About Me

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Recent retiree--35 year's experience teaching reading, English, adult basic education and volunteer leadership skills. Started this blog to exchange ideas and commentary with friends and others having an interest in joining the discussions. Greatest life accomplishments include: 1.organized my 3rd grade class to check out library books for me to get around librarian's weekly limit--Amazon.com, the Mullins Elementary 3rd Grade Class of 1956 is still waiting for "thank you" notes; 2. volunteered in the Peace Corps, island of St. Kitts, West Indies; 3.taught adults to read, earn their GEDs., and speak English as a second language; 4. bought a border collie puppy for $6, got evicted rather than give him up, and began a life-long love affair with all things "Dog"; 5. joined a physical fitness boot camp in my mid-50s--don't mess with someone who's been doing regulation pushups in wet grass at 5:30 a.m.; 6. walked across Northern England with best friend Sally--over 80 miles from the Irish to North Seas; and 7. travelled to many foreign countries for pleasure and work.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Fun Monday - 2010-11 Looking Back & Straight Ahead

In this last week of 2010 Jill , our Fun Monday host for December, invites us to do a bit of reflection. Specifically, she's asking for a look back on the year we've just finished. And, a look straight ahead--how do we see our lives playing out in 2011?

This is a task I'm always happy to take on at the end of one year and beginning of another. Not resolutions, mind you. For me, the word "resolution" carries a lot of negative energy. I think angry, gritting your teeth determination to fix some aspect of your life that you feel is lacking or wrong. Or, resolutions can be a list of half baked "shoulds"that we think ought to make us happy--but don't because they're not linked to our life priorities.

What I like to do instead is to reconnect with my personal priorities. There are only four of them and they've been the same since 2003. So, for each priority I'll tell you how I did in 2010 and what I hope to achieve in 2011:

1. Being healthy, physically and mentally active; learn new things

2010--November results from annual physical shows good numbers for most tests--except weight, of course. I walk most days and take a pilates class once a week. My brain still works pretty well for my age. Although, I did mention at yesterday's Christmas dinner that it may be time to stop doubling recipes when cooking. The math is too challenging--shouldn't need a calculator to make Mexican cornbread.

2011--add strength training to my physical fitness routine to avoid old age complaints like falls, broken bones. Get off the two simple meds I take by proper diet and exercise. Keep up with technology so I can stay connected to the world and understand what's going on.

2. Connecting, caring, relating to others, having/being a good friend

2010/11--I've spent a lot of time and effort this year in being the sole care giver for an elder sister. I take care of all her errands, business, medical, and homekeeping routines--and the odd crisis here and there. It's not a role that I'm very patient with, but it's reality for now and into the future. I've spent too much time blogging and facebooking this year, but absolutely love being cyber friends with people from many countries. Makes every day interesting.

3. Maintaining a simple, organized home

2010/11--my home is very pared down and spare which makes it easy to maintain. I'm happy so long as the basics work and there's plenty books, technology toys, and entertainment sources. This next year I need to make some home improvements and upgrades to both the interior and exterior of my home. I did major work five years ago. I plan to stay in this house as long as I can, so any re-modeling will be geared to making the place safe and convenient for senior living (auggghhhttt!).

4. Having fun

2010/11--can honestly say that I have a good life. Luckily I have enough financial resources to take advantage of the entertainment that's available here in Louisville--plays, concerts, films, art, travel, dining out with friends. Hopefully that will continue in 2011. If all goes as planned I'm taking to the skies again after a couple of years being grounded. Planning a summer trip to Scandinavia (especially Sweden) and, $$$ permitting, maybe Russia. And finally, there may be a new puppy in the new year since Willie is elder gentleman .

Well Jill, there you have my look back and ahead in four areas that are important to me. Love this time of the year for the chance to make these plans. Thank you for getting us started on this project before January 1!

7 comments:

Sayre said...

Your "resolutions" for 2011 sound right on target to me! Well-thought out and doable. I hope one day to have a pared-down existence in my house. There are too many things in it to make it easy to maintain. I think decluttering is going to be a priority for me this year!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I like those plans.

I've had a good year health, family and work wise and next year would be happy with more of the same. Added extras will be getting little fitter and some success with the writing maybe.

All the best for 2011. x

Jan n Jer said...

Those are all great expectations for the New Year Faye...they are about the same as mine. I too would like to simplfy my home...we have toooo much stuff. Good health is my top priority...so far so good with me n my exercise routine, so I am going to continue what I've been doing. I hope to continue my photography...I am still learning and having fun with my SLR camera. I received photoshop for Christmas so this will be another challenge to get into my brain!!! We wish you a Happy, Healthy n prosperouus New Year Faye!

Pamela said...

I think #3 is going to be on our agenda this year. Forced, really.

But "it is what it is"

(:

joanygee said...

I'm too much of a magpie to ever stand a chance of decluttering. Guess I live in what I'm told is organized chaos.
My major hoards include tech gadgets, many-coloured yarns, patterns, magazines and books. I recycled a whole bookcase of books years ago. Hope to emulate your 1, 2 and 4...
Wishing you a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Jill said...

All very worthy goals that we should all have. Thanks for playing along.

Living Life said...

Your personal priorities are quite perfect, Faye! Life is good.

A new puppy??? Oh boy! I can't wait to see what you decide on. Willie needs some young energy around there to keep him in check.