WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER

Thank you chicklet - I did go downstairs last night and we talked. I explained that I knew how important his friends were to him, and how I didn't want to interfer, how I wanted to spend time with him but I didn't know how much time he had to spend with us, I didn't know his plans. That it was more of a communication thing. He did tell me that he'd like it if I were to ask him more questions about his students. I told him that I just didn't know what he wanted to share, not to be afraid to share with me. I used the example of "that student seems very apart from the group". I don't know and I don't know if he wants to share, say, the reason may be that the student was abused, or that he's suspecting abuse. I told him please not to be afraid to share things with me, give me benefit of the doubt.
How lucky we all are to have you, you are such a very strong lady. I'm sorry your SIL won't help you this time, but I'm sure you'll do just fantastic on your own.

They just left, I'm still crying. I'll go to church and then come right home, I am probably physically (from crying) exhausted and mentally (from getting up at 4 to be ready to see them off).

I know that Jessica would like us to come up there for Thanksgiving, she would like to cook dinner. Actually, this would probably be a good time, too, in that Denise could probably come down. But we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves, here.

Bryan did ask me if my church takes up donations for foreign students. Honestly, I would probably go buy some school supplies and then just send them to him. I have a suspicion that the students on the Island will be (how do I put this?) not as well off. I remember that I used to save some stickers and send them to him when he was in SK, and he said that he really didn't want them. I remembered him telling me that the students really liked stickers and would do almost anything for a sticker. I just think that these students probably don't have as much.

On the bright side -- he did take the GRE's and we talked yesterday about how he was thinking about grad school on the East Coast. Hey, at this point, I'd even be happy with the West Coast. At least he'll be on the same continent as me!!! lol He did say, tho, that he might want to take an extra year off before grad school....so I guess we shall see.

Now we get to sell his car....oh fun. Anyone want a VW Golf? Actually, he has it on Craig's list but for some reason he's asking $4900. When we list it, we'll probably ask for less.

You have no idea how tight I hugged him today!!! He mentioned that he had a webcam. I just don't know about the time difference. When he was in SK, his nights were our days, so really, the only workable time for us to talk was Sat. a.m. and that's hoping that he'd remember to be at his computer! But I did find that email seemed to be the most efficient in that case.

I do have skype on my laptop. The problem came in with the time difference. He would have to remember to be at his computer at a a set time! It's different when you will see your children, but it's just him seeing his mother. Not that I can fault him for this, many times he'd want to go out with his friends etc. I just found email to be more efficent.

He couldn't find his notarized copy of his birth certificate last night. We looked high and low, couldn't find it. He was sure he'd sent it home from Korea. Anyway....we're going to order him a duplicate. It'll cost $31 but he might need the notarized copy for his health insurance, etc. We do have a scanned copy...but lots of times that doesn't suffice.

Well, so much for pilates today. Here it is 5:00, I went to church earlier today, left early and came home and slept until about 4. Then I had a sandwich of a Nature's Own round, some brie, and I wanted to finish up this tomato he'd had cut up. In about an hour or so I'll probably make dinner for Vince and myself. Not sure what I'll have yet.

Very interesting....OK, I didn't do well at all yesterday on my diet. But normally I would have craved carbs (in breads ,etc) but I wasn't. It seemed that I wanted fats and sugars more, so I had my fill of fruits. Didn't do too well on the veges, tho.

Amanda - talking about your daughter really warms my heart. I, too, had problems conceiving so I can totally relate.

Barb - thanks for the idea of cottage cheese in the eggs. Gotta try that. I think Bryan left some green pepper (that I was going to have for dinner the other night, but he got to it before I did...oh well) that I want to use up.

Tomorrow I'll take an extreme pump class. Tomorrow afternoon we have a Food For Thought and More meeting. I'm going to make these "mini pizzas". What it is is pizza sauce on a Triscuit cracker and a bit of mozzarella cheese on top. I made them the other night when Ken & Lynette were here and found out that I really put too much cheese on them so I'm going to try putting less cheese this time. Oh, after the class, I'm going to stop at the one food store and return some foods that Bryan bought and we'll never eat and they have a special where for something like 89 cents you can get a dozen eggs, so I'll pick that up, too.

McMadame - congrats on your accomplishments. That's wonderful! I'm so envious!

Michele

:flowerforyou: macmadame, congratulations on your success in your races......just finishing is a major accomplishment...finishing in a good time is even better.....I swim only well enough to avoid drowning, so I am especially impressed by the distances that you swim

:flowerforyou: chiclet

---

they say that "what doesn't kill you, will make you stronger" and you are certainly getting stronger because of all the huge challenges in your life......your mom is so fortunate to have you fighting on her side...keep on keeping on and don't give up five minutes before the miracle........you didn't give up with Boo and look what happened.

:flowerforyou: Mimi, I like to track my food so I keep on doing it even if other people think I'm overly compulsive....I do what works for me....you are so right about roasting green beans. we had steamed asparagus today...I was broiling lamb chops and little red potatoes and I couldn't figure out how to do the asparagus in the oven at the same time.

:flowerforyou: Michele, I'm so sorry that your son's departure has made you so sad.

:flowerforyou: Jackie, I'm glad you're posting again......Your cruise sounds like it was wonderful.....you'll have the memories forever.....how did your mum do while you were gone?

:flowerforyou: SuzyQ, congratulations on reaching a new low weight.......your never give up attitude continues to inspire me.....sorry to hear that you have to give up Sophie

:flowerforyou: we had rain on and off today and the dogs didn't get to the dog park but during a lull, DH raced out and cut the grass and I worked on a weeding project. The cats went in and out all day, hoping that the weather would get better.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: the dogs are bugging me to go to bed, so I guess it's time......are they spoiled, or what ? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

:flowerforyou: 'Tis now 1pm so ...good afternoon everyone.....from the lovely sunshine in N.Wales.

A new start to the week .....but not such a good day for mum so far. Her chest infection ....seems an awful lot of it about.....is pulling her down again today. :sick: She had been fine in the care home while we were away but started to not eat/drink etc.Picked up a bit once the anti biotics were started but now has gone back to bed exhausted. I can hear her humming away to her teddies so she must be feeling cosy!

:ohwell: Scales said 153lb today ....I'm going to try and cut the portions down a bit. DH is one to pile the food on and of course...clear the plate! I really don't need to do that do I? :noway: No!!

No Zumba tonight but I've got some housework to do ...but nothing too strenuous! I can't seem to gather the enthusiasm. I think we need to have guests to stay each week...that seems to give us the impetus to put some effort into it all.

:happy: I'm begining to think about the clothes needed for Egypt in November. A lot of the summery stuff worn last November should...I say that carefully...should be a bit on the big size!! Wouldn't that be good if it was so.......shopping!!! I'll let you know!!

Hair trim tomorrow ...why does my hair grow so quickly? One day it looks nice and neat and then overnight it sprouts....Can any of you relate to this? Rather like those playdoh heads where you turn the handle and the playdoh hair just keeps growing out!!!!
...:drinker: perhaps we're out to lunch too. I hope Mum will be feeling well enough to go to her day centre and we've got to find a nice Sunday lunch venue for when our new found cruise friends visit in October.

Anyway ...I'm off now to put yet another load of washing out to dry. Must be careful now....while I've been posting i've been waiting for "The Nails" to dry. I got really fed up with my tatty nails before the cruise and went for acrylic tips etc. So far so good. They look very natural still and I hope I can get to just having a strenthening coat of acrylic on my own nails.
So ...it's cheerio from me. Have a great week folks.
BFN
Jackie

Zumba tonight so I just did hand weights to work my upper body today. Heading out now to get that once every 3 weeks massage. Hubby is off the next 3 days so I'll have to work extra hard to eat right and get the exercise in.

How long have you been doing this?

I started training my swim about 2.5 years ago. (By that I mean taking lessons, doing swim workouts, etc. Not learning how.)

When I first started going to my tri club's swim workout, I was doing EVERYTHING wrong. Well, I wasn't windmilling my arms and my arm position underwater was okay. But I was kicking too much, not swiveling my hips, not breathing out underwater, not holding my hands right, lifting my head instead of turning it to breath, and not raising my elbow high enough when my arm came out of the water and who knows what else. For most of it, I just didn't know. They didn't teach swimming that way when I was a kid and also we just went to the community pool and got taught by teenagers. So picking up a lot of it was easy since I just had to be told what to do. But some of it has been hard as I have years of doing it wrong. Plus some of it was subtle.

Good Morning Ladies - I'm back after a long, and somewhat unexpected, summer hiatus. Nothing bad, just pure laziness :embarassed: on my part and some travel, and yes I'm paying the price :ohwell: will only myself to blame. So as summer is over and I squeeze into my jeans for the first time in awhile, I'm back and trying again. I'm happy to see so many familiar 'faces' and lots of new ones too - it will be good to catch up. Forgive me for not being around to lend my support but I will try my best to make it up to you. As I write I'm realizing just how much I missed you all!
Cheers for now,
Caminogirl (aka Cathy)

(edited for spelling b/c I can't find my darn glasses again!)

Hang in there Peg I am right along there beside you....Don't give up, but cut down on the work hours if you can. I am burnt out with 60 hours a week, so I can not imagine how you are keeping it up with 70 to 75. No wonder you are exhausted, I truly feel for you. Know you are not alone & just do what you can each day. Take care.

Good Morning Ladies!!
I haven't posted much last week as I just wasn't up to par last week . Not ill just head achy and not myself. Hope to shake that this week. I didn't eat well yesterday - I made salsa a week ago and DF and I broke it out and I LOVE homemade salsa and chips!!!! I have no idea how much I ate but I guessed and logged that. The good news is I still lost weight so I am back on track for now (I still have more salsa in the fridge:laugh: )
Maybe the malaise is the weather. Is has cooled quite a bit and has been rainy, as it is again today. Fall is fast approaching. Saturday was a lovely day and DF and I got out on the cycles and rode for the afternoon. It was brisk even with long johns on but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I love Minnesota but I REALLY need to go somewhere I can ride year round.

I am going to try to join a belly dancing class this week. It is for 6 weeks and I have always wanted to learn. It has the added bonus of helping me exercise as I just can't seem to squeeze any in any other way. I wanted to try Zumba but I'm not sure I am ready for that yet. :noway: :laugh:

Chicklett - Good luck with the insurance company. I'm sure you will do a great job. I have had to do this with my dad and although unpleasant it isn't impossible. Your SIL is only using her experience as a form of control and punishment for you and your mom. She only wants you to beg her to help you. With your mom out of their control both your brother and his wife have no one to exert control over so they are mean to you whenever they can so you understand how "lucky" you were that they took care of everything for your mom. Trust me you are better off doing everything yourself. It is tough in the beginning only because it is new for you. Once you get use to handling things yourself it will only be a small bump in the road when these things arise again.

Jackie - I am SO jealous!!!! you will be in Egypt in November.

SuzyQ - Sorry you can't keep Sophie. Enjoy her while you can.

McMadam - Congrats on your Swim Race results. That is quite the accomplishment.

Michele - Big hug for you to help get over Bryan's departure. Start planning your visit, It may help take the sting away and will give you something to look forward to. :bigsmile:

VickiM - I have had Thyroid problems all of my life. I was Hyperactive as a child but became Hypoactive as I became an adult. I went off my medication for a couple of years when I didn't have insurance and I gained weight, couldn't lose it and was very moody and just felt horrible ( I can tell after all of these years) I have been back on medication since July and am much better. If you have any questions I would be happy to tell you my experience and what I know.

Now for this weeks lesion.. Eating in social situations

Social times are eating times. Families get together for celebrations. Friends invite you to dinner and socialize over cocktails. Good food and good times just seem to go together. Sooner or later everyone will have to face the challenge of social eating. Often food selections are unknown making it difficult to plan ahead. Food choices are limited, making it hard to select foods that fit with your new dietary goals. Additionally family and friends may seem offended as food offered out of friendship or hospitality are refused. most would agree that social eating is a special challenge.

The key to managing social situations is to ANTICIPATE!!!
Eating in social situations can often catch you off guard. You are looking forward to the event and want to enjoy yourself. You may not even consider the food that will be served until you are faced with making a choice. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. What can you do? Anticipate.

Try to imagine what the event will be like. What might be served? If you know then you can plan your calories accordingly. If you are unsure then you might consider phoning your hostess to ask or perhaps check with someone else you know will be there to ask if they have any information.

Plan your calories for the day. Adjust your other meals and snacks accordingly. eat something low in calories before leaving home so you don't arrive with an empty stomach.

Stay away from appetizers. Maybe you could offer to help serve, which would allow you to control your portion size and to omit high calorie extras. Share your desert with someone. Keep your alcohol consumption low. These are empty calories and for many people a few extra drinks can reduce willpower and lead to overeating.

Anticipate any special requests you can make. Ask for a plain salad, have the dressing on the side or just a smaller portion. You could ask what ingredients are in various dishes so you can plan your calories accordingly. Asking for the recipe is a non threatening and even flattering way of asking about the food.

Also anticipate the non eating aspects of the event. This will help you enjoy yourself and not focus on the challenges that food present. Who will be attending? What conversations will you have with others and the your involvement in planned activities.

If you are at a party, Survey all available options. Maybe there are fresh veggies on one table and you can stand near those low fat foods. Evaluating the entire situation may prevent you from impulsive-mindless eating. Being mindful with help you avoid eating whatever is closest and worry about it later.

Once you have developed a food plan you can then relax and enjoy yourself and not dread the scale next day.

Home entertaining

Do not feel you have to serve "high calorie food" Remember many of your guests may also be watching their weight and would appreciate your efforts. You can find many good cookbooks or recipes on line that you can plan your whole menu from. Plan single portion foods such are chicken breasts. They are easier to control then casseroles or lasagna. If you have a favorite recipe then try to replace high fat items with low fat alternatives. Plan a fruit dish for dessert. When preparing food immediately place mixing bowls and utensils in the sink and fill them with soapy water. Finally when the meal is over ask guests to take any remaining food home with them.

Assert yourself with relatives if needed. Family members, although well meaning, can be food pushers. People ofter use food to express themselves or identify who they are. Food can also be used to control situations and other people. Getting people to overeat helps some people feel less guilty about their own eating habits.

If you think you may have problems with social situations then try practicing your new skills by imagining you are invited to an office work party, A dinner party at your dearest neighbors home, you are hosting a birthday party for an in law.

What do you do?
Will there be comments?
How do you respond?
Will the comments affect your choices?
How could you have prepared?

Hope this helps you when you find yourself in this situation and with the holidays approaching.

Everyone have a good day

Peggy

I had a really bad drinking weekend. oh well back on the wagon today. the treadmill still isn't cooperating and I guess I will have to call a repair man. don't really have the funding for that. I did manage to get an hour on it this morning. (jumping off to restart it about 7 times) and then I did my strength video and my Turbo Fire video and Ab Jam so I am feeling pretty pleased.

The weather is horrible as it is very dark and dreary today.. But I am excited that I will be in Minnesota this Friday. Holly is doing much better and I am so looking forward to the trip. We are doing a Zumba class on Friday together and going to the Rennaissance Faire on Sunday. And then lots of home furnishing shopping to get her apartment set up. I hope I can meet up with Peggy while I am there. (I will try to remember pix. this time )

DH is doing much better right now too so I can focus more on me and my feelings. Maybe not such a good idea as the economy is really starting to freak me out. But I just know it will all be okay and it will all work out.

I am getting ready to roast some squash, beets and turnips. DH won't eat them so they are all for me.

I enjoy all of your posts. you all keep me going when I just don't feel like going anymore. Thankyou. Compared to most of you ladies I lead such a dull mundane life but I really like it that way now. I have had my share of hair raising adventure in the past but that is another story.

Have a marvelous Monday.

Robin, Those dratted simple carbs take about 2 days to get out of your system. It's really hard for 1 day, kinda hard the second day. Then, that's it! 2 days? You're 2 days away from swimming (treading?) along like usual. Woo hoo.

Next weekend should be wonderful. Hugs from me.

xxx

Rjadams: I notice you fill out your journal for the entire day, I've thought about doing that as that is exactly what my weight watchers leader does, how often do you stray from your food plans?

I actually usually fill it out for the whole week M-F on Sunday evening. I was being lazy this week. I will probably have the rest planned out by the end of the day. I stick to it pretty well. I do make adjustments as leftovers appear and such. It works well for me so I don't have to think about food I just look up what I should eat for that meal. That way I only obsess about what I am going to eat one day a week. I hope that makes sense.

Suzzeque, What is the latest on Sophie's possible new owner?

Barb

Haven't heard any more from her so either she is REALLY sick or changed her mind and just didn't have the heart to tell me. So we are still loving on Sophie and trusting that IF we do indeed relocate we will be able to find a great place for her first. I have an ad for her at craigslist so hopefully the right person will eventually show up. She's such a sweetie she deserves to be someone's pride and joy.

I was thinking I joined this group a month ago, then noticed the thread was locked! Glad to see it up and running again. I turned 50 on Sept13, I was a bit depressed about at first, but I soon got over it. I have so much to be thankful for! I haven't read all the posts on here (there are so many!) but hope to get to know you soon.

Laura, awesome job! I hope to be posting some before and after photos one of these days! I am consistant with exercise and I ride horses, its the eating the gets me. I often eat on the fly because I don't "plan"...whats that saying "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!"

This past weekend I went camping and riding with my brother, had a great time, the weather was really nice. In spite of having a few beers I actually lost a couple of lbs that I had gained last week. Who says riding doesn't burn calories???lol My goal is to lose at least 30 more lbs. I lost 15 but gained back 5, and have lost 3 of that 5.

I haven't been posting in my MFP diary because it drives me nuts some days but I always carry a journal in my bag to work everyday.

GOOD NEWS EVERYONE:happy: :happy: :drinker: :drinker: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

I received the call from the rehab faclity and it turned out that when the doctor called the case worker and reported on her condition and how she has been progressing, they decided to allow her to stay 9 more days!!:bigsmile: (Then of course they will review her case again, but that is 9 days from now and I am not going to worry about it until then!). When I spoke with the doctor this morning she told me that she didn't wait for them to contact her, she called them directly. (Last time they called her on a Saturday when she wasn't working and was on vacation!:noway: ) She said she was getting back at them for that! Well whatever she said to them it worked! But I was totally prepared and had written out what I was going to say to them and I was determined to fight. I am just so happy that she is being given more time. I called the doctor back this afternoon after finding out and thanked her profusely. I then called the physical therapist and asked what's the next stage for my mom so I can keep on her about doing as they say. When I called her she had been asleep and I don't think she totally understood what I was saying ( she is kind of out of it when she first wakes up) and she was a little depressed because they had tried to get her to stand up with a walker only now and she couldn't do it. I told her it was the first attempt and not to be so hard on herself and just keep trying. She just mumbled and I told her to just go back to sleep. I'll call her later.

Connie:flowerforyou:

I was just curious, what do you find frustrating in logging in your diary on MFP? It helps me so much by figuring everything out for me ( carbs, calories, etc) that a written diary could never do for me. It keeps me more accountable. It's basically in my face so to say. I just find it a big help in my quest for thinness.

Chiclet

That brings up my next question? Do any of you have any experience with Thyroid problems. I have been googling and reading and I believe that I have several symptoms. They have checked my blood several times and it always came back fine but I am reading that the acceptable levels are not always good. I have many of the symptoms that they list and was just wondering how to go about getting it taken care of. Do I go to GP or OB/GYN or some other specialist. For those of you that have been on this journey with me you know how much I lost and how well I did. I had lost a little over 50 pounds in 11 months. I have gained back about 25 and I just cant seem to lose it. I am trying not to make excuses for myself but it just seems impossible unlike before. If any of you have any ideas I would appreciate them.
Vicki M

Vicki, I was diagnosed - after 17 years of being tired - with Hashimoto's thyroid disease. At the time it was found to be "borderline" by way of several types of tests. (I could not imagine what it would be like to have worse than borderline). I had not gained a lot of weight, but the fatigue and other symptoms basically made my life very difficult. That was 21 years ago and I started to truly experience life at 40!

Send me a message if you want to talk.

Rebel