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Pragmatist
Pragmatist

Schmoozers Circle
Thu Dec 23 2004

My first day as a volunteer Schmoozer. Every Wednesday a group of elderly people get together at a local synagogue. Watch movies or travelogue-type movies, do exercises, play games (Bingo today), talk, and just generally give a few hours' respite to their caregivers. It's sponsored by the Jewish Family Services.

One woman who is the mother of a friend of mine was there. I was told to expect her. That woman is a pistol! She's, I forget, 90 something? Wicked sense of humor. Trouble with time and place, and sometimes really ornery, according to her daughter, but she was having fun today.

We did some "chair dancing" exercises, and a couple of them I think I'll incorporate into my own exercise program. Easy, but helpful toward maintaining body flexibility.

We had lunch, and celebrated one of the men's birthday. I can't believe I turned down a piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing. But I'm really trying hard to stay away from stuff like that. I did have a wee dab of sugar-free chocolate ice cream. At least a little bit of satisfaction to the sweet tooth.

I expect my Wednesdays from now on are going to be full.

************
Later on, Friend D instructed me in some yoga and tai chi exercises. I was surprised at how much I already can do. Now I just need to discipline myself to DO THEM!!! Some of the exercises on the tape she gave me last week are far beyond my capability at this point, but all I care about is keeping my body flexible and able to function. I can't stand the idea of a wheelchair!

I think I twisted my knee, whether at Schmoozers or with friend, but it's really painful tonight. I'll work an easy exercise on it to keep it from stiffening.

I think that pretty well sums up my day. So...catchya tomorrow.

Shalom

PS to BW: the box came today, and I'm wearing one of the items as I sit here. You'll be hearing from me soon.

4 Comments
  • From:
    Calantha (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Dec 23 2004
    The cat in that picture on my site looks a lot like my Squiggy! Over the weekend I'm going to do some Camera Therapy and see if I can't get it going.

    Glad you enjoyed the gathering.

    Yes, time for me to do yoga too, back is much better! The chair exercises sound interesting. I'll have to check that out as well. I ordered some silicon oil to get my treadmill going smoothly. Tis the time of year to focus on positive goals!

    Have a good one,

    Love,
    Anne
  • From:
    Idioglossia (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Dec 23 2004
    you know what you're right. doing stuff for other people really does make one feel much better.
    :P wish i could have had your share of the cake, lol

    hope your knee is fine soon.
  • From:
    Dustbunny3 (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Dec 23 2004
    You are one busy Lady. I stay pretty flexible with
    yard work and clean up dropping trees thr bark beetles have killed and bucking them up which always means a lot of big brush piles to burn. I to volunteer time helping friends get thier electric wiring down in projects. I think it is about 5 this year . Some have been complete house ,plane hanger ,well house, and other type additions. I like to use my hands and it pleases me to use my knowledge in wiring codes.
    Only problem I find is ,not as fast and hands get stiff doing some of the wiring when it get into the heavy wire.
    It is good to keep the body and mind in shape plus the pleasure doing for others.
  • From:
    TraumaMama (Legacy)
    On:
    Fri Dec 24 2004
    Catching up with your week.
    Glad to hear your first day of volunteering when so well.
    (thanks again for your email.)
    Sue