WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2014

Happy May Day! Welcome to the new women joining us. This is a wonderful, uplifting group!
Update on April goals: Release 5 pounds--didn't happen :ohwell:
Curves 3x/wk with some other exercise at least 1 other day--Met this one!
Record foods on MFP--purposely vague goal, did record, but not all, missed out on a couple days.
Planks and core exercises for at least 10 min daily--not happening
Spent 5-10 minutes daily enjoying sights and sounds of nature--done!

May goals:
Release at least 5 pounds
Continue exercising at least 4x/wk for 1/2 hr minimum
Log in and complete MFP food log daily
Core exercises at least 1x/wk
Find some fun in each day!

Jeri
in Chilly, Windy NW Illinois where spring is coming v e r y slowly!

Bump

Happy May Day everyone! I am enjoying finding the different flowers that had been planted at my house. Since I moved in November 1, I did not know what I would find. So far, daffodils, hyacynths, blue-grape hyacynths, roses, something tough is coming up along the driveway. Those look like the start of peonis but not sure. Also something that looks like a bleeding heart, but the flowers aren't open yet so have to wait for the sun to come back out. I also see a couple of Azaleas, and mountain laurels.

My deciding to go to a chiropractor that does accupuncture is the best thing I did in a long time! Helping my back pain and with that my mood tremendously!

My April goals were not so good my fault, along with the pain I was in really contributed. Here are the results for April and my new my goals:
My SMART goals for April:
I will lose 3 pounds by April 30 through consistently going to Curves at least 4 times a week and increasing my daily steps to average 8,000 steps a week. My ultimate goal is to weigh 145 or less pounds and be healthy by this time next year. Start weight 187.7

SMART goal - Specific, Measurable, Actionable/achievable, Realistic, and Timed.

Week1: steps average: 6009 (sick this week) -Curves 3 times (sick)- weight up 2 pounds
Week 2: steps average: 6735 Curves 4 times ( Friday off due to pain and lack of sleep) – weight the same – back problems
Week 3: steps average: 8,000 – Curves 4 times (back problems, went to doctor) – Weight stayed the same
Week 4: steps average:7430 – Curves 3 times (back problems – chiropractor) – Weight 189.0
Monthly recap: Not a good month. In pain and sick this month put a damper on my goals. Averaged 7044 steps for this month.

My SMART goals for May:
I will lose 3 pounds by May 31 through consistently going to Curves at least 4 times a week, logging my food consistently, and increasing my daily steps to average 8,000 steps a week. My ultimate goal is to weigh 145 or less pounds and be healthy by this time next year. Start weight 189.0

Happy May Day to all: I see the doctor next week for checkup on the sarcoidosis. Down to 10 mg of prednisone per day now but still dealing with side effects. No weight loss but I was not expecting any, however no gain either and I know some people have huge gains while on prednisone.

My April goals were to average 8,000 steps per day. I accomplished that the first week but not the last three because of a back problem. That seems to be better now so I will keep this goal for May.

I wanted to up the repetitions on my weights but instead I joined a strength and balance water class and have been using weights in that. I have upped the repetitions in there. My May goal will be to continue with the class 2X per week.

My other goal was to ride my horse 3X in April weather permitting. I made it twice before the weather became to cold, wet and windy to ride for the last week and one-half. I am going to repeat this goal too.

I am not really setting any food goals except to keep drinking water and keep the carb cravings caused by the prednisone under control as much as possible.

Thank Barbie for keeping us going!:happy:

Vicki - When do you come to SD? The Black Hills is a beautiful place to ride although I usually do it horseback and not on a motorcycle.:laugh:

Allison - Cut yourself some slack. You have been under a lot of stress this entire year so far. Stop, breathe and start over. The only failure is giving up.

Healing angels to all who need them and congratulations to those with victories. Sue in SD

It's official! I just ordered a new Omron pedometer - it will be here May 7th; let the stepping begin

Hello Sue and Carol; good to see so many eager to embrace May :happy:

Plano, Teral :flowerforyou:

I wanna join!! So here are some particulars about me:

Anyway, I am not "new" so to speak, as much as "new again" to MFP. I joined in January of 2012 at the suggestion of my cousin, who drives truck. He told me at his momma's funeral that he had found a way to lose weight, so of course, I wanted to know. He shared with me about MFP and I came home that night and joined. I lost 62 lbs from January to July, even though within that time frame I also had major surgery and recuperation (full abdominal hysterectomy). My speedy recovery from this was in part due to the weight loss and the focus of regaining my strength so I could begin exercising. The other part of my recovery was prayer and faith in God.

So, I dropped the weight, regained a sense of direction, started exercising daily and felt most amazing. At my job, I had a set of stairs that was 17 up and 17 down...and made part of my daily activities trotting these during my breaks. I ate clean, and ate lots of fruits and veggies and it paid off. Maintained for 1 year.

Fast forward 1 year to August 2013. I was struggling at work, because I felt a need to do "more" for library patrons than my job description allowed. (I worked in a public library) So many rules on what you can and cannot do when you work for govt...Anyway, I started planning a business venture that I would do as a side job, so I could better serve people and still keep my job. I talked to my supervisor to make sure it did not create a conflict of interest and she felt that it was fine. She mentioned it to the director, who put the halt to my plans. She said she had to run it by our lawyer...sigh. The lawyer said she could not make the call and they would have to go to the state level with it. So, without benefit of my business plan or any written info to support it, they asked a lawyer at the state library, who determined it was indeed a conflict of interests. They came back with my options: I could stay with the library and not initiate my business venture, or I could leave the library (and the job that Ioved dearly for the past 11 years) to pursue my dream. Clearly, this was a no brainer...I told them I would submit my resignation. I cleaned out my desk, cleaned up my files, took what was rightfully mine and drafted my resignation that week. I asked them to keep me on until September when I would launch my business and so I could train my replacement. They allowed this and hired someone to replace me. The person they hired really did not need much in the way of training, so it was more just transitioning and sharing with her what projects I had going that she would want to continue. I left the library on August 15.

I started my business, but in the mean time, lost my fitness buddies and support group (not to mention my 17 stairs!). I knew that I would probably gain a little of my weight back what with less structure in my life and a little added stress, but it wasn't bad until Christmas and since then I have gained about 25 lbs back. I also am employed at a library in another town and running my business (which is NOT a conflict of interests there!)

My daughter is in marching band and my hubby and I are involved in pit crew, so my resolve is renewed as I prepare for this season. Our first competition is September 6 and I need to be strong enough to pull my weight with this great group of people. Helping our kids excel is top priority and this means it is time to condition for this important task, so I begin anew! Yesterday was day one and I am ready to make it happen!

My goal is to shed 36 lbs in 128 days and I believe this is a realistic goal. I have been and I will also continue exercising 4-5 days a week at the gym and walk as much as I can outside for the next 18 weeks, 2 days...I need to be ready and I will be!

I know this was long, but now you know me well enough to support and will hopefully feel comfortable when I reach out to support all of you!! Thanks for letting me be a part of this group!

Bobbie

Welcome Bobbie! You know how to do it so just go for it! It's great when you've got a good reason.:flowerforyou:

Kim - glad the meal went well. Sometimes things are a lot of work, but worth it. :flowerforyou: I try to avoid having to do much at the last minute, so things I can prepare in advance, sometimes months in advance, are favourite. It doesn't always make for the most adventurous dinner party, but I think a relaxed hostess is worth it. I want to mingle and join in with my guests wifhout looking all sweaty and stressed! ! ! :laugh: One of the problems I have is that our dining table is in our large kitchen and the oven only operates on a fan system that carries on blowing for ages after the oven is switched off. For family suppers I don't mind this, but for a proper dinner party I don't think it is very relaxing. If I switch the whole thing off at the wall I have to reset the clock which is a bind. So I find myself planning food which does not require a last minute blast in the oven.:grumble: It's a small thing, but it all takes planning, which I very much enjoy.:happy:

Cynthia - hope you can help your cat with ease.:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: So hard when they get old.

Love to all, Heather in flowery Hampshire UK

Happy May Day! I had read and made replies and when I went to transfer not sure where it went. So this will be short. :ohwell:

Welcome to the newbies. This is a great place to find support and friends.:flowerforyou:

Thanks Barbie for taking such good care of us and keeping us going.:flowerforyou:

Well I did not make my goals for April, time just seemed to get away from me. I did lose 7.2 pounds and broke the 150 pounds lost. I have made some goals for May. They are

1. Log every bite-even on the bad days.:sad:

2. Take it one day at a time, don't worry about tomorrow, REMEMBER GOD IS IN CONTROL!!

3. Be more aware of the people around me, doing RAK.:flowerforyou:

Well hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the day! We are not on this jouney alone.:flowerforyou:
Blessed! Vicki GI NE

Happy May Day....




Lin in Central Iowa

So many here today with good news!!!! That sure helps in the way of weight loss.

I am glad to report that I woke up today with no new aches and pains. Not even any bruises. Yes, I must have good bones!!!! I just wish I would have slept well last night.

Welcome to the new members

Joyce, Indiana

Happy May Day! When I was in 1 st grade we had a big May Day program with a May Pole. Such excitement. Played a lot of golf this week and playing again tomorrow. Sure wish we could get some of that rain that fell in AL, Fl and MS. We are so dry. It was 37 this morning. Unheard of in TX this time of year.
Thanks Barbie for your faithful dedication to this thread. We all appreciate you so much.
Welcome to all the new ladies. I read about four pages before my eyes got blurry.
My brother who had his toe amputated is not doing well. More surgery today to take more of the foot off. On dialysis for his kidneys. My two sisters and I are trying to decide if we should fly to VA to see him. His wife says we don't need to come but we want to see him before it's too late.
Love to read all your life stories.
May Goal:
Log everyday.
Take it one meal at a time
Do more exercise beside golf.
Sue in TX

did 1 hr of Jari Love Slim & Trim DVD today. Tomorrow I'll do the rebounder DVD that I have (the one I did Wednesday)

Katla - love your goal of "Find a way to have fun at least once/day". Great goal

Renny - is there maybe a high school kid that can come help your daughter out? Just watching the toddler so she can maybe nap is a big help.

Joyce - so sorry to hear you fell, but glad to hear that you aren't badly injured.

Cynthia - what a great loss for you! Congrats

Pat - children grow up so fast, don't they?

Liz - my deepest condolences on your MIL

Patty - yes, I do try to have a variety of DVD's. The main reason is that I have a short attention span and get bored easily so doing the same one over and over wouldn't work for me. The bad part is that it seems that different instructors call things by a different name and sometimes I just have to wait to see what exactly it is that they're talking about

Remember when I was on the hulled barley kick? Well, I seem to be off that one now. I still like it, don't get me wrong. My latest kick is to have silken tofu with some of the Hershey's cocoa in it. Wonder how long that'll last?

milagros - welcome. Very sorry about your son. I can't even begin to imagine how hard that must have been for you and probably still is. Logging your food is a great start. Don't aim for perfection at first. There will be lots of surprises, things you thought were low in calories really aren't and just the opposite. But you'll get there, just don't give up. We're here for you. Check in daily for a dose of motivation and support.

Beth - you WILL get to "onderland", I feel it in my bones.

yanniejannie - I have to ask you, how did that quarter pounder taste? Many times when we haven't had a certain food for a while, when we do it just doesn't taste all that great.

Jane - happy birthday (early). So sorry you're not feeling well.

mmparsley - welcome! Oh, men always lose quicker than women, and it for sure bites. Yes, this is an amazing group of women. I don't think you'd find another club like it, this is the best.

Gloria - you certainly have been diligent about your T25 workouts, I'm impressed. So sorry about your mom. I just realized the other day that this July my mom will be dead for 50 years! You never forget them. You're encouraging me to get out my bike. Thanks. Good luck at the fundraiser.

We've decided to have our pool social for the Newcomers the first weekend in August. It seems Vince was a bit upset at this one gal who was going to arrange a social to a baseball game but she took her time so now she arranged it for the last weekend in august. I hope it's not too hot. It would have been nice if she had (as originally planned) had it in May before it gets too hot. I remember one year we planned it for the first week in June and that year was crazy in that it was HOT. A lot of people were complaining about the heat. Hope it's not real hot in august.

I called the two gals who are going to co-host with us to see if they had any conflicts with the last weekend in July or the first weekend in Aug. Neither did, so we decided on the first weekend in Aug. We'll probably get together for a "brainstorming" session either the third weekend in June (one gal will be gone the other weekends) or sometime in July. Personally, I do my best brainstorming in the pool or the spa......lol Maybe we'll need two brainstorming sessions? Can't have too much!!!!! lol


Teral - I know you will get in those steps, especially with that new pedometer!

Carol in NC - congrats to your son! I personally think he made a better choice than WCU. Glad you found out the mystery of your eggs

Kim - sometimes I've found the neatest things at Big Lots. But I did learn (the hard way) that the moment you see something, buy it. Even if they say they will get more in, sometimes they don't. Two years ago Vince saw this neat neon clock in the shape of a guitar. That would be so neat as a present for a friend of ours (Ken), and they said they'd have more the following September. Never happened. My father had a crepe maker, and I swear it was never used. When we went to the Murder Mystery dinner last year it took place in a French chateau, so I brought the crepe maker. But first I had to make some to be sure the crepe maker worked! I just saw on TV that you should put a paper towel between each crepe as you make it because (and I can certainly confirm this) they WILL stick together. So you have longer shorts now, huh? That's wonderful!

Bobbie - welcome back! And congrats on going after your dream.

Cynthia - how well I remember Jessica and Vince giving one of our cats fluids. Congrats on the no potato chips

Vickie - awesome weight loss

drkatiebug - you have every right to be ecxtatic. Thanks for sharing with us

Dianna - welcome! You CAN do it. Tell us more about yourself.

Sue in TX - ((((HUGS))))

Today was one of those days. Went to lunch with the Newcomers. I'm not sure that I got the grilled chicken breast, but I can tell you it wasn't deep fried. They were surprised that I didn't want any butter on my veges. Well, I've found out that down here "a little bit" translates into "oh, you mean 1/4 pound, not the usual 1/2 pound" I wonder if they even know how to cook asparagus without sauce, it really wasn't that good. Oh well, had a chicken breast. broccoli, and asparagus. Why they gave me rice I have no idea, I didn't want it so I put it on another plate. It really didn't look that good anyway.

then we stopped at Lowe's hardware to get more salt for the pool and then went to WalMart. We're going to friend's house this Sunday so I'll take these shrimp bites with me and we didn't have any shrimp. Got a few other things, too. Came home and put 3 more bags of salt in the pool. Then there were all sorts of problems with the internet, it was down one minute, up the next. Our phone was out too, not sure why. Made the shrimp bites to take, will just have to bake them before we go. Then made these chocolate cookies for Vince to have, I'll just put them in the freezer.

Can't get over how late it is, gotta get to bed. Nite everyone!

Michele in NC

Hello Friends,

Barbie: Thanks for setting up May and sharing the cheery graphic. Hope your dogs are onboard with your May goal to brush their teeth. I remember when you planted the peonies last year. How terrific to hear you’ve got a bloom! :flowerforyou:

Michelle: You’ve inspired me to check out the aquatics programs at my community center. I love swimming, have never done an exercise class in the pool.

Katla: Thrilled to hear that acupuncture is bringing you relief.

Joyce: Ouch! Glad to hear there was no serious injury as a result of the fall.

Cynthia: 30 pounds – Way To Go!
.
Liz: Welcome back. Sorry about your MIL. She is smiling at you from a better place.

Milagros: Profound sympathy on the loss of your son. Welcome to a group that will listen without judgement, advise from a place of compassion, and surround you with support. Stay on this healthy journey with us and you will be strong again.

Beth: Cheering you right into onederland.

YannieJannie: The girls only weekend sounds fantastic. Enjoy every minute.

Margaret: Music and flowers…what a great way to feed yourself!

Jane: Happy birthday to you! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: Now get well, soon!

Gloria: I appreciate your brutal self-honesty. Love your goals. Go for it.

Rita: A neighbor of mine has a plaque on her front yard that reads “The World Laughs in Flowers”. Sounds like your yard is having a deep belly laugh. :flowerforyou: What a wonderful surprise. Great goals!

Carol: Congrats to your son. Hugs to you as you transition to an empty nest.

Kim: How blessed you are to have friends and family gravitating to your home. I’m sure they appreciate your cooking and hospitality. It’s warmth that makes a home, not designer furnishings. Relax and be authentically you.

Bobbie: Welcome! Your determination comes off very clearly on the page. We’re here to cheer you on.

Cynthia: Lucky kitty you have! Sounds like he is going to get good care in his old age. Bless you.

Pattie: I can understand your wistful thinking as you watch people around you retire. Two of my best friends, same age as me, retired at 57. I love my job, but I’m at the point where I would at least like to be seeing light at the end of the tunnel. :grumble:

Drkatiebug: Happy dance for you and your students!!

Allie: What a lovely thing you did for the aunts and their brother. They are probably still talking about it. Bravo. :happy:

Sue in TX: Don’t blame you for wanting to see your brother. Just do it.

Today was my weekly workout with trainer, Rose. She surprised me with wanting to take measurements. I have released ½ to an inch everywhere. Slow progress, but I’m happy to be heading in the right direction.

I did a satisfactory job of keeping to April goals. Goals for May will be a carryover of some of them, and two new goals:
> Strength training 90 minutes per week.
> Try out an aquatics class and check out Masters swim.
> Three times a week, consume fewer than 50 carbs.
> Pick up the phone and call a friend or relative 1x per week just to check in.
> On a daily basis, list 5 things I’m grateful for.

Stay well.

Rori
From the Colorado Foothills
My word for 2014 = Release

Happy May Day to all you beautiful Women, :flowerforyou:
I have been absent lately. Had a change in my work hours, more work load, sitter was on vacation, so no sitter for Gage (before and after school) what a hassle that was, the weather is cold and gloomy, and I am having a heavy heart with grief. I have managed to stay on track with my food journal. I almost have been obsessed with it, to take my mind off the other stuff, i guess. I had a really nice lunch with a friend. And looking forward to my weigh in tomorrow, and my session with a griefshare therapist.
I need to think about my May goals. And I will get them posted tomorrow.
It is great to keep "in touch" with all you wonderful ladies. I look forward to reading all about what is going on in your lives. Thank so much for this awesome thread.
Be healthy & strong women.

Kathrine from Kansas