WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2015

mollywhippet

Today's steps - 17,393/7.25 miles, so a little less than yesterday. We went to the Prado Art Museum, then the botanical gardens. Then we walked to the train station, making a dry run for tomorrow's trip to Barcelona. We will take a taxi to the station, though, because it would be too hard to navigate the metro stations with our luggage. It's a beautiful train station. Near there we found a street vendor selling roasted corn and roasted sweet potatoes, so we got some and sat in the park area to eat. Boy, do my feet hurt!

Now we are snug in our hotel room, planning to go to bed early and get up earlier than today. We slept really late this morning, till 9:30! We must have been really exhausted. We also switched rooms today. We originally reserved a king room, but when we checked in they gave us a queen. Hubby thought they must have different names for the mattress sizes in Spain. Silly man. I finally showed him a picture on the hotels web site showing a king bed, so he asked about it. I really don't care, but he likes to get what he pays for.

My son has emailed saying all is well back home, so I'm relieved about that.

I hope you are all having a great day!

Sylvia

Mindsiview

Greetings! I'm new here and to MFP. Been reading this thread with much interest and hope you don't mind me hanging about :-)

bwcetc

Hello Mindsiview! You are welcome to lurk about, but we really enjoy hearing about each other's lives. Post a little when you're comfortable.

Drkatiebug ... maybe it was this site, maybe another ... but plateaus can also be considered "practicing maintenance prematurely."

Heather ... you are always very kind ...

Mary ... congratulations on finding a house so quickly!

Allison ... sigh ...

I am going to be ordering some books tonight ... so both Heather's and Lisa's books are on my list ... I love to read and really need to reward myself with things like books (and jewelry) instead of chocolate.

And I may be the only mother in the world to be excited by the prospect that her son might have mild to moderate ADD! He's always been unable to focus on homework or reading for long periods of time.... oh the drama "I have SO much homework" ... to find out after he finally would settle down that he had 10 minutes worth. But he is very smart and knows how to give teachers exactly what they're looking for, so we've never had anyone bring this up before. He's quite the BS-er ... heck, he could sell ice to an eskimo! And he's not hyperactive ... just the opposite ... so no one would pick up on it. But we had a really disasterous week and his inability to follow through on reading The Great Gatsby for his English class became very glaring apparent when I called him on it. ... he had himself sick with migraine for days! So it made us all think and his doctor is suspicious (and excited by it if you can believe it) that he might have ADD. If you can't focus or stay on task, you avoid doing your work ... and if you avoid doing your work, you can become anxious and worried and stressed .... And if you're anxious because you couldn't focus and you didn't do your work and you suspect you're going to catch h*ll .... Migraines!? .... this might be a huge piece of his puzzle! A little late in the game at 17, but I was told it is common in very smart kids to often be undiagnosed until they're in college. We shall see...

Today I'm the one with the throbbing headache. Son is learning how to drive ... and I let him drive to our appointments today ... need I say more?

Hope you're all having wonderful days!
Beth in WNY

terri_mom

Vicki – How nice of you to let that co-worker vent, and to help him take some time to think instead of quitting prematurely. My Dad often says “God, keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth”. I struggle with that concept a good percentage of the time. And Extra Congratulations on 9 years sober ! ! !

Beth – Congrats on the possible diagnosis. It’s not that you want your DS to have ADD, but you want a diagnosis, so you can start working on a solution to the problem. I totally get that, and you are a great Mom because of it all. (I don’t have ADD, but I have been told that I could sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo, so he's in good company with me) Good luck with the driving lessons.

I have stayed on track so far today with my food and my exercise. I just need to remember planks when I get home, and stay away from the “forbidden” foods. I have left-over shiritaki and marinara sauce, plus plenty of veggies to heat and eat. I really need my “practice for maintenance” to end, and get back to losing again.

I hope everyone is able to make wise choices today. Hugs for Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee

janemartin02

HI!hubby and I had our physicals today.I lost over 30 lbs since I saw her,wants me to loose 30 more by next year.B.p was the best it has been in over 30 + years.Got pap done and then every 3 years,going for labs and mammogram in july.Hubby bp was a little high,he has tendinitis and 2 other conditions due to his job.Dr put him on light duty for a month and steroids for inflammation and pain meds.He`s afraid of loosing his job if he can`t lift.Just got a call mom is on the way to er,her blood thinner levels are high,then youngest son,calls to tell me he needs shoulder surgery from the incident at work,Calgon take me away.
Hope ur day is going better.
HUGS
jane

fanncy0626

Vicky- on occasion those weight watcher meals come in handy. Especially for lunch at work. Nine years sober congratulations! It will be nice to have the extra money for the extra shifts that you are going to be working.

Lisa-you have a great way of looking at life. As soon as our movie is over in July I hope to read your book. I'm sure it will be well written with humor. Your posts are very interesting.

Sylvia-it sounds like you are having a great vacation! It is nice to hear from your son that everything is going well at home. We always get a king room when we travel as well. It's nice to have that extra room to relax.

Mindsiview-glad to have you around!

Beth-enjoy your time reading. I can hardly wait until I can have time to relax and do that as well. It is nice to have the diagnosis for ADD. Now you can learn how to manage the behaviors associated with it. I hope your headache goes away.

Terri- good for you staying on track! I have been having a little trouble. I guess I have been practicing for maintenance. Good plan for having the veggies.

Jane-you are doing awesome! 30 pounds down and your blood pressure is great. Sorry to hear about your hubby and son. A nice hot bath does sound like a good plan.

Have a great night everyone!

Mary from Minnesota

drkatiebug

Thanks again to those who take the time to respond to so many. For some reason, I miss posts when reading from the app. If it weren't for you guys I would not have known that Mary found a house nor would I have known that I am practicing maintenance prematurely. LOL! I've been doing that quite well for a couple of years now. Time to kick it up a notch.

Enjoying the pics from the travels and the cute, cute cell phone case.

My friend came over today to borrow two dresses for her husband's visitation and funeral. Hospice is with him 24-7 and they are expecting him to pass at any time. She doesn't buy a lot of clothes and never dresses and really can't afford to spend the money she would need to spend to look nice. I fixed her up quite nicely. The black dress is a basic Coldwater Creek in their travel knit which hangs beautifully and hides a multitude of sins. It was my dress to wear under the graduation gown when I was teaching high school. Nobody will recognize it as mine because I always wore it with a colorful jacket or sweater or else it was hiding under the gown. The other is a muted print in black, olive, and tan. I paired it with black shrug for her. It looks totally different than when I wear it because I wear it with an olive long sweater and a big cinch belt. We wear the same size but look totally different in clothes because she is hippy and pear shaped where I am busty and have a waist. She is also a good bit shorter. I don't think anyone will guess she is in borrowed clothes because they fit so well and are accessorized so differently. I feel so bad for her. He has been sick, bedridden and with dementia for several years. She is still trying to work while caring for him and raising two grandsons. He is only in his early seventies. She is mid sixties. They were our next door neighbors before we moved to this house, and we have remained good friends.

pipcd34

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terri_mom

Drkatiebug - such a relief to your friend that she does not need to take away time or money from her hubby to feel comfortable at his funeral. You have done her and multitudes of others a huge favor with your kindness. And I'm sure she felt immeasurable comfort and support just being in your presence. It is amazing how much we can do for others, when it really seems like so little (or just natural) to us. Here is a (((((hug))))) for you!

fanncy0626

Drkatiebug- I am so sorry to hear about your friend's husband. It is so nice of you to help her get something nice to wear. It will help her to feel cared for and loved well wearing your dress. (((Hugs)))

Pip- thanks for checking in! Hope you are having fun.

Mary from Minnesota

oceanmelody

have had a lot of stress the past couple of days due to people at work being laid off or shifted about. Hoping to hang on for three more years myself, then done with the whole thing and on to new things! Really feel sorry for people younger than me sometimes--does anyone else ever feel that way? The sands seem to be ever shifting for so many. On the plus side I am down another pound. The Spain trip sounds wonderful. I went there once and really loved the laid back attitude and the culture! A great place for walking, too!

Katla49

Heather: I’m not a gourmet cook, and not too fussy about saucepans except that I won’t cook in aluminum. It needs to be cast iron, stainless, pyrex or crockery. I love the idea of a “turning 36” mock film. DD turns 36 this year.

Carol: I admire your courage to read John 3:16 in Spanish. WTG!

Sylvia: I’m happy that you’re enjoying your adventure and have heard that your son is doing okay. Yay!

Mindsview: Welcome. Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?

Beth in WNY: I hope that your son’s situation will develop into something he can manage. That would be so much better than him feeling stressed or out of control.

Jane: CONGRATULATIONS! Losing 30 pounds is awesome. WTG!

Dr. Katie: Your former neighbor is lucky to have you as a friend.



My neighbor wasn’t able to go to Zumba today. Her mom was refusing food and the place where she lives called. I talked to her DH a bit ago, and mom was sent to the hospital. She’s in her mid-nineties and failing. I wish my neighbor luck and some level of peace through what is a difficult situation.

My neighbor's situation makes me think about my own mortality, and how I want things to be managed some day in the future. I don’t have any glorious “ah-ha’s” to reveal, but I’m glad I live in a state with a law that allows assisted suicide. I know how the law applies to terminal illness, but not how it applies to extreme aging. I do know that you have to be “of sound mind.” Life is a puzzle, and I don’t want to dump a situation like this on my kids 30 years from now without any guidance on my wishes. I want to be in charge. At least I can sort out how I want things handled and give then information to them well in advance.

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

May Goals:
1. Log every bite and swallow.
2. Cardio exercise at least 3 days a week. Work on flexibility and back
strength.
3. Have fun every day.
4. Drink at least three glasses of water daily, preferably more!
5. Eliminate alcohol. Accomplished but here as a reminder.
6. Monitor sleep. Try to average 7 or more hours of sleep nightly.

italy10548

@drkatiebug - you have treated your friend so kindly, it brought tears to my eyes. You gave her your love, huge support, time to plan for what is next, and I'm sure relief at one of the most difficult times in life. God worked through you today. Well done! Hugs

Lestan48

Friday and was restless last night. Realised at 1am that NO Nexium, so got up and took it.
Slept until 9am. Have had breakfast and prepped crock pot beef and broccoli for dinner, supposed to have with rice but added potatoes instead. Sodium is HIGH due to soy sauce and beef stock.
Oh and realised NO chocolates, NO biscuits, NO alcohol for Tom's Big Burn. Boo Hoo ah well. Fat Loss I hope
I am cleaning house today and will take dog a walk this afternoon
Lesley in Tasmania

pipcd34

Still up. Visiting mom

pipcd34

I am hoping to run tomorrow. It's raining now. We will c

barbiecat

About mothers.....mine had many shortcomings and many strengths.......I am using Gretchen Rubin's technique of "finding the positive argument" to reflect on her and thinking of her with a list of all the things she added to my life and leaving out all the areas where she made me crazy.

Jane, congrats on your weight loss

Katla, good for you to decide to go to spin class even without your friend to go with you....even though I've read so many recommendations to find a workout buddy to keep you accountable, I've not found anyone who that I can count on all the time, so now I count on myself.


19,000 steps today--two hours of dog walking, line dance class and practice with the performance group, and 90 minutes on the exercise bike


Barbie from beautiful NW Washington

Annr

@barbiecat My son is in Widbey Island kind of near you. He loves it, and is adapting well. With a squadron there. I helped him move into his place last January, and he told me his neighbor said, " Are you and your WIFE adjusting well?" hahahaha he said..."Um no that is my Mom"....well I don't feel too old now. The ferry ride back down was pretty.

Well today I really pushed myself lap swimming. So I did 17 laps. Found out you really don't count laps but lengths. So I did 34 lengths of a regulation 25 yard pool. I wasn't lazily swimming either! I averaged about 2 minutes a length. So in total I did about 1/2 of a mile (a mile being about 800 and something). I was impressed! And it also gave me a darn good reason to crash for a 3 hr nap on my swimming days.... I drooled and everything...

italy10548

I changed it up today because of the rain. Boy we sure need the water here in CA. So I worked around the house this morning, later ran errands, then walked 3miles in my neighborhood, made dinner, and ate with the family. Just finished my Classical Stretch workout now at 7:30 pm. Just kitchen cleanup and torrow's lunches left to go.

My DS and DD (both teenagers) are driving now. I remember teaching them and the bad feeling I'd get sitting in the death seat! Thank God it all worked out okay and now it's just my 14 yr old DS left.

My DD has a dance competition again this weekend so I should easily make 10k steps

jmkmomm

what happened to my post. It was all to emotional to repeat it. Not about me, just a lot of feelings from an article I read, from what you girls are going through and hubbies appointment today. Love you all. there is a ghost in this cyber world, i know it!!!!

Joyce, Indiana

dreamwriter

Hello, beautiful ladies. I do love how supportive all of you are. It was a good day when I discovered this thread.

Carey - Have you tried Michael's for custom framing? They quite often have 1/2 price sales. I've used them to frame some of the original art from my son and my daughter. I think it looks good.

Heather- I love the idea of the poster. The saucepan is something he probably wouldn't splurge on but just think how much he will enjoy using it and he will think of you.

Beth - Reward myself with books. Perfect.
It will be nice for you to have a diagnosis then you can figure out a better plan. Migraines are so horrible.

drkatiebug- You are giving your friend what she needs, clothes to wear and your support. She is lucky to have you.

Katla - Do you have a living will? I made mine 15 years ago with the help of a hospital social worker. It is probably time to update it.

I went for my pelvic ultrasound this morning. My daughter drove as I'm not talented enough to do so with my legs tightly crossed. I almost knocked a poor gentlemen down in my rush to get to the ladies room once my test was over.
Nice lunch out with DH, DD, DSIL and one DGD. It was rainy and everyone seemed grumpy. Our waitress did not seem happy to be a work. "You have pretty eyes and I really like your earrings" One little 5 yr. old brought a smile to that waitress. You could hear the change in her voice. Oh, the power of a compliment.
Did some banking, errands, etc. We had to stop at a store so that DGD could buy a necklace for her cousin. The reason? "Everyone loves a surprise." How I love this wise child!
Trying to come up with some variety for DH. Meats and fruit are going fine but finding vegetable that work for him is still a challenge. Still no raw veggies or salads of any kind. We are used to having salad at almost every meal. We'll figure it out.
It's been showering on and off all day. We need the moisture as there is no snow pack in the mountains. I don't think the campers are going to be happy that this is forecast for most of the long weekend.

-Sharon

kal900

Oops! I missed yesterday... so got lots of posts to read through...
Hi and thanks to everyone who welcomed and replied to me Alot of great points and advice.

I was VERY flexible as a kid, but it seems that hypermobile kids suffer stiffer than normal joints later in life, oh I so know it! At times theyre almost immobile, takes a little while to warm up and move. So, yoga, having tried it 10 years ago, is a struggle now, both with joints and pure size. I love the idea of getting to KNOW my body and listening, but I just cant get there. I cant meditate, seldom switch off and have resistance to helping myself. If I can get that sorted it would be so much easier...
Sadly though I can't take much in the way of meds. I used to live on anti-flams, which certainly helped. Until 2010 when I had trouble breathing, expected bronchitis, and was told I shouldnt be walking as I had huge clots in my lungs that could dislodge any time. They never found out the cause so I'm on anticoags for the rest of my life, and that limits what meds I can take for pain ;(

I do like my cardio, and again, while I love pilates, I am struggling to do half the moves, which in turn frustrates and puts me off. Absolutely hate swimming!! Odd given I'm Cancerian... Don't run or jog, for obvious reasons, knees wont take it, and I can't deal with the boredom of it- like laps in the pool. I want a crosstrainer, but no space for it ;(

I used to spend 5 days a week in the sports centre, couple of classes (yoga/ pilates and pump/combat or blt), and an hour or so doing cardio and weights in the gym! Loved it... while it lasted... that was just before my final knee op, which stopped me going, and begun my downhill turn. Was actually down to 66kg and fit, so fit I guess I feel that I should still be able to do what I could then, so feel justified in giving up when I cant. Don't you just love human psychology!

Tere- Thanks for the compliment- go right ahead! Always hope to inspire- although usually it's teaching crafts rather than weight loss

Lisa- I hear you! Little and regular- but if I don't see results fairly consistently I get disheartened. I'm convinced that it is more about my head not wanting it than anything else. I always self-destruct or scupper my positive results. No idea how to fix that... or stop the chronic up/down cycling. I shall try and get a read of your book too- love reading! Favourite authors are Bernard Cornwell, Patricia Cornwell, Dean Koontz, LK Hamilton and Stephen King. Love a good scary book, or thriller...

Terri- Indeed! Problem is once I'm in flow with a painting, or sewing a journal, I dont even think to break. Especially since I dont smoke anymore. Then it was different, stop, coffee, smoke, snack, often! I do like the idea of getting an alarm, maybe I should set my phone. The problem is when I get custom orders I do then need to sit and get on with the work... there's alot of detail in what I do and it takes a fair while...
Maybe I should do some planks too, need a stronger core.
Love the phone cover! That's one of the things that I create, along with book and tablet covers. Love it, every one is different. Thank my mum for that, she was a dressmaking teacher, I learnt alot of crafts very early

Gilly- Another Brit, hi! Ouchy! Bikes will do it... or the road at least! Although I probably should have mentioned that I ride motorbikes Gave up on pushbikes donkeys ago, my knees cant take the strain of pushing at that angle. I currently ride a Triumph 900, which I bought a year ago, but am selling because I really don't like it. I started on motorbikes when I was 12, my schoolfriends had them and I was always a tomboy!! I love getting out on them though, so much freedom and cheesy grins. Great for taking countryside photos too.
Good luck with your goal, how long till you hit 200? How are you doing it, food and exercise? I think of I could do it on just food control I probably would, slap me now! But I know I need to make my body stronger and leaner too, which means effort ;(

Carey- Tex mex sounds great! Love spuds but rarely have them, too high in carbs for me! All my meals are adhoc... we buy the same foods every week, but I just throw them together differently every day... does get monotonous, but it keeps weighing/ recording easier- no big surprises with high carb/cal ingredients.

Heather & Pip- It is glorious all round the Welsh coast. Lovely view!! I agree great for biking, but definately with an engine! Spent many years riding round Wales and travelling between Haverfordwest and Folkestone. Could never have managed it on a racer

Barbie- Gorgeous view! Looks really idyllic. Love holidays but it usually results in a negative turn as I put weight on and get led astray by hubs We are bad and good for each other, both love the same things, and neither particulary strongwilled where food/ drink is concerned

Kim- Hi! Absolutely! Many years ago I found that low carb had a distinctly better result for me, and as a consequence we rarely eat any sugar/ flour things. Unless I'm on a downward, in which case steamed puds, icecream and bread becomes a staple evening indulgence. So bad, but again, hubs doesnt help with that, he cooks the puds! And sadly, he knows better than to argue with me... I can get rather sulky... I need a good slap up the head sometimes for my own good!
So you love embroidery too? We'll have to swap notes some time! How are you on crazy quilting? Been doing similar for decades but never knew it was a "thing"!

Joyce- I shall get back into yoga, but it is definately a struggle with my size and recovering arm. And I shall be setting an alarm on my phone I think, to remind me to take breaks while lost in creating.

Sharon- I love dicentra too, have both red and white currently starting to move. Always so pretty. Good news for your daughter! I had mine out at 18 because local doc wouldnt put it forward. Ended up at seamans hospital in london under dad's healthplan. Crazy that they still hesitate this day and age, it can be totally debilitating, not just your throat but your whole body gets affected.


My word, I've written far too much again, need to get up and walk round, my bum's gone numb!! Still have 2 books to create today so should get a wriggle on too

Have a great day!!!

grandmallie

morning ladies~
Oh my Oh my , I looked in the mirror with a flashlight and I dont think I have strep throat but sure feels like it,, no white spots...thank goodness. we have had no rainf for awhile and the pollen is out of control so I think that is it, but will take antibiotics for a bit to make sure.
Ate horribly ,yesterday and wont even post.. and maybe my body is telling me , you Idiot what are you doing to yourself
not going to go down to see DFIL I did yesterday but wore a mask, now I have to work all day today and 1/2 day tomorrow.. so will wipe stuff down as I go.. wont eat much today because of the throat.. give my body a rest I guess..
maybe take some soup

peachstategal

Beth ~ So glad you might be getting to the right place to help your son with his headaches. My son (39) is ADHD and as an adult does so much better when he takes Adderol (sp?). I believe both my and I are probably ADD too so he comes by it naturally.

Dr. Katie ~ I like your name because when my sister was little (I'm 9 yrs older) I always called her Katiebug! I am sure your friend will look so nice in the clothes. I know she must be going through such a hard time.

Am trying to do more exercise wise. Working on the large middle....LOL

Peach/Carol

margaretturk

Carey I agree with Sharon about Micheal's. The vintage watercolor I recently showed a picture of here I had done at Micheal's and they did an outstanding job. I learned from the framer Laura that to tell if the mat needs to be replace is look at the edge of the mat. If it has become beige it is a mat that is too acidic for whatever it is matting. The problem in leaving it is it over time will leave spots. If you look at the work I had redone you can see what looks like watermarks that were actually caused by the matting. To see it I posted it on page 41 in the Woman age 50+ April. This painting is over 100 years old.

Lilymay2

Caught up again.... now off to have a message and will check in later...

Lillian in West Central Saskatchewan

terri_mom

Happy Friday ! ! !

Kal900 – I often need a slap upside the head, too. Bring it on any time it seems that I need it.

Allison – Hope you feel better soon.

Carey – as already stated, Michaels often has coupons for great discounts, especially for their framing department. I usually use mine to buy more yarn.

Lillian - envious of the massage.

I guess I’m not too chatty at this moment. Dropped my supper plans last night for take-out Chinese. It was so yummy I should have put ½ in fridge right away, because I just kept eating until it was gone. Luckily no weight gain at this time, so maybe a slight loss, since I can feel all the water from the MSG and/or sodium. Today is a new day, and I have salad fixings for lunch, since it’s hard to say what/when we will eat tonight. DS has High School Baseball Try-outs, then DS and DH have a Little League game that usually lasts until sundown. Last week I had a fast food mushroom swiss burger but only ate ½ of the bun. Tomorrow is another 3 hours of H.S. tryouts, then Sunday is an Adult/Youth bowling tournament (I usually crochet to keep my mind off the fattening bowling center food).

Now I’m happy, because my vacation request for July has just been approved. DH has Bowling Coach Bronze class in Chicago the first 2 days, then DS and DH will bowl in an adult/youth tournament, then DS has Junior Gold National tournament the final 3 days. We will get a 3-4 star Hotel, with a pool, and probably spend some time at Great America while DH is in class.

Hugs for Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee

pipcd34

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cityjaneLondon

Jane - hope everyone's medical problems resolve themselves! :flowerforyou:

Will be managing well over 700 cals exercise today. We walked for 2 hrs 25 mins this morning and I did 36 mins strength training before we set off. This afternoon I am going to walk to the pub on my own and meet DH there and wslk back with him so another 50 mins walking. My legs are sooooooo tired I can hardly get over the stiles and some of it is a steep climb. Phew! But I want to enjoy our last meal tonight which is bought fish and chips with mushy peas. We are drinking fizzy wine with it. Need LOADS of calories, although I won't be eating many chips, just a few of DH's! :laugh:
Last night the water went off so I had to ring the water company. A main had burst and they were mending it. OK now. This afternoon a handyman is coming to repair the oven fuse, which has blown, the smoke alarms, which we had to disable and the TV cable which is very frayed and wasn't working when we arrived. We jammed it in and got it going, but a tiny knock would finish it. So, rsther a lot of phone calls sorting all this out. The man has a key, so we can go out.

Kal900 - I started out very like you. I was very overweight and my joints were really bad. I could hardly move sometimes, even turning over in bed was a trial. Slowly, slowly I did a little bit more each day. It took me 18 months to get my weight down and I gradually increased my exercise quotient. (Did I say I used to HATE exerciise? ! !) My joints still protest, but there is no comparison in what I can do now, or in how I look. I have maintained for 18 months by rigorous logging and a regime I can stick to. Along the way, not only has my body changed, but my mind. I respect myself. This enabled me to publish my book WINDOWS and a couple of phobias have almost vanished. I think of myself differently.
I had no idea that all this would come from looking after myself better and getting fit. If anyone had told me I would not have believed them. Start small, but START. Believe you can, because whether you believe you can or you can't, you'll be right.

Must get off for my last walk. Ouff! Can hardly get off the sofa! :laugh:

Heather in Wales UK

lhannon062709

Morning, afternoon and evening, ladies...

Gorgeous West Texas morning, the sun is playing peekaboo with the tattered clouds left over from last night's thunderstorms. Perfect timing--the plants love the night rains. I've never seen this country so green; the thistle with the purple blooms is nearly as high as my head, when it usually tops out about knee height. Plants here know how to take advantage of every drop of water while it exists!

Kalona, you might enjoy the book, though Koontz and King are definitely not my genre... which is understatement of considerable level. On the subject of working out, music is all that saves me. I put my MP3 player earphones in and play music I love at a level that probably endangers my hearing, and just keep moving to a driving beat... Without music, all I can do is listen to my own breathing, wonder how long I've been doing this, how long I'm going to keep doing it, and feel how much I hurt. When I finally stop, all I am is angry and achy and ready to quit. With music, my pain cycle gets continually interrupted before it can even start. Without exaggeration, it's what makes me capable of running at all. I'm sorry meds aren't an option for you--perhaps biofeedback, or other less traditional methods might help?

I'm finally getting my writing cycles straightened out where I'm writing blogs regularly again... Please feel free to drop into my personal blog if you like, Trials and Tribulations of the AADD. It's where I talk about pretty much anything, from finances to the furniture my husband and I design to ranch life to just whatever is foremosts in my hippity-hoppy little brain that morning. Thus the title.

I've got three going, so that has to mean less extensive posts here, but I'll keep checking in, I promise. Just less... verbaliciousness... Cheers, have a lovely Friday and weekend... !