@amberpep

I'm so happy you're doing better with your emotions, and love it that you're going to a support group. I spent many years participating in groups as a member and eventually as a facilitator/leader. I still miss the sharing that took place there, which is why I so appreciate Mayo Connect. The same qualities of open, honest, respectful, and helpful sharing exists here.

My friend had Cat Scratch Fever and it took a few months to recover her energy. Please take care of yourself around it. I love kitties, but am always alert to their scratching behavior. I'm so glad you saw your doctor! Please keep us in your life as you make new friends in your area. I finally after nearly 3 years, decided to go to the Senior Center in Yorba Linda where I live. I'm SO happy I did.

I signed up for a Yoga class for 13 weeks, and have met some very nice women there. Two women from India told me they are taking the Oil Painting class I wanted to take but was feeling intimidated about. They encouraged me to go, and last Wednesday I had my first class. I'm so excited and started my first small painting in many years. I'm far more abstract in my vision than the other 25 or people in the class, but I feel very happy about painting again. Three hours flew by in what seemed like 10 minutes. Many people in the class go to lunch after the class, and invited me to join them. Next week I will go to lunch with them. I have the phone number of Olga, one of the Indian women so we can get together any time.

Another area where I'm making lasting relationships is in political volunteering. I've joined a small group of like-minded men and women. We go to City Council meetings, meet monthly to plan our agenda, and I have made two friends with whom I will meet personally for lunch. I'm so happy I started taking action on my desire to meet people in my new home. I was scared as I said, but older people seem much more open to welcoming others into their lives. You may want to check out the Senior Center in your area. They serve nutritious lunches for $3 as well, and many things they do are free of cost.