Plans and More Plans

Yummy udon noodles (my photo)

I’m noodling over a couple questions in this week’s edition of John Holton’s Writer’s Workshop. Join in, if you like.

What is something the past did better than the present day?

People were better at sticking with plans in the past, at least in my experience, and I attribute this to the lack of cell phones. Before cell phones, it was often difficult to connect with someone at the last minute to change the details of an event or to cancel altogether, so people were more likely to keep to the original plan. Ghosting was rare, in my experience, with dates or otherwise ~  you didn’t want to get a bad reputation as a “flake.”

That said, I love my cell phone, as it allows me to keep in constant touch with my daughters via texts and pics. Otherwise, I would probably only hear from them once a week with a phone call like we did in the days of old. Oh, and FaceTime lets me see and chat with my grands at random times! Love that. 

What do you hope to accomplish in the second half of this year?

As I have mentioned before (and will likely mention again, bwahahaha), I began an exercise program on June 1. It was Leslie Sansone’s 30 Day Challenge to “burn and firm.” I stuck to it faithfully, and although I felt good about it, I didn’t really notice any improvement in my physical appearance. However, it’s now a week into the second month, and not only have I kept up the exercise habit, I’ve also increased the level. I bought heavier hand weights, stretchy bands, and a bunch of new Leslie vids so I don’t get bored. While a couple months back, 20 minutes of light walking exhausted me, last night I did 3 miles (42 minutes), plus a floor routine for “sculpting.” I was tired afterward, but not excessively. 

Finally, I am noticing that my body is leaner and more toned, so during the second half of 2026, I want to keep increasing my fitness level, both for health and vanity reasons. My blood pressure is lower already, and I am hoping that my cholesterol numbers will be better when I get my physical in a few weeks, but who knows. Even with exercise and eating right, this may be more of a genetic issue. They say that balance will improve as the core strengthens, so hopefully that will help me avoid falls, which is sadly a common problem among the elderly. 

I also want to switch up my reading to get out of the thriller/ romance rut, and I have started doing that (a little), and I hope to find my painting spark again, as I really enjoy it once I am in the mood.

Wish me luck with my plans! It’s not only about having willpower and motivation… I also need the universe not to throw impediments in my way, such as blackouts and backaches.