hmmmmmm lots of thoughts go through my mind but i'm not sure how to "word them to paper"

it's really hard to see the end of your nose when you're angry and upset and focusing on the pimple half way there

you say you pray and process -- and i hope i say this right -- but maybe instead of praying TO -- try enjoying WITH your Lord -- he can be the best friend you have -- after all -- he's the one that created all the beautiful things out there to focus in on you can confide in him like no other and he can fill your heart and soul with things you can't even imagine -- if you let him.

you can look at it as "exercise" that you dread -- or you can look at it as going for a walk with "him" -- and then the times you can get together with your girlfriend -- that's just icing on the cake

either that or you can sit in front of the tv watching an exercise show and say -- i really should be doing this -- like I do

Dotsie --

When I re-read my last post -- it sounds like I'm trying to diminish your pain and anger at losing your walking partner and friend -- and for that I apologize --

I know it hurts to lose her -- lose something you looked forward to and enjoyed -- one of those times that made the rest of the day of taking care of everyone else, bills, household duties, etc -- worthwhile and bearable at times. Now the child in you wants to stomp her foot and say NOT FAIR NOT FAIR -- I understand this and feel it myself at times

but bottom line sweetheart --- there's nothing in the world you can do about it -- so there's where my other post comes in -- if you can't beat it -- join it Your only other choice is to quit completely and wallow in the loss of something that's not only healthy for you but you once truly enjoyed.

Dotsie, I too walk alone when the knee and hip allow,but I'm sure not for the time you do. I do all of the above. I pray,listen to nature, and listen to my books on tape.Books on tape make time fly whether walking, cleaning,or driving 3 hours to see the family.Getting those"2 birds with one stone".YAY!

I love the books on tape idea. Hadn't thought of that one.

Weird. I ordered a book from Amazon and they sent the book on tape. Ahhh...now I know why. I hadn't returned it yet! How funny.....

Can I join in the pity-party?
I can sympathise with the loss of your walking partner in that most of my contemporaries seem to be moving away...I have lost count of the number of people from my children's school, our neighbourhood and church that I have missed when they followed the increasing trend here to move away from the city or to follow jobs interstate. Two of my siblings have also done this, and there seems to be a continual flow of people out of my life...as well as everyone getting busier and having no time to stay in contact.More of a writer than a talker, developing new friendhips is quite an energy drain for me, and the shared histories developed over time cannot be replaced.
I haven't had time to go walking since my daughter was born, but prior to that I would do a 40min circuit of our neighbourhood (usually alone but sometimes with a neighbour who has now moved away!)but also with the family dog. Do you have a dog to walk with?

Yes, you may join my pity party, but I don't think we should have it for too much longer. Pity parties can get depressing. Not good to wallow in our losses.

I can relate to your friends moving away. There seems to be the same trend here in the U.S. People move quite often for their professions, and others move to bigger houses in the country.

Some make moves that are best for their families and others make moves for bigger and better.

Is enough ever enough? Many from our generation seem to think enough is never enough.

I do have a dog and you are not the first person to mention taking her along for the walk. I have been doing the walk/run thing because I get bored walking...my problem. I think I have ADHD...

I am having thoughts of starting a walking club. Not really a club, but just a time and a meeting place to walk each day for anyone interested. Have to pray on this because I don't want to complicate things, but I know there are women who like to walk, talk, and get the exercise we need to keep our sanilty.

Julie, I hope you get out with the dog soon. Walking is so good for the body and mind! Hope you get back to it soon. I started walking when my kids were little. My husband would come through the door at the end of the day and I would take off with a dear friend who has also moved. Great memories!