Goals Archives - Living Life to the Fullest

Embracing Seniority: Finding Joy and Treasures in 2025

Happy 2025! This year my theme is “Embracing Seniority!” Every two weeks, I hope to have a new post about the joys of aging. After all, a positive mindset about aging can add 7.5 years to your life!

I’m turning 65 next month so my entry into seniority will be official. In fact, I just got all the paperwork signed for Medicare yesterday. Yay!

Finding Treasures Throughout the House

For those of you who have been reading this blog, you know that my 89-year-old mother and her partner Philip moved to Carlton Senior Living in November.

Now, my siblings and I have the difficult task of clearing all the possessions out of her house of 52+ years in order to rent it out.

Mom was a bit of a pack-rat.. ok that’s probably an understatement. I think she’s saved every card, letter, and gift that she’s ever gotten. All the closets in this 4-bedroom home were filled from floor to ceiling. Every cupboard was stuffed, often with stuff that didn’t make sense. I think this may have been the way my Mom “cleaned.” Just stick whatever is lying out in whatever place it will fit.

Unexpected Treasures

Even though sorting through the endless stuff is tedious, it’s also kind of fun. Every day, I find some little unexpected surprise. I found a photo tote bag that I’d given Mom over 20 years ago. I bring it with me for my daily visit to Carlton filled with something I’ve found that I think Mom and Philip will enjoy.

Book Lover’s Tote Bag with Family Photos

Wedding Picture of Mom and Dad tucked in with boxes of stationery

High School Pictures of Mom and Philip (They reconnected after Dad died.)

Nurse Suzanne with her original stethoscope and nurse photo on the table

A never-been-used embroidered tablecloth found in her linen closet

Bringing Mom a few handbags from her huge collection

Remembering Dad and Chris

Clearing out the house isn’t just about Mom’s memories. It’s also a time to reflect on my Dad, who passed away in 2010, and my brother Chris, who died in 1997.

Today, I found a four-page letter I’d written to my dad for his 71st birthday. In it, I shared cherished memories and told him how proud and grateful I was to have him as my father. Reading it again brought back all those feelings of love and connection. I’m so glad he saved it—and even more grateful I found it.

Then there were Chris’s memory boxes, tucked away in the crawl space. Flipping through his yearbooks, photo albums, and scrapbooks reminded me of his laid-back, easygoing spirit.

All of these memories are so sweet! In the digital age, we carry so many photos on our phones. Old-fashioned photo albums are a thing of the past.

That may not be such a bad thing because photo albums are heavy. I’m sure my kids won’t even want my stuff, let alone the extras I’ll be bringing home… I guess I’ll add “Digitizing old photo albums” to my 2025 goal list.

Finding the Joy

One of my long-standing traditions is taking “Joy” photos—capturing moments that make me smile, even on the most stressful days. As I begin this new chapter of seniority, I believe the best way to embrace it is to find joy in every day.

At Carlton, I’m learning so much from the residents who are further along on this journey. One of my favorites is Cheryl, who’s brimming with spunk and reminds everyone to P A R T Y! (But don’t let your Mama know—Because she won’t let you go!)

P A R T Y

I’m new to this “senior” club, but inspired by the resilience, humor, and wisdom of those around me. Aging is a gift, and I plan to celebrate every moment of it.

Here’s to 2025 and embracing all the treasures—literal and metaphorical—that life has to offer!

Z-Weeks: cruZing, Zooming, and Zen

Yes, we’ve reached Z End of this AlphabeZ-inspired year! From Zero to Zenith, it’s been a Zealous, Zesty, and sometimes downright Zany ride.

CruZing

Z-weeks kicked off as I continued my CruZe through the Panama Canal.

I got to Zip-line through a rain-forest in Panama,

shake it up in a high-energy Zumba class on board,

and visit a Zoo in Columbia along the way!

No, there weren’t any Zebras (this wasn’t Zimbabwe, after all), but I did see plenty of fabulous flamingos. Naturally, I named my favorite one Zelda—she seemed to have the most flair.

The highlight of the cruZe? Spending hours on the ObZervation Deck. Watching the ship Zig-Zag through the locks of the Panama Canal was absolutely meZmeriZing. It was like the ocean itself was performing a perfectly choreographed Zipper dance!

Zooming and Staying Connected

Despite being on the high seas, I splurged on unlimited Internet—channeling my inner Gen Z’er—so I could stay connected.

I Zoomed with family and friends, kept up with WhatsApp chats, and even checked in on my Carpe Diem Connections group.

Zen in Colorado

After the cruZe, I headed back to Colorado just in time for a Zen-like Christmas with Scotty and Megan’s family. It was wonderfully relaxed, filled with cozy moments and quiet joy.

I managed to sneak in one last coffee at Ziggi’s before packing up and Zooming down the road to California for the winter.

Zoodles and Gratitude

As the countdown to the New Year ticks away—only 7 hours to go—I’ve got my Zucchini Zoodles prepped for a veggie-packed dinner.

Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for the Zoom-worthy memories, the fun, and all the Zest this year brought. From the Zippiest moments to the most peaceful Zen Zones, it’s been an unforgettable journey.

Here’s to a Zesty, Zen, and utterly Zuper 2025!

Happy New Year! 🎉

X-Weeks: Xtra-Special and Xceptionally Memorable

X-Weeks have been both Xtra-stressful and Xtra-special. On November 20, we Xecuted a carefully planned move to transition Mom and Philip to Carlton, a Senior Living Community. While this was Xtremely emotional for all of us, it turned out to be Xactly what they needed.

Xceptional Positivity

Mom has been an Xtraordinary X-ample of resilience and positivity during this transition. She X-udes grace, even in the face of change, and in this short video, she X-plains how memory loss has a few unexpected perks.

https://youtube.com/shorts/64cPvnz8m3w

Xpressing Love with Cards

One of Mom’s biggest concerns was not being in her cherished home of over 50 years for her birthday or the Xmas season. To make this time Xtra-special, I’ve X-tended an invitation to friends, family, and even friends of friends to send her cards filled with X’s and O’s. Here’s her new address:

Carlton Senior Living
1075 Fulton Ave. #261
Sacramento, CA 95825

Let’s Xpress our love and brighten her holiday season with a flood of thoughtful notes!

ThanXgiving Traditions

After settling Mom and Philip into their new home, I X-peditiously flew back to Colorado to celebrate ThanXgiving with my grown kids and X-tended family. My son and daughter-in-law traveled X-country from North Carolina, and my other son flew in from Virginia for the holiday weekend.

Together, we X-ecuted all our favorite traditions: the Turkey Trot, indulging in delicious dishes, playing games, and engaging in lively (but politics-free!) debates. ThanX to everyone’s Xceptional teamwork, we had a holiday full of laughter, love, and memories.

Xtreme Stories

For X-Weeks, I prompted my Facebook friends to share their most Xtreme experiences. While I shared my fondness for XP (Xtreme Programming) and X-country skiing—a favorite activity of my X-husband—one reader took the spotlight by admitting to being an Xtra in an X-rated film! Eva and Ken’s Xpressed Xtra answers.

It’s safe to say, X is one of the most Xasperating letters for alliteration. While I was Xpecting this post to be a challenge, it’s been Xhilarating to reflect on these Xceptional Xperiences. Now, I’m looking forward to what neXt week’s adventures – I’m sure you can figure out Y.

W-Weeks: Why? Writing and Walking

Wow! W-Weeks have been a Wondrous Whirlwind of Wearisome Work and Wonderful Wins. From care-giving challenges to unexpected Windfalls, this week has been a Wild mix of emotions. Here’s What’s been happening:

Why? Wrestling With Worries and Wounds

The election results left me Wrestling With a Wave of Worry and Wondering Why. The Whys of this political moment have Wrapped me in a Web of disappointment. Why do so many Americans Want to Walk the same path with a leader whose policies Will only Widen the Wealth gap? Why Would people place more trust in a rich, White man than a Well-qualified Woman of color?

This result has left me feeling Wounded, scared, and embarrassed for our country. Yet, despite the Whirlwind of Whys, I’m Working hard to keep Warmth in my heart. There are Wonderful people in my life—family and friends—Who feel differently than I do politically. Though I Wish for a Wider understanding and more unity, I’m trying to Walk the path of kindness and keep love alive in the face of What feels like a Widely fractured World.

Amid this Wider grief for our country, my personal Why is also tethered to my family. Watching my Mom prepare to leave her home of 50+ years has Wrapped us all in Waves of sadness. However, a Wonderful discovery—a Windfall—came When we found out my Mom’s partner has a long-term healthcare policy! This Was a Well-hidden gem none of us Were aware of, but it Will Wipe away many of the financial Worries for their move to an assisted living facility next Wednesday. While it’s not easy, We’re all grateful for this new Way forward.

Philip’s Weird Watercolor Workshop has been a Wonderful Way for him to Wile away some time and keep his mind active. These special paints create Vivid colors When brushed With Water. Watching him paint has brought moments of Wonder to otherwise Weighty days.

Writing: Words as a Way to Work Through Worry and Wonder

Writing has been my saving grace—my Way to Weather life’s storms. Whether in moments of Wonder or Worry, Writing lets me reflect and process. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion, I’ve reframed my caregiving days as a Joy Journey and started a daily Joy Journal.

Every day, I Write down at least one Joy-filled moment and pair it With a picture. It’s a Wonderful Way to remind myself of the beauty that’s still present, even in this time of stress and uncertainty. Writing helps me Work through emotions and discover What Works Well in my communication With Mom. For example, I’ve noticed her memory Works much better When she’s happy, but anxiety quickly Washes her away into confusion. Writing has also been a vital Way to keep my siblings informed, as We share updates in a shared document.

Walking: Wandering, Welcoming, and Warmth

Another Wonderful Well-being practice has been Walking. Each morning, While my Mom and her partner are sleeping, I Wander through Sacramento’s charming neighborhoods. Often, I’m guided by my high school friend Danny, Who Walks With me as we reminisce and reconnect.

It’s Wild to think that, even though I moved here With my family at age 12, there are so many Wonderful places I never explored. One surprising find Was the Renaissance Society at Sac State University—a Vibrant community just a short Walk from my Mom’s house.

The Fall colors are Vivid, and While the Winter air here isn’t as Warm as Florida, Sacramento has its own special Wonder. This week, we also Welcomed my Daughter and Son to my Mom’s home for an early Thanksgiving—a Warm and nostalgic reunion in the very home Where they spent so many Thanksgiving celebrations during their childhood.

From Why to Writing to Walking, W-Weeks have taught me that even in times of Worry, there are Wonderful ways to find peace and purpose. Whether through Words, Wandering, or Welcoming unexpected blessings, I’m reminded that life’s Wild journey is Worth it.

V-Weeks: Vital Visit, Victorious Voting, and Vibrant Virtual Ventures

This V-weeks post comes with the Valuable help of my Virtual assistant, VickiAI. I’m Venturing to add even more “V” alliteration, keeping this Alphabet-Inspired project Vibrant, even though my blog’s Views might take a dip now that Facebook doesn’t let me share links. But I’m Vowing to see this Venture through—only fiVe letters left to go!

Visiting Vulnerable VIPs

This week’s Vital Visit has brought me to Sacramento, where I’m spending time with my mom and her partner, Philip. They’re Vulnerable in some ways, but with Vitamins, a bit of Veracity, and Vigilance, they keep up their Vitality and Vim. Though they’re not exactly Veracious in Voicing their need for help, I Vowed to be here, feeling Very fortunate to return to the Venue of my childhood home.

Vaccinated and Victorious Voting

Before embarking on this Voyage, I managed to Verifiably secure a Victory in my civic duty by Voting in Colorado. And, with a little Vigilance, I got both my flu shot and the COVID vaccine—both Valid steps toward a Vibrant, healthy winter! Taking these actions reminds me of how Vital it is to stay Vigilant about our health and to make sure we’re doing our part for the community.

Vibrant Virtual Ventures

Thanks to the Versatility of Virtual tools, I’m able to keep up my Valuable Volunteering at the Manatee Literacy Council, where I help teach conversation classes to those learning English. It’s been a Vivid reminder of the power of Virtual connections, which I get to experience further with an upcoming Virtual Agile Testing class next week.

Verdant Vistas and Very Fortunate Feelings

Sacramento has been full of Vivid autumn Vistas, with trees turning a Verdant array of colors. I feel Very lucky to have my brother and an old high school friend nearby. There’s even a lovely View of Sac State University within a 22-minute walk, adding a Vibrant touch to this trip.

As I round out these V-weeks, I’m taking in each moment with Verve and a spirit of Vivid gratitude. This Vital Visit and the Virtual Ventures that accompany it remind me how Valuable these opportunities are—and I’m excited to keep sharing this Alphabet journey with all of U!

U-Weeks: Universe Unfolds in UnUsUal Ways

Uprooting Usual Routine

Uhhh… where do I even begin? Uprooting my life to move to Sacramento this Upcoming Monday has Undeniably Upended the Usual routine, but here I am, Unabashedly Upbeat! Yes, I’m packing Up, preparing to plant myself in a new place for a 30-day Joy Adventure with my mom, whose journey through dementia has been both Unbelievably heartbreaking and yet Undeniably filled with moments of Unadulterated love.

U might think that such an Upheaval would have me feeling Unencumbered stress. But, Until U experience it yourself, U won’t Understand how the Universe Unfolds its plan, throwing Us into situations that feel Unplanned yet Ultimately perfect. It’s as if the Universe, in its Ubiquitous wisdom, knew this was a time for Uplifting moments—time to Uncover Uncommon connections and share Unconditional love with my mom.

Upbeat Spirit Despite Challenges

And U know what? I’m Ultra excited. Despite the obvious challenges, I’m approaching this with an Upbeat spirit, ready to Unfurl some Unexpected joy with my mom during our daily Joy Hours. I’m Unifying a routine to bring stability, Uncovering new ways to spark joy and create moments that, though small, feel huge in their importance.

U could say I’m Undeniably Up for the challenge. U could even call this chapter of life a Unicorn moment—rare, beautiful, and entirely Unanticipated. The United States is full of stories about aging, caregiving, and family. This is mine. It’s Unique, but it’s also Universal in its themes of Unwavering love, Understanding, and the Ultimate truth that we all need to feel connected.

So, Universe, bring it on. I’m here, Upbeat and Uplifted, embracing this next Uncharted adventure with arms wide open, Under the watchful eyes of the stars, Uhhh, I mean… the Universe.

UnUsUal Collaboration

And by the way, this is an UnUsUal post! Why? Because my trusted helper, Unreal-UrsulAI, gave me a hand with all this Ubiquitous alliteration. Sometimes, even I need a little help from the Universe—and in this case, it came in the form of my virtual assistant!

T-Weeks: T-Party, Tidds, and Travel

Today iT’s Time to Talk about T-Weeks!

Texas Hold’em T-Party

T is a Terrific Theme for a Texas Hold’em T-Party. Our aTTire was Trendy with T-shirts, Ties, Tassels, a Tam, and Tops of Teal and Tan. I had a Two-Tone Tye-Dye with Torn Trousers and Top Hat.

The Troop Took my requesT for plen’T’ of ‘T’sing Thoughtfully. We aTe Tacos, with Tomatoes and Toppings. Tostados and Tortilla Toasts all Tasted Tremendous. To quench our Thirst, of course, There was Tea!

For Treats we had Twizzlers, Twix bars, and Tiramisu Thins. Though Texas Hold’em was The only Tournament game, There was Table Tennis, TV, and more Table games for The Team.

The Tidds

Let me Tell you about a Terrific Team – my daughTer, Megan, her husband, Chris, and Their Two Teens, Diego & Reneya. Together, They are The Tidds. Time Together is Treasured.

On sepTember Twenty-eighTh, we celebraTe “Uncle Chris Day.” My broTher, Chris, would have been Turning 63. Chris Thrived on Teases and Treats, so iTs fiTTing To celebrate a Twofer – T-Weeks and Uncle Chris Day, with a Trick or Treat Testimonial.

I Threw Together a Tiny Treasure Tin of Toys and Treats To commemoraTe The occasion.

Travel

The Task That I gave The Carpe Diem Connections Facebook Group was To Tell me Tales about Travel.

Two That Transpired were These:

There was also a Tip To Travel The hell out of Florida! (More hurricanes heading Towards Tampa are Terrifying!)

Truthfully, I’m Too Tired To Try To be wiTTy, so I will simply Thank you. Toodaloo!

S-Weeks: September, Snooze, and Shares

September

S-Weeks Started in September! Such a Sweet month. Still Sunny, but with Shades and Shadows as the Seasons Switch from Summer to Fall.

I love Savoring the Smells and Sounds of each Season. September brings Scents and Spices, Savory and Sweet, Stirring through Starbucks or Similar Shops. Steaming Soups or Sloppy Sandwiches, Sending Sensations of warmth and Serenity Seeping through our Souls.

‘S’-periences were Superabundant. I’ll Share a Small Sampling,

“Sky High” at the Chautauqua Silent Film Series with Rodney Sauer on piano

Seed Library found on a library Scavenger Hunt

Snooze

Sometimes I Spend Sundays Sleeping in. Sometimes I Savor a Sunrise. And Sometimes I Spend time at a Spiritual Service. But I “S’pecially like Sampling Sumptuous Snacks at coffee Shops after Said Slow Sunday Starts.

My S-Weeks Sunday Sustenance at Snooze was Superb! And So Saludable (‘Saludable’ is Spanish for a Synonym of Strong.) I’m Salivating. I Strongly Suggest you Sample Snooze yourSelf.

Shares from the Carpe Diem Connections Facebook group were Sensational. I’ll Share Some Screen Shots, Specifically from Ken Katz. To See the full Spectrum, come join the group and Share your own Shots!

Summary

S-Weeks have been Super-Satisfying. I’m ‘S’tatic! It’s Such a Successful Sensation when Serendipity provides Such Sweet ‘S’-periences as we Slide into the September Season. I ‘S’pecially Savor the Sharing – the Sweets, the Stories, and the ScreenShots.

So long, Sweet S-Weeks. ‘T’easing Starts Tomorrow.

R-Weeks: Rainbows, Restaurants, and Reflections

Rainbows

I’ve been Ready for R-Weeks. Right at the end of Q-Weeks, I was at Red Rocks and witnessed a Radiant Rainbow. Rainbows Represent Rapture to me. They Raise my mood and Remind me of the beauty that can follow the Rain.

My choir is singing a Rendition of The Rainbow Connection at R upcoming peRfoRmance this month. [Rebecca, Remember R Raw unRehearsed Recording of The Rainbow Connection]? Right. Ret’s keep Rolling.

Rainbows are Reminiscent of Recovery and Rejuvenation. I’m Relieved to have finished a Recent strength-building challenge. That, along with bone density improvements have Restored my Running Resilience. I was Ready foR anotheR Road Race in Rainbow attiRe!

Restaurants

Relieved to no longer have eating Restrictions, I Reveled in Re-engaging in Restaurant Rendezvous with fRiends and Relatives. In fact, I believe I went to a Record numbeR of Restaurants in celebRation of R-weeks.

I Remain committed to eating Relatively healthy foods, but did enjoy a Rare ‘Rita at my Restaurant Reunions.

Though I was Remiss in getting my own photo, my fRiend, Cathy Reminded me that the Rock & Rails event we attended togetheR, was apRopRiate for R-weeks

Cathy and I also Roamed down PeaRl StReet in BouldeR, Rambling and RechaRging as we Reminisced about the old days of Record stoRes.

Reflections

Sundays R a day of Reflection foR me. I Review the Recent events and Ruminate, Recounting and Remembering all that’s Right in my life.

My granddaughteR, Reneya, tuRned thiRteen. I Relish the Relationship I have with heR.

FoR my CaRpe Diem Connections GRoup, I’d like to Recognize Ronald Richard GaRcia. Ron’s Regular Ruminations R Refreshing oR Rightly Ridiculous!

I’m Really Recharged by the Regular and Resulting HumoR, Rapport, and ‘R’tful Rituals Regarding woRdplay.

Remember, only today Remains Really ‘R’s. Relax. Relinquish all Responsibilities. Ready youRself for the Sweet ‘S’ence of S-weeks.

Q-Weeks: Quotidian Delights, Quintessential Colorado, and Quotes

Quotidian Delights

Q-Weeks remind me of one of my favorite Q-words: Quotidian. I learned of the word, “Quotidian” when reading “The Book of Awesome.” The book described “quotidian” or “every-day” delights in such a way that the reader is ‘Q’d into the fact that we are surrounded by awesome, ordinary experiences and things every day!

In my Quest to celebrate Q’s during Q-Weeks, I Quiver in delight at Quotidian Q-encounters.

I made Quiche and Quinoa to share with my ‘Q’t visitor, Bill. I wish I’d thought to make a charQterie board.

Bill encountered a random Q-siting while Quietly doing Quiz Questions in Spanish with Babel. With his Quick wit and intelligence, he’s Quickly gaining high-Quality results!

Quintessential Colorado

Since Bill is visiting from Florida, I wanted to show him some of my favorite sites in Colorado – He was never Querulous even when I was Queer or Quirky.

Some of the highlights in’Q’ded a concert at Red Rocks. (Admittedly, that might have been a better R-Weeks Quest.) We also went to ChautauQua, Pearl Street, and Garden of the Gods. These all Qualify as Q-Weeks Quests because they are Quintessential Colorado.

Our Quads got a good workout and we didn’t have any pe’Q’niary issues, so without Question, it was a Quality Quest.

Quotes

The Queen of Quotes on the Carpe Diem Connections Facebook group is Heidi McLain.

Heidi posts Quips and Quotidian Quotes even when it’s not Q-Weeks!

During Q-Weeks, I Questioned the others about their own Quips and Quotes.

As always, I appreciate the Quantity and Quality of the participation of the members. They have such creative mental a’Q’ity!

I’m not sure if I’ve reached my Quota of Q’s on this post, but I’d say it’s time to Quit! I’m Ready for R-Weeks!