WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR AUGUST

weaklink109

Bec,

Stevia is a wonderful option as a sweetener for your diabetic husband. It is available in my grocery in bulk and individual packets. It is all natural, made from a plant, a better option than nutrisweet, which is chemically made. Splenda is not a good option either as it is made with chlorine (as well as from sugar).

To everyone,
Sorry there is no way I can respond individually to all the posts.

Viv,
Keep up the fight!!

BFN Barb

donna56

Hi ladies, thought I would check in with a much better post than the last one. Now I have 2 windows going so I can reply properly LOL. To begin with, today was a much better day as far as eating and exercising :drinker: I have to admit though, it was pretty ify:blushing: I woke up at 5 this morning with soon 2 b and got on the computer about 6 I think. Anyway, I went back to bed about 7 or 7 something. Can't believe it, but I slept until 11:00 this morning! :noway: :noway: I must have been tired huh? I was awake for about and hr and a half and all of a sudden I had a burst of energy :laugh: I got started on the house, geez, dusted and everything :laugh: What? Dusted? Not me lol but I did. Yes, a proud moment in my life :laugh: How sad is that? So to make a boring story less boring, I jumped on the treadmill and slow walked for 40 min and burned some calories then I decided to finish mowing the lawn that Bill didn't finish. Well, I only got about 10 min of that in before SIL came over after work. So much for burning alot of calories with that. I only burned 98, but that's just that much more I guess. Yey!

SuzyQ......... Your slaw sounds very delicious and yeah, I think Sophie is going to be a permenant resident LOL. Sounds like she is making your DH want to want her. Good for her

Robin...........Good Luck with your Sat. goal. I know it will happen for you.

Kackie.........Good for you :drinker: 4 hours of hiking, WOW that is amazing! I couldn't last more than 1 hr I am sure.

auntiebk......Sorry to hear about the coyote thing happening. I kind of know how terrible it can be to a neighborhood. We don't have them where I live, but about 30 or 40 miles east of us, they have coyote sightings and attacks on little pets yearly it seems. I think they come from Pennsylvania, maybe.

Barb.............Sugar free peach pie? MMMMMMMM, sounds great. I pretty much like anything that has to do with peaches.

Laura...........You made me laugh out loud at myself when you said something about wine tasting. Swishing and spitting it out. WHAAAATTTT? No way Jose, that wine hits my mouth, it's going straight down the hatch :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Bec...............You made me laugh at myself as well when you were saying what you used to think VFW stood for. I remember being young and sitting in the back seat of our car and seeing a sign about a flea market and asking my mom why would anyone want to buy fleas:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Pat................ Welcome aboard. This is a very great group of ladies, They are funny, supportive, and knowledgable. I know just reading their posts keep me focused.

Well ladies, I guess I'll go for now and go nosey around on facebook for awhile and talk to my grand daughter on there. I hope everyone has a blessed night.

exermom

Saw "Letters to Juliet" last night. My only regret is that someone didn't warn me to bring tissues with me! Afterwards we went to Starbucks and I just had an iced green tea.

Did an hour of the deep water class today. Tomorrow...pilates and then a toning class.

Later today I'm going to go to a training class to be a "cat cuddler" at the Humane Society. I can't help it, but there's something deep inside of me that wonders why when Vince first went, he was very secretive. He says because he thought it would be a surprise. To me, volunteering at the Humane Society isn't a surprise. Now if he'd gotten round-the-world cruise tickets THAT would have been a surprise! But then again, men sometimes just don't think (at least Vince doesn't) so it's very possible that that's the reason. Update: the training class was cancelled, not sure when they're going to have it again.

Barb (weaklink) - enjoy that pie! You have a great attitude, have it, enjoy it, no regrets, then go back to healthy eating. That's the way to go, because you KNOW if you didn't have any pie this year, for sure you'd probably have half a pie next year.

You know, there have been times when my stomach has been so full that, literally, I've wanted to put my finger down my throat and throw up, but I also knew that I'd never do that. What I've been trying to do is to cut WAYY down on foods that are high in sugar and fat like cakes, rolls, breads. That's not to say that I never have bread, but I'm trying cutting back. The interesting thing is that I seem to have lost a lot (or at least most) of my desire for any cookies, breads, etc. Not that that's a bad thing....I just find it interesting that I've lost the desire.

Elizabeth - how wonderful! So...when is the baby due????

Laura - how wonderful that your whole family will be there for Christmas! Vince has already told our kids that there is one reason and one reason only that they can miss being at our house for Christmas and that is if they are dead. Vince knows how much I enjoy Christmas. I usually start stringing the popcorn for the tree in Sept.

Bec - how wonderful you are off those bp meds!!!!! I'm not a person for meds unless I absolutely positively need them. A while ago I had a hemmeroidectomy and the md gave me pain pills. Well, I never took one. Vince kept asking me "did you take anything" to the point where I was afraid I was somehow hurting myself by not taking them. I called the nurse and she said "if you can go without them, then do it". Actually, I don't really like artificial sweeteners. I will have my tea with just lemon if necessary. But that's just me. To me, an artificial sweetener is something that was made in the lab, my body wasn't made in a laboratory. But I know that some people really like them. At one time I used splenda in my tea, then one day I decided to try some regular sugar. I was very surprised (even tho I already knew it) how the sugar didn't seem to sweeten the tea. Well duhhhh....artificial sweeteners are 300-600 times sweeter than sugar. Now I just use a bit of lemon juice for taste. One thing I did find out about the stevia, tho, is that you only use A LITTLE. If you use too much, whatever you put it in will taste bitter. I'm another exclamation mark user, so you're in good company!!!!

Have a great evening everyone!

Michele

tcac

Morning everyone,

Well, Our Good & Wonderful God has finally given Granny rest. She passed away Saturday afternoon around 4.

I went in to get her up Friday morning and she had had a bought of diarrhea & vomiting. We got her all cleaned up. She went downhill from there. She died here peacefully with all of us with her.

I've taken care of her for 15 1/2 years so I am at loose ends.

I know things will be okay, this will just take some getting used to.

Cindy

15 and a half years, that is amazing. Great will be your reward. It must be strange to walke up and decide what to do. Will keep you in my prayers.
linda

chicletgirl

I'm sorry I haven't had time to read all of the posts. Usually I always enjoy reading about all the things you are all doing and interesting subjects.

I am feeling very low today. Got a little nervous as right at the point when I was eating dinner I had an urge to just get up and go see myself hanging in the bedroom closet. Freaked me out! So I pushed my dinner aside and got on this site immedately to start talking to make myself do something.

I have been trying to tlak with my mother for the past 2 days at the hospital. But she has so much morphine in her that when I am able to get her on the phone she is totally incoherent. Tonight I called her when I figured she would be eating and more awake. She answered but was very cranky and asked me why do I keep calling her! She told me she would call me tomorrow, which I know is not true. I finally told her I was calling her because she asked me to. And she said "I did?" and I said, "yes" and she said " Well don't" and hung up.

I have only talked to nurses who say she is still very swollen, but her feet arent weeping anymore. Guess that is good. But originally they told me that she would be going home in one day and it already is 3 days and no one can tell me when it looks like she will go home. They say she has to be on morphine because the pain is too bad. No one is visiting her. They're on vacation. I'm stuck here in Cali, unemployed, barely able to exist myself, I've lost my car, have no transportation, all my friends have gone the wayside, so I am just sitting in my apartment with Boo handling things with my mother. I feel so useless. I know I am fighting off depression, I know the signs. I stopped taking my anti-depressants regularly so that's thrown me off, I'm tired all the time now, I am barely able to type this and I had to force my dinner down because nothing sounds good right now. Depression....I know its that.

Normally I call my mom when things get poopy but can't do that right now. So I think I will just go lay down and cry a little, maybe it will release some stress. Sorry to be so poopy on such a happy site.

kackie

Hello Chicletgirl: I just read your post and I don't pretend to understand everything that you are going through but I do know that how ever awful something seems to be at the moment...if you put one foot in front of the other for a while...it will be better after a time. I am so sorry that you are in this place right now and send you all good thoughts and energy that I can muster. Take care and be easy with yourself. Check in soon and let us know how you are. Thinking of you, Kackie

RebelRenny

Question to all of you who live in and around Victoria, BC (or have vacationed there): DH and I are trying to plan a road trip to that area from Montana in Sept when I am back out here. We have never been and really want to see it. We also would like to go to Lake Louise etc. What do you recommend? What should we absolutely NOT miss? I am reading a bit but there is SO much country between us and there that we want to see that I am overwhelmed! I appreciate any advice you may have.
Kackie

Kackie.....I frankly do not know how on earth you would choose between Victoria on paradise island (well actually, it's called Vancouver Island) or Lake Louse, Banff, etc. They are each so different. I find the Rockies amazingly stunningly majestic!! beyond a doubt. There is nothing that compares.

Victoria on the other hand has this old British flavour lingering (thanks to Queen Victoria), with double-decker buses, horse-drawn buggies, high tea at the Empress, strolling along the inner harbour, famous Butchard Gardens, the breakwater, Antique Row, Roger's Chocolates and on and on. Tourists love it here. And Victoria loves them.

And of course.....there would be me! :bigsmile: :bigsmile: But hey, don't let that influence you. :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

I don't think I am any help whatsoever Kackie! :ohwell: :ohwell:

Rebel

bkrbabe57

Poor Chiclegirl!!!
My dad was in so much pain for a while before they figured out he had cancer. Durning that time the Dr's put him on so much morphine he had no idea what he was saying. What day it was, who came to visit or what they said. It is very hard but you can't take it personally. Talk to her nurse and see if they can get her a calender the bigger the better and ask them to help her write down who calls her on the callender so she can remember. Also mybe they can help her write down when she calls you.
again, I am so sorry I know exactly what you are facing and it is so hard.

AllisonMO

Prayers for you, Chicletgirl, and for your mom.

Back on the board, hoping to lose a couple of more pounds, but we are having a holiday in Sweden next week, so it will be hard to keep logging on without my laptop. Downloaded a different browser for the Blackberry, but logging in takes forever.

Erica_q

Good Evening,

When I weighed myself this morning, I was 199.25 lbs! :happy: :happy: :happy: I broke 200 and am in the one's! I am hoping to keep it under 200 from now on.

The friend I talked to at church yesterday regarding an office job called me this evening to tell me her office manager wants to see my resume. I wasn't anticipating such a quick response. I will be working on that tomorrow. The only thing is it would be temporary, which worries me, considering the financial struggle we're having. Is it better to have a full-time temporary job that may or may not become permanent, or is it better to have a reliable part-time job? That's something I'll have to give a lot of prayer and consideration to.

Bec - congrats on being taken off 2 of your 5 bp meds!!!! :bigsmile: :bigsmile: It sounds like you're on the right road to getting off the rest of them. Keep up the good work!

Chiclet - I'm sorry to hear about your mom. :frown: Hang in there, though. You're on the right track by recognizing that you are depressed. You certainly have good reason to be. I have found that a good cry can work wonders, so I hope you had one. With everything going on, you might want to consider taking your antidepressant on a regular basis until things calm down. When I went off mine, I noticed a big difference in how I handled things. Obviously, it won't solve anything, but it might take the edge off. I will keep you in my prayers. You know we're always here for you.

I tried to catch up on all the posts, but I don't have enough time to sit and read them all. I will try to read some more tomorrow. I don't respond to everyone, but I do enjoy reading about what you all are doing. I am living vicariously through you! :bigsmile:

I've planned my meals for tomorrow and I've posted, so I guess I really should do my dishes and put my sheets back on my bed. Have a great evening and a good day tomorrow.

Erica

tiarapants

Hello ladies

I'm having 'one of those days!' I dropped my glasses this morning and one of the arms broke off (again!) so I found my spare pair. I'd been wearing them for about fifteen minutes when they fell off and caught the side of the dishwasher ... and the arm broke off!

I managed to get a temporary repair on them both, but think I'm going to need new glasses. Very annoying! The problem is, I've lost a lot of weight off my face and I think I now need smaller glasses. I suppose I shouldn't complain, it's just troublesome.

Added to that, I'm feeling sup-par today. My stomach is not happy and I'm having trouble drinking my water. I feel like I'm gurgling!

Aussie friend came with me into Richmond when I went to get my spectacles fixed and we had a little look around, but I wasn't really in the mood for 'mooching'. I dropped him off and went to visit mum-in-law and later on I'm taking dad to the doctor. What I really feel like doing is going to bed for a sleep, especially as it a very wet day here today. The thought of snuggling under the covers with a good book and just drifting off sounds wonderful. ...... but it's not going to happen!

Chiclet, I really feel for you. Please consider taking your anti-ds again, even if it's just short term. You are going to need all your strength in the near future. I'm sending big hugs your way.

Erica, well done on being under 200 pounds. It's a great feeling isn't it!

To everyone else. You are all in my thoughts. Have a good day.

Amanda x

AHealthierSuzyQ

Morning ladies! Hubby is up and out the door and the girls have been fed so now its time for me to get out there in the cool of the morning and burn some calories.

Its been stacking up to be an emotional week, so I was thrilled to learn that my daughter is flying in to surprise her grandmother on her 70th birthday the end of this month. :happy: It will be a quick turn around, her actually only being here 48 hours, but it sure made facing this week my heart is elsewhere a lot more enjoyable. Guess the bottom line is I need something to look forward to. We will be taking family portraits, so I am going to do my best to lose at least 5 pounds between now and then. Its almost 3 weeks away. I haven't lost anything since April, so getting the scale moving again is going to mean another 10 day cleanse I'm afraid.

pbkfit70

Not a good day today. Took my daughter in for her fourth operation on her wrists, ended up eating chocolate aero and sugar foam shrimps at lunch

See if I can do better for the rest of the day

:sad:

donna56

Good morning ladies It sure is going to be a hot one today. It's not 10am yet and it is already 82 degrees:ohwell: Today is going to a challenge for me also, I am taking my grand daughter, the oldest one, to Mikey D's for lunch, her choice and it is going to be hard for me to pick something healthy because I know once I walk in there and smell those fries, I may cave :laugh: That is going to be my biggest thing, I love their fries :grumble: So, wish me luck :laugh:
I'll get back on here later, I am not in much of a typing mood this morning as I didn't get hardly any sleep last night because of waking up several times in a 5 hr time span:explode: I am super tired. :yawn:

RebelRenny

Chiclet. My heart goes out to you. It is good that you are recognizing your symptoms. I hope you are going back on anti-depressants. They do make a difference. And know that you are not alone! (((hugs)))

Weather is cool and it looks like it will rain. I woke up quite tired this morning so I will give the bike a rest today (grin):bigsmile:

Rebel

Laura80111

:flowerforyou: Good Tuesday Morning,

Beck- Good job on the bp and ridding yourself of some of your meds, :drinker: here's to seeing you get rid of the rest of them!

Pat- every bit of exercise is good , I know that weather sometimes makes it harder and then it's time to pull out the DVD's for exercise

Viv- thanks for the kudo's for out riding my hubby...but in his defense he did have his hip replaced a year ago this month...but I'm sure that before long he will be out biking me:grumble: 10 min of exercise is a great place to start before you know it it will be 20 then 30 and beyond

Donna56- you started to mow the lawn?:noway: I'm not telling my hubby as he is always pointing out to me whenever he sees a woman behind a lawn mower...that is something I just won't do:bigsmile: I can clean the house but doing yard work NOPE The hubby and I manage to get to MickyD's about every other week but we always get a salad with grilled chicken and the Balsamic Vinegriete Dressing, sometimes I just get a side salad and have one of my Nutrisystem Bars .... I too LOVE:bigsmile: the fries there, fresh out of the fat:noway: ...naughty, naughty:ohwell: so the only time I have them anymore is when we are on a vacation and I allow myself to have them once...hope it works for you today

Michele- you continue to amaze me in how many different exercise classes to attend. I'm pretty sure no one else mixes it up the way you do, that's probably why you are a success at this:flowerforyou:

Chicletgirl- So sorry to hear how blue you are, Sometimes when I feel that way a walk is helpful getting out of the house and just walking and enjoying the neightborhood It's hard to be so far away from your Mom and knowing that no one is visiting and you would if you were there, but know that we care for you here:drinker:

AllisonMO- enjoy that vacation:flowerforyou: sounds like fun!

Erica- :flowerforyou: Yeah You, breaking that 200 mark is HUGH and we are all giving you HIGH '5's'

Amanda - you know I never thought of that, that losing a lot of weight the glasses may just need adjusting

SuzyQ- you can do #5 look how much you have done already! I hear you about family pictures though, with the family home for Christmas I am hoping that I will look okay for them.

pbkfit70- one moment of not watching what's going in isn't going to ruin the hard work, it's when you continue to do it day after day...so tomorrow is a new day and you can begin fresh

*****

Yesterday was a pretty good day all around, but for someone that had the day off (my Hubby) he sure was surly last night and he had a nap yesterday...maybe he doesn't get anymore days off if this is how it's going to affect him.

I am finding that anytime I even consider being truly naughty I remember that I have to log it on here and feel compelled to confess to all of you...that seems to be keeping me on the straight and narrow and for that I say Thank you to all of you:flowerforyou:

Did any of you read the topic about yesterday's TODAY show, they highlighted a woman that had used MFP for her weightloss and the amount of people joining after seeing that was incrediable. Here's the link if any of you are interested in seeing her, she has quite the loss so an inspiration as well

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/38625333#38625333

Hope everyone has a good day, drink your water:drinker: and continue the fight against those unwanted pounds.

Laura

AliceLMS

Good morning all,

Hot and steamy in the midwest again today. Mosquitos are deadly. I think weightloss could be acheived just by going outside. Between the blood loss and the frenzy of fighting the little buggers off, I think real results could be acheived.

I hate loading up on bug sprays but am afraid that is the only solution today.

Prayers for all in need, and those of you who have suffered the loss of a family member. My Aunt passed this last week, 97 years, bless her heart. My sister and I had been down to see her on her birthday, and had a lovely visit with her. She was the last of her generation on my fathers side. How quickly the pages turn.

I do enjoy reading all your posts, so much insight, and so many accomplishments. What a joy to see support offered in real life situations across miles, borders, and oceans.

Alice

barbiecat

:flowerforyou: I've found time to read all the posts but not to write anything. Last night I sat down for a few minutes to write to all of you and when I posted, the post disappeared and a red message appeared at the top telling me that I can't post a blank message........after re-writing three times, I gave up and blamed the site which I think was valid because when I looked at the "recent posts" nothing had been posted for almost 30 minutes and this morning I noticed that there was an almost eight hour break between posts on our thread which is unheard of for us between the night owls on the west coast of North America and the early birds in the UK

:flowerforyou: Yesterday morning when I noticed that the bathroom needed cleaning, I realized that when I have 20-30 minutes I never think of cleaning, instead I think of riding the exercise bike or checking in with MFP...that's probably why I get tons of exercise but my house never gets cleaned :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

:flowerforyou: Barbara, you asked about my favorite line dances.....You and I, Quarter After One, Homeward Bound, Going It alone, Come Dance with Me, Irish Stew, Survivor, The Dance and probably 20 others that I can't think of at the moment

:flowerforyou: Peggy, I have been a crafter, too----knitting, crocheting, beaded sun catchers......but since I've been on this weight loss journey, I've spent less time doing crafts in favor or exercise

someone told me that you can't get over depression lying on the couch and the same can be said about losing weight

I love Amanda's goal about not sitting on the sofa for more than an hour

:flowerforyou: yesterday was "find it and fix it" for lunch and when Jake saw my roasted veggies he asked if they were just for me......then t he requested roasted veggies for lunch tomorrow :bigsmile:

It's probably a good thing that I don't have grandchildren nearby to spend time with because I would never take them to a fast food restaurant....I'd take them to Subway or cook for them at home

We have cool almost rainy weather today so I'm not inspired to work in the yard although there are some weeds calling to me.

We're meeting with someone this afternoon to explain Medicare Supplement Insurance...I'll be listening very carefully because I'd like to have this decision made soon.

MacMadame

I'm still only skimming so I am missing a lot.

At our age, the deaths come faster than the births, I'm afraid. Or maybe it only seems like that. My mom is in her 70s, still going to work every day and traveling like crazy... going to China for work, just came back from Amsterdam for a family reunion... coming out here in Sept to see her two daughters (that's me and my youngest sister).

But she's getting older and she has Hepatitis C. She got it from a blood transfusion in the 60s and should be dead by now. Chinese medicine is keeping her going, but I always wonder how much longer.

Speaking of Chinese medicine, I am not doing Acupuncture for my calf. I have to say, I'm not really seeing any results. But I'm going to give the guy his 21 days of treatment and take his supplements and put his smelly liniment on my calf and see what happens. :laugh:

I'm still doing PT and I much prefer that. I can tell it's working.

I haven't added a chiropractor to the mix yet. I didn't want to try too many things at once. But I hurt my back so I think maybe I should give it a whirl on top of everything else. Why not?!

chicletgirl

Well this is my third attempt to write to you. I tried last night twice and got the response "You can't send a blank reply". Very frustrating!

I wanted to apologize to you all for sending the post that I did yesterday. I never should have done that, but was pretty low and felt like I was hitting rock bottom. Still its no excuse. I am sorry if I made you worry.

Erika, I did start taking my meds and I also had the good cry which made me feel a lot better. Crying purges alot of pent up emotions thankfully. So glad I am a woman and not a man when it comes to our thinking on crying. You were right to tell me what you did as I had done the same for you. Sometimes a person just needs to be told the obvious because they aren't seeing it. Thank you Erica. Also congratulations for hitting the 100's. H ow exciting and wonderful that must be. I can't wait for the day for that to happen to me. This has been a really rough week and I don't know how I will do on the scale this Frdiay at my doctor's appt. I hope I didn't blow all mu hard work this past month.

Donna also commented on my post personally and I thank her for making me see that things are tough everywhere and all we can do is just get back up, brush ourselves off and trudge on. I am sorry for making you worry also, Donna. but thank you for responding as you did. That was very nice of you.

I am talking to my mother's doctor today to find out what is going on and what will happen with her later. She was only supposed to be there 1 night in the emergency room and now has been admitted and going on her 4th day there. It upsets me that this was how bad my mother was an my brother made her stay down there in room like that for 2 weeks! I am going to see if the doctor can possibly change her pain med from morphine, because she is inocherent and I heard the nurses say she is not cooperating with them sometimes. I know it is the morphine. Yesterday I called her in the afternoon, couldn't reach her and had to ask a nurse to go inot her room and pick up the phone for her. He went down there and did it and gave the phone to my mom. She said "How did you manage to get me a cute guy in my room?" I told her he was a nurse and she promptly told him he was hot! After hanging up from her I called hiim back and apologized and he said not to worry, that it was nice to hear that every once in awhile and he would take it whenever and from whoever he could anytime. Even my grey haired, 76 year old mother!

Once again I am sorry if I worried any of you. Please accept my apology.

Chiclet

Raynedancer

I also was unable to post at 4 am.....also received a red message...something to the effect of: Alert-You Can't post a blank page! I tried several times and finally gave up.

bkrbabe57

Good Afternoon Ladies,
Hot, Hot, Hot here in the midwest. It poured this morning but it is starting to get humid again. Whenever it gets like this I think of the movie Throw Mama from the train "The air was moist"

It sounds like everyone is in a funk this morning, I hope the day gets better for everyone. This weeks lesson isCues in your physical environment for eating and exercise. This will be good for me as it talks about designating an eating place and only eat there. that must be why I get hungry when I am in the car. I eat so often when I am on my way to someplace that my body associates eatting to driving.
The lesson also talks about positive cues for exercise. Things like hanging an exercise calender in a visible place. Leave exercise clothes, shoes or equipment in sight or in your car rather then in a closet.
Leave exercise videos on the tv or on a coffee table.
Lots of paperwork today so I will keep this short.
Hoping you all have wonderful days and I will pop in later if I can.

mynyddisamrs

:flowerforyou: Wow!!!!....I missed one day in posting and it's a whole new world here in MFP land!!! Soooo many posts!!

I've been able to read through them and realise what a great bunch you all are! Here to help, advise, laugh and cry with everyone.

:flowerforyou: Chicletgirl ....hang in there!!! Depression has it's own agenda sometimes but can be beaten ...the tablets do help (Goodness knows how....but they do) but only if taken regularly . I had a whirl with them a while back ...sacked/redundant, stressed, DH redundant and mum needing help. I took them ...thinking it was all mumbo jumbo etc but afterwards realised they worked for me. With all that's going on for you right now ...you may just need that extra help and strength. I'm sure we're all rooting for you on here ...sending you ((((((Hugs)))))) as I post!!!

:happy: Elizabeth ....A grandma again ...congrats! Are you a Grandma, Gran, Nan or Nanna? I went to Zumba last night with DIL's Mum ...2 Nanas together plus our GD Jessica! ...GS Ryan was out playing with a friend. Said friend commented "My Gran goes to the same Zumba class" .....when asked what she looked like so that we could say Hi! ...he replied "Weeeelll ...she's old ...about 70 ish!!":laugh: :laugh: LOL!!!
I didn't eat tea before we went this time ...previously I've been doubled up with side pain ...possible IBS/wind etc ....or the excitement of it all!! and have ended up sitting out the last bit of the session. It was fine this time ........only thing ...I came back ravenous!!

Anyway ...scales still say 153lb..... still not motivated enough to exercise much. I've done 15 minutes on the exercycle today ...all I could stand. Not because I was exhausted but 'cos I couldn't stand the smell!! The bike's in the garage by the recycling bins (luverly)and there's a box in the plastic bin thats verrrrry fishy!!!:frown: ( not washed out properly...tut tut!) Thankgoodness it goes tomorrow!! Amanda ...can I pop down to borrow your gym??? you can pop up for the hot tub!!!

Mum seems to be enjoying her "day care " days ...not that she can recall where she's been. After the first day it was as if she'd been on "Budgy Seed" ...:laugh: non stop talking about ??????. Let's hope she'll be OK for the respite stay...less than 2 weeks now.

DH and I have enjoyed having the days on our own too ...it's making me lazy though as I'm out of the routine we'd got into. I'll try and remember Amanda's thoughts of not spending more than an hour on the settee!
So ...my time's up 45 minutes and counting!! Mum could do with a cup of something. she says she hasn't eaten all day or had a drink ...Mmmmmm??? don't think that would be right! I've rescued a bit of cake wrapped up in a serviette from her bag ...someone had cake anyway!

:drinker: Take care all ...enjoy your "Middle of the Week Wednesday" tomorrow
BFN
Jackie

mimi7grands

I’m so tickled by how many of you are saying you’ve tried eating more veggies because of me. Me? Wow. The ripple effect from our actions is amazing. I am exercising more now as a result of hearing from all of you who make exercise an important part of their day. I can’t say I’m lovin’ it yet though! That will come. Right?!

Michelle, Kathy, Viv, Barbara, Amanda, Donna and all the rest of you who are including more veggies and fruits – we are all members of the Healthy Eating Club. (What the HEC?) How’s that for a name? (Vegetable legend? Veggie queen? :laugh: Thank you. I mentioned before that a co-worker used to call me Sister Queen. I loved it. How about Sister Veggie Queen? :laugh: :laugh: I’ll have to let Jan know.)

Donna, the toaster oven is a great way to fix veggies. Just crank the heat up, spritz the veggies with olive oil, and cook on a broiler pan ‘til done. (Be careful with asparagus – it only takes maybe 9 minutes and is wonderful when cooked just right but not worth eating when overcooked.)

Laughed about you thinking they sold fleas at the flea market and Bec thinking VFW stood for Veterinarians of Foreign Wars. The other day, I was putting sunscreen on Olivia (which she doesn’t like) and said, “Just a little on your forearms…” She looked at me condescendingly and said, “Grandma. I don’t have FOUR arms.” (I may have told you about this before, in which case put it down to advancing age!)

Viv, when temptation hits, try loading up on veggies and/or fruits that you love. I sound like a broken record but, truly, the urge to nibble on the stuff you don’t want to eat just evaporates. Gritting my teeth never worked for me in the long run. Sure, I might resist that one time but the next time was harder until, finally, I gave in. Eating veggies and fruits makes the temptation disappear – way better than willpower.

Michelle, you sent me to the ‘net to look up “pissaladiere.” Yum. Anything with anchovies is right up my alley. Anchovies are a huge dividing line – you love ‘em or you hate ‘em. But, I’ll bet most people who don’t, do like them in Caesar dressing if they can’t recognize the bits! BTW, you sound like a marvelous cook!

Susan, thinking of you and hoping you get to keep Sophie. She sounds like a sweetheart. I’m happy for you that your daughter will be flying in. That is something to look forward to. 3 weeks is the perfect amount of time for an extra push on losing weight.

I’d like to have a little dog to take walking but we live in the land of dirt, stickers, and rattlesnakes (sounds lovely, huh? It really is) and I don’t have a fence. So, unless I got an indoor dog, it probably would not be a kind thing.

My DD and family have a Lab/Southern Bulldog. She does fine outside with her electronic fence (but prefers in!) She never crosses her “fence”. But I don’t want a dog that big in my little (750 sq ft) place. I have allergy problems with most dogs that shed, so it’s a poodle or similar type for me. Then you have the problem with stickers and burrs – and grooming. Oh yeah, and Barbara reminded me, the coyotes. Aaargh. This may not be the time to get a little dog.

Robin, your progress is nothing short of amazing. Tremendous dedication!

Smwert, good for you for jumping back in. The water’s fine!

Kackie, Victoria is a wonderful place. I’ve seen pictures of Lake Louise that are incredible. You’re getting lots of good advice. I want to go!

Barbie, your tea party sounds like so much fun. My niece and I went to a huge thrift shop when I was visiting her in Reno. We tried on lots of wonderful “vintage” clothes and hats. I say “vintage” in quotes because it’s all very familiar to me! Remember pillbox hats a la Jackie Kennedy?

Good for you for taking your own lunch to the meeting. You give me so many good ideas - and the courage to try them. You definitely have your priorities right – exercise trumps cleaning any old time.

Barbara, you should write books. Your words are so alive. You always make me laugh too – a good way to start the day. I haven’t tried avocado oil. Will put that on my list. You’re right about using real butter. Better for you than the fake stuff (Michael Pollan, who’s smart about these things, makes a good case for eating butter over margarine.) So far, I’m too stingy with my calories but I know you’re right. Congrats on kickin’ butt with Butt ‘n’ Gutt.

Barb, the fair sounds magical. You are right to kick loose and just enjoy (in moderation!) the day.

Erica, good for you for talking to your supervisor. I have fingers crossed on another, year-round job. And hip, hip, hurray for getting under 200. That’s such a big milestone.

Elizabeth, such wonderful news that another baby is on the way. You’ve told us little tidbits here and there about your interactions with your grandkids. You’re the kind of grandma every kid should have.

Laura, congrats on giving your DH more of a workout than he could take. Awesome!

Bec, I love your pluses and minuses. A good way to think. Unfortunately, the one about having less to sag? It doesn’t work that way for me. If I had less *skin*, maybe…

In the past, when I dieted, I gave away the clothes that were too big. Then I’d regain the weight and regret it. This time, I’m getting rid of the clothes and smiling about it. I feel confident I’ll keep the weight off. The difference? I love how I’m eating. I don’t feel deprived. Just the opposite…I feel indulged. I want to eat this way for the rest of my life. Do I ever feel tempted? Oh, absolutely. But eating more of the good stuff (fruits and veggies in particular) gets rid of the temptation. Obliterates it!

Uh oh. I know what you mean about those perky exclamation marks!!!

I did a little reading about stevia vs other artificial sweeteners. Some of the “wholesome foods” stores, like Whole Foods sell only stevia and not Splenda. Dr. Andrew Weil, who’s a natural foods guy, recommends it. In this article, “Stay Healthy The Stevia Way” from the Stevia Cookbook by Ray Sahelian M.D. and Donna Gates , I read: “Could stevia substitution be a good alternative in diabetics? We believe so. Stevia leaves have been used as herbal teas by diabetic patients in Asian countries. No side effects have been observed … after many years of continued consumption (Suttajit, 1993). Furthermore, studies have shown that stevia extract can actually improve blood sugar levels (Alvarez, 1981, Curi, 1986).” Seems like it’s worth a look. I use the SweetLeaf brand in liquid form.

Just read Barb’s post about stevia. Splenda also incorporates maltodextrin, which acts to raise the blood sugar. Good figure.

Woo hoo on the blood pressure. Getting off 2 of the meds is very good news. (There…I didn’t use any exclamation marks! (Oops.))

Pat, a 5-mile walk is awesome! Good for you.

Donna, good for you on the cleaning, the treadmill, the mowing…Wow!

Michelle, I know exactly what you mean when you say you lost some of your desire for those foods when you cut out cookies, etc. Cutting out refined sugar and flour caused me to crave those things much less. When I eat a little, I often find myself wanting more.

Chiclet, I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better. Gosh, I was so concerned. I’m sending hugs. It sounds like the meds are essential. Keep on taking them! There’s not one thing wrong with doing that, and many things right. When you’re feeling low, please call someone or just get out of the house, even if it’s to go sit in a park or at the library. Being around people will help. You might want to talk to your doctor about this too. xxx

MacMadame, your mom sounds like a trooper. I hope she lives many more years. My folks are 84 and 88. I want them to live forever, in good health, of course. (If wishes were horses…) You are doing good things for your calf. It’s bound to respond.

Amanda, losing weight in your face is great. I measured a half inch shorter when I was at the doctor’s the other day. I think I lost weight from my feet – or maybe my head!

Jackie, methinks it is time to move the exercise bike. Smelly fish is not conducive to riding! It’s hard enough when the smells are good!

Oh shoot. I’m missing saying “Hi” to so many of you. I need to respond to the posts more often! I’m thinking of you all. I better get going on cleaning the house. The house cleaners are coming! (Yep, even with my 750 sq ft, I love having someone come to do the vacuuming and get the place really clean. It takes just a couple of hours every other week. The house cleaner also goes to my daughter’s house (400’ away!) on the same day.)

Warm wishes from your (very indulged in so many ways) friend. Thank you for making my life richer.

donna56

Laura.... hahaha! The only reason I mow the lawn is because it burns alot of calories. It usually isn't my job either. I was going to finish it today, but it is way too hot and humid out there for me

I haven't logged in my food yet because I am totally scared of what the calorie count is going to be :laugh: Yes, I was a bad girl and had a hamburger and small fry. I did have a diet coke because I felt so guilty After I post this, I am going to go straight to the food diary and see just what harm I have done. I may have to go with a very skimpy dinner I am afraid :grumble: No exercise either as of yet. I am sooooo tired :yawn: I didn't get much sleep lastnight, kept waking up about every 20 min for some reason, and that was in a 5 hr period :mad: I hate when I do that and if I take a sleep aid, I am groggy for alteast 2 hrs after I wake up. Oh well....

Back to VFW and flea market story, my ex asked my young daughter one time, if she seen that big ole horsefly and she replied back to him, ' silly, horses don't fly' :laugh: I loved the four arms statement, very funny. Kids are something else aren't they?

I haven't used the toaster oven yet, I still have to go get my veggies. Seeing I ate bad stuff today, I think I will do that this evening and just have a bunch of veggies for dinner.

mimi7grands

Right on, Donna. Veggie's for dinner sound like the perfect thing - you'll feel so virtuous, the burger and fries won't even register.

rjadams

Hello ladies,
chiclet - glad you are doing better and you never have to apologize for posting anything here. we are friends we are here for you no matter what.

Mimi - great post I can't even get close today.

SuzyQ - I hope you find out about your house and that you get to officially keep Sophie.

:bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: Big news, my youngest daughter got the job in Minnesota. She will start on Sept 1. now she is thrilled and terrified. her sister is obviously upset but happy for her. I am thrilled that she is heading out on a grand adventure. She is so awesome. She is so much braver than I ever was. I am also thrilled that she will be here this Saturday morning. she is my best girlfriend in the whole world and I am so anxious to see her. ( I was with her in Cabo last Thanksgiving but haven't seen her since)

I have been upping the vegies and fruits these past couple of weeks and it certainly got the weight loss moving. I am definitely going to make my mini goal this Friday and I hope a little more. Mimi has inspired me to roast more vegies lately. tonight I am doing a roasted califlower puree with garlic and chives to go with our steak for dinner. Rebel Renny has gotten me to up my fruit intake as well. I feel really great.

I am almost done with my first go round with the ChaLean Extreme program. I love the way my body is toning and building muscle and I am leaning up. I don't know what I will do next other than keep on with the 2 hour minimum on the treadmill. I used to go 3 to 3.5 miles in a one hour time frame and now I do 4-6 miles in the same time so I am definitely getting stronger. I am looking forward to biking, canoeing and hiking while we are camping. doug finally agreed that Bodi must not come with us.

I am so honored to call you wonderful ladies friends. thank you for being a part of my life.

kackie

Hello All,

Sorry so many of you had trouble posting...I had that happen some weeks ago and it is very frustrating to watch what you spent time writing just DISappear!

Just got back from another wonderful hike with a friend up here. DH is fishing. It rained on us a bit at the end but no lightning or thunder so we only got wet! We have had a bear hanging around our house and even come onto our deck during the day so we carried our bear spray. They are going to catch and take the bear away because it has gotten too used to humans and is not afraid. I am being much more careful even coming and going around the house as this bear seems to like our place! (I don't leave any food out or garbage anywhere, so don't know why he has decided to hang out here!)

bkrbabes: You gave some good advice to chcletgirl on her Mom. Having been there with your Dad, you certainly understand what she is going through. I am sorry for you both

Ericaq: Congratulations on getting into the 100s! I am happy for you!!

Amanda: Hope you have lost the sub-par feeling as the day wore on...or that you were able to crawl under the covers with that book! Some days are just that way!

SuzyQ: I am glad that your daughter is coming to visit soon. I think we all need something to look forward to...and GOOD luck on those 5 pounds. I need to jump in with you on these next pounds. I have been on a plateau for a bit too

pbkfit70: You should go easy on yourself...a bit of chocolate on a stressful day won't hurt you. I hope that your daughter is doing well

Donna: I hope you enjoyed your lunch with your granddaughter. And a small fry and hamburger every once in a while is not the end of the world

Laura: You are so right about the logging in to MFP keeping us accountable. It has kept me from going on and on once I consume one naughty thing as well! I look forward to reading your link about the Today Show

Alice: Aren't you so glad that you went and visited your Aunt? That is a good reminder to all of us not to take our older relatives for granted.

MacMadame: good to hear from you and I hope that your calf is better soon. You sound like you are doing all the right things

Chickletgirl: Do not ever feel like you need to apologize on this site...we are all here for each other and it is a safe place to vent...we all need to some times. Take care!

Jackie: I am so glad that your Mum is enjoying her days and that you and DH have some time together. Enjoy! You deserve it

Mimi: I am laughing about your Olivia and her "4 Arms"...too, too cute! I have always been a vegie lover but you have inspired me to eat them more often as "Snacks" which do wonders for hunger...and I always ate them raw and find them more filling when roasted. You are the Veggie Queen or Sister Veggie Queen!

Thanks for the suggestions on Victoria, BC etc. I need to get my act together and get some things booked!

I am trying to get my parents to MT when I return the end of the month. (I am here until Sunday..go back home for 10 days and return for most of Sept.) they have never been and are a bit nervous to travel. They are in good health at ages 81 and 82 and say they would like to "BE" here if they didn't have to fly. Can't decide whether to push them or not. I am just telling them that I would love for them to come if they can and that I will book everything for them. We shall see. I am thankful to have them still in good health and hope that they can have many good years left!

Take care, dear ladies. Kackie

kackie

Hi Robin: You were posting when I was...just read yours...congratulations to your daughter for her new job! That is exciting.
What is the ChaLean Challenge? Maybe you explained in a post that I missed. Sounds like a good thing for us all to try!? Good for you! Keep us the awesome work!

Sorry to those I missed...Hope everyone has a nice evening. It is our 36th anniversary and we are going to the Lodge for dinner. My almost 2 hour hike should allow a glass or 2 of champagne, don't you think??? Kackie again

wizzywig

:flowerforyou: Hi Ladies

:flowerforyou: Barbie, I also got that message about unable to send a blank reply when I tried to post this morning. I tried about half a dozen times before giving up.

Did my low impact aerobics this morning for 10 mins and also did 10 mins on the cross trainer. Almost forgot about that tucked away in the back room. It makes a bit of a noise on the floorboards and upsets Frankie (he hates noises) so haven’t bothered with it for ages. Now the dogs are away on an evening I will have to use it more often. Could only manage 10 mins though so it shows how unfit I am.

:flowerforyou: Bkrbabe57 Your lesson on Cues in your physical environment for eating and exercise was interesting. Some good ideas there.

:flowerforyou: Chiclet glad you are feeling better. I was sorry to hear you felt so down, tried to reply to you but couldn’t post (just got that annoying message!) and as Robin said - don’t apologize, we are friends and are here for you.

:bigsmile: I have a day off work tomorrow - yes another one - I’m getting a few odd days here and there before Jane goes on her holidays, she’ll be away 2 weeks and I won’t have any time off in that time. It will be tough being on my own for that long, hope we are not too busy.

:yawn: Well it’s nearly 11:00 p.m. so I’ll say goodnight and chat to you all later.

Take care everyone

Viv