WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER 2013

I called the PC doctor, AKA AVG for me, and the guy talked me through how to find out what is wrong and I think it's fixed. I'm crossing my fingers. I did 3 miles today. I have been able to increase by .5 miles each day but it'san effort. This guy in front of me was on a treadmill going at a pretty good pace. Between the sound of his feet hitting the treadmill and my Pandora station I was able to just kind of mesmerize myself into getting that last 1 mile in. I can see why some of you like to work out with a metrinome.

Joyce

Good afternoon ladies. It is cooler today (88) haha. I am counting the days till Fall. Last evening DH took me to a Cosmopolitan membership supper. They had steaks the size of the plates and very large baked potatoes. I ate part of the baked potato but passed on the steak and cakes. It was an interesting meeting. They do alot for diabetes screenings and help with diabetic meds for those who can't afford it. DH is interested as his sister has been diabetic since she was 9. She has lots of health issues now because of it. Also I have been diabetic for about 5 years and do pretty good with it. So he joined and guess now we are going to help with the fund raisers they have. Then today at work my doctor's nurse calls me and says they got a letter from my insurance company saying I have not had a eye exam in acouple years and I need to have the diabetic one. So called and got that set up for next month. I am not sure I like this insurance company that keeps such close tabs on me.. They send me letters all the time saying I should talk to my doctor about a test or some med they think I should be on.

drkatiebug-- Good luck on the contest. It sounds like a good deal.

Katla-- Sounds like have the deck under control. The success you'll feel when it is done will be even better knowing you did it yourself.

grandmallie-- what you did for that lady was very nice. One time I was listening to a speaker at our CMA ralley and he said that they were driving down the interstate in the snow. There was a guy in the middle with a sign. Well Roger told his wife to get out $20 and give to the guy. She said why he is only going touse it for beer or drugs. Roger said the Lord told him to give it and he wanted to listen to God and what the guy does with it is between him and God. Thats a good way to think of it. My DH is always stopping to help people.

meg-- Boy! I remember nights like that when I worked the floor in the cancer skilled unit. I remember one time we'd just gotten a guy settled down and comfortable. He thanked us for being patient with him and for being so kind. Makes you feel good to know you made a differnce to someone.

Heather-- GREAT NSV!! Sorry DH is having such a hard time. He is very lucky to have you in his life.

Welcome Sherry- come back often and get to know us as we get to know you.

Pat- GREAT NSV!! I would of had a hard time throwing out the sweet roll. That is one of my worst weekness.

Well hope everyone has a good evening and a Happy Wednesday.
Blessed!
Vicki GI NE

I had a great day today pain was next to none. Compared to what it was the last two weeks. I managed to cook lunch and supper. Hubby wasn't jealous at all at me taking back my duties lol.

Sylvia
Sounds like you enjoyed your day yesterday. Have fun with the puppy.

Shape fitter
Well said You must love yourself before you can love others. So big hug first thing every morning. There's nothing wrong in saying I love me.

Sandy
Your sculping yourself into a beautiful lady

RJScott
Your burning calories typing at the putter. Anything we do we burn calories.

Rebel Renee
You will get back with it. Because that's what you want.

YannieJannie
Makes you feel good when you can accomplish more than the younger generation.

Katie
I have a 38 year old son comes around for supper a lot. He's bachelor so that's fine with me. But lately only a couple times a week. He has his own home. A nice log cabin by a lake.
You will win that contest hands down. Work at it.

Texas gal
They will always be our little boys. Even when there 50 lol.
Now you need to find a graphic for Friday.

Michelle
You are so dedicated to your exercise and have such a busy life how did a lb find you.

Barbie
You walk and dance probably going to have the folks on the ferry dancing. LOL

That's page 15 might have a look at sixteen going to read the posts at least.

See you all lighter

Linda from Northern Ontario.

Hi.. I'm Kathy and I am 56...
My goal for September is to:
- track every Bite - Lick and Taste
- Stay away from the scales
- Don't knock myself down if I have something extra
- Try to walk either every day, or ever other...

Kathy - New Brunswick, Canada

I am back and with a new goal. I have put on all the weight I lost, found out I now have neuropathy in my feet and must lose weight, and quit drinking. so back to the grind. My first goal for September is not log my food. I am going on a trip to CT for an interview next week and am excited about that. I just have to control my emotional eating to get back in the swing of things. That and stopping alcohol are the two toughest things I have to beat. Time to get serious. My health is going downhill because of my bad habits. Time to nip it in the bud!

We certainly are busy this September. I'm trying to keep up with all the posts but end up running out of time. I am still adjusting to the busier schedule. I have to be up at to work for 8 am. I just can't bring myself to thinking about getting to the Y before work. So when I get off work at 4:30 I head straight to the Y. I don't get home until about 7 so then it's cooking dinner, packing lunch, making my ice green tea for the following day. I try to go to bed by 10.

Today was a cardio day. I did a mile on the track and 45 min on the bike. I was able to ride 8 miles on the bike tonight.

I am really hoping that this will help my sleep. Since getting my fitbit one my average "awakenings" is about 25 a night. This means that I move that many times in about 8 hours. My sleep seems to be getting worse. I guess time will tell.

I am hoping to respond to some posts tomorrow. Just know I'm thinking about you and cheering you all on.

Sandy from ON

:flowerforyou: Went to the doctor to discuss blood test results, which of course I already knew, since I can check on line for my results. Doc saw right away that I had lost weight! I told him what I had been doing. I do have high blood pressure now, and he wants to see me in 3 months to see if all my healthy eating and walking are helping. He acknowledged how difficult it is to lose weight as you get older, and that he is less concerned about the scale than my fitness. Anyway, I was very encouraged by his positive reaction of my healthier life style. One of the things that always is an issue for me is when you have a (fairly) new doctor, he does not know you so well. For example, next time I should remind him that I have not been overweight my whole life, only since mid-life.

Does your doctor really know you?

I used to be quite slim, and in fact skinny, so when I look at my reflection in store windows I have been so surprised that that reflection is of me.

DH is back from his trip, which makes me a much happier person. I took a day off today and made dinner, chicken and veggies and a little bit of yam. Had a salad with seeds at lunch and a smoothie for breakfast. I really hope the scale will show some more loss in the next couple of days.

:flowerforyou: kevrit - you and me both on the alcohol. DH usually greets me with a glass of wine when I come home from work. No more! My line is: "No thank you, I won't be having any tonight". And emotional eating? Welcome to the club.

Okay, I also decided I will do some arm pumping while watching tv between 7 and 7:30 PM each evening (Wheel of Fortune). Brought some dumbbells down for that purpose. I better go do that right now. :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

Renny
Vancouver Island, BC

I am just so frustrated:grumble: :grumble: My laptop is still giving me total grief. I think I have it fixed, it says it is connected to my router but yet it won't let me go anywhere on the internet. It is so sporadic, makes my weight loss seem wonderful! :laugh: So Since the Presidents speech took some of my TV programming off I just turned the TV off and am now back on my PC. I go to the podiatrist for my 2 week check on the toe nails he removed. They look totally different from each other, you never would have guess they were removed the same way and the same chemicals put on them. Tomorrow also is my official weigh in, measurement and blood sugar day. The only thing that has been good there the last couple of weeks has been the blood sugar. I am glad of that though since it means I am doing the right things on the diet. It's just not showing at this time on the rest of my body, But I went through a plataeu before and with the help of you girls I got through it emotionally.

Meg, you are a woman after my own heart. I live the nursing years that MS took away from me through you. So jsut keep on with your stories of critical care!!!

Joyce

Pat, A fellow Arizonan! Whoo Hoo! Buckeye is just west of Phoenix. I work in downtown phoenix and it is about a 35 mile drive one way.

Heather: Wow! 2.3 minutes is a long time to hold a plank. WTG! :bigsmile: Congratulations on the praise at Yoga. It is well deserved.:flowerforyou:

Molly Whippet: I listen to audio-books often. It started during my long commutes to work and since I retired I still listen. I’m a romance fan and have no mysteries to suggest.:noway:

Grandmallie: I agree with Gail about the lady in need. On a personal level, I wouldn’t stop or open the window. I do think you’re a soft touch, but that isn’t a bad thing. You have a generous heart.

Meg: What an amazing experience at the hospital. Your patient sounds like he was blitzed on drugs, but there was still a decent person inside. Drugs and addiction are terrifying. Good luck with your daughter. If you are patient enough, you may win in the end. Being a parent is not for wimps.:noway: :flowerforyou:

Sylvia IN KS: I listen to audiobooks frequently. I started while I was commuting 2-3 hours a day and kept it up after I retired. I am not a mystery fan, though, so I have no suggestions.:flowerforyou:

Pat: Throwing away “sweetie treaties” is a very big NSV. Congratulations.:bigsmile:

Lin: Glad to hear you had a good day.:flowerforyou:

Sue in TX: Buying forty pounds of salmon is costly. We’re lucky to have a good neighbor who really knows what he’s doing that takes DH out fishing sometimes. DH caught two fish, and their weight totaled forty pounds. They’re cut into fillets and steaks, wrapped, and in our freezer now. We had one piece as a celebration. The salmon from previous years (and the grocery store) that was still in the freezer has been put into a brine and will be made into smoked salmon tomorrow. I am feeling a bit foolish about being so miserly eating the fish in the freezer that a few pieces were nearly ruined just by freezer burn. One was so bad we threw it out. :blushing: No more of that. We’ll eat it regularly until it is gone and remember it fondly.

Renny: The doctors that knew me both retired the same month I did. My new doctor and I are getting acquainted. It is odd starting over, but not necessarily a bad thing. Finding someone new is a real struggle, though. It took me months because we were looking for doctors closer to home. Our previous doctors were close to where we used to live but far from our current home so we didn’t want to be passed along to other doctors in their practices.

Barbie: I’m so glad you enjoyed your walk today. Good for you to go on a trail that you love. :bigsmile: Were the dogs along? I also have occasional bouts of sleeplessness and have been known to move into the guest room to read. Sometimes it is because DH is snoring like a bear in a cave, but sometimes I’m just wound up.:ohwell:



I’m ready for bed. We had a good, but busy day. We worked on peeling the rubberized coating off of our bedroom balcony, and took care of some personal business. I also had a lovely walk with a neighbor and put my very first batch of salmon into a pot with sugar, salt, garlic and onions to prepare it for smoking tomorrow. I hope we end up liking it. It would be very disappointing to go to so much effort and produce inedible food. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

September goals:
1. Log every bite
2. Move more.
3. Drink at least 4 glasses of water daily.

Somehow I never saw this group on the Message board until now.

YoYonomore, You are doing wonderful ! I am a retired teacher and when I was teaching new subjects and trying to stay one step ahead with curriculum and lesson plans , also had husband, children, a home, cat and dog I NEVER HAD TIME TO FIT IN EXERCISE ! GOOD FOR YOU. I saw your before and now pictures, you have done great !

September goals: stay on program, don't cheat, exercise and smile ! I am losing slowly, but thats ok with me, in a year I will weigh less and I won't be as likely to gain it back.

Good Luck everyone with your goals.

Grandmalie you are so right - don't sweat the small stuff!:flowerforyou:

Katla - I amazed that DGS hasn't hit the terrible twos yet, but he's still got time!:laugh: I wonder what he's going to be like when his new baby sister arrives. His father was horrific at an even younger age - his tantrums were amazing. He used to get into quite an out of body state, with glassy eyes, a bit like Meg's patient, and there was nothing you could do with him. It used to frighten me. My DDIL is very stable of temperament so maybe he has inherited hers and not his dad's!

Isn't it great that so many of us are adding strength training to our routines. I am a convert, having never done anything like it in my life before. I like the fact you can track your progress and as well as getting the physical benefits you can also see the results on your body. I think all this is very new for our age group and gender, but it is a good change. Most of my friends though just look completely blank when I mention it as if they could not conceive of such a thing! Good to know there are some like minded old ladies in the world!:laugh:

I have been thinking a bit about why DH is going through a bad patch right now. This is a man who has travelled all over the world for fun and organised and led conferences everywhere. He has always been a nervous type, but his crippling anxiety has only reared its head at times of stress in his life - redundancy, death of a partner etc. So why now?
My tentative conclusion, and it is very tentative, is that my startling change in weight and health has shifted the dynamics in our relationship. I was only 15 lbs heavier when we met, but soon put on weight and became quite unfit. Then I got cancer and he had to look after me. Then I put on even more weight and became disabled in my normal life, having difficulty even in walking any distance. He really loves to see me happy and healthy and to a large extent is responsible for that, but I wonder if he has lost a role.
I expect Barbie will tell me not to think too much and not to project, which is wise advice, but I did mention it to him this morning and he thought there was something in it. Part of his brain, he says, fears being abandoned as I might not need him any more. He knows that is not true with his adult brain, but he is an adopted child who was separated from his twin sister.
Understanding it isn't going to cure it, but I do like to comprehend things. His therapist is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist so she is less interested in causes and more on strategies to change his mind set. He is seeing her this pm.

Got to get off to our bakery who bake lovely low GI bread on Wednesdays. We buy several at once and put them in the freezer. Today we will be having ham, but tomorrow I'm going to make my favourite, egg sandwiches with mustard and cress I have grown on the kitchen windowsill. Tonight we have some of our garden yellow zucchini staring at us so I'm going to make a veggy risotto with the beans and broccoli that is lurking in the bottom of the fridge. I love using up odds and ends and making something delicious out of it. It makes me feel very virtuous!:bigsmile:

Bye for now. I will try not to think too much today Barbie.:flowerforyou:

Heather in cloudy Hampshire UK

jackiebertram- Thank you! I am still struggling to lose the last bit of weight and build more muscle. I was getting frustrated at lack of progress over the last few months, but have come to terms with it. There will be times that I won't progress as steadily, but I will get there! Your post made me stop to think about how far I have come. That you for that. This is a great group of very positive, motivating women who understand what we are going through. They have lots of different experiences and ideas that I find very helpful as I continue on this journey in a healthier lifestyle. Hope you come back often!

Barbie- Your walk along the trail sounds beautiful! I told DH again this morning that the area you live in is one that I would love to see. The temperature range sounds perfect. I have four more years before I can think about retiring, but would love to take some trips during that time to see where we might like to retire to. I am starting a bucket list of places to check out. Another area I would like to revisit is Stowe, VT. Isn't is funny that the biggest draw for me is a great walking trail! Thank you for the book lists. I am always looking for books to read or listen to on tape. Your reminder to live in the present and not to try to write the future has been a good reminder for me with the situation I dealt with at work last year. I had myself worked up to the point of feeling that I could not possibly go back this fall. Many of your comments to others and a few close friend at work convinced me to at least go back and try. By Sept. I found myself very calmly returning and taking it one day at a time. My high school students are delightful (with the ever-present few challenging ones). The content is much more challenging, but I am enjoying that immensely. Many of my middle school students have come to me to ask why I am not teaching their classes- they miss me. Sorry- long story just to say that I would have saved myself much grief if I had just taken it one day at a time and not played what if. You are a very wise women!! I am so glad I have gotten to know you.

Heather- You are such an inspiration! I love reading your posts. It would be wonderful to fix meals like you do. I am not a great cook, but DH has worked as a sous chef. He does have trouble keeping meals healthy! Between us, we do okay and are both open for trying new meals. I have been getting idea from your posts. Thanks!! Doesn't it feel great to reflect on how much different life is now that we are healthier than when we weren't living a healthy lifestyle! You son's adventure looks very exciting. DH loved reading about it and wants to know when he exports to the US.

Joyce- You are doing great! Love to read your stories.

Meg- I used to work in a hospital as a lab technologist and had many experiences similar to what you described-but never quite that challenging. Probably good experience for your students.

The new school year is off to a great start! The only glitch is at home. Usually, DH will take over all of what needs to be done at home for the first few weeks so that I can concentrate on getting into a routine. Last Friday he decided to change the light bulbs in our ceiling fan in the living room. We have cathedral ceilings so he has a pole that grips the bulbs so they can be changed without climbing on ladder. Unfortunately one of the bulbs broke and he got an extension ladder to reach the fan. It was really too long and he had it propped against the dining room table. I am sure you can see where this is going. The ladder slipped and he fell about 9 feet. He chipped a bone in his lower leg and is now in an air splint. until he sees the specialist today. Picture Danny Kaye or **** VanDyke on crutches. Between worrying about him hurting himself worse trying to get around, driving him where he wants to go, and doing everything around the house I have been very busy!! We have family from out of state coming in on Monday for a burial service for my sister in law who had lived in Las Vegas. Some are staying here so I am trying to get the house cleaned and meals planned. The lawn needs mowing badly after all of the heat and humidity, but DH won't let me use the mower because it is "touchy". We mow about 3.5 acres. Oh well. They will just see us at less than our best! I am sure the only one this will bother is me. I am trying not to let it upset me as there is nothing to be done about it! Next week will be a big challenge with something extra scheduled every day along with guests. I will be reading all of your posts to help me stay on track!!

I read all of your posts daily and am cheering you all on even though I haven't been posting often. My brain is usually mush by evening! Time to get ready to leave for the Dr. for DH's foot. Have a great day!!

Deb A in CNY

Newbies: Welcome to the group. Please sign with your location. It is so much fun knowing where people live. Come back frequently and get to know people.:flowerforyou:

Heather: There are like-minded women around, but most of them are not quite as gung-ho as this group. A friend was going to a crossfit gym and injured herself, then reinjured herself. She’s about 20 years younger and had to stop training to heal. I think our slower approach is much better. I’m developing real muscles, although I’m not sure how since I’m slacking in the weight training challenge. Regarding disciplines in psychology therapy, I was a psych major in college, and read tons. One of the interesting studies showed that the great masters of psychotherapy were more like one another in actual practice than any of their own best students were like them. I think the relationship between the client and therapist is the key and is more important than the particular discipline. (I ended up becoming a teacher, not a psychologist). I hope your DH has good rapport with his therapist.:flowerforyou:

Deb A in CNY: “What if” may be one of the most dangerous phrases in the English language with equal potential for good and bad. It can be paralyzing. One day at a time is a very healthy and self-protective approach to most things. It sounds like you’re doing well keeping your sanity despite situational challenges.

Rita from TN: My three favorite exercises are walking, yoga, and riding my bike. They’re great cardio exercises, and yoga sometimes leans into cardio/weight training as I use my arms to hoist myself off the ground into interesting shapes. I’d recommend some combination of the three. The nice thing about walking is that it can be done anywhere and requires no special equipment. I am convinced that yoga requires an instructor unless you’re already accomplished. The videos are not adequate help for a beginner. You’re planning big changes. Take them a day at a time, and don’t be discouraged if you slip a little. Just get going again the next day.:flowerforyou:



I got up early and got my fish out of the brine. It is now on wire racks “curing.” It is supposed to develop something called a pellicle, which is a surface texture. I hope I’ll know it when I see it. I also hope I’ll see it. Later this morning I’ll take the fish over to the neighbors and put it in the smoker. Doing something new is exciting, and also uncertain. I think I’m doing things correctly and will soon know one way or the other.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

September goals:
1. Log every bite
2. Move more.
3. Drink at least 4 glasses of water daily.

A beautiful good morning to everyone! Today is perfect weather. I enjoy a beautiful sunrise in my face as I drive to work Speaking of work, it has been very stressful lately. Yesterday had me in tears a couple of times out of sheer frustration. But I ended the day on a positive note. On the way home I found myself thinking of which fast food place to stop and get dinner. I REALLY wanted fast food. I have always been such a fast food junkie! Then I pointed out to myself that it was really only emotional eating and that I was much better off going straight home. And I actually listened to myself :0 I work a 10 hour or more day 4 days a week, so I get home so late it is sometimes difficult to get in exercise, dinner and bed at a decent hour. Usually sleep is what is sacrificed. Last night I decided to instead treat myself to a quiet relaxing hour of reading and I ate at home within my daily calories. I still didn't go to bed early enough, but at least I really am enjoying that book :0

Today is a new day. Hope everyone has a great day!

Sherry from Buckeye, AZ