to my next course of action. If anything at all it has made me a stronger confident woman.  Just this past weekend I sold my car and turned in the plates and although it is strange not seeing it in my driveway, I am not sad about it.  Actually, I jest about being like Miss Daisy and how fun that would be, but driving Ms Millie will have to wait until I hit the big lottery.

Current Mood: Happy