Music, memories, Monday has me thinking of various kinds of music.  What is your favorite, your "go to" when you can actually listen?  There are the "old" hymns we sang as children.  My favorite, as I have said, is "Holy, Holy, Holy" and has been since I was a child.  Maybe your favorite is Gospel music or "modern" praise music?  

It is an interesting problem, since the three sisters now live together, listening to my praise music.  Neither of my sisters (and Dad would agree with them) like the praise music.  Dad insisted it was "too repetitive."  Which is interesting when you know his favorite was Gregorian Chants -- VERY repetitive!

So...... when you want special music to listen to what do you go  for?  How do you listen - radio? App?  I have now been blessed with headphones and have found an app for my praise music.  I can listen and no one else can hear!  Yup, you have to  laugh or you will start screaming!

How is your energy level doing?  With the changes in the weather, among other things, it can be interesting to have, let alone increase, energy levels.  Sometimes it is nice enough to actually get outside for a walk.  Right now it is a SHORT walk but it is outside and helps.  Walking is still about as fast as a slow turtle but I remind people the turtle won the race!

So.... are you working on anything to increase the energy level?  What about strength?  Recovering from surgery (6 weeks ago) means working on both energy AND strength.  The frustrating part is how often people remind me I am not "50" anymore, it has only been "6 weeks" and how I am supposed to work at it slowly.

The interesting part is how technology has been able to help.  Sometimes it works!  Other times you have to laugh or you will start screaming!

How are you at doing something new?  Trying something new?  Learning something new? When I am traveling I am supposed to try one new food each day - which is a little difficult because of food allergies but is interesting.  Or with so many changes and challenges actually "doing" something new can also be interesting - to say the least.

Then there is learning something new.......  I have recently been learning some new techniques for knitting.  It is always interesting to learn something new for something I do regularly - like knitting (especially if someone wants me to sit still and be quiet!).  The difficulty here is I couldn't be "in the class," but I have been knitting for over 60 years, so easy - right?

Problem is I have to watch what your hands are doing before I can do it.  "Just" reading directions does NOT work.  Then, SURPRISE, technology worked!  I was able to see how on YouTube!  Sometimes you get to cheer while you are laughing!

How are you at taking naps?  DO you take naps?  I used to have my son take a nap because I needed a rest.  He played quietly, or read, while I had a break. Dad could take a nap just about anywhere - on the couch, in his chair, actually go back to bed - and be up ready to go again in about 20 minutes.  Of course I will also admit it was a rare night he wasn't up reading.......

The interesting part of naps is how often they MIGHT happen.  As I work on getting strength back I find myself back in my chair waking up from a nap.  I am trying to be up, walking and rebuilding strength but then have to return to my chair.  Sometimes I try a little to much so then I head for my chair.  Either way once in my chair a nap will probably be happening. 

The question can be sleep in the chair vs go lay down.....  I don't know about you but if I try to lay down I am wide awake.  Like I say...it is easier to laugh or you will start screaming!