WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2014

Hi Ladies, my name is Patricia. I am hoping to have friends in their 50's to encourage me on my weightloss and I will encourage you on yours. I am having a very tough time with being discouraged. I deleted my old account last night out of frustration. I have been on here for a year. I have only lost 7 pounds. Trying to lose 15 total as my doctor suggested.

Anyhow, thank you and Happy Holidays!

Wow, you ladies impress me! I sit in awe of what so many of you have accomplished and all the trials and tribulations you have been through. You are all, each in your own way, an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your stories and giving us a brief glimpse into your lives!

Barbie, I feel the same way. I love how this group supports one another despite our diverse backgrounds and situations. It is really a beautiful thing to see. There is no judging just loving support. I love the pictures that you post of your areas, your fur babies, and your families. It's so nice to see some glimpses of your lives. Again, thank you!

I don't have a lot of time to address everyone individually, so I just wanted to say that I love reading your stories and getting to know you all a little better. I think of you during the day and say a silent prayer that you will be blessed, healthy, and happy.

One quick story before I have to scoot. Hope it makes you laugh a little at my expense. My DD#3 who lives in Colorado wrote me an email today. It said, "The monster truck pajamas came in today. I think Calum is going to love them." (Calum is her 2 year old son.) I wrote back, "Uh...did you buy Calum those pajamas, or did I?" She replied, "Well, they were addressed to me and they were billed to you, so I guess that means you bought them!" LOL! I am so lost without my spreadsheet that lists what I bought everyone for Christmas that I had totally forgotten. It's really getting bad....LOL!

Wishing you all a wonderful evening (or day)! Hugs to all!

Barb from South Louisiana

Hi everyone. Today was a quiet day at work and I got a ton of stuff done. My sis in law is doing well, up and walking, so that is a relief. I got a little Christmas shopping done. I figure if I do a small amount at a time I won’t get so over whelmed with it.

Vicki: im sorry about your sister in law. Cancer is an awful disease.

Margaret: I am one of the people who simply hates this time of year but I try to learn to like it. So far so good this year. We’ll see how it goes!

Barb: what a wonderful holiday activity!

Sylvia: great pic! Made me smile

Michele: I used to love going to fabric stores. I may have to visit one again soon.

Steff: I haven’t added exercise in a while, but I used to get calories when I put in weight lifting!

Cheryl: great photos. You look happy and comfortable. Now stay aboard! Should I keep calling you Carol ? LOL

Sassy: what a beautiful photo!

Cynthia: we may be related. My mother was abducted by aliens and they left a pod in her body! At least that’s the story I told when she started getting dementia back in the 80s and it wasn’t really well understood at the time. People always wondered about her behavior.

Alison: that must be so hard for you. I tell my students when we go to nursing homes you can either laugh or cry. Try to find something (it may be very, very small) that is funny, sweet, or a small miracle.

Robin: glad to see you and hope the meds continue to work. You are so sweet and I consider you a wonderful and dear friend. Let me know if I can help.

Pip: sweet puppies!

Heather: don’t you just hate how holidays can get so complicated? I talked to Dalton’s mom and we decided each of our families would just continue doing what we normally do for holidays and the kids can decide how and when to visit. Makes things a lot more simple than trying to plan around everyone.

Joyce: speaking of snacks, I struggle with good protein snacks that are low fat. I eat a bit of cheese each day but get tired of it. Any ideas? Lately I’ve been having ½ cup cottage cheese and a granola thin which has only 15 carbs, perfect for a snack.

Vicki: I hope you go to bed and get over that headache. Those surprises never turn out well, do they?

Yanniejannie: how’s the knee doing?

Barbie: great picture. Who is who?

Sweetand sassy: congrats!

Kim: it is easy to get behind, isn’t it?

Heather: good for you to lose that pesky pound

Beth: why is it that Christmas always makes us feel like we are way behind? I feel that way too

Kelly: welcome to the group

Stephanie: welcome to you too

Patricia: glad to have you aboard too!

All the doggie pictures are great! I’ll have to try to get some of my dog’s and cats’
pictures uploaded. It’s so much fun to see everyone’s baby. Well I’m suffering a bit from my potato chip binge from last night but that will keep me away from them for a while! Take care all….bedtime….Meg from Omaha where our new foot ball coach whose record is 93-80 has a “winning” record. WTH! Take care!

Hi Friends,
I'm still in the crush of back-to-back-to back business travel. Came home from Louisville last night, and need to repack to head to Albuquerque early tomorrow. The extent of my holiday spirit is getting a holiday collar and leash for Mars the wonder cat. He gets two walks a day, even in the snow. My 96 year old neighbor really looks forward to his visits.

I've managed to keep up with logging my exercise, but the food ... fuggetaboutit! The carbs are creeping back, so I really need to get back to cleaner choices.

I'm currently 6 pages behind with this thread, but will catch up and share some goals as soon as I can. Know that I think of you and send you virtual hugs and pats on the backs for all the great effort you are putting forward to be your most healthy and radiant selves. Keep it up!

Rori
Colorado Foothills
Word for 2014 = Release

SYLVIA!. Is there a trusted family member or friend going with you tomorrow to this show. One episode of angina tonight and more than likely 'another'. I would imagine that going to this show that it means that you are taking things out of your car or van to set up, Then working the show, maybe not eating well or drinking enough water. That sets this nurse on red alert. I don't want to come here tomorrow night and see that Sylvia is in the hospital with a heart attack. Please, please take care of yourself. You have grand children to help bring up properly. So glad Molly and Spot are playing together. So I guess hubbie is reacting better to Spot?

Going to my first ever ballet tomorrow night. I have seen ballerinas on So you think you can dance but I have never seen an actual ballet. Now I know this one is different. I think most of the show is children and teenagers. But it is still my first. But my eye is going to be on a certain little angel (literally) which will be my youngest grand daughter. It is also her first ballet to be in. They have an Aunt on Dad's side that used to love on those girls so much. My daughter and family live in Lexington Ky and his only sibling, this aunt, live in Louisville, Ky and her and Grandma love to love on them. I won't say spoil, love on them is a better term. Mary wasn't married until well into her 30's and she loved her nieces and had all the money in the world to spend on them, shoes, clothes, hats. Any way she would be able to get tickets for free for the final rehearsal of the Nutcracker each Christmas. But she is now married and has a son so her life being the doting Aunt has changed. So they don't go anymore.

We know there is quite a bit of construction on I 64 and we will be driving through Louisville during rush hour so we are leaving plenty of driving time. If we get to my daughter's house to early that is just fine with me. My sister is going with us and she hasn't seen their house. I know it's messy but I told her that we are used to it and my sister's daughters house is a mess also. But it's a townhouse and I know Norma will want to see the girls room so that means climbing stairs after a long possible 4 hour drive. Knowing Norma, she will want to go up to see the upstairs. And then we will get home around midnight or later. But that makes it no problem for me to get to church on time Sunday for my trio.

Sunday we are singing Breath of Heaven. That is such a wonderful song. After Christina had her first eyar of college, some of them started this 'interprative dance'. Now in 'good' Southern Baptist churches you don't dance. But this was more of an art form. Kind of like ballet but not in those shoes or dresses. Just act out the music and what it makes your heart and emotions feel and guide you to do. I think we had a deaf choir perform at our church around the same time and that is how they express their music. They feel the music in their feet.She was always the better singer of our two girls so the plan was for her to sing and let Michelle do the dance. Gracefull dancing is not a term I would use to describe Michelle. So they revered it. It was a moment this Mom can never forget. No amount of Kleenexes would help me get through it. so Sunday will be very retro perspective for me.

Everyone says it is now easier to take and add pictures. I will have to add a pic of my sweet Melody

Joyce, Indiana

Good Morning Everyone! Thank you for all the congrats on my little weight loss. This IS the support I was looking for and needed. I'm just starting on my second cuppa so who knows what's going to come out of my brain right now. lol In fact being the smart woman I am... I will come back later to post post. So here are my catch-ups with all of you & I will be back later.

Lesley... "I am NOT a normal everyday person so my training and eating does NOT suit everyone. lol" Love it!! I look forward to being an ab-normal person just like you! lol


Heather... I really enjoyed reading about your weight loss journey. Very inspiring, thank you for sharing it.

Sylvia... Great news on the puppy front! I'm your so stressed and not feeling well Sylvia. I am looking forward to hearing how your show goes. Your hubby is going with you, yes??


Diane...What a funny NSV. lol I hope you feel better soon.

Pip... I cant get enough of your stats. Of every-ones really. I am so looking forward to being mobile again. Keep posting I am living vicarious through you! lol


Joyce... Your Christmas concert sounds fabulous. I loved hearing about the interpretive dance it would of brought tears to my eyes to watch.


Toni..."At 4:30 on Thursdays I have a small study group. We choose courses from the Great Courses. Today we finish a study on Stress and the Human Body. It's been so informative. After the first of the year we will be doing one on Nutrition Myths. My group members are ladies over 50 so you all would fit right in!"

^^ I would love Love LOVE to do something like this!

Stephani... Confessions??!!?? Arent those suppose to happen AFTER the holidays??!!?? My lip is zipped until Santa is on his merry way Back to the north pole...lol

Katlas... Consider it yours and take my name off the end. I love quotes some hit the mark so succinctly sometimes. Your dog is so cute. Similar to my Bosko only darker. lol I'm glad you hubby is doing so well. I think thats the hardest part after being in physio for a bit. You start to feel like your old self again Before your body is ready for you to be your old self again. At least thats where I'm at right now. Ready to kick these crutches to the curb and get on with gettin on. lol But alas my ortho's say no. Whats the perfect quote for this; "Slow and steady Wins this race."

Steff... Everyone together at a cabin in the woods, how perfect! As for strength training and such, wouldnt a cross fit activity do?? Unless i have the meaning wrong but isnt it a combo of cardio and strength training?

Jeannie... Welcome back! I am a self taught painter too of abstract. I cant draw worth a lick, so I color a lot. Adorable lil fur baby!

DrKatie... Good on you for keeping up on your goals. I think 64oz is fabulous!

Meg... So good to hear your SIL is doing better!

Rori... KITTY ON A LEASH.... CUTE!

Good morning wonderful ladies! :flowerforyou:

Sylvia, Alison and others - please take care of YOU at this stressful time. We care about you so much.

Meg - trying to fit everyone in is a nightmare! DH'S daughters are the last to fit into the jigsaw and he is a bit put out that they are having to fit in or be squeezed out, but it is a case of, First come First served, I'm afraid. :ohwell: Our painter, who has become a friend, suggested this morning that we get together with his wife for a Sunday lunch before Christmas. Well, it's the 14th or nothing and we will go to the local pub so we can walk there. :bigsmile: I have just emailed her, otherwise it will have to be January! ! ! ! !

OK, these are my stats for the rowing machine this morning:
I rowed 4.85 kms. 956 strokes at 33/34 strokes per minute. It took me 30.65 mins and I burnt 266 calories. I'm sure the machine overestimates calories. :bigsmile:
Altogether I burnt 613 cals this morning.
When I row I am looking at a photo of Whitstable beach and the Thames Estuary with the Isle of Sheppey in the distance. Wild flowers are growing on the beach. We took the photo when we were living there. I love looking at the water while I am rowing.

The painting is finished and the wallpaper looks amazing! We can't move back in until the carpet is down on Monday. We are going to paint the bedside tables with some vinyl silk that wasn't used, just as a temporary measure until we can get new ones. They are a horrible orange pine colour and the bedroom is grey and white. I don't want to put the old rubbish back in, but no doubt it will all get silted up again before long.

Love to all. Got to email my DSIL to firm up visiting dates after Christmas. :sad:

Heather in sunny Hampshire UK.

Sylvia ... hydrogen peroxide alone will probably take out the blood stains ... sometimes I add dawn soap to the stain as well. Please take it easy today!

Today the scale FINALLY moved in the right direction!! Since April my weight loss not only stalled, but some crept back on ... about 10-12 pounds worth. Today MFP will record .5 pound loss, but in actuality, I lost 3.5 pounds this week! Now I have to keep the momentum going.

Good morning, all. Another coolish (40's) gray start with rain coming. Knee still aching, now my back is back to hurtng too.....will see if yoga instructor will work her magic on Sat. am again. Mood still "off-kilter".

Loving all the amazing and adorable pets posted, they make me want another dog sooooooo much, then I remember exactly how they become my total responsibility alone and I think: "maybe not".

"Tradition is not to preserve the ashes but to pass on the flame" Sassy, please count me an absolute fan of your quote..........it's so true and somehow comforting.

Looked over the holiday sched. with DD last night for events and shows; a few do look promising, includng an international ballet company doing Nutcracker (which I have seen more than enough already but it's DD's main pick). My big choice will be a jazzy Christmas concert. Then we always go do the Messiah right before Christmas. A few others are possibilities but nothing decided yet. Of course she waited so long to look at dates that a lot are out of the question w/o her changing her already set working hours............

I'm going to friend's barn today.......she has gained custody of a non-paying borders horse which was supposedly mis-treated and ridden badly by the teen-age owner. They are putting DD up today to see how rideable she is at this point. Fingers crossed; I've seen her fallen and/or get thrown a few times and it's always very heart-stopping scary for me. Please join me in hoping this animal is an angel.

Sylvia......Please, please, please heed the chest pain. I am also hoping you have major help today; you are too needed in your son's life to risk the balance you need to keep regarding your cardiac issues by allowing stress and overdoing to aggravate medical problems.

Alison.......Hoping for a good result on your kidney U/S. No answers/guesses on FIL; sorry.

Beth.........YAY!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday I took ham and bean soup to Gin's husband; he sounded so lonely I stayed about an hour.......mainly we spoke about Gin. Tried to get hm to come to the ladies luncheon this month since he'd know most everyone and they'd all be pleased to see him but no go.

Very bad news on our flu shots this year......."the vaccine does not protect well against the dominant strain seen most commonly so far this year. This strain tends to cause more deaths and hospitalizations, especially in the elderly." The shot does still offer some protection. AAAArrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Welcome newbies!!!

Got to run.
Hello to those I missed.
Stay strong!!!!
yanniejannie
mid-Atlantc

Good morning ladies.
Just checking in. The cold was really hard on Bodi this week. I am so glad it has warmed up a bit. We ordered a dog house heater so next time it gets really cold it won't be so bad. Even Ritter was shivering when DH went home early Wednesday because he was so worried about them.

I am feeling better. I almost feel happy. I think the new stuff might be working. Or maybe I am just getting better.

To those of you who are struggling I just say keep your head held up high and push thru. This time of year is very hard on me. My mom passed on December 26th and all my kids are far away so x-mas is just not a good thing for me. DH and I usually travel somewhere nice but we splurged on an expensive getaway for May 2015 so no traveling this year for the x-mas time.

To those of you who have acheived some successes :drinker:

Have a great day!
Robin, Bodi and Ritter
from the soggy PNW

Good Friday Morning!

I am VERY tired and stiff today. Walking up and down the hill twice yesterday, standing in the cold, it all does a job on my stiff and swollen joints. Made it difficult to fall and stay asleep last night. But, the Lite-ing ceremony and fireworks were worth it. I was hoping for a hot cocoa after, but the line was too long. I even got my hand stamped, so my Dad and I could try a few of the Winter Leinie's products (vanilla or cranberry, sound like yummy beers), but those lines were long, too.

Allison - my Grandpa had a thing called Sundowners while he was in Nursing Care. He was alert and feisty in the morning, but as the day progressed, he was more lethargic and cranky. It was painful for his children to experience. I pray things go well for him, and for you and your ultrasound.

Sylvia - my son gets cold sores a few times a year, primarily in Winter. I get one about once every 2-3 years. Like MNMargaret, I increase my yogurt consumption, give DS some acidophalous (sp?) pills, and use Abreva a few times a day until healed, though Abreva does seem to work best if you catch it right at the beginning. But it seems that most people don't notice if someone else has a little sore on the lip, so I hope you don't feel too self-conscious.

tomorrow and Sunday DS has bowling again, and I already told him flat out that we will NOT be eating any bowling alley food. I will pack a few peanut butter and jelly tortilla wraps, cucumber slices, and protein bars to squash the urge until we get home. the upcoming problems will be my sister catering my Birthday for Sunday, and a catered Christmas Party at work next week. I hope I can find out in advance which locations are catering, so I can think about my meals before walking into the events.

Welcome to everyone new ! ! ! I only started reading and posting a few weeks ago, and I feel like i have SO many new friends. Thanks to everyone.

Terri in Milwauke

poerava - hope I got that right, love your kitty kat. reminds me of my buddy, I used to walk him on a leash in seattle, he was famous for that.

sassy- i'm glad u enjoy my stats, I do it so I can look at it and keep myself accountable.

I am looking forward to our yearly jingle bell run in seattle. it's been a yearly tradition for 17-18 years now. when I first started, I was way too big and I couldn't run so we walked it with our 2 dogs at that time, rocky and Bullwinkle. I will look for an old pic of them both. they had on santa and ms claus outfits on. everyone loved them, always wanted to take pictures with them (I should have charged $$). we make a weekend of it now so we don't have to get up early and drive there for the run then drive hom. we stay at a hotel in seattle, do the run (now I can run it) and take a hot shower, then go have breakfast where we met in Fremont, then go home. they don't allow dogs anymore to walk/run with you so they stay with their "auntie" (Here is an older pic of them with bootz our cat.

Heather: Painting the furniture is a brilliant solution. I’m happy that you’re pleased with the new room décor. I hope the carpet is perfect. :flowerforyou:

Beth: Congratulations on the weight loss! Yay! :flowerforyou:

Yanniejannie: I’m keeping your DD in my prayers for this day. I hope she doesn’t get hurt on the poor mistreated horse, and I hope the horse can be salvaged. Yikes on the flu shots! :noway: We’ve had ours and hope to avoid the flu. Since I retired from teaching I have less exposure but have caught things from DGD a few times. We’ll be seeing her during the Christmas Holidays. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the flu doesn’t catch our family, or the families of all our fitnesspal friends. :flowerforyou:

Margaret: I’ve come to think of the media as a bunch of greedy vampires. When I was in Junior High my journalism class was taught about the bad old days of “yellow dog journalism.’ It appears that they’re back. :flowerforyou:

Robin: I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better! :flowerforyou:

Carol in NC: Sending prayers for your daughter. Keep us in the loop. :flowerforyou:



Riding lesson today! Yay! :bigsmile: This is a relatively low stress day. I need to think of a Christmas gift for DS, though. I also need to wrap and ship gifts to the grandchildren in CO. We don’t want to take the chance of hauling them with us in case weather turns awful and we’re delayed or can’t go.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon


“Tradition is not to preserve the ashes but to pass on the flame.”

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison

December Goals:
1. Log every bite and swallow.
2. Cardio exercise at least 3 days a week.
3. Have fun every day.
4. Drink at least three glasses of water daily, preferably more!
5. Eliminate alcohol.
6. Monitor sleep.

Just taking a break at the show to tell Cheryl,

You need a bigger lap!

Cute picture.

Later, ladies.

Sylvia

Good morning ladies. Hope you are having a good day. I am feeling better and today is my 8 hour day. I do work tomorrow, but off on Sunday as two of the DGD's have their dance show that afternoon. Addie will be her first time, Paytn has been in dance 3 years. I do enjoy the shows, just wish they were in the same program, but Addie is at 4 and Paytn at 6. My plan is to finish Christmas cards and get them mailed this weekend.

Yanniejaniie--Hugs. I read that to about the flu shot. Sure does not make me feel very happy.

Lesley--Mildred is cute and looks so happy.

Barbie--cute puppies and they look like they could take you for a good walk. I know our pug pulls me along very well.

Beth--Have fun with your new mixer. I am slowly getting into the Christmas spirit. I just feel it is coming so fast. Congrates on the scale moving the right way.

Sweetnsassyfied--I also like the quote (Tradition is not to preserve the ashes but to pass on the flame) Going to use that. thanks. Also I am big into making memories with my grandchildren. Want them to have good thoughts of us.

jeanniebeanie59--Your Ivy looks just like my Toby. I took Toby in yesterday and got him shaved, we do that acouple times a year. DH bought him a sweater lastnight so made him happy. I just love all the dog pictures.

Meg--glad dear SIL is doing well. All this stuff with the coach and NE makes my head spin. Over $150,000 a month for 51 months!!!! To do nothing??

Rori--pretty holiday collar.

Joyce--Hope you enjoy the ballet dance and be waiting to hear all about it. I know having DGD in it will make it speical. I enjoy watching my DGD dance.

Sylvia--I agree that I hope you have someone riding and helping you. Please be careful and get checked out if it keeps up.

Katla--Good to hear DH is doing well and not over doing.

Heather--the colors in your bedroom sound very relaxing. Sounds pretty Pictures please!

Carol--Hugs and prayers for you and DD.

Time to get off here and do something. Hope you have a good rest of the day and take care of yourselves. Love the pictures.
Blessings, Vicki GI NE