Bucket List

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

One of my Nursing colleagues has done so many super marathons and gets up early every morning to get some training in. She's done quite a few Ultra Marathons and even one on the Great Wall of China - she's also done the Grand Union Canal race and the Nine Dragon Peaks. The most amazing thing about Tash is that she is a vegetarian and lives mostly on chips!!!

[Em]

Tori wrote: "OK, so I bottled out of going to the gym this morning. I woke up at 6.30 and just didn't want to. It was more a matter of getting ready and being with other people, and the drive. Just couldn't be ..."

I've ditched my gym membership in favour of You Tube Tori - in between prolapsed discs, sciatica, returning to full time work and the children too, driving 25 minutes to gym, staying for hour and 25 minutes home isn't going to happen and even once there, the high impact stuff was jarring my back...

I prefer fitness videos that are low impact and pref can be done in bare feet and minimal space, I've been pleasantly surprised at how much I've found that fits the bill.

[Carol]

Never belonged to a gym, but walk every morning, whatever the weather, generally on the Babbacombe Downs. Find it keeps me fit and gives a good start to the day.
The Secret of the Babbacombe Murder: Mysterious Case of John Lee, "The Man They Could Not Hang"

[Ian, Moderator]

Tori wrote: "OK, so I bottled out of going to the gym this morning. I woke up at 6.30 and just didn't want to. It was more a matter of getting ready and being with other people, and the drive. Just couldn't be ..."

LOL you reminded me of the Friends episode when Chandler can't resign from the gym....I'm with you and Tim not Bernard on this. Middle aged and unripped is gooooood.

[Tori]

Lol!! Couldn't agree more.

I've had a gruelling session at the gym with Bernard today. A couple of lengths of the pool and then sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi followed by a hot shower and then a J2o in the bar. I was glowing when I came out. The steam room has some sort of menthol in it or something. Couldn't hardly breathe in there and it was packed with men. Didn't tolerate that for long. Too self-conscious even with Bernard by my side. The sauna was better and was empty, as was the Jacuzzi. Splendid. Bernard offered to pay my monthly subscription if I wanted to continue. I hesitated for at least half a second before saying, Nah!

[Jim]

The simultaneous deterioration of vision and physical attributes, that often accompanies aging, work extremely well together. The one offsets the other. We don't look the same as when we were twenty. However, through the eyes of those within our age group, we look pretty good.

[Joy]

Tori wrote: "Lol!! Couldn't agree more.

I've had a gruelling session at the gym with Bernard today. A couple of lengths of the pool and then sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi followed by a hot shower and then a J2..."

A unisex steam room, eh? That's a new one - they don't do that at my gym. Only the pool & whirlpool are unisex. I've been going for years but I'm certainly not "ripped"! Just trying to keep up with my OH, who is pretty darn ripped! Thanks for the grins again Tori, you do make me smile!

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

Well, here goes with my Grumpy moan...... today I will be visiting my eldest sister who has Alzheimer's. She had a fell down the stairs a couple of months ago and fractured her skull. The family were called to the hospital and told to expect the worst as there was extensive bleeding to the brain cavity. However, 2 days later, she was sat up in bed reciting "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" from beginning to end, at the same time not remembering her family's names. When we found out that her husband was ill as well with Mesothelioma (a kind of lung cancer, caused by asbestos inhalation years previously), and could no longer look after her - she had to go into a care home. After we have visited her, we will visit her husband (who now has limited time left) and then, when we get back from there, (they live about 20 miles away), we will visit our brother, who is also in hospital. He had been neglecting himself for some time and ended up with dehydration and malnutrition. At the same time he had an infection (probably from his ingrowing toe nail wound), which caused a really confused episode, mixed with paranoia. He is a lot better now, but it looks like he's got Alzheimer's too.
Thank goodness I see my Great-Granddaughter a couple of times a week to redress the balance - she is a little ray of sunshine.

[Carol]

Jim wrote: "The simultaneous deterioration of vision and physical attributes, that often accompanies aging, work extremely well together. The one offsets the other. We don't look the same as when we were twent..."
That's a good, positive vibe Jim. Will remember that one.

[Tori]

Joy wrote: "Tori wrote: "Lol!! Couldn't agree more.

I've had a gruelling session at the gym with Bernard today. A couple of lengths of the pool and then sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi followed by a hot shower ..."

Yep - unisex steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi as well as pool. The only thing they keep separate are the changing rooms and showers. Went to the gym last night. That will be my 4th visit since I got my pass which expires on Friday (oh dear, how sad - never mind). I think I've done quite well. Last night was a mixture of pleasure and pain. We went in the gym for about 40 mins first and I pushed myself on the treadmill (which means I broke into a trot now and again). Then we went to the pool, but Bernard had a sore neck and shoulders from our swim last Saturday, so he sat and watched me from a sunbed at the side of the pool. What a wuss!! Then it was Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna before shower, drink and home. It was busy in there last night. The sauna was lined with half a dozen men and one girl who was posing and really bugging me. At least I wasn't the only female. Don't know if I'll bother going back before Friday. I feel as though I've had my fivers worth! As is well documented on GR, gyms are not my favourite places. Anywhere that has invasive music and men in vests and women in lycra with matching headbands, and mirrors everywhere you look, and scary-looking machinery, most of which baffles me - is to be avoided.

Flo - all that sounds like hard work. Maybe you should consider joining the gym for a little light relief. Gyms are great! Nose is growing again.

[Ian, Moderator]

Bernocchio sounds as tho' she likes it just a bit more than she is willing to admit.

[Tori]

Ian wrote: "Bernocchio sounds as tho' she likes it just a bit more than she is willing to admit."

Yeah right!! Lol! I wish! I'd have taken Bernard up on his offer for permanent membership if I was keen. It's been tolerable because the clock is ticking and the temporary pass is nearing expiration. I thought I might as well make the most of it so Bernard doesn't feel ripped off having spent a full five pounds!

I actually really want to be the gym type, just like I aspire to enjoying olives. Not gonna happen. I feel a flood of pure confusion when Bernard comes home after a hard sesh at the gym and describes pushing his muscles to 'failure'. The confusion sets in when he tells me how great it was. What? I do a bit until it hurts, then I stop. This bucket challenge of mine to get a firm toned bod for next July might take some doing. If the phrase 'no pain, no gain' is true, I'm in trouble.

[Jim]

There is a bar (pub, if you prefer), that I occasionally visit, called The Gym. I can go there, enjoy one or two drinks, and tell anyone who asks where I've been, in good conscience, that I was at the gym.

[Tori]

Jim wrote: "There is a bar (pub, if you prefer), that I occasionally visit, called The Gym. I can go there, enjoy one or two drinks, and tell anyone who asks where I've been, in good conscience that I was at t..."

Ha ha! Sounds perfect.

[Joy]

Tori wrote: "Ian wrote: "Bernocchio sounds as tho' she likes it just a bit more than she is willing to admit."

Yeah right!! Lol! I wish! I'd have taken Bernard up on his offer for permanent membership if I was..."

Unfortunately I think no pain, no gain is true, at least in my case. I wish I could wear a bikini (or at least a 2 piece) but that ain't gonna happen. Haven't been that thin in 30 years!

[Ian, Moderator]

Jim wrote: "There is a bar (pub, if you prefer), that I occasionally visit, called The Gym. I can go there, enjoy one or two drinks, and tell anyone who asks where I've been, in good conscience, that I was at ..."

Excellent solution wise Jim lol.

[Liz, Moderator]

Tori, I don't subscribe to no pain, no gain. Like you, I dislike gyms and avoid them like the plague. My philosophy is: a little and often, which I mainly practice by walking everywhere! (We don't have a car, which helps). I also do pilates once a week, which is great for your core muscles and I stick with the noddy levels I can deal with (I have a bad back); despite the example of some of the other ladies, who seem able to tie themselves in knots!

[Liz, Moderator]

Although, I love Jim's solution.....

[Tori]

Liz wrote: "Tori, I don't subscribe to no pain, no gain. Like you, I dislike gyms and avoid them like the plague. My philosophy is: a little and often, which I mainly practice by walking everywhere! (We don't ..."

Lol! You sound like my kind of woman, Liz. What is it with people that love to sweat and toil until they're in agony and can barely breathe? Is it a disorder, or do you and I have the disorder because we avoid it except in tiny manageable portions which don't offend us too much?

I'm with Philip - not ever so keen on seeing people's bits which should be covered at all times. Worse when you know them, I'm sure, but even strangers can prompt the words, Put it away! Not out loud, of course. When I was in the gym on Tuesday night there was a woman wandering around the changing room starkers. There are cubicles - with locks! I like to use them. I wish everyone would. Fellas might be well used to peeing in front of each other, but we women are not. I could not pee in full view. I don't even like it in a public place if someone might be listening. Am I the only one who lines and cushions the loo with toilet paper first?

I'm not a tattoo or a body-piercing fan either. I have two holes in each ear, the second of which I had done when I was 15 and never use. What more do we need? Am I the only one who hates those earrings that stretch a massive hole in the earlobe? Can look at those. They make me feel sick.

[Carol]

Have never liked the idea of running or exercising with other people. Always walk every morning, whatever the weather.

[Tori]

Em wrote: "Tori wrote: "OK, so I bottled out of going to the gym this morning. I woke up at 6.30 and just didn't want to. It was more a matter of getting ready and being with other people, and the drive. Just..."

Youtube is the way to go in the privacy of ones own home. Cheap, cheerful, and I can pause it any time to nip off for a swig of water and a Quality Street - just to keep me going!

[Tori]

Carol wrote: "Have never liked the idea of running or exercising with other people. Always walk every morning, whatever the weather."

Sounds exceptionally sensible, Carol. I don't even like walking, unfortunately. If the car is there, I use it. The car is always there! It's more a time thing. I can be quicker in the car, so it's a no-brainer. Always chasing minutes.

[Liz, Moderator]

Tori wrote: "Fellas might be well used to peeing in front of each other, but we women are not. I could not pee in full view. I don't even like it in a public place if someone might be listening. Am I the only one who lines and cushions the loo with toilet paper first? ."

I'm about to both go wildly off topic and lower the tone completely, but after Tori's post (see above), I feel I have to ask: Has anyone else noticed a rise in the number of people happily answering the phone while otherwise engaged in a toilet cubicle? (Or is it a purely Singapore phenomenon?) The lady in the next door cubicle was doing far more than having a pee, the other day, and yet was still yacking away...

Me? I'm happy to have any excuse NOT to answer my phone.

Caught Short

[Carol]

Liz wrote: "Tori wrote: "Fellas might be well used to peeing in front of each other, but we women are not. I could not pee in full view. I don't even like it in a public place if someone might be listening. Am..."
It sounds incredibly unhygienic! Presumably not someone who opens toilet doors with tissues and is a keen user of antibacterial wipes!

[Ian, Moderator]

Far too much cubicle info Liz lol. Never been bothered by changing room nakedness. Saunas were always a bit more of an issue. More confined seating space and there always seemed to be some bloke who thought his marital package needed a more expansive airing and so just had to have one leg up on the bench. Look at me, look at me lol.

[Jim]

I personally prefer never to boast of my procreation tool. It's no big thing.

[Tori]

Liz wrote: "Tori wrote: "Fellas might be well used to peeing in front of each other, but we women are not. I could not pee in full view. I don't even like it in a public place if someone might be listening. Am..."

Lol Jim.

Liz, I think it's fairly common. People answer their phones whatever they're doing. If you've never seen this, take a look. It'll make you giggle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD254...

[Louise]

I never answer my phone, mobile or landline...except to those with the special ring code.
I actually realised the other day I hadn't told any of my friends what the code was...

[Liz, Moderator]

Tori, I'd forgotten about Dom Jolly (sp?) and his giant mobile. I remember when it was thought to be incredibly rude if someone answered a phone in a restaurant....
I'll stop before I start to sound like my mum ;)

[Liz, Moderator]

BTW it made me laugh!

[Tori]

Liz wrote: "BTW it made me laugh!"

Me too.

Lol - I regularly sound like my mum, and equally as regularly cringe about that fact. I still think it's rude to answer a mobile phone in a restaurant, but I find myself doing it if one of my kids ring. It drives my OH mad. He's the type that can ignore phones altogether. When we went to Majorca together at the end of July, he wanted to leave all devices at home - phone, iPad, the lot. My answer was, sorry, but no. You can, but I need to know I'm contactable.

I remember a time when it used to look really weird to see someone walking down the street talking on the phone - like really bizarre. No one bats an eyelid these days. When you come to weigh it up, we live in a weird world. My dad died in 1989. He's only been gone a quarter of a century, but I sometimes wonder what he'd make of spending a day on earth now. He wouldn't recognise the place. The entire dynamics of day-to-day living has revolutionised in ways that we take for granted. We kind of look back fondly on the good old days, but we wouldn't go back to them.

[Em]

That phone call in toilet is deffo not just Singapore phenomenon.... and if you're in cubicle next door when someone's talking, is it rude to flush and use the deafening hand dryers??! Modern etiquette eh? Someone should write a book on it...

[Em]

That phone call in toilet is deffo not just Singapore phenomenon.... and if you're in cubicle next door when someone's talking, is it rude to flush and use the deafening hand dryers??! Modern etiquette eh? Someone should write a book on it...

[Tori]

Em wrote: "That phone call in toilet is deffo not just Singapore phenomenon.... and if you're in cubicle next door when someone's talking, is it rude to flush and use the deafening hand dryers??! Modern etiq..."

Lol! Yeah, but not me. Struggling to think of a plot. Unless - some unsuspecting toilet-goer in a public loo overhears a conversation from the next cubicle about where the body is. The person having the convo doesn't know anyone's listening. By the time they realise there's a fellow wee-er in the next cubicle, the chase is on to get them, and the only clue is tan boots with a large silver buckle, roughly (on one glance) size 6. A bit like Witness. Lol.

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

Don't you carry your shoe-sizing, tread pattern, DNA kit into the loo with you Tori???

[Jim]

This ongoing conversation about toilet stalls (or public loo, if you prefer) got me to thinking about something that some may consider totally unrelated; but I'm going to throw it out there anyway.

Warning! I have often been accused of being blunt, outspoken, as well as politically and socially incorrect. So read on at your own risk.

My annual medical physical is scheduled for Jan. 5. It will include the never ending debate between my doctor and myself regarding a prostrate exam and scheduling a colonoscopy. Every year, the Doctor insists that I should agree to at least one or the other, preferably both. I always refuse, which always causes him to shake his head and mumble unflattering things about me such as stubborness, stupidity, irresponsibility, etc.

My annual refusal is based solely upon my long-held personal philosophy. "One should never stick anything in a hole where poo comes out".

[Tori]

T4bsF (Call me Flo) wrote: "Don't you carry your shoe-sizing, tread pattern, DNA kit into the loo with you Tori???"

Yeah, course I do. Sittin' in my handbag right next to my purse and phone. Standard init? Lol.

Jim, Jim, Jim. Methinks you are like unto Ian - incorrigible. I proceeded at my own risk and it was all going well until the last line. Then I changed my mind, but like going into labour, it was a bit late by then. Most women change their mind about wanting a baby once they're thrown into labour.

Lol!

[Jim]

Tori wrote: "T4bsF (Call me Flo) wrote: "Don't you carry your shoe-sizing, tread pattern, DNA kit into the loo with you Tori???"

Yeah, course I do. Sittin' in my handbag right next to my purse and phone. Stand..."

Tori,

I think that Ian and I would make great pub-crawling pals. As far as my personal philosophy goes, I defy you to logically challenge the logic behind it.

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

I'm still wondering why they call it a pub "crawl" - all the people I've seen, seem to manage to get from one pub to the next in double quick time!!

[Jim]

T4bsF (Call me Flo) wrote: "I'm still wondering why they call it a pub "crawl" - all the people I've seen, seem to manage to get from one pub to the next in double quick time!!"

Flo,

I believe the verb crawl may have originally referred to those few who often misjudged their alcohol intake capability.

Fortunately, my late wife always accompanied me to social events and visits to cocktail lounges and bars. A piercing look from her was always sufficient to convince me that drinking Coke or Pepsi for the remainder of the evening was probably a wise decision.

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

Why can't there be more like you who can take the subtle hint??

[Tori]

Jim wrote: "Tori wrote: "T4bsF (Call me Flo) wrote: "Don't you carry your shoe-sizing, tread pattern, DNA kit into the loo with you Tori???"

Yeah, course I do. Sittin' in my handbag right next to my purse and..."

Jim, I know when I'm beaten. I have not the intellect nor the powers of argument or persuasion to defy your logical logic. And logically, I'm not sure what I'm meant to be defying, so I'm just going to let you win. I have to agree that you and Ian would make the perfect partnership in the bizarre activity otherwise known as the pub-crawl. Maybe people crawl from pub to pub because they can no longer walk. And maybe, just maybe, Ian could take the place of your wife in giving you the evil eye when you've had one too many. Sounds ideal. All things being equal, you could extend the same favour to him.

When I was younger, I was the perfect partner for going out with. I don't like alcohol any more than I like olives. I don't even aspire to liking it. So I can give the evil eye to anyone who needs it, and can pick them up off the floor, hurl them over my shoulder, and give them a lift home. Then, the next day, tell them everything that happened. When I was a teenager (and I literally have to go that far back) I used to do the odd pub-crawl with friends, but I'd take the car and drive myself home when I'd had enough - and drop anybody off who was willing to be home for 9.30!!

Slight exaggeration, but not by much. Then I became a mother at 18 and that was the end of my youth. I've never missed it or felt as though I missed out on anything. I gained too much ;-)

Am I the dullest person on earth, or do simple things make other people happy too? A cinema trip and a bag of Revels and I'm chuffed. An hour out for a curry. Fabulous. A spontaneous hug from one of my kids and a few words of appreciation and I'm (to use a stupid Aussie word from my Neighbours days) stoked. I don't need money. I don't like shopping. I'm not fussed about jewellery or perfume. I haven't been to the hairdressers in as long as I can remember. I'd attack anyone who came near me with strips of wax or false nails or a proposition to use a pumice stone to smooth my skin. In other words, I'm cheap to keep. And, thinking about it, I'm probably a bit simple!! And - another weird thing about me - I'm not overly keen on getting pressies. What kind of a woman am I?

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

Tori - you have just described me - except for the hairdresser bit - I do go about once every 6 weeks....... and I was 19 when I had my lovely daughter.

[Jim]

Tori wrote: "Jim wrote: "Tori wrote: "T4bsF (Call me Flo) wrote: "Don't you carry your shoe-sizing, tread pattern, DNA kit into the loo with you Tori???"

Yeah, course I do. Sittin' in my handbag right next to ..."

Tori,

What kind of woman are you? In my mind at least, a great one - the perfect mate. My late wife gave birth to five children during the first 10 years of our 33-year marriage; so I truly understand your high opinion of becoming a parent.

Could you please send me your evil eye via parcel post? There are times when it will come in handy. I promise to take very good care of it and return it when I am no longer in need of being watched over.

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

[Tori]

Jim wrote: "Tori wrote: "Jim wrote: "Tori wrote: "T4bsF (Call me Flo) wrote: "Don't you carry your shoe-sizing, tread pattern, DNA kit into the loo with you Tori???"

Yeah, course I do. Sittin' in my handbag r..."

Hahahaha! I quite value my eyes, Jim. I'm not willing to turn into Cyclops so you can have a safe night out. But - never fear - Flo has done the next best thing. See the great pic above. That's it exactly. The evil eye!! May I suggest that you print it off, write the word Tori in the little space above the pupil, and place it in your wallet next to your cash. Then when you've had enough to drink (don't worry, I've performed a spell so this is going to work very effectively) the colours in the centre of the pupil will start to change. When it's all black and no trace of the primary colours remain, you'll know it's time to move to the Pepsi Max.

Sorted!!!

Thanks Flo. Safe drinking Jim.

By the way - small warning in the small print.... If you fail to stop once the evil eye has turned black, then the image will burn itself onto your hand so that you'll see it every time you lift the glass. So - the spell has been cast. From several thousand miles away, Jim, that's the best I can do. I'll treat you to a lamb dinner via parcel post if you're diligent over Christmas with the moderate drinking.

I've got my eye on you!!

[T4bsF (Call me Flo)]

Good spell Tori! Always read the small print!!

[Jim]

Tori and Flo,

Thank you for the Evil Eye and the accompanying instructions (warnings). I will comply. I would hate to become intoxicated and have some attractive, sexy strange woman take advantage of me while unable to resist her advances.

[Joy]

Jim wrote: "This ongoing conversation about toilet stalls (or public loo, if you prefer) got me to thinking about something that some may consider totally unrelated; but I'm going to throw it out there anyway...."

Jim - I had a colonoscopy and it wasn't so bad (the worst part is the prep) but I was nervous about it. But very glad I had it done and nothing was wrong (and I won't need another one for at least 10 years)!

[Jim]

Joy wrote: "Jim wrote: "This ongoing conversation about toilet stalls (or public loo, if you prefer) got me to thinking about something that some may consider totally unrelated; but I'm going to throw it out t..."

Flo,

I appreciate your intent; however, the procedure itself and what it entails don't bother me a bit. It would just be a waste of time for everyone concerned, since the purpose is to look for something that, if discovered, I would refuse to do anything about.

I personally believe that medical science has reached the point where it is defying nature by keeping some people existing long after they have stopped living. I have no desire to be one of them. Life is a journey and I have had the good fortune to enjoy an interesting, wonderful, and fun-filled trip, with a few bad times and many good times along the way. When living ceases to be worth the effort, it will cease*.

*Don't panic. I am not depressed or suicidal. I am 67 years-old, still very active, and enjoying myself very much. I do not plan on ceasing to exist anytime soon.