Welcome Friends
jpilley
Posts: 78 Member
You all have so much to offer to each other, I didn't want to be selfish and not share. I am amazed at the DETERMINATION and INSPIRATION which I found in each of you and I draw from your strength. This a team effort now and we will succeed! Any of you willing to act as a Moderator on a particular topic, please let me know and let's get this group moving.
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Hi everyone,
My name is Mary. I'm currently in a living transition; that is, last year, I rented out my house in California and I spent 6 months living in Florida near my son and his fiance; for the last 3 months I have been living with my daughter and her fiance-to-be (hopefully). My hope is to find a way to live on both coasts. However, a little over a year ago I stopped working and have been on disability because my knees are so bad that I need replacements. I cannot do aerobic exercise and I can only walk if I take my tylenol all the time.
Before the last injury that brought me down, I was working out 3 days a week, was 45 pounds lighter, and had unbelievable strength. I'm a wildlife biologist but unable to perform field work anymore. I'm hoping to train in work that will keep me in the lab.
Right now I admit my eating is out of control; I've been eating a lot of stuff I shouldn't eat, like candy, cookies and chips. I think I'm comfort eating because of being in this living transition. I plan to go back to Florida at the end of January and find a rental out there so I can put down some roots, at least for awhile.
I'm so happy to be a part of this group where I can focus on healthy eating with others that may be facing similar age-related issues.
Best of luck to everyone!0 -
Hi everyone. Mary, I'm so sorry you're under stress and have health problems. Are you able to swim? I've read that many people with disabilities take up swimming, which burns a good number of calories. An MFP member called Hanford Rose posted last year about being in a wheelchair while she tried to lose weight to get ready for knee surgery -- she swam and did well with weight loss and I think had double knee surgery at the end of the year.
I posted some of my intro under an exercise question but will also post it here. My name is Hollis Grant. I'm a woman aged 59, near my goal weight but want to continue with a healthy lifestyle and not slack off and gain the weight back. I live in Pennsylvania, went back to college a couple of years ago, plus work in an office.
Last year I decided to leave my car at home and walk to work and have lost a lot of weight that way, plus raised my quality of life. I hike in a nearby national park on the weekend. Right now I'm working on exercises for upper body strength as well as walking.
My biggest problem is battling the sweets in my office. They're everywhere!0 -
Hi new friends,
My name is Jeanine. I will be 59 in March. I retired from teaching (first grade) last June and have sadly put on 30 pounds. I'm far less active and have been overeating fairly regularly. Today is the first day I tracked my food in 6 months. I also trudged around my yard in the deep snow for 10 minutes. I so want to write 'big deal', but it kind of is. It is a start. I've been cooped up alone during the day with the dogs, wearing sweats to the point of feeling agoraphobic. I'm trying to walk through this newly discovered social anxiety. I had my husband take me to the community center to check out the gym. I did not have the courage to join tonight, but did sign up to learn how to play the keyboard. Class starts Monday and I will revisit the gym idea. I also want to see if it is less crowded. I'm ashamed of my weight and even more ashamed of my fear. I love to walk and will increase my activity. Thanks for being there for me, behind the emotional safety of my computer
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Hi! I'm Rita from NE. I'm trying to learn how to get this fitness thing right once and for all. I am currently living in NM near my daughter from Sept, 2013- May,2014. I work 2 days a week at an Apache Head Start so those little ones keep me hopping but I am officially retired from NE schools. In June I will return to NE where I have a husband, 3 married children, and 4 precious grand babies. I gained weight gradually over the years with my all time record high of 149. Since then I've lost about 30 pounds ( and gained back a few) and would love to lose at least 70 or more. But I'm more focused on fitness than the scale. I had an hour conversation today with a MFP friend who is a fitness coach and certified trainer and learned so much. I also joined a gym for the first time in my life today...forgot to mention it's been a long one, I'm 62 years young. I will start on the arc trainer and elliptical machines this weekend and start group strength training class next week. If you don't hear from me again, it means I didn't survive.
Jeanine, I was scared the first time I checked out gyms In Sept. And it took me until now to go through with the signing. But now I'm excited. The young man working there said there is always someone there to help with the machines or proper form. He said there are people there in their 70's so I figured it was time for me to start too. We can be brave and go and share our newbie stories:)
Hollis, it sounds like we share the love of nature and being outside. Is the national park mountainous or wooded? I love birds and am trying to explore new places in NM where I can observe them but I was taking a class last semester and inundated with assignments so I'm just getting started. I'm not planning on walking to work because I have a 90 mile drive each way. But it is a beautiful drive through the Sacramento Mountains and I enjoy it very much.
Mary, I would have loved to be a wildlife biologist! I hope you can find inside work in that area until your knees get better. I had mine replaced and it has changed the quality of my life. Good luck to you. Transitions are difficult. I was so scared to move 950 miles away from home and figure out how to do apartment living. But it has brought new experiences and I treasure them all because I know my time here is limited. Enjoy:)
I'm usually not this windy. Im excited to be part of this group. Thank you, jpilley, for getting this started!
Rita0 -
I guess it is my turn now. I was a bit hesitant to get this group started - not sure anyone would want to join. Looks like you all have come thru once again. Thank you MFP friends!
I am a Jayhawker from Kansas. Graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Microbiology. I then went on to get my Medical Technology Degree. I went from doing research for Gulf Biochemicals to working at the State Health Department in Topeka and then onto heading a hospital laboratory out in north central Kansas. We moved in the early 90's to Missouri where I took the position of Laboratory Director at our regional hospital. AND then after 20+ years in the medical profession decided to become my own boss, started a company which provides drug and alcohol Testing for companies, organizations, legal entities, etc etc and have been there ever since. We also do quite a bit of Paternity testing. The company is doing well but unfortunately it is because drug use is on the increase. I am very interested in utilizing PHYSICAL EXERCISE in substance abuse rehabilitation programs as has been proven to increase serotonin levels and provides a "natural high." That is something I am sure all of you know - or will discover the more active you become.
I rank my spiritual health Number One, and my physical health Number Two. And my greatest "fitness pal" is my God. He is always there to comfort me, hold my hand, and pat me on the back. I often times run to religious music because it is so uplifting.
I have been married to the SAME man for 36 years, have three beautiful children (one daughter and two sons) and five grandchildren (4 girls and finally one boy). There is another one on the way - sex yet to be determined. My daughter works with me and is truly my inspiration for fitness but I must say that my sons visit the gym almost every day also.
I made this COMMITMENT, as you all have read my profile I am sure, because I want to enjoy life for many, many more years to come. And I want to do that in GOOD HEALTH. I doubted my ability to "stay the course" as they say until I met all of you. Now I know I CAN DO IT and so can you!
So there you have it in a nutshell - now let's get moving...
jp0 -
Hi girls, how are you all?? am really happy to be part of this group and MFP in general, just to make you smile I have been trying to work out for a couple of days what MFP meant, until I finally realised this morning
I live in Cardiff, S Wales in the UK and am also 59, will be 60 in October and determined to be thinner by then!! I am not very active and don't exercise due to the osteoarthritis in my right knee which prevents me from dong a lot of things I would like, I have an office job which is sitting all day so when I stand up for a few moments I am in pain and limp for a little while, when I get going I am ok, feel about 109 not 59 when this happens!! I am hoping that losing weight is going to help, well it is not going to do any harm, I have two stepchildren and three gorgeous grandchildren so want to be able to play with them and do all the grandma things
My husband is a photographer, mainly for weddings and I go along with him and either take photos or do video another reason I want to lose weight so that I feel better about myself when I meet people as I am really quite shy, me husband could do with losing a few lbs as he is type 2 diabetic but he is very good and disciplined when he wants to be, so he is going to lose with me hopefully, but he has nowhere near as much to lose as I do, we also rescue dogs, we did have 6 but over the last 3 years have lost 2 to canine cancer and 1 to arthritis in her spine and she sadly lost the use of her back legs, she is the dog in my avatar. We now have a westie and 2 little terriers, or should that be terrors :bigsmile:
Anyway as I said I am so happy to be here, to make new friends and not feel as if I am the only one with a weight problem, together we can do this girls, 2014 is going to be our year!!!
Hope you all have a good day,
Sue x0 -
I see several of us have or have had knee problems that have impacted our activity levels and contributed to weight gain. Although my knees feel fine now after having them replaced almost 7 years ago, I am still careful not to stress them too much. So last spring I bought the biggest loser strength and sculpt DVD. It's an old one that was on sale then but I like it. I don't do the floor exercises because it's too hard to get up right now but they are part of my future I'm sure. anyway, I bought a 2 lb set of dumbbells but I couldn't even make it through. I had to put them down for part of it and just do the arm motions. Then a couple months later I moved up to 5 lbs. and was almost ready to move up to 8. Then I moved and quit using them much so it's time to get in the groove again for me. I can't do aerobic jumping around because of arthritis in one foot but I am giving strength training a shot and will try the elliptical and arc trainer machines at the gym. I have no idea how this will go but I know it will be better than sitting on the couch losing muscle mass. It's time to gain muscle and lose the fat. We can take this journey together. There is strength in numbers!
Wishing you all a good Saturday!0 -
Love your introductions - isn't it surprising how much we all have in common! Understanding the medical and emotional problems each of us face makes us so aware that we aren't alone. So many of us face the same issues, the same disabilities or constraints which keep us from performing certain exercises, workouts, or just plain everyday living tasks. Living healthy not only means addressing those things we CAN change but also learning how to accept and cope with the things we can NOT change. Remember my friends that miracles do happen and those miracles begin with you. Just BELIEVE!0
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I am incredibly blessed to be a part of this group of strong, intelligent, diverse, and beautiful group. I "accidently" happened upon this group. I don't believe in coincidences, I believe in miracles. I'm ready to let this miracle unfold. Thank you, thank you, thank you.0
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Hi All! My name is Tiffani I am in the Air National Guard, a Civil Service Secretary & a Scentsy Consultant (very busy - but I love it!)- I am trying to continue my healthy streak and really making myself stick to logging on MFP bc I know I actually lose when I track. I am most concerned with getting healthy because of my military career.. It has always been a struggle for me to keep my waist measurements within the standards (part of it is because I am 6'2-- the standard requires me to have a 35.5 inch or under waist - I usually am right on the money). I also want to be healthy for myself and future children. I do have my struggles physically bc of a herniated disc that acts up often, but after rest I make sure I am back at it. I love love love healthy food (I wish my hubby did too bc it would make meals easier LOL).
I started the advocare 10 day cleanse this week - on day four and and I feel amazing! I started a 30 day work out challenge on the 29th and I have worked exercise into my day every day except the two days I was sick- which I will make up 2014 is my year and I feel it... Here is to us getting healthy!! Anyone is welcome to add me 0 -
Tiff brought up a GOOD point - remember to add each other as friends!
And as she said...."this is OUR year!
:drinker:
Smile and make someone else smile - laugh and the whole world laughs with you! (And it burns calories)
jp0 -
Hi all, happy to be here with a great group of motivated people all working toward the same goal, in their individual ways.
Looking forward to learning from you all. This IS my year, and I will get my excess insulation to move .. already have thrown out one pair of fat pants.
I'm a Canuk, raised in Niagara Falls Canada, and have lived in Alaska for the past 13 years with my hubby, 2 dogs and a very conversational Congo gray parrot. I am currently in Canada caring for my elderly mother who has multi-health issues related to years of systemic disease (heart disease + type 2 diabetes + hypertension). I too developed type 2 at age 42. Now, going into my 49th year I am determined to drop 50 by my 50th birthday. I see myself in my mum, and her health issues becoming my issues if I cannot manage to turn things around.
I work remotely while in Canada, doing EMR for 11 specialists in Alaska - I do this for 10 to 12 hrs a day while providing home care for my mum. All the while missing my hubby and the pets so very much.
I'm down 10.5 lbs since Dec 1, 2013 and around 22 lbs overall (since Sept 2013). I've already reduced my diabetes meds by more than half and am seeing a reduction in the ugly/embarassing plaque psoriasis I developed a few years ago (after my mum's first Stroke). I would love to take up swimming again, but the psoriasis is so unsightly i'm sure it would unnerve people at the pool. I've been working out at home with handweights, an inversion table (for 3 crushed and herniated disks in my spine), as well as doing some yoga, pilates moves and a weighted hula. I think i'm slowly getting stronger as my stamina is improving. Hoping to get out walking more soon as the snow/ice recede.
Really impressed with the people I'm seeing and reading of here at MFP.
Feel free to add me - the more encouragement, motivation and support the better. Cheers everyone!
Marni (Canookie)0 -
Hi Girls!
My name is Janice and I live in Ohio. I'm originally from New York State and have lived in New Jersey also. It's "cabin fever" time in Ohio and comfort food is hard to resist!
I'm 55, but mentally I'm about 25:) My husband and I don't have kids, but we have a never-ending cast of cats (they just show up here and move onto our couch) and 5 horses. I have been gaining and losing the same weight forever it seems. Does anyone have any strategies for having great-tasting make ahead meals on hand? My biggest problem is not being prepared when I'm hungry. Also, I get sick of eating the same low-calorie foods over and over when I'm trying to lose weight. And I have a wretched sweet tooth;) So enough whining for now! I'd love to hear about you.
I'm looking forward to reading your stories, updates, and about your triumphs and challenges!!! Go for it, girls!0 -
Hi everyone! I'm excited to be a part of the group. I've returned to MFP after a hiatus. I had lost 15 lbs and let my unhealthy eating get the best of me and gained it and a few extra lbs back.
I work in an imaging department here in the Fox Valley in Wisconsin and spend my spare time watching my 16yo son sporting events and taking care of my two dogs and two guinea pigs.
My plan is to get back to more healthful eating and excercise this year. Looking forward to making new friends and giving and receiving support in this group!0 -
Hi everyone! This is Katie here! I am 51 and just so tired of carrying around this extra weight! December 23, 2004 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer ( Merry Christmas to me!). After 19 months of chemo, 36 rads and multiple surgeries, I was thrown into menopause. With that and all the meds I gained about 50 lbs. I work out about 5 days a week, but my husband is an amazing cook....so I eat and eat! So here I am. I have to cut my portion sizes and get serious about this and hope you can help me be accountable!
I recently moved to the Raleigh NC area for a new job, so I might as well get the weight loss going too. I moved here not only for an amazing opportunity but because both of my children live here! What a great excuse huh? My husband is a great motivator for me though. When I come home from work, he makes me change and go to the gym. We hike 6 miles each Saturday and Sunday in the Umstead park, which can be quite challenging.
I was originally from RI but moved to NC with the military and once I got out I just stayed. Tuesday it was 18 degrees, but today was 72! If you don't like the weather here just wait a day or two and it will be different! I like to run, hike, workout oh yeah and eat!
I am ready to get serious about this! I am down almost 5 lbs from the 1st of the year- now only 35 to go! Lol0 -
Thanks for the explanation, canookie. At first I thought I was reading a foreign language. Lol!0
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Thanks for the explanation, canookie. At first I thought I was reading a foreign language. Lol!
LOL .. me thinks html only shows up on the blogs and not the message boards - doh! :blushing: :blushing: :blushing: :blushing:0 -
Hi all! Thanks for the invite Jpilley! My name is Linda, I'll be 54 in March, and I'm excited to meet you all on our journey conquer cellulite (haha)!
I am one of seven kids; four brothers and two sisters. My sisters are 9 and 12 years older than I am so we are not very close; they were out of the house by the time I began kindergarten so I've been surrounded by males.
I've been married to my best friend for 28 years and we have 4 sons that make me laugh and sometimes pull out my hair! None of my boys are married yet and no grandkids yet. I also have five cats…four of them are male too!
I have a part time job (three days/wk) that I love. I work at a library….and no...it isn't quiet….and I am on my feet the whole work shift.
I love to travel. I love to read. I have a weird sense of humor. That's me in a nutshell…feel free to add me as a friend!0 -
hey ya'll -
how great to read about everyone and our common goals! Life is certainly throwing us some curve balls but we do have the choice to push back, hard!
I'm Carol, from near Nashville, Tennessee. Native of Kentucky, rabid fan of University of Kentucky basketball. Feel free to add me as your friend if you like.
I've been type 2 diabetic for a long time and had to start insulin this past week. I'm on my way to becoming a daily exerciser and dropping 50 pounds by the end of September. I want to get off this medicine and stop worrying about this disease 24/7. I'm 58, an avid knitter & spinner of yarn, animal lover, wife, Nana to 3 cute grands. Have the same hubby I picked out in 1975. I do office work at a local university to support my yarn habit. It's a half mile walk from the parking garage to my office, luckily enough.
I am using My Fitness Pal to both hold myself accountable and to pay it forward by encouraging others. Life can be so much better when we are healthy and feel good, and we deserve as much of that as we can get. I have always been a comfort eater, addicted to sugary stuff and potato chips, guilty of always having a candy bar stashed somewhere in case of 'emergencies' , no self discipline in sight - but I am changing all of that now while I still can. No more guilt, no more stash, I am free and in the moment now.
I have been gathering friends and mentors here to motivate myself into a new way of thinking and living that is positively the best it can be. So I thank you all for being part of this group and hope I can encourage you as well.
I have been using www.Pinterest.com to search out ideas for meal planning, fitness gadgets, playlists, all that sort of thing - it's a good resource. There's no reason a meal or a fitness routine should ever be boring! By all means, let's share the good and the setbacks, the tasty recipes and the little things that help in the day to day effort.
Let's all get moving so we can feel better, stand / sit taller, and tell tales about how fat we USED to be!0 -
Hey all, I just got the invite for the group and I'd like to stay to introduce myself properly but I'm currently procrastinating a huge pile of marking that's due for tomorrow >.<
So, for now I will say: hi all, hope you're enjoying your Sunday!0 -
hey ya'll -
how great to read about everyone and our common goals! Life is certainly throwing us some curve balls but we do have the choice to push back, hard!
I'm Carol, from near Nashville, Tennessee. Native of Kentucky, rabid fan of University of Kentucky basketball. Feel free to add me as your friend if you like.
I've been type 2 diabetic for a long time and had to start insulin this past week. I'm on my way to becoming a daily exerciser and dropping 50 pounds by the end of September. I want to get off this medicine and stop worrying about this disease 24/7. I'm 58, an avid knitter & spinner of yarn, animal lover, wife, Nana to 3 cute grands. Have the same hubby I picked out in 1975. I do office work at a local university to support my yarn habit. It's a half mile walk from the parking garage to my office, luckily enough.
I am using My Fitness Pal to both hold myself accountable and to pay it forward by encouraging others. Life can be so much better when we are healthy and feel good, and we deserve as much of that as we can get. I have always been a comfort eater, addicted to sugary stuff and potato chips, guilty of always having a candy bar stashed somewhere in case of 'emergencies' , no self discipline in sight - but I am changing all of that now while I still can. No more guilt, no more stash, I am free and in the moment now.
I have been gathering friends and mentors here to motivate myself into a new way of thinking and living that is positively the best it can be. So I thank you all for being part of this group and hope I can encourage you as well.
I have been using www.Pinterest.com to search out ideas for meal planning, fitness gadgets, playlists, all that sort of thing - it's a good resource. There's no reason a meal or a fitness routine should ever be boring! By all means, let's share the good and the setbacks, the tasty recipes and the little things that help in the day to day effort.
Let's all get moving so we can feel better, stand / sit taller, and tell tales about how fat we USED to be!
Hello Nashville,
I am type 2 insulin dependent also (insulin for approx 1 yr), the oral meds for T2 damaged my liver & had to resort to insullin. The doc finally convinced me by asking me - why would you not want to take something your body used to make itself? .. been following the DASH method and have reduced my insulin use by more than half in a little over a month. Best of luck to you with your weight loss challenge. Good group here, nice folks. Feel free to add me.
Marni (Canookie) - from Alaska0 -
Hi Everyone!
I am Gillian, (gilly) I was originally from England but moved to New South Wales in Australia in 2006.
I have struggled with my weight for way too long and recently since moving to Australia have had to deal with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.:grumble:
I love my traditional archery and also throw a double bit axe for fun, that freaks some people out but it really is great fun and nobody messes with me when I am walking around at our club with a 32 inch long axe!!
I think this group will have a ball keeping each other focused and keen.:flowerforyou:0 -
Hey all, I just got the invite for the group and I'd like to stay to introduce myself properly but I'm currently procrastinating a huge pile of marking that's due for tomorrow >.<
So, for now I will say: hi all, hope you're enjoying your Sunday!
So, following on from the last post! Hi all, I'm Squidge, 27 from Sussex in the UK. I'm a psychology teacher, teaching 6th form (16-18). I'm married, have one cat (Dave), two rats and a dog called Woof.
It's a great idea to get everyone together here and I'd love to make some new friends here - although please, if you're making FR's please have a look at my profile, I don't aim to have loads of friends - instead I aim to have a support network of people with similar interests and sense of humour!
I've been using MFP for almost 2 years now, in fact my 2 year anniversary is in 2 weeks! I've lost 20Ibs so far and am aiming to lose a further 20Ibs, I've been messing about with the same 5ibs for about 8 months now so I'm going through a real psychological process of re-committing to the cause! Guess the one thing I've learnt: the race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.0 -
Squidge (Paws) -
I love your last reminder to us all: "The race is long, and in the end, it is only with yourself."
BRING IT ON!0 -
We Are The Champions! Great name for a new challenge group of winners!
Hi everyone, I'm Mel, a happily married lady who is about to turn 50 this month. I live in the mountains of the Northwest. Like Jeanine, I retired from teaching this last year and have gained 30 pounds. What is that all about? I guess our careers kept us on our feet and being retired we've become less active. It's time for me to take charge and make a change for the better…
I am now tracking every step and tracking my food intake via MFP. I'm motivated to make my retirement as active as possible. Thankfully, my health is good and I'm up for the challenge. So here is to getting off our bums and losing that weight!0 -
Hello everyone,
Seems I am way out numbered by the ladies. I'm 58 rapidly approaching 59, happily married to my childhood sweetheart for 38 years with 2 wonderful sons. I joined MFP to get my bad eating habits under control. My weight since around 1995 had been averaging 225 and when I let myself go all the way to 250. Along the way I've done various diets, low carb, South beach , etc. Lost down to a LW of 204 but gained it back when I started eating bad again. I started to get serious the week after of labor day as I was feeling bad and the Drs. could not find the answer. My wife and I have been going to Planet Fitness for about 3 years but never changed the eating habits and did not get intense with the workouts. I now go at least 5 or 6 days a week and am also training for my first 5K ( 2/8/14). Although I really don't understand the whole macro thing I do try to eat at a deficit. I have cut down on portion size but still eat mostly the same foods I was before. My ticker says 30 lbs but it probably should be 38 as I did not want to tip the scales until 3 weeks into my journey. The ultimate goal is 190 and no more blood pressure or cholesterol meds. I work as an IT Director so plenty of stress on a weekly basis. I love Nascar, bowling and golf. If you need support I will help anyway I can.0 -
Welcome Velocity:
We need some men in our lives! Glad to see you come onboard - this is NOT a "girls only" group. All we ask is that you come with an attitude of COMMITMENT. I am sure we will provide plenty of INSPIRATION for you - cause "girls just wanna have fun." Champions come in all shapes and sizes and you gonna find quite the variety here in the group.
Looking forward to you taking this journey with us - so let's get moving!
jp0 -
I love the diversity we have in this group, so many different lifestyles, places etc.
very happy that this is a group now, sometimes the main board can be a bit "childish" if you know what I mean :noway:0 -
Hello everyone my name is Pam. I am currently at work so I will fill everyone in later.0
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Hello Champions!
I will be 50 this year. I have a neurological disease so I have good days and bad days. The older I get the harder it is for me to move. I keep on going, I do spend some days in bed, I try to walk depending on my strength. I seem to be struggling with losing weight but like all of you I am up for the challenge with some support! I am really happy to be here and part of this group!
Thank you All for the support,
Sheil0
