WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2015

DianaLovesCoffee

Tonight I'm going to figure out how to exercise the flabby under arm "wings". Something I can do at home. I don't have weights but I do have one of those elastic bands you can put on a door. Today is rest day for my couch to 5K so I will just walk to get in my 10,000 steps goal. (I usually hit that everyday but Sunday).

Hubs finished up installing the glass tile backsplash in the kitchen. Just a few wood trim pieces to put up and we are done! Been working on this since June. Whoop!!!

Diana in Northeast Indiana

janemartin02

Happy tues.Since I had a play day with Violet,gotta get something done today
hugs
jane

nccarolb

Good morning! It is a sunny day here and supposed to get into the upper 50s. Just wish I could have a chance to be out in it!

Michele - The "soup kitchen" here is closed on holidays, as well, to give their staff appropriate time off. Typically, a church within walking distance of the shelter provides the midday meal on those holidays. The night shelter portion is open 365 days per year and food is provided there for the evening meal (typically by local churches for every day of the year), even though staff may be absent during the day on holidays.

Alison - Congratulations!



This is my cat, Spot, checking out the scenery from the back door. She has relocated well in that she seems to be happy and pretty much settled inside, but is confused as to whether or not she wants to go outside. I have taken her out in my arms and she is nervous and wants down. She doesn't leave the patio and, if there is a loud noise, she wants to go in. On the other hand, at night, she stands at the front door, seeming to expect me to let her go outside. I hope this weekend will give the opportunity of me letting her out to explore while I stay outside so that she can see and hear where she is to come back to. She has slipped out the front door as I was carrying something in but I've caught her pretty quickly. I guess we'll figure it out as we go. I'm certain that she is going to demand to be let out as it gets warmer.

I'm trying to keep my food consumption within a 12-hour window, but I will struggle some with that because of my long work days. In the study, I'm curious as to how long the mice slept, etc. because humans tend to be up and moving for 16-18 hours per day. As Heather says, hunger is not an emergency, but it sure does make going to sleep harder!

I went to Aldi last night on the way home from work to get a few things I needed, one of them being baby carrots. I much prefer paying 99 cents per bag instead of $1.69, but they were OUT of baby carrots!! I guess because it was a holiday, they didn't get their shipment in, but I was sad! I did get my protein bars plus a huge head of cabbage so that I could make slaw for my supper tonight. I have some kielbasa left, so I'm thinking kielbasa and cabbage soup is in the works for this week. They had blueberries on special so I got a container of them, too. Unfortunately, they are being held hostage in the refrigerator here at work because a Bible study group is in the room with the fridge. I am ready for my morning snack!

I need to get some more work done so I will wish everyone a great day!


Carol in NC

CynthiaT60

Carol: what a lovely photo! I read somewhere that it's good advice to keep a cat indoors for two weeks after a move. Maybe Spot is doing that on her own.

GodMomKim

off to garden this morning, already took Levi for his morning walk! then to do some errands, dog food is the #1 - there is a hardware store that sells his dog food over by my gardening client and it is $5 cheaper than anywhere else so that is on the list.

Lesley – thanks for the toad in a hole description….

Joyce – I too carry heavy bags of dog food around, but there are lots of options for getting stuff done without carrying the “too big” bags.. Even buying the big bags (better savings) and a clerk will load it in your car, then portioning it out from the trunk into smaller bags or containers… But hopefully you will not have to deal with that for a long long time…

Alison – Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And so glad DH said the money is yours – save if for yourself and the things you want, not just for bailing out the family budget.

Jeannine - I watch my grocery bill also and plan my meals around what is on sale, it is weird at first as sometimes only weird stuff is on sale, or you are wishing for something that is not on sale, but in time it gets easier, I kinda look at it as a game to see just how create and delish I can be on a budget of $$ and calories.



January goals:
Walk every day
Log all bites everyday
Do a fun thing every week.

Kim from N. California

Twhitehead7

Happy new year! I'm a little late on the resolutions, but that's just life getting in the way (lol)
I hope I can figure out how to converse with people on this site. I'm turning 55 this year( have gained over 20 lbs. since last April) and refuse to reach this milestone with all this excess baggage!
But, I know I need help!

Katla49

carolsmoo: Welcome!

Rori: What did you think of Zumba class? I have a neighbor who is attracted to the idea and I may go if she does, especially if it doesn’t require dancing skill. Two left feet and ‘I don’t got rhythm.’

Meg: I’m so sorry you have pain and likely surgery in your future. I’m so grateful for how things re turning out for DH following his back surgery last August. The results are good, but not speedy. I’m hoping your results are as good.

Sylvia: I hated roundabouts for the longest time. I took the AARP driving course online a couple of years ago and was rewarded with lower insurance rates AND an understanding of how the roundabouts actually work. They don’t confuse me anymore. I am happy that Joplin is rebuilding and their hospital is nearly ready to reopen. Regarding family issues, my cousin and her daughter had a difficult relationship for years following the divorce between DC and her husband. The daughter went with ‘dad’ who was a prize jerk. The son stayed with my DC. My cousin and her daughter are currently living together and working on improving their relationship. It takes effort on both their parts and healing is coming along slowly, but it is coming along. Maybe your family will see a little healing. You each did the best you could at the time.

SueBDew in TX: 73 degrees sounds heavenly.

Janet in Myrtle Beach: Chuckling. Thanks.

Kim: We have lots of cast iron and got some of it from the senior center thrift store. I would scrub it out really well and get as much “stuff” off as possible then I would re-season it. You can get good directions online.

Michele: You’re absolutely right that the lady who taught the core class also worked our backs. She was good at her work!

Peachstategal: Michele’s comments about your wrist sparked a memory. I broke my wrist in a fall and was told that I shouldn’t bend it back and hold weight on it for at least a year. I did all my downdog and planks with my wrist straight, resting on my knuckles for a whole year before gradually putting weight on a bent wrist. It has worked out fine.

Joyce: When your DH can’t lift the heavy bags of cat litter any more buy smaller bags. It costs a bit more, but not as much as medical treatment and good health is worth it.

Alison: Congratulations on the bird store job. I hope you love it.

Jeanine: I hear you about shopping and grocery bills, but grocery bills are way more reasonable than medical bills. Take good care of yourself.

Carol: What a lovely view! It seems that your kitty agrees with me.

Heather: I just took a loaf of sourdough bread made from your recipe out of the oven. I thought you’d like to see it before it cools enough to eat and we devour it.



Today nothing pressing is on the schedule. The gym schedule is light and none of “my” classes are offered today. I’ll have to find something else to do for fun and to get exercise.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon


“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison


January Goals:
1. Log every bite and swallow.
2. Cardio exercise at least 3 days a week.
3. Have fun every day.
4. Drink at least three glasses of water daily, preferably more!
5. Eliminate alcohol.
6. Monitor sleep.

pipcd34

LOVE your kitty pic!

here is boots with rocky and Bullwinkle. rocky *lighter one that is closer to the window is no longer with us, R.I.P.*

RENAEJAE

Thanks for the motivation and laughs I’ve already found here. It’s great to see so much activity.

@ Dstirratt – thanks so much for the navigation help. I can find my way here easily now and will try to keep up with all of you. This is a very active group which I love!

@jodios528 – I like the word ‘re-dedication’. I’m on that same path!

@ ctleonard9 – you’re not the only newbie here. I just arrived as well. Friend me if you’d like

@crazydoglady61 – I enjoyed hearing about your walking and running. I’m really looking forward to reaching those milestones once again. Thanks for the reminder about how great it feels and great job hefting those feed bags!

@marywetterlund – I’ve never heard of these ‘window’ diets before. I’ll have the read back to see what they’re all about. Congrats on getting over your plateau!!

@DamitJanit – thanks for that hysterical joke! I loved it!

I’ve eaten healthy for 5 days and feel better already. I’ve done it before and lost 80lbs so I know I can do it again. It feels good to be doing it instead of just talking about it.

January Goals:
1. Reduce caffeine to 1 cup/day
2. Exercise 4-5 days a week
3. Log every bite on MFP
4. Drink at least 8 cups water daily
5. Measure food portions
6. Meet with a dietician


Quote: Nothing taste as good as skinny feels.

ReNae
~ in frigid Maine

Zinka61

There are so many of you on here I don't know how I'll learn to keep up with everyone--How long have you all been here and known each other?

Someone above mentioned something about lifting heavy things around the house, and it got me wondering if anyone else on here has osteoporosis, and if so, what kind of exercises you have been told you can and cannot do? I'm still hoisting 30# bags of dog food, but my dr. told me carrying the actual 84 lb dogs up and down the stairs is OUT. My physical therapist told me not to do exercises that have me bending straight forward with unbent knees. I've given up figure skating (as much because of arthritic toes as fear of breaking my spine). What are others with this condition doing to stay healthy?

My bone loss is "only" in my spine so far, not in my hips, but I've already cracked a rib twice by leaning over something with my full weight. I'm not even quite 54, and it worries me.

terri_mom

Happy Tuesday ! ! !

I have been looking over the Groupon Website, because DH and I will be spending almost a week in El Paso TX in the beginning of March. Does anyone have any "must do, must see, or must eat" suggestions? We both love true Mexican cuisine, so that is something we will choose spontaneously during a supper-time. (My sister, who lived in southern Arizona for many years, said to choose a place with a lot of homeless people hanging around outside, because that means they throw away the best food at night). That was the advice we followed in Corpus Christie, and it never failed us. I would also like a coffee treat almost every mid-day, a massage treatment at least once, and will be "on my own" for lunch at least twice, so I wish to keep that toward the healthy side of cuisine (as opposed to bowling alley junk). I will also have a few mid-day hours alone, so would love to do something that I can't do anywhere else in the US, and I will try to be open-minded about any suggestions (DH will probably want to stay in the room watching sports, or go to a Casino or two). I plan on getting cortisone shots in both knees before we leave, so a walking tour or museum sounds like a good plan. I usually have had good luck doing a google search of "Cheap things to do in _____ . " but this time I'm just not finding anything to make me excited.

I am feeling a little bit better every day, even though my cough is getting deeper. DH is still not doing well; he only made it 7 of his 10 hour shift yesterday. And he is still sleeping in the spare bedroom with his own humidifier. I am looking forward to my cough being gone, so I can start riding the bike again. It's so hard to stay within so few calories, and still get enough nutrition, especially since I am finally hungry again. LOTS of water and propelzero.

Sharon - best of luck with your new eyebrows. How exciting that you will have them again. They really put expression to a person's face. I look forward to seeing the pictures.

Alison - congrats on the bird store job. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience.

Jeaninne and Kim - I also love playing games with groceries. I would rather stalk the sale papers, make lists, and stop for a few items at different stores on different days. That way, DH and DS aren't along to spend extra money on what I consider junk, and I can get in and out quicker, since I know what I am getting at which store. And I don't have to wait in another line to get a price-match. I try to keep it fun.

peachstategal and Katla - I broke my arm/wrist in May last year, and started Physical Therapy 2 days after having the cast removed. One of the main exercises was to "lift" a light weight (or full water bottle) while resting my forearm on the desk or arm of chair, and I did this both directions. I also still work my fingers for outward strength by "opening" rubberbands with all 5 fingers at the same time. And when I donate blood, I take my own squeezies, so I can work both hands at the same time. It's all just little things, but my pain level requires baby steps, and "a body in motion tends to stay in motion", even though there isn't much motion left in this body.

Now, I just got a UPS shipment, so it's time for this body to walk a few light boxes to the back room.

I hope this didn't sound to "preach-y", as that was not my intention. I just seem to be chatty today.

Hugs to Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee

yanniejannie

Good afternoon, all,

Sunny and about 60 (but I still envy suebdew's 73!!!). Walking to back of our neighborhood when I get off here to pick up the mail I forward for a friend who moved. Burned the side of my finger on the pan making a couple servings of steel cut oats this am, going fast instead of careful.

DD was faced with a horse that coliced yesterday morning (alone) as our friend had gone off to her store and her husband had an emergency eye appt. as they thought he had a detached retina. She got the horses owner out to the barn and neither could get the horse on it's feet; when the vet came she said he literally threw himself into the horse's side to get it up. DD was way sore because she and the owner spent time until the vet got there trying to keep the horse from rolling; apparently using their own bodies. Of course it was my favorite; the one I picked out that is so valuable. The owner is about my DD's size which is 5'1" and maybe 120lbs but she is in her late 50's........so, I can imagine how sore she is today. They arranged for transport and it's down in NC, probably has had op. by now. I'm hoping she's OK as she is a beautiful animal with a stellar show history.

Michele.......My plank today was 1min. 45 sec. I might catch up to you in 5yrs lol.

I also had to do things on my fists because I couldn't place my hands flat for many months after a fall which injured my wrist.........soft tissue damage, no break, but still painful and loss of motion for a long time. Should have had physical therapy.

Katla........I'm glad you are so pleased with the club you joined. I see fun and new friends in your future!! YAY for DH's progress too!

Terri..........Nothing "preachy"........hints and tips always welcome!!! Glad you are feeling better.

carolsmoo......Love your blue flowers! Good luck on your goal.

Rori........Major de-cluttering!!! Green with envy here. Glad to have a like-minded buddy on taking the scenic route!

Sylvia.........Hope you are having a grand time with your friend today.

Janet.......LOL; great joke!

Kim........I soak then scour with salt........in the old west, the cowboys used sand in the old days at the campfires.

Sharon.........Hope you are pleased with your eyebrows. Mine are just fading away.

Jeannine.......There are lots of cheap meal resources on the web. MFP has a recipe swap group with cheap meals thread too.

Diana.......You might try chair dips for those arm areas.

sprepej.......Been on MFP just over 2 yrs. and on this thread a bit less. I have osteoporosis too. Also got the advice to not bend at the waist so I do a lot of squats when others in class are bending. From what I was told, weight bearing exercises are beneficial. Was on Fosamax; took myself off because of epigastric pain for days after taking the weekly pill.........just kind of ignoring it right now..........head in sand syndrome.......

Must get a move on!!

Hunger is not an emergency.
Determined.
yanniejannie
mid-Atlantic

crazyDogLady61

Good afternoon dear ladies!

Allison: Major congratulations on the job. It sounds like a perfect fit.

Katla: Your bread looks amazing! Good homemade bread is my major weakness. I just can’t make it anymore because it can’t be in the house.

Carol: Spot looks quite happy just looking out the window. Maybe she will decide to just be an indoor cat. Very cute that your blueberries are being held hostage by the bible study group.

Jeanie: I’m impressed that you meal plan before you grocery shop. I normally buy what is on sale and the staples (kale, spinach, salad greens) and then see what comes together from there. I end up eating the same thing for a couple of days in a row for dinner, then create odd meals from what is left. These odd meals often end up as a favorite. (Whole grain toast, smear of goat cheese, chopped spinach, topped with an over easy egg—YUM.)

Joyce: Lifting/carrying heavy stuff is more a matter of technique than raw strength. I’ve been on my farm for more than 30 years. Lifting the 50lb bag of grain to pour into the feed bucket is just part of the regular daily chores. It never goes very high and I am really careful to use my legs. I can pretty easily carry the 50 lbs ONCE IT IS ON MY SHOULDER! Lifting the dead weight is a whole ‘nuther thing. Getting the bag out of the Tahoe and onto my shoulder doesn’t take much lifting. That is why I use the high Tahoe rather than my mini-van thing to get grain. If something happens that causes me to drop it --- let’s just say a long string of expletives occurs. I have noticed that as the grain bag becomes a higher and high percentage of my body weight, it is easier to knock me off balance – sometimes the dogs just are not as helpful as they think.

Another thought… I saw an ad for “lightweight” kitty litter. Sounds like it is a product well designed to fill a niche.

Since so many of us have dogs, I have a tip for those who buy lots of greens (Kale, spinach, etc.). I have found that the shelf life of them can vary widely. I have had stuff do great in the frig for 10 days and then the next week the same veggie with the same “sell by date range” will smell/look a little questionable after a day or two. When the stuff gets to questionable (well before gross) I toss it in the freezer. Once every two weeks I make dog food by tossing these greens, an orange veggie, and the cheapest cut of meat I can find in the crock pot. This glop becomes about a third of my dogs’ regular meals and keeps my food waste down to just peelings and coffee grounds.

Looking for the joy in every day, just like my dogs.
Remember to breathe…

Sally W.
Oregon

Poerava14

Katla: I like Zumba because it feel more like dancing than cardio class. I LOVE to dance, especially to fast salsa music. It's in my blood. Give it a try.

Carol: How about a cat leash for Spot? You won't believe how much you'll learn by tagging along when she is in 'chase' mode. Caveat: You must let the kitty lead you, not vice versa. Mars considers me his partner in these pursuits and after 2 1/2 years on a leash, we both look forward to the walks and fresh air.

Rori
Colorado Foothills
2015 word = Mindfulness

yanniejannie

Sad.........called friend who owns stable when I got back from walk......The horse died in NC last night...she said to tell DD that she did all anyone could do yesterday and did everything right. I know this is going to hit her hard......Rough evening comng. Sucks.

Lestan48

Wednesday here and slept peacefully until 8am, 93% efficient.
So got up and had my Jeannette's Yogurt crunch with blueberries and black coffee = 484 cals (I added 10 mL flax-seed oil to it as Brian wants me to have MORE good oils)
Training is Jeannette's Bikini boot-camp (10am) and walk after lunch of sweet poatato and pumpkin soup with granary roll. Braised steak in crock-pot for dinner. Cals = 1848, not bad
Yesterday we went grocery shopping and had our fish and chip treat lunch on the wharf in Wynyard, the shop is owned by fisherman and we love the treat on shopping day.
Then to chemist and bought more of the high dose vitamins (Ethical nutrients) recommended by Brian. He said my usual Centrum ones were ten time TOO low but finish them off with dinner then switch to 1 high dose with breakfast and 1 with dinner.
Ironing and cleaning house today.

I have cut sugar from my coffee and tea and drink more water and herb tea to flush kidneys now.

I have started buying 4Legs all natural dog food, beef with macaroni and veg and chicken with pasta and veg, kept in fridge and Mildred beagle loves it, NO smells now.

Feeling really energised and feeling good about myself. My body fat is going down and re-building more muscle again. I LOVE Brian and see him again a week on friday for official weigh-in.

Lesley in Tasmania.

decoratinganne

Good evening all,
Long day spent in a product training seminar. I would have love a chance to get up and walk around a bit more. I find I have no patience for sitting still. This evening's job; get step count up.
I was thankful for packing my own lunch. I would be a wreck for snacking on doughnuts.
Hubbs and I have a night at home, no more running out for today. Maybe I can get started on knitting the mate to my latest sock project.

Cheers all,

Anne
North of Toronto

cityjaneLondon

Good evening all!

Katla - what a fabulous loaf! ! ! ! Just think what you'd have to pay for that at a smart food store! ! ! You can cut it into halves and quarters once it's cooled and freeze some. :flowerforyou:

We had Pimientos de Padron tonight for a starter. Delicious baby green peppers, heated in a smesr of oil in a frying pan until they partly sear. Then sprinkle with crunchy sea salt. We had them all the time in Spain. The story is that occasionally you get a hot one. I never have. :laugh:
After that we has a split pea and ham hock soup I made. :bigsmile:

Nice to see lots of new people. The secret to weight loss is easy - eat less, move more. I would add - eat GOOD food. And move a lot.

Today I had yoga, which was rather strange as the heating wasn't working. It was the coldest morning for 2 years outside, so the hall was 46% F. I kept my goose down coat with a fur hood on throughout, plus my gloves and socks. We got through it with rather more moving about than usual. No floor exercises! :laugh:
Then I had to go to the dentist for my 6 monthly check up and cleaning. I had x rays. She was very pleased with me. :bigsmile:

Tomorrow is my shopping expedition with my new friend. I hope I can manage to buy something. I hate shopping for clothes even though I am now slim. :ohwell: I bought some slip on trainers today on the internet, which is a bit of a risk, and some more padded socks. I have to walk a lot and even hike on holiday and I have terrible trouble with shoes. Mostly I have to wear orthotics, which limits my style. The reviews said they come up big so should be able to get orthotics in. Tomorrow I will be looking for light pants and long sleeved tops. I have absolutely nothing like that in my wardrobe as I haven't been anywhere hot since I lost weight.

Love to all. I hope I may be able to report soon that I have dropped a "safety" pound that will be held in reserve for my holiday. :bigsmile:

Yanniejannie - just read about the poor horse. Terrible. So sad for DD.

Heather in freezing Hampshire UK

terri_mom

YannieJannie - Hugs and prayers to your DD and everyone involved with the horse. Hugs for you when you have to break the news.

margaretturk

Good evening,

Yanniejannie sorry about the horse. The horse was lucky to have your daughter in its life.

Katla I took that AARP course on line too. One thing I took away from it is truck's have a blind spot in front of them the length of the truck. I knew that is hard for them to see behind and they have extra mirrors to compensate. I now give trucks much more distance in the front when I pass them than before I took the course. It also confirmed how important to leave distance between me and the car in front of me.

I am considering leading a support group at my church on ambiguous loss. These are losses created by Alzheimers, divorce, or chronic illness. Any loss where closure is not possible. Giving voice to the loss and strategies where to go forward would be the focus of the group. I will use the book Ambiguous Loss by Pauline Boss as a touchstone to lead the group. I am in the discussion stage.

MNMargaret