Good for you, -t -- I am shamefully overdue by about 6 months.

Laura -- that's no good! I'm sorry you smacked your head. I wonder sometimes about whether I've had concussions in the past that I've just never had checked out -- two incidents in particular. Well, I guess... I'm here and more or less functional, so I'll take the win, even if I did have them.

And good luck to Elder Son. Hope it's just an update.

ahahahahahah job chaos continues. It's "write your annual review" time, and my boss told me I should make sure I include as many examples of things I did tied to the level expectations for my role. Then she alluded to a conversation we'd had back last year during the reorg about if demotions were a thing our company did, and that maybe we'll discuss that during the review, she's still gathering information.

... gosh, I wonder what all of that could mean?

Unless the (almost certainly offered) demotion wildly cuts my salary, I'll take it. Anything to stave off job hunting; remote positions are rare nowadays, as are technical writing positions. And, to be realistic, I'm a woman over 50, which would make job hunting even more difficult.

I'm not in the greatest of moods.

The main thing with the concussion is not to hit your head again. Other than that, just rest and use cold packs. Very boring. I had quite the egg on my temple, but that went down quickly.

Hope the new desk location works out well, -t.

Oy, Atropa, do not like.

Take care of your head, Laura!

Oh, geez, Atropa. Sending all vibes of having it all work out in a way that is favorable for you.

I wish you less chaos, Atropa.

After the algo figured out I was 65 I have been harassed with a variety of old fart info-tainment, but one thing of interest is the recurring emphasis on how to age more healthily.

One thing doctors focus on is how you walk. As it reveals a lot of things about your balance and cardiovascular health. The best predictor on how well you age can be assessed by them simply watching you walk across the room and back, and doing some balance exercises.

Fortunately, Pilates does a ton of this shit and has a lot of focus on grounded foot strength. Which is something I never thought about before I started Pilates.

But the tendon that connects your big toe is different than the muscles on the outside of your foot and the ball of your foot, arch and heel all need specific integrated work.

Since I had a late lunch I requested a workout today that didn't focus on bending at the waist, and so she had me do a rigorous foot and balance workout. Which was challenging but I feel better about how I'm going to make it through my 70s.

First, it is time to don the party hats and join in the celebration of JenP's birthday! I hope you are being spoiled today and that the year to come brings all you hope for and more.

Atropa! Sending whatever ~ma would be helpful. I'm sorry things are so stressful.

David, balance is a biggee. Most of my gym time is spent on stretching and balance PT. I'm very mindful of my posture and in the past few years changed to sitting in a harder-backed rocking chair rather than slumping on the sofa. Unlike my sisters and many other friends I am the same height I have been all my adult life. I expect to shrink at some point but at 72 I am keeping my focus ahead not down and stretching these old bones.

Happy birthday, JenP!!!

Hope it works out at your job, Atropa, because, yeah, trying to find a job in our field as a >50 woman right now is trash.

Thanks, lisah and Laura!

I came to post that after David's post last night I went down the freaking rabbit hole about balance tests, etc. Hilarious. Self-diagnosis - basically fine, with some residual catching up still to be done from my right ankle, which I broke about a year ago. And I intend to add some easy balance exercises into the (non-existent) daily routine.

Why do I do better with routines yet also often hate them? A question for the ages.

Happy Birthday JenP! Right there with you about routines.

FIngers crossed things turn out okay at work, Atropa.