New challenges - another adventurous year about to start.

Well, for one thing, my blog writing will take an upward trend. I've promised myself more private time. Time to do 'my own' stuff. One of my challenges this coming year is to learn to keep my 'to do' list manageable. I'm quite flexible which also means impulsive at times. When I hear of a task or know someone is in need- and I have a free calendar, I offer my time. Gladly and willingly- for sure, but it definitely encroaches on 'my' time. BALANCE - my favourite word for 2019.

The first step was to become a member of the AMAC ( Apple) club. A computer component offered through the AMAC store. Every week this year I have the opportunity to have 30 minutes one on one training. There is so much I don't know. So many shortcuts, privileges and innovative assets to the computer system I am not familiar with. My first appointment is on the 3rd of January. Good start.

In February 2018 I started my YouTube channel. Now, don't get all excited, it doesn't have a HUGE following/subscribers, but fun all the same. I did manage to reach 49 subscribers when YouTube analytics decided two of the subscribers were 'fake'. So my goal ( if I ever had one) to reach 50 before the end of the year hasn't been achieved.

So far I've managed to post 61 posts to date. It has been one heck of a learning curve, daring to watch myself on screen and look into the lens. Quite scary. Even at 65 one has to overcome the stage- fright/nerves to cross that threshold. I'm no expert, but aim to improve my skills as time goes on. The reason initially was, to share my Australian grandson's activities while he was here with me in Nederland. A nice way to share the moments in motion. I carried on to capture the essence of my holiday in Wales with my girlfriend Annette from New Zealand. It occurred to me, my grandchildren are getting older, as am I, and as they live half a world away, maybe it was a good medium to use to allow them to get an insight into my life. So, this 'OmaFarAway' is taking up the continuing challenge- to improve on her videoing skills.

As I wrote previously, this has been a funny year. The first half with amazingly wonderful stuff, and the second half not to be repeated please. I'm still having therapy for my hand. I've been 'hit' by Post Operative Dystrophy ( it has a new name apparently)   and my left hand is not what it should be. Onward I say, onward and upward to better things in 2019. I won't let it get me down ( it did for a while I must say) and will conquer this beastie thing.

My biggest event in my diary for 2019 is my trip Down Under to visit my children, grandchildren, family and friends. I've allowed myself 2 months for this, hoping I'll not shortchange anyone. It's always a gamble trying to get the planning and timing right.

So, 2018 will go down in my history as having posted the least amount of blogs this year. It won't get worse than this. Time to reset my planner and claim what I need. In writing and cooking ( my next biggest hobby) I find rest and peace within myself Not to mention gratification.

Wishing everyone Peace and Joy both now and in the future.

~ Live ~

 ~~ Love ~~

~~~ Laugh ~~~

~~~~ L O T S ! ! ~~~~

Over - and over and over!

Overbooked, overtired, over it!

I need to be REALISTIC. I need to realise that I am not as capable of forging on day after day after day - not like I could when I was 25 -35 or even 55! And there is no shame in that. Somehow I appear to feel the need to PROVE I still 'HAVE IT'.

There is nothing wrong with my energy levels. They belong to an active 62 year old...! And believe me I can tackle my world when necessary.

 But the past week and a half I lost the vision of what I could and couldn't handle.

The events and activities were awesome and  LOVED every minute of it. There is no room for regret because it was all FUN, WORTHWHILE and REWARDING to be and do what I managed to do.

It just meant, I got over tired, slept more than poorly and my day today is for most part - a write off.

The ironing can and will have to wait.

The floors dito.

My blog writing, an important part of my week - was put on hold and I have, despite the fun and hectic schedule of the past days - was sorely missed. Made me a wee bit cranky! Well, maybe not cranky but I felt bereft.

So, now the reality. I am no longer 45. My activities need to be kept in balance and I need to remind myself - build in 'time out' moments.

Today, a day to re-assess, to look back on some amazing events, having received loving, heartwarming and complimentary emails about my cooking skills and know my fatigue was a small price to pay for the
satisfaction received.

I am back - back on line. Back at my desk.

Will take the next few days to update my blogs, my recipe books and my photo gallery.

The first album to complete ( having started it months ago) - is for my niece. Then 2 for my wee grandchildren. Those 3 are 'promises to keep. The rest are projects I want to work on.

Just like after a good break and enjoyable holiday - I feel great to be back at my desk.

A balancing act

I wrote about CHALLENGES in my previous BLOG.

I have set a new goal - something to ACHIEVE.

I have only entered ONE appointment for the coming week.

I aim to keep the week APPOINTMENT FREE!

What I do see the need for however is:

STUCTURE

Just so that the hours in the week don't end up slipping by unused - without potential or wasted!

I believe that I have lost the BALANCE between HEALTHY PLANNING and OVERKILL.

Wanting to do TOO MUCH -  Not being able to say NO, and

that because of this I achieve LESS than I would LIKE

At the end of the day I crash on the couch and am totally deflated and spent!

Somehow I don't believe that this is a good way of filling my evenings - blobbed out and all

DONE IN!

It probably is something that slowly crept into my system - and it will take time to restore my activities time table - but my AIM is to SUCCEED in reclaiming my routine - slowly but surely.

How is your week shaping up?