WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY

Cindy, you are my hero. I don't know how you do what you do. As soon as tax season is over, I'm going to make a special trip up to see you for lunch or something. Actually, I'm headed to Raleigh weekend after next but you wouldn't want to meet up with my motley crew. You'll love this - my ex-husband and his wife will be riding with me. We've been doing this together for the last couple of years when we go up for the babies' birthdays.

I couldn't sleep last night so I got up at 4:30 and came to the office. Now my stomach is off schedule and I'm starving because I ate (drank an almond milk protein shake) so early. Will noon ever arrive so I can have my brown rice tortilla wrap and soy chips??? yummmmm.................

Faye,

I'm glad you have Netflix. They have all the Leslie Samson (?spelling) walking DVDs. That should help you a lot.

I, too, use to be terrorized by a neighbor's dog that got out often. In the end it turned out the dog was nicer that I could have ever thought. He just liked to bark at my horse and I. At the time it was terrifying. I'd get off my horse before the house, call the dog to the fence, tell him to sit and give him a dog treat when he sat. Sometimes he was in the yard, sometimes he was in the road. Where ever he was, I held the large milk bone up where he could see it and shout out "SIT" at the top of my lungs. Then while he was eating I'd walk my horse past him and get back on. After a year or more of this the owner was out and properly introduced us (his dog and I) Turns out it was a sweet, sweet dog (pit bull) who just got excited when I came by with the horse as he used to go with his owner when his owner had a horse. The dog was old and couldn't go with me, but some times he'd walk with me around the block and after I took him home, I'd go for my ride. When the dog died of old age the owner was waiting for me in the road to tell me the sad news and we both cried.

I have to go shovel the patio for my mom right now. lol Cindy, I'm sure you will understand that comment.

Jeannie

Hi Jeannie,

I'm glad your dog incident ended well. I can relate to the horse/dog thing I've had that happen as well back when I had horses. But I'm afraid there is no hope for reconciliation in my case.

I learned something about bad dogs that day; when they really want to hurt you, they don't bark at all. At least this one didn't.

I had been walking by their house for months and this one dog of theirs really made a fuss, the others just went along after she started - snarling, growling, the whole bit. I would either ignore her or speak quietly to her as I went by.

One day I wasn't paying close attention as I went by and didn't see that the gate was open. I figured they all were in the back yard and I could get by with no fuss. She went out the gate after me (I was past the gate by then and didn't see her.) She never barked, just showed up about 4 feet away from me and crouched down on her back legs ready to spring at me. Still no barking, just slobbering, baring her teeth and snarling.

I started to move my hand towards by pocket, where I had something to help the situation, but I had to stop because she tensed even more and I knew she would be on me if I moved any more. So I just had to face her down and kept yelling at her in a deep loud voice to go home. After about 30 seconds of this she wheeled suddenly and went back to her yard.

Barking dogs is no problem for me, if that's all they do. I can make friends with most dogs. Like you say, a few cookies and a kind word will go a long way. I used to collect quite a following when I walked, one was a pit bull. I love big dogs and have had several, but with a big dog comes the responsibility to make sure they aren't a threat to others. This is a foreign concept to the people next door.

The neighbor couldn't care less, just said I could shoot it if it ever got out again. First I don't want to have to do that. Second I may not get the opportunity if I wanted to, that dog is quick.

They like having scary dogs because the woman is home alone a lot and afraid of her shadow. I didn't try to do anything legally about it because she didn't get her teeth on me and I also don't need a enemy for a neighbor.

It's started to rain here, so yard work and walking outside is out. I am going to take your Netflix suggestion and see what I can find to do for exercise today. I think I'm losing a bit. My jeans feel a bit looser and what's even better I feel better without the "not so good" food.

Faye

Ah yes . . . the session with the kids’ trainer. He’s a mix of Bob and Jillian on the Biggest Loser. Probably 90% Bob and 10% Jillian. :huh: We ran about a mile there, and then into his gym in his home. I did jumps up on a stool, and squats and lunges. He also does a lot of the “body combat” type of stuff . . . big gloves and punching and elbows. Also had a big pad across his mid-section and me “knee-ing” up into it for 15 reps and then rotating out to do lifts with a cowball weight then back again. Worked up a great sweat. The hardest thing was what he called one leg pencil lifts. :sad: Sit on a chair or stool, cross one ankle over the other knee and without using your hands, stand up with crossed leg still in same position. He had me do about 15 reps on each leg, and then move to another exercise, and then come back and do another 15 on each leg, and then rotate out again and back for another 15. Kids said he was “easy” on me . . . .

Just checking in... I've been doing well with food an exercise but weight went up 3 pounds from Sunday to Monday and hasn't gone back down. I know some of it is sodium and that TOM but I'm annoyed anyway.

Hi Jacki,
I'm jsut starting so not sure if I'm posting in the right spot. But I had one comment to your question as to the stuck weight loss. I was working with a personal trainer in another life, and she told me that another component to steady weight loss when you are doing the exercise and staying under the calorie allotted to you - SLEEP! Odd as that sounds, the body needs the recoup time to balance the fat loss and other stuff that goes on while we're busy being healthier. I thought it was nonsense-till I tried it. It made a difference.

You'll have to discover what you need is, but when you do - stick to it, it just may help you over the edge if you are truly stuck.

Keep up the good work. It will pay off.

Hi Birdie - Know how you feel!! :flowerforyou:
Been there and done that before I was "retired" 3 years ago for medical grounds!! Stress, depression or nervous breakdown - take your pick. Management ain't all sweetness and light. when the staff don't appreciate that you do more for them than they know! Don't let them get you down!:noway:

:bigsmile: I'd say you warranted the little slip with the calories and as every day is new ... begin again when the time's right. Take heart from MFP. I'm sure everyone's been in the same shoes and....Do let us know what you had for dinner with the 21 calories - might be useful!! for when anyone has had an awful day!

Hello everyone,

I haven't logged in for a couple of weeks. Again my mom was in the hospital each time she enters she seems closer to death. She rallied again and is in a rehab facility. Didn't lose any weight in Janurary but have maintained my weight. This is so stressfull going from her being home trying to regain her strength then congestive heart failure and pnemonia spending 12 days in ICU this past trip to the hospital.When I am in Tennesse we eat out every meal. So I am full of stress hormones for sure. I hope to lose weight this month if I don't I will keep trying.
Take care all,
Lynn

My heart goes out to you. I'm almost in your shoes.(STRESSED) My dad & mom are failing and it is very hard seeing them fail. My dad will be heading into surgery in a few days. (pase maker & defibrillator). My mom is legally blind, has diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease, & she will be having surgery on her legs soon after my Dad.

However I can't say I look as great as you do. I have let my stress just control me. Love your Picture.

Plus, to all the ladies...:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: we all have struggles in so many different ways. I wish the best to all.

I'm glad I did not have that personal trainer I read someone had a few post up. :bigsmile: :bigsmile: Great job to all that are looking FANTASTIC I hope to be back soon.

Kathy ( plantlady)

I have not read anyone's post yet, but I wanted to report out. Today our branch had an AGM, which was not an AGM; it was called a "FUNdeMENTAL meeting!!! :flowerforyou: Good for those who organized it. It was well done, energizing and tiring at the same time. This is a summary of this packed day:
- we brainstormed for our annual business plan
- we listened to our ADM and DM about accomplishments and challenges our province faces; we also listened to a guy who told us about his pilgrimage to Spain. A huge spectrum of topics.
- we played games that were fun yet set us to thinking
- we celebrated the many personalities and talents resident in our branch of ~60 staff
- we brainstormed on how we should take action on a variety of issues
- we had lunch and breaks (they went by so quickly)
- we took pictures and made memories
- we did yoga
- we had FUN
- we were SURVIVORS!!

It was a hugely MENTALly challenging yet FUN day!

Because it was done on a ZERO $ budget, I - and many others - chose to bring my own lunch and ignore the cafeteria. I did buy a coffee in the afternoon break and ate 1/4 bran muffin.

:bigsmile: Was this a good day??? Oh yes!! Am I tired? Heck yes!! But EVERYONE helped clean up the room.

:flowerforyou: It was a good day.

Rebel :drinker:

N Wales - I commend you for your positive attitude and "no worries". That, in and of itself, will carry you a long long way down this journey. Keep smiling!!!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Good Morning ladies,
As I was reading your posts today about your ailing parents and so many of you taking care of them I had a thought. This gives us an even bigger reason to get healthy and take care of ourselves. I lost my mother 9 years ago suddenly. My dad is still with me and he is healthy as a horse. he takes care of himself and tries to eat right walks regularly and is basically healthy. I really dont see myself having to be his caretaker any time soon unless something unforeseen happens. anyway my point is do we really want to do this to our kids. Do we want them to have to take care of us later because we have chosen not to stay healthy and take care of ourselves now. My answer is NO NO NO NO NO NO. I want to travel with them and help them and have fun with them. Not be a burden. So lets get busy. This is a good reason to do this. Love you ladies. Have a good day.
Vicki M

Well said. Reminds me of the note that was taped near teh most hated machine at Curves years ago that reminded us all that that particular exercise strengthened the muscles that enable you to get up and down on the potty unaided. None of us want to think about a time when we'll not even be able to do that unaided, but its coming. And sooner than we think if we don't stay active NOW.

Good Morning All:flowerforyou: Haven't checked in with you for a few days, sounds like many of you need {{{ HUGS}}} This am my person that I have hired to oversee all the caregivers I have for my Mom called to say they were taking her to the hospital because she fell. It's so hard to be 1,000 miles away:grumble: but at the same time I'm glad to have someone else there that I know will do what I want for Mom. This is the second time Mom has fallen:sad: and the reason that I've not pushed to move her into a Foster home is because she has been so sure that she wouldn't fall, now I may have to become the 'evil':devil: daughter and force her out of her home .... not a fun decision:grumble: ...and this stress is affecting the diet/lifestyle change. Of course I'm hoping this is just a temporary set back , cause I really want to be in some of those clothes taking up space in my closets and basement.

Have a good day!
Laura

Hello!

Good to see a 50's group here. I did WW for awhile, left, started to gain again, found this site a while back, used it, left. I've been just sort of maintaining for a while, feeling like my body was just settling in to the 160's and staying there. But I really want to get the rest of the weight off, so I'm back on track. I've lost 2 lbs already since coming back and tracking what I eat. I know it works and I know how to lose the weight, just have to keep on with it. I have a goal of getting at least down into the 150's by May. I'm a home based travel agent and I just earned a cruise on Princess for completely their certification. I have to get this weight off once and for all!

A bit late this but never mind........

"Twas the month after Christmas"

Twas the month after Christmas,
And all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
Not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
The chocolate I'd taste
At the holiday parties
Had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales
There arose such a number!
When I walked to the shops
Less a walk than a lumber,

I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine, champagne truffles, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my partner's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt...
I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend a Summer, disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good diet.

:frown: Sorry ... I ate all my calories ... plus 86! Slapped wrist !!!