WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2013

Good morning everyone – apologies for being MIA but it’s been a crazy week at work. I’ve been overwhelmed with grief and oddly guilt – but we’re trying to trudge forward. I’ll be taking over my manager’s duties while she’s out for surgery and whatever comes after, so I’ll probably be even busier. My biggest goal will be to manage my own stress levels and to be as supportive as possible for her. Still, I’m extremely sad and a bit in shock.

It’s very windy here – I dreamed we had a tornado (DH said we under a warning last night) and was racing around trying to remember where you’re supposed to go. Crazy. I need desperately to work in the yard today but with the wind and severe temperature drop I may have to wait. I did get a bit of a reprieve for tomorrow in that I can work in the yard during the day because the game I thought we were going to during the day is actually tomorrow night. Here’s to a productive weekend!

Brooke, when I was in school and DS was just a tiny tot I used to take him over Austin Bluffs Pkwy by UCCS to the daycare each morning. We thought about stopping to take a picture each day – the mountain is such a beautiful way to gauge the changing seasons. I never got tired of looking at it.

Kathy, congrats on the loss and yes, I think any cleaning counts!

DeeDee, that is a terrible storm! I’m so sorry about the trees but glad they didn’t do any damage to property. It’s the trouble with living with nature . . . :laugh:.

CityJane, if I were going to Paris I would be thinking it was Monday every day :laugh:. Good for you for sticking with it! It was how I started too – not DH but my BIL would come over and work out with me every morning. We did that for about 4 ½ months – but DH hated it and then BIL found a job so now it’s just me. Fortunately it was long enough for the “habit” to take.

Amanda, I’m sorry to hear about the IBS – it’s a tenacious and annoying disease in that there’s not a lot they can do. So much fun with the grandbabies!

Lin, WOW!!! congratulations on hitting your goal – and smashing it!

Lora, congrats on the loss – that’s a great movement for one week. I hope your stomach bug moves along too.

Yanniejannie – the end is within sight! Yay. Enjoy the sun.

Joyce, I’m sorry to hear you’re getting ill too. I hope you feel better soon. It’s very interesting to read about your experiences with MS and the treatment. I have an aunt (by marriage – no family history) with MS – she’s lived a very long and happy life so far.

Sue, I’m in the same boat – have been away for too many days to catch up but trying to do a little now. Thanks for the tip on finding the forum on the iphone.

Michele, especially after being indoors a lot during the winter, sunscreen on the first days out is critical. I learn that lesson year after year after year . . . :laugh:. You would think with vitiligo I would have learned by now. What is a pergola?

Gonzamm, I’m like you. I suspect we all are in our own way. I cry less now than when I was younger, but I’m also less volatile than I was too. Please don’t feel guilty or terrible – what you’re doing is healthy and sane (I’m assuming you’re not letting your emotions rule you though :laugh: ).

Barbie, I love how much joy you get from your world – you remind me always to enjoy the things I do and not regard them as a chore.

Poor Viv. I’m so glad I work from home and don’t have to play office politics with teambuilding lol. DH hates it with the passion of a thousand suns – and it never seems to help him anyway, he’s just not a team person. I suspect if it were designed around food he might feel differently though :laugh:.

Lucy, I’ve been seeing a lot of people saying what a scary world we live in. We manage to persevere despite the harshness of our world – it’s a grand element of our humanity. I always think of my children as a gift to future generations – that I raised them to make the world a better place, and they are. We are all praying for peace.

JaneM – you found an apartment? That’s great, I hope. Stay safe.

Renny, we all need to remember that. I was talking to one of our developers about that this week – she is in a pretty high-stress area because everyone needs their reports yesterday, and she (like me) wants to please the customers. There’s only so much we can do though – and we aren’t any good to anyone if we’re too stressed to do a proper job. I hope you find some peace and comfort with whatever role you’ve landed in at work.

Marcia, congratulations on taking on that personal challenge and winning!

Katla, I’m glad to hear your DH had a good experience with the acupuncturist. I’ve heard terrific things about them (haven’t ever felt the need for one before). The Gardens in Portland are sooooo pretty! We used to go when I was a child, and to the Rose Test Gardens, and feed the ducks. It’s one of my fondest memories.

Jmkmomm – I do hope you’re finding a place in your life to fill those empty holes where your marriage was supposed to be. You sound strong and lovely.

Meg, so sad to hear about all the relationship troubles. I actually became active on the internet for the first time in trying to find out answers to why my (second) marriage was such a disaster when it started with such promise. I only have answers for myself, not anyone else, but I can say if it weren’t for my cat, who came into my life quite unexpectedly but gave me a place to channel all the love and devotion I wanted to give but couldn’t, I wouldn’t still be here (in this marriage, not suicidal!). It’s a tough thing to figure out.

Rori, my son is celebrating the winter that never ends – but he’s doing it while on break from work. I spoke to him for a minute yesterday – he was at the top of Copper, which reopened for the weekend in light of all the new snow. In the real world it’s quite a pain, isn’t it? :laugh:.

Michele, I love your idea of snacking on a vinegary snack when a sugar craving hits. I’m going to try that!

Kathy (plantlady) – welcome back! I’m so sorry about the loss of your mom from diabetes – as I’m sure you know it’s something of an epidemic, but it can be contained! Sad story – a friend of mine was speaking on the phone to another friend who has diabetes, had been trying to lose weight and get healthy but had backslid – anyway, she said she wasn’t feeling well. The friend called the paramedics and headed over there, but by the time she got there 4 minutes later the friend was gone. It’s such an awful disease. I hope you come back and lean on us to help you stay healthy and fit.

Welcome Liz – now you’re one of us .

Robin, they wanted you to come in with strep? What is wrong with your company? Would they let you take a sick day if you have a doctor’s note? That just seems wrong. P.S. I think you look terrific.

Kathy, I’m glad you survived and weren’t flooded out. Dealing with flooding is terrible. I’m so sorry to hear about your SD’s grand “announcement.” I’m sure she didn’t think it through.

Grandma – wow, your family sounds amazing and tough despite all the hardships. I’m sorry your DD is ill. Sometimes it’s easier to find a target for blame than to focus on the reality of it. I hope you’re taking care of yourself – keep coming back for support. Getting out of the house will help you too, especially now that the weather is turning nice.

Cheryl, I’m so happy to hear that bit of good news about Jackson. We all pray for children to stop making bad decisions. What a world it will be then.

Brooke, reading backwards and scrolled back to your post. I’m so sorry to hear about your situation. I’ve most definitely been there, up to and including the crying (which makes my heart hurt). As to a job, ping me. Depending on your skill set, my company just opened a new office in your town and may have something.

OK, the sun is peeking out and I have to go do something. I am sending healing thoughts for everyone who is suffering now – and hope we all find some extra strength as we polish and refine our best selves.

Cheers,

M.

Hi my wonderful friends. Hope you all have a start to a good weekend. I putzed around all morning, now it’s time to get some work done. Yesterday my fitness buddy at work and I went for a walk at a little after 8 and boy was it chilly! We walked the longest marked route (0.67 miles) and my pedometer only registered about .2 of a mile. But it did register over 800 steps, so I don’t know what to think. I check it with my steps sometimes and it’s either way short or way too many. Maybe I just haven’t
figured out where to put it yet?

Rori: I’m with you! Where is spring???

Robin: I hope you feel better soon! I simply don’t understand businesses that treat their employees like that. Sure come to work and give everyone else what you have and we’ll pay you for it! OMG

Barbie: thank you for the information about the pedometers. I didn’t know that.

Michele: a pergola! We have one that covers our entire deck. It’s white PVC and we have maroon and grey striped awnings, plus pull down side shades since our deck is on the west side of the house. We love it and couldn’t use the deck without it!

City jane: glad your hip is better

Kathy: welcome to our group and glad you are back. Looking forward to getting to know you

Liz: you joined just by being here! Welcome!

Brooke: a gratitude journal…what a great idea!

Gail: safe travels and enjoy the wedding!

Katla: sounds like Chinese medicine has brought many benefits. I am thinking about hypnosis. Hubby wants me to try acupuncture for my back pain.

Jodios: sounds like we are weather twins! UGH is right!

Kathyzoo: I haven’t been here as much as usual, so I missed the story about the engagement, but you sound disappointed and I am sorry for that. I hope what ever this issue is you can get it resolved! Sending you good thoughts

Grandma: welcome to our group! It does sound like you have much to cope with. Little short daily walks would be a great way to start!

Lora: congratulations on the weight loss and I sure hope you feel better soon!

Joyce: please don’t send that bug to Nebraska next! Hope you feel better too!

MaryTN: welcome back!

Sue: stress is my middle name! I’m trying to spend some “me” time each day. Today was lounging for a few hours drinking coffee this morning and I did not allow myself to say “I should be working”!

Viv: “team building” usually makes me cranky!

DeeDee: bare closets mean shopping!

Lucy: I too was glued to the news about Boston; I even had it playing on my computer at work, something I have never done before

Lin: congrats on that ticker! What a great idea to do one with goals!

M: I am so grateful that my hubby is the love of my life and my true soul mate. We make a fabulous team and when one of us gets overwhelmed or too fatigued with the kids, the other one steps in for a while. We are very opposite and have different strengths so we have learned how to make that work to our advantage.

Well I have missed some I know. Hugs to all who need them (or want them!). Take care, meg from chilly Omaha.

Hello, Ladies!
Just checking in before I head to SD to take care of mom. Caught up on some posts, but will wait until I get there to respond, if there's still room on the thread.

Still getting cramps. Some days are worse than others. Hope they end soon.

Mom is being released on Monday. They had to keep her a few more days to do a blood transfusion. Her hemoglobin was way low. We will be getting her set up with some home health and Visiting Angels while I am there. Her heart failure is advancing. Doubt she'll make it to the end of the year.

Work is still moving at a frantic pace. Grateful that I can work remotely this week and not lose any PTO or get behind.

Mom lives at the bottom of a really big hill, so my plan is to walk that a couple times a day. Also bringing my suit so I can swim laps at the rec center if time allows.

Congrats to all of you who have reached milestones this week. And to those who are struggling: Chin up! This, too, shall pass.

Be kind to yourselves!

Jane in SLC

Hello Ladies! I am happy to have found this thread! I am 55 yrs old and live in Meadville, Pa. I will bump so I can add more later!

Hi Ladies Hope your weekend is going well. We woke up to snow all over again I don't think well ever get warm again!

Have been out walking everyday anyway, and have been averaging 3kms. or so my pedometer says , certainly need to do more but it's better than nothing like I was doing just a few months ago. Starting slow with everything and have not gotten discouraged like in the past. as well as having all your knowledge to draw from. Well congrats to those who are doing well and hugs for those who are struggeling


Take care Juanita in sudbury

Hello Lovelies,
I'm back after a few months away. I had a string of sinus infections going back to December and I couldn't shake them. I finally had sinus surgery a few weeks ago, and I'm starting to feel like myself again. I made it to the gym today and hit the treadmill for 30 minutes. That was my first real exercise since January! I've gained back 3 pounds since December (1 pound a month -- not good). Too many Powerberries and too much stress eating!

Work has been extremely stressful. Some of you might recall I am and ESL teacher, teaching middle school math for the first time, and my co-teacher has made it clear that she doesn't really want or need a partner. I've tried every trick in my book to figure out how to get along, and by January I was out of ideas and energy. I just decided to come in every morning with a smile and a positive attitude, but not try to offer any suggestions or ideas. In mid-March, as it became clear that our beginning level kids were failing, she finally decided that those students should have a separate class -- with me! I think part of her motivation was just to get me out of her room, but that's okay with me -- I'll take it anyway I can get it. :-) So now I have 3 sections of my own, and all my students were failing when they wera assigned to me. I have my work cut out for me, and now I have a lot more work to do every night, but I'm happy to finally be teaching instead of just watching her. It's so late in the school year it will be hard to show any growth for these kids, but I'll do my best. The kids all seem happier, so that's already a step in the right direction.

I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post, and I probably can't keep up with all your messages, but I know I have missed all my virtual friends. You help to keep me accountable, and so many of you inspire me to keep trying, even when I've had too many calories or skipped a workout. I'm looking forward to checking in as often as I can.

Polly
in Northern Virginia

evening ladies,
well did ok calorie wise today...have to grocery shopping tomorrow, it takes me twice as long because I read all the labels,but I guess that is a good thing.
I just broke down and bought 2 -1 lb packs of PB2 -one regular and one chocolate..ive never tried powdered pb,but want the protein and hoping this is a good fit..Im not much into protein shakes,but maybe I will give it a shot, I do have some individual flax packets I could add,what else do you add to protein shakes?
I cant totally give up my chocolate, but didnt someone say that the 3 musketeer's mini's are only 25 cal. per piece? I could do that..
I did the treadmill for 15 minutes today, shouldnt have done that:grumble: Oh the heel..I am doing the stretches and all of that, but not faithfully. I just want it to go away....well I am off just wanted to check in with everyone.. Hope your having a spectacular weekend:flowerforyou:
oh and by the way` that beautiful picture on my profile is my DGD

We went to Applebees tonight, my husband was excited to try out the 2 for $20 special. The best deals as far as calories is the Weight watchers and under 550 calories meals, NOT the 2 for $20. So i am looking at the menu, checked on the data base here and decided on the Bourbon street chicken. I knew I would just eat a portion of it but that was no problem since it tasted terrible. The waitress said it was probably how they blacken the chicken. I ate the shrimp, about 5 small pieces and a small bite of the chicken. Now the spinach artichoke dip was good. I had to take control of my appetite to make myself stop but I did just eat a little of it. It was very high in calories. I thought because it was spinach and artichokes that it might be healthy. Then I saw the amount of cheese in it. And it seemed like every waitress was taking a serving of it to every table. We have a very unhealthy US!!!! So DH had me take a taste of his riblet. ECH!!!!! Salty, terribly salty. Got to go look in the frig to see what I have here at home

Hungry Joyce in sunny southern Indiana

M. – Sorry to hear your dealing with such stress and grief. Be sure to be extra kind to yourself while this is going on! You made me laugh at loud about how your DH might respond to team-building differently if food were involved (hmm, come to think of it, maybe so would I)!

Meg – How goes things with DD? Did she move and/or get a new attitude?? If I missed an update on this, my apologies! Also, when is Bennie having his surgery?

BJ – Wow - - - 200 “high fives” headed to SW Ontario, that is amazing and so are you!! :drinker:

Jane in SLC – Safe travels, sorry your mother’s health is failing, it’s hard to watch. Your setting up Visiting Angels will help her and give you peace of mind. Good planning for your exercise, even more important when you’re dealing with so much stress! You too be kind to yourself :flowerforyou:

Mary from Boston – How wonderful that you were able to truly rest last night after so much anxiety these last days. “Boston Strong” :bigsmile:

Juanita – Sorry to hear snow keeps returning (it is happening here too)! But good for you for walking anyway, you’re doing great and are a fine example yourself!

Joyce – Here’s hoping you and DH are found by the perfect cat companion soon!

Polly – Wow, what a situation you’ve been dealing with! The kids who are in your care are so fortunate, because you obviously really care whether they’re improving! All you (and any of us) can do is your best, a desire to make a difference already does :flowerforyou:

Barbie – how nice that you were able to be there for your friend (and get a walk in too)! It certainly sounds like you’ve had a lovely day

Jodi – What a full and fulfilling day you had! I know what you mean about the groceries, I went to the store yesterday and it was all produce with a wee bit of dairy and chicken, nothing processed at all and my taste buds couldn’t be happier

Hungry Joyce – Hoping you found something tasty and healthy at home after your dining out disappointment :sad:



Brooke from Colorado

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”