Don’t Let Your Life Run You

Happy birthday to me! Another notable trip around the sun. As a lot of you oldsters can appreciate: it sure beats the alternative! Haha! I am blessed to be pretty healthy. I routinely have my nurse practitioner check my meds (thanks to the hereditary high cholesterol and blood pressure *sad face*). I’m a little overweight but walk every day and work out most days. I tend to lean towards “red wine is good for you,” and not watch my overall consumption.

After our trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico to check on our cabin renovation, we stopped at my in-laws on our way home. Rick’s dad just turned 86 (!) so we wanted to be there to share this birthday. Unfortunately he is not in the best of health. Thank goodness he has survived a number of health issues but they sure have taken their toll. My mother in law mentioned that he doesn’t want to go anywhere anymore. While she also is not in the best of health she would still like to go places and do things, but since her eyesight is not the best she is stuck at home as well.

I feel it is sooo important to do your best to maintain your health FOREVER and not give up because you are at a certain age. I know that often situations make that a difficult objective. However, being sedate, lethargic and/or just indifferent about your own self-care can be self-destructive! I read this article about living to be 100 (not sure I want to do THAT, unless I can be like Iris Apfel, my idol) but it has some very important points (the one that I’m having a hard time with is the cold showers. Yikes!) #2 is Socialization. My in laws were anxious to move out to the country when all of the boys graduated high school, but by doing that they cut off any socialization they had. It seems their socializing now is with the people in the doctors’ offices! While Rick’s not always happy about it, I make sure our social life has a few activities in it each month to keep a connection with old and new friends. I also like #1 on the list: Cultivate curiosity. I often looks for new places to visit and things to do. I think it drives Rick a little crazy at times!

Speaking of our little cabin renovation, it was a lovely week in the tall pines of Ruidoso. We are so blessed to have a place there. And it was especially nice to get out of the Texas heat! Taking my daily walks at 6000 ft is a little challenging but I still did it. I took a few pictures along the way. And they have wild horses, one of which decided to visit me!

Oops! How did that martini picture get it there??

I love using essential oils and Young Living is my favorite. Since it’s almost fall (hurry up) I love the woodsy, fresh aroma of cinnamon, orange, ginger and ylang ylang. C’mon cooler temps!

Exercise and Socialize!

Hello Friends! Thanks for being here!

You know, exercise is even more important as you get older. Don’t you agree? I loved reading James Clear’s book Atomic Habits. “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” I always want to stay on top of my game and exercising is an integral part of that.

My local YMCA had a family trivia night a few weeks ago and we took our grandkids. As we were walking up my grandson looked at me and said, “Gigi, there sure are a lot of old people here.” I had to laugh. I told him, “Well, probably they’re like me and want to stay in shape not only for themselves but also for their grandchildren.” Now trust me, I am not at my ideal weight. I still want to lose 15 pounds, but I walk at least two miles daily as well as taking group classes at the Y. And where has this gotten me? A stronger body–and a whole lot of new friends!

One of the ladies, Lynn, was having a birthday so we all went out to lunch and celebrated with her.

Before I started these classes I didn’t know ANY of these women. What a bonus it is to make new friends. I have a close friend who is lonely. I told her to join a gym. It’s a double blessing to go where the people are AND get in shape!

Of course, you don’t have to join the YMCA (but here’s a pic of me there). Here are a couple of places in my town that are popular:

So if you are new to an area or just want to meet people AND get healthy, find a gym in your city and go for a visit. You’re sure to find one that fits you! And either before or after your workout, use an essential oil to lift your mood. Young Living is the brand I like the most. Try a few drops of either Orange or En-R-Gee in your palms and rub together. Your olfactory receptors will love you for it!

Time to travel. See you next week from the mountain house!

Take time with loved ones

Many of you who are my age are grandparents. You know the old addage, “if I’d have known how much fun my grandkids were going to be I would’ve had them first.” Do you agree? I loved my grandson and granddaughter when they were little but now they are eight and ten and really great!

My daughter is a teacher and it’s that time of the year for LOTS of meetings before school starts. Rick and I were lucky enough to step in and help with childcare for a week. Oh, and my son-in-law was wildland fire fighting, so we were more than happy to help.

There was all kinds of fun to be had–take a look!

Since mom and dad were busy, Gigi went down on the train and brought them back on the train. It was their first time and they loved it! Obviously a relaxing time, and of course we hit the snack car.

Once home we were pretty busy: although we have a pool we don’t have a cool slide, so we had to take advantage of the one at our local YMCA. We also did a family trivia night and won a $50 Walmart gift card!

My son, who has been watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles since he was four years old, had to join us at the movies to see the latest version.

There were lots of fun and games (chickenfoot, tenzie), pool time and homemade pizzas. Finally it was time for mom to drive up, enjoy some relaxing time in the pool, and head home. We so enjoyed having them all–but spent the Sunday afternoon relaxing on the couch! Haha!

Don’t forget to freshen your home (or self, or car) with the BEST essential oils–Young Living (www.youngliving.com). Try Lime, Citrus Fresh, and Peppermint! Mmmmm…