WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR OCTOBER

Here is October!! omg. September was a whirlwind. And October promises to be the same. I lost 1 lb in September. Had planned for more, but at least it was a loss. Mind you I gained and lost a couple of pounds in between. October will be even more of a challenge because we are going on a cruise in a week. Yay :drinker:

September was so wet here, that I did not ride my bike even once. However, I have been going to spin classes a couple of times and want to keep doing that 3x a week. I have reduced my goal of strength training to 2x week, because I just have been so busy that I can't get to the gym. So, altogether I want to work out 4x week. That's a reasonable goal for me in the fall. Summer is so much easier to get my exercise in.

Sticking with the DAILY fruits and veggie plan as much as possible. Being fit and healthy is what it is all about for me. And that some of my smaller size clothes fit again is such a bonus.

Love you all. Keep going and never give up.

Rebel

Welcome Mary and Dee:flowerforyou:

Michele

Its hard sometimes being the logical one in this situation, because as you said, you start to feel guilty, but it is equally hard to be the emotional one because you think with your heart and not your brain. Don't feel guilty, you are doing the right thing. No one wants to make their pet suffer unnecessarily, not even your husband, It's just the heart has a difficult time letting go. I think women are capable of thinking with both. That's what makes us the ones to handle things in a crisis. We are nurturing, but can be very strong when necessary. Help your hubby through this. Again, ask your vet on Monday if he thinks it is the wise thing to do when you present her symptoms. This will help hubby when he hears a second opinion.

I did chemo with one of my dogs. I was like him and was willing to do anything for her. I put her through that for weeks and she was so sick. When it was over, they delclared her in remission. and no signs of cancer. I thought I did the right thing. Then 3 months later, one night she woke up to severe pain. I took her down to the vet and they found out the cancer had come back and this time it was even more agressive. I decided right then to put her to sleep and I will never put an animal through chemo again.

I think you are doing what is good for Sadie. Be strong, your hubby will need you through this. Don't know if you have any other pets, but sometimes after a couple of weeks of mourning it helps some to get a new kitten or puppy. At first you think it will never replace your loss, but the little ones have a way of wiggling into your sad heart. They help you heal.

Thinking of you this weekend.:flowerforyou:
Chiclet

Hello ladies, what a day today just working around the house. Got a lot done and am feeling the pains of yesterdays workout, better do one tomorrow or it will be worse.
October is comming in strong, leaves have been flying off the trees in great bunches. I love watching the cats jump duck and dive at the leaves as they flutter close to the garden doors. Sunlight sleeps until after seven now, I like getting up early and lighting some candles, gives the room a warm glo, and gives the damp air a warm up. Too early to start the furnace, just when it gets to 0 or under 32 degrees F. Buttons is still itching from an allergy, however the pills the doc., gave us are working some. I gave her a bath in oatmeal tonight, she is not itching too much now.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday, I'll chat again.


Marilyn

chicklet - regarding chemo and Sassy, you have no idea how much it tore me up! To see him trying to throw up and there's nothing to throw up. To see him losing his fur. Vince was the exact same way when he was declared out of remission, oh, he felt he had done the absolute best thing. Then, when the cancer came back. How he felt so bad! It really pained me to see him and Jessica force feeding Sassy. I knew the cancer would return, Vince was convinced that the chemo would take it away, even tho he knew logically that the best we could hope for was remission. You know, tonight I went into the closet where Sadie was. He did get up and come up to me purring (as best he can). This may not be logical, but deep inside I believe he knows that I'm trying to help him. At least that's what I prefer to believe, it makes me feel just a little bit better. Right now we do have two other cats, Lexi who was severly abused when we got her (long story) and Loki who the girls got for me for Christmas even tho I told them that I didn't want a cat. Now I'm in love. When we first got him I was almost afraid to fall in love with him because Lexi was not taking to him at all, and I was so afraid that I'd have to give him up. But everything worked out fine.

bmcg - Hawaii, how cool! Are you SURE you don't need someone to carry your bags???????????????????????????? lol

Hello JudyLee! Tell us more about yourself.

Went to the neighborhood picnic today. I'm sure I went over my calories. Why is it that whenever someone brings a salad, they can't bring just vegetables, if it has any vegetables at all in it, it's in some sort of cream or cheese sauce. I try to be nice and at least try some of what others brought. And the desserts! People seem to cut large pieces of cakes. that is, if they didn't go to a store and buy some cookies (fat city, here we come). Next year I'm going to bring just plain veggies and dip. I don't have to eat the dip, but I can splurge on the veggies.

I WAS planning to do the hulahoop on the Wii tomorrow, but Vince wants to go bowling so I will probably go.

Hope everyone has a great evening.

Michele

Hello Everyone!!

Welcome Newbies!!

I have been wrestling with the carb monster again for the past few days. My transgressions of last weekend seem to have come back to haunt me in that regard, but I am back within 2 lb. of my lowest weight in September, so it could be worse.

Went with my friend Linda to our favorite riverside bar and grill today. Perfect weather, about 70 F, not a cloud in the sky, low humidity, sailboats racing, though the wind was such that "racing" was not really an accurate description--more like a slow motion synchronized float!! :ohwell: Still very pretty to watch.

We sat on the patio and watched the river, and I had a large salad and a piece of halibut and a light beer. There was a very tame squirrel who came on to the patio and begged french fries from my companion. When they were not forthcoming as quickly as "Mr. Squirrel" thought they should be, he simply jumped on an empty chair next to our table and then ON to our table!!!:noway: When I shooed him away, he "thanked" me by kicking my cell phone off the table!!!!:laugh: :laugh: What a pesky critter!!

As we were finishing our food, I heard a male voice behind me and turned around and about fell over. There standing before me was a ghost!!! Well, not REALLY, but it seemed that way. This fellow was a close friend of my former husband, and about 8 years ago, he disappeared--disconnected cell phone number, no contact even with his own family. This happened shortly after his ex-wife died. She had a terminal illness, and he actually moved in to her home and cared for her until the end.

Despite my best detective efforts online, I couldn't locate him, though it appeared he was still in the area. Now here he was, standing in front of me!!! He said he was not sure it was me, but then he heard me talk, and the sound of my voice confirmed for him it was me. He spoke with us for about an hour, and yes, you bet I did get a new phone number!! He said he didn't have my ex's number (unlisted), and assumed, since he had heard we split, that neither of us lived in our old place. I am planning to have him to dinner soon. Before anyone gets any "ideas," about the future, there is NO chance we will become an "item"--he still smokes, and that is a deal-breaker for me.

Well, I am getting sleepy, so it is time to call it a night. I am trying to go to bed earlier so I can get used to getting up earlier, since I have to rise about 5:45a now due to my new schedule.

Best wishes to all.

Barb

You know, tonight I went into the closet where Sadie was. He did get up and come up to me purring (as best he can). This may not be logical, but deep inside I believe he knows that I'm trying to help him. At least that's what I prefer to believe, it makes me feel just a little bit better.

Michele
I do believe they know that we are trying to help them. Boo may not be able to talk to me, but she lets me know by signals and different barks and of course her eyes. If Sadie came to you like that, I take it as her wanting comfort during this time. They seek out the strong one to feel safe and know that you will be there for them when things get tough. Your a good mom Michele. I'm glad Sadie made you feel better. That's their unconditional love kicking in. Even when things are going bad they still think of us. That's what makes our pets unique.

Marilyn
I think Buttons may be a cat (by your picture) but when my boston terrier used to get skin rashes from allergies I gave them benadryl (though my vets advice). My dog used to actually break out in welts, and benadryl had them gone completely by the next day. Don't know if it works on cats, but you could ask and see fi you need to cut the pill in half. The oatmeal bath was a great idea. Very soothing. Good luck with the allergies.

Well my mom upset me yesterday, chewing me out for "getting into her bank business and my brother abusing her money". She asked him to not take anything out of her check on the first and he went and did it anyway. I told her she needs to remove his name off the account. She flat out refuses to do so, and told me to mind my own business. So I didn't answer her call that evening (because she always apologizes), but I am just fed up and am tired of dealing with this with her when she refuses to do anything about it. She called me 4 times today, but i didn't answer. I just don't want to play these games she does with me. Its funny, she has no problem telling me off or yelling at me or ignoring me for days on end, but my brother who she is terrified of she never raises her voice at him or tells him off. I don't think she realizes what I am trying to do for her over her. She even accused me of wanting her money for myself. I told her she needs to take care of herself first then if she wants to help my brother with whatever she has left thats up to her. But she has to be first. She'll say she understands and agrees but then when I tell her that he has spent over half of her money, she gets on the defensive for hiim.I'm just tired of beating my head against a wall. So mom is going to have to go without hearng from me this weekend.
I will probably call her on Monday after I find out what the social worker spoke to her about.

Well I am getting tired and Boo is already asleep, so that's my que that I need to be in bed also.

So good night everyone.

Chiclet

Good Morning, all,

The nice cooler air here is very inspiring! I got my first walk/run in since returning home and pleased to say that the high altitude hiking helped my "wind". I was able to get 12 minutes of jogging into my 40 minute walk. Felt so good!

Becky: Sorry I failed to say welcome last post. Look forward to hearing from you!

Welcome, welcome all of our newcomers. Sometimes I forget names when I start to write...but I look forward to getting to know you and wish you great success on this journey!

Barb: sounds like you are back on track too. 2 pounds is not so bad and you are smart to correct it right away! How nice to reconnect with a "ghost" from the past.

Lianne: sorry you have to have surgery but you will be glad when it is over. Hope all goes well and keep us posted

Faye: Where are you in Alberta? On our recent roadtrip from MT through the Pacific NW, we then drove out to Jasper and down to Lake Louise before driving back down to MT. I LOVED the drive from Jasper to Lk Louise...it was like another planet to me! Be safe and hope to hear from you again soon.

Renny: Good to hear from you and way to go on the 1 pound gone in Sept. (much better than what I did that month) and for going to the spinning classes. You are inspiring!

I am off to fertilize my shrubs and pull more weeds out of my vegetable garden. WOW...a month gone makes me realize what I usually do every day. My parents drove over and spent the night with me last night since DH is gone and they didn't want me to be lonely. It was nice to have them here. My mother helped me pull some weeds yesterday afternoon, but I had to make sure she didn't over-do it as she has her own garden to weed and she will hurt herself in an attempt to help. I love that they still want to "help" their children so. They are 2 blessings that I count every day!

Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone. Kackie

I have a friend who is loosing her home on 10/15 due to the economy and the banking situation. She started out with 2 horses, 5 llamas, 1 turtle, 4 cats and 5 dogs. She is down to 2 cats and 1 dog. She is the one that gave us Blue (our new fat cat). If she can't find homes for them, they will have to go to the pound. Most of our rescue groups are full and can't take the cats. One is 11 and one is five. I am not a cat person, but I will probably come home with 2 more cats and another dog on October 14th. A no kill shelter might take the cats in 2 months. They will let me advertise the dog through them if I keep it and feed it. It is a basset hound/lab cross.

I feel for this lady. She is having to move back to Northern Minnesota and live with her sister and is loosing everything. I feel for the pets.

I can't imagine being in her situation.
Jeannie

:flowerforyou: Jeannie:flowerforyou:

Two flowers for you.
You have a big heart and are a good person wanting to help your friend by taking her remaining animals in. The fact that they are the last ones with her is probably because they are the hardest to find a home for. Especially the 11 year old cat. More than likely no one will take a cat that old, although at that age the cat will probably just sleep most of the time and won't be a problem. The dog sounds like cute/unusual mix. Take a good cute picture of it and add it to your ad, maybe you can put them up in local vet offices and pet stores too? That's nice that you have a no kill pound in your area. Wish we did.

I feel for the friend of yours. I have been through the same situation as her due to the economy and a divorce at the same time. I too lost everything I had and am starting over again at age 52. It sucks. The stress that poor woman is going through is bad enough, but to also try to find homes for her beloved pets and good ones at that, must be killing her inside. Your helping her with these last few is so generous of you, and is probably giving her much peace as she knows you will take care of them. I had 2 jack russells with me when I lost everything. I was able to take them with me to an apartment because they were small dogs, thankfully. I just don't know what I would have done if I had to find homes for them. It would have killed something inside of me if I had had to do that. Your friend is very lucky to have you.

:flowerforyou: Suezzzque

Thank you for sharing your story with me about your mom. Last night as I was writing my frustrations out about mine, half way though it I started feeling guilty about not taking her calls. I am hoping that my mom will get the hint like yours did. I am just tired of her taking advantage of me emotionally. She thinks it is okay to say these rotten things to me and then call back and apologize. The problem is it happens all the time, and is not a once in awhile thing. So the apology means nothing to me. It's her playing games with me., which she has done all her life. This is the reason why she lived with my brother all this time, because they are more alike. She and I clash alot. But now that this neglect has happened I feel I have to step in and help her. But I have to set boundaries down (which I admit is one of my downfalls) or she will try to manipulate me. You would think that as a person gets older they would have learned a couple of things through life on how to become a better person. I have taken so many classes on relationships and on ways to better myself. I have read a ton of books on helping overcoming my demons and I still have so much to learn. I have a hard time understanding how my mom and my brother have just stayed "locked" in the past and refusing to do something about it. They are both very unhappy people, my borther especially. But they refuse to get help to get past it. It would eat me up alive to have that much hatred for so long inside of me. I think that is one of the main reasons I am hesitant about bringing my mom here. Because I have been through so much and it has made me do a lot of soul searching and trying to find peace, I sometimes wonder if having her live with me will drag me under again. Because I have hit rock bottom, and have been desperate at times, my ego or self esteem, whatever you want to call it, is very fragile. I don't want to go there again. It has taken me awhile to get up to this point in my life. I have to try and get my mother to understand why this is important to me.

Chiclet

:flowerforyou: Suezzzque

Thank you for sharing your story with me about your mom. Last night as I was writing my frustrations out about mine, half way though it I started feeling guilty about not taking her calls. I am hoping that my mom will get the hint like yours did. I am just tired of her taking advantage of me emotionally. She thinks it is okay to say these rotten things to me and then call back and apologize. The problem is it happens all the time, and is not a once in awhile thing. So the apology means nothing to me...

My mom NEVER apologized. But she would act better the next time. Chiclet, you are in a tough place. Best to set some ground rules for yourself before you Mom comes and then enforce those boundaries once she does. Also plan to do SOMETHING everyday that feeds your soul. Even if its only something so simple as sitting outdoors in the fresh air. My thoughts and prayers are with you. :flowerforyou:

Hubby went back on days yesterday so this morning I went to church alone. Met him for a quick bite of lunch, hit the grocery store for a few things and then came home and walked the girls. What a beautiful afternoon for it! Fall breezes and a wee bit of sunshine. I took the ad for Sophie off craigslist. If hubby gets transferred, we'll just have to deal with moving 3 critters; I'm beyond the point of giving her up now.

Jeannie - what a wonderful friend you are to take in your friend's animals. Kudos to you

chicklet - when my father was alive, there were times when he'd call and get on my case about something. There were times when I'd just let him talk but I would hold the phone away from my ear. I knew that he just needed to get something off his chest.

Just went bowling today. Tomorrow I'll do some HIIT.

Right now I'm working on a x-stitch bookmark. My cousin's (in VA) sister (from CA) is coming. Evelyn is going to have a b-day party for her sister. I know that she's going to have a cake, and I don't know what I can take that will travel OK. So I'm making her sister a bookmark. If I get done with this, maybe I'll be able to make some hor's duerves (or however they're spelled) and take them in a cooler. Don't know yet, won't rush on that.

Every year the Newcomers hold a gala, which is really just a fancy "prom". I was on the committee last year and I'm going to try it again this year. Hopefully, I can get some things changed. For one thing, I wanted a survey (I'd made it up) sent to the members asking what they liked, didn't like, what they'd change, etc. Didn't get done. The first year we had it at this place the food was, to my way of thinking, terrible. I was told "no one else said that". I probably wouldn't have either if I hadn't been on the committee. Anyway, the committee has a meeting tomorrow a.m. so that's why I'm going to do some HIIT and then go. Fortunately for me, it's held at this one lady near me's house. Not many Newcomers live near me.

Well...off to watch Desperate Housewives. Everyone, have a great evening.

Michele

Michele - Sorry to hear about Sadie. That is such a hard decision to make but I feel as you do that ending the pain is the compassionate thing to do. We have had to make that hard decision as well. I will be thinking about you tomorrow.

Kackie - We were in Edmonton. Right now we are in Great Falls, MT. We came up through Jasper and Banff on the way to Alaska so we didn't go there on the way back. I agree the area is rather "other worldly". I think the most amazing mountains I have seen this trip are around Valdez, AK - a close second was in the Whittier, AK area. But then again the prettiest ones are usually the ones you are enjoying at the moment! :laugh: This has been an amazing trip but I am ready to be home again.

Hopefully there will no loud people next door tonight. Not fun getting awakened at 3 am by people who have no consideration. :frown: I need more than 4 hours sleep!

Say, anyone know where Mimi is? I didn't get online much at all in AK, so I probably missed hearing why she is among the missing.

Night all.

Faye
Faye

Mimi, Sister Veggie Queen....WHERE are you? We MISS you!!!

Oh my Jeannie, when my scales show a weight loss it doesn't occur to me not to count it!

BMCG - Since weight fluctuates so much, many of us wait until we see the loss a few times before updating our tickers. It seems less disappointing that way in the long run.

I'm still seeing a weigh loss this morning, so I updated my ticker.

I will catch up on posts later today.

Have a great Monday everyone,

Jeannie

Hello everyone!
My name is Glynda and I am looking for the right group. After reading all the post, I think this would be a great group to join. I am 56 years old, recently retired from working 34 years at a gas utility company. Miss seeing co-workers, who became good friends. I have two adult children and 5 grandchildren. I am married to a wonderful man, Randal, who has three adult children and 6 grandchildren. We consider all the grandchildren OURS.

Like most of you, I have always struggled with my weight. UP, DOWN, UP DOWN! I found this site on my cell phone and really started using it October 1st when I began my Life Change. I'm not dieting ever again. I love the site. So easy!

Look forward to new friends!

To all my Canadian friends in this forum:

I got bored (very) at work last week waiting for something to finish, so I could move on. I don't know what made me do it, but I went to the internet to see if I could immigrate to Canada. The answer is NO! I have absolutely no job skills that Canada needs. Any way I thought it was very funny and I had fun filling out the questionnaire. It was also interesting.

Thank you all for sharing so much about yourselves. It is so wonderful learning about how our northern neighbors live.

Someday, I hope to visit.

Jeannie