WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2015

With all the invitations for decluttering, I think I have found a way to enjoy my retirement and see the country at the same time.

My DH is a tad bit OCD with routines and such, so I have to somewhat organized or he gets grouchy. I tend to oscillate between somewhat of a slob until I lose something, then the organization bug bites and I cannot stop until it is done. This time it was my new health insurance card. I found it 5 minutes into the organizing, but by then the mood was on.

As for hunger not being an emergency, that is so true. My aunt Sis (of the Orange cake recipe for those of you who remember my Kroger meltdown), who was a size 6 or smaller her entire life, said there were two secrets to keeping your figure: one was to wear your blue jeans every single day (no elastic pants for her) and to realize that feeling a little bit hungry would not kill you, especially if you knew when your next meal was coming.

Hello ladies.
So far so good re my January goals re exercise and food portions. Tuesday will be a week since I restarted tracking after December off the web site (and which resulted in 4 pounds weight gain). Grey grey day today: after the freezing rain, we got plain rain rain rain. And they say snow is coming as the temp dips down. I guess winter is truly here! Taking down the Xmas decorations today. Then some house cleaning and finishing painting some wood trim around a rather large living room window. Drinking more herbal tea to try and snack less, especially at night (my downfall). So far, it seems to be working.
Glad to be reading all the postings as I feel I can glean new tips to try in this journey.

Good afternoon! The sun is shining and I'm feeling good again! Happy, happy me! I felt hungry, and breakfast felt like it would stay down. Small victories.

I have been smelling antifreeze when I park my van in the garage for WEEKS, and every time I mention it to hubby, he says "I don't smell any antifreeze. It smells like a hot engine or something, but not antifreeze". (Visualize pat on head here.) Then, my heater stopped working. Then the defroster. Then my son rode in my van and he said he smelled antifreeze. So, this morning, against hubby's better judgement, I decided to check the radiator. I'm hopeless about car stuff, so I watched a you-tube video. Guess what? The radiator and the overflow container were both empty! That can't be good. So I insisted on going up to Autozone and buying antifreeze. Hubby grumbled, but drove me in his car, then when we got back he poured it in the hole. I also got some stop leak, which probably won't help, but can't hurt. So I drove up to the grocery store and back and actually had heat! The van probably has some kind of problem that caused it to leak out, but I'll keep an eye on it myself every day. Hubby is about as hopeless with car stuff as I am. Now I need to scrub the floor in the garage in case any has spilled.

DrKatie, the June Cleaver thing looks like fun! There's also a June Cleaver Club on the Taste of Home web site.
http://community.tasteofhome.com/group_forums/june_cleaver_club/f/66/t/905505.aspx#.

Well, I have a lot of work to make up for from bring sick, so I'd better get busy.

Have a great day!

Sylvia

Hi gals. It’s cold here; well below zero wind chills this morning with a dusting of snow but now it’s bright and sunny. We are finishing up the Christmas decorations today. Last night DD#2 spent the night at a church lock in so we watched 2 movies: Flight plan with Jodi Foster and The Scout, which was a silly baseball movie. Both pretty good.

Tere I think I remember you and that first dog. Why are the neighbors allowed to keep him? Around here that would be a fine the first time and confiscation the second. Can you call the local animal control? Good job with standing your ground!

Barb; the orthopod said a meniscus tear was a possibility, but both times it has improved so dramatically I can hardly believe that is the cause. Both episodes I was completely unable to bear weight and within 2 days was nearly normal. But yes, I will have to keep my eyes on it! I have given LOTS more than 20 units of insulin before to patients….but it is so good that you are needing less and less as time (and weight) goes! That is fabulous and you should be proud!

Rori: so good to see you! I had a shock when I got my new scales too.

Sylvia: Hooray for feeling better! Thank you for worrying about me!

Jane: sending you virtual sunshine!

OGcoffee: om gosh! How scary for you and how wonderful you are back to normal!

Rita: great goals!

Mariah: where is Broken Bow?

Heather: “raucous snores”! That cracked me up. I envisioned a moose in your bed!

Robin: oh my an electrical fire! How scary! Glad you are oK!

Toni: good to stay out of all the drama!

Dorene: I love Chiluly~

Dr. Katy I will put on the coffee for when you come to organize me!

Yanniejannie: so glad things have settled down! Keep an eye on the BP!

Janet: I too am a type 2 diabetic. All my A1Cs have been under 6, so my doctor took me off my morning metformin, but then all that mess last quarter started and exercising has been down and stress way up, so I added it back. As soon as I can really exercise hard again, I’m cutting it down again (I think you are new to me, so here was my quarter: brother had heart attack, I got sick, hurt my knee, dad died, daughter had baby…not a good thing; sister in law had bypass surgery). I left a message for my dr when my latest AiC came in at 6.1 because I felt like I had to explain it and she sent me a card! How sweet! Good for you being so close to your mini goal!

Michele: I would not want ashes around either; I’d think of it as unfinished business too!


Katla: I have been missing all of you too and one of my resolutions is to get here every day!

Joyce: so glad to see you are “you” again! LOL

Viv: isn’t it funny what some people think of as “tiny little pieces”? I’m going to have to try that Macarena workout….sounds like fun!

Cynthia: my knee had a Bakers cyst which had finally totally gone away but kept me from exercising for several weeks (I know now I can do upper body….duh!). So on New Years eve we went to our usual hotel party and after about 2 hours of dancing…no problems at all…I sat down when the band took a break. When I went to get back up…..GAAAAAAAAAAAAA...so painful I could not bear weight on my right leg and had to practically be carried to my room. I had just been to an orthopedist (took forever to get an appointment) and he wanted to inject it and get an MRI to see if there’s a meniscus tear, but I won’t do surgery (although I am re-thinking). So anyway, today is much, much better thanks to a bucket load of motrin, ice, and a huge ACE wrap!

DeeDee: I sure hope you get better soon! Benny Beagle is doing well, but can’t figure out what the baby is. I have some cute pictures of him sniffing her with a very puzzled look
on his face. How is the fur baby at your house?

Barb: I too am dreading going back to work again tomorrow!

Well I need to get off my duff! It’s nearly 2 and I’m still in my robe after reading the paper, cutting coupons, making the next week’s menu, blah blah blah. OK I’m getting on with it! Enjoy the day. Take care, Meg from Cold but sunny Omaha!

ps welcome newbies!

Hi, my name is Nancy. I am starting today and found this community. Do you mind if I join in and get to know you? I need accountability and occasional pushes as this is a major struggle for me. I find food to be a consolation and really showing my "faults" is daunting. Perfectionism is a rouse to protect the appearance of "all is well" mentality when the truth is right the opposite. I will put forth my best efforts to be "real" and ask for your help to keep it real.

A little about me. I was raised in a pastors home and love my heritage however, Baptist love their get togethers. Food was always present and not good for you food. It was lined with comfort and taste. Kind of a mask to hide the reality that lurks within the lives of humans to the all is well mentality. Food was prevalent and exercise was scarce. So now many years later in life I struggle with the love of community and food gatherings. In Oct 2008 I had the Lap-band procedure performed. It has been nothing but a pain and disappointment. My iron levels plummeted to 4, in which I have had to have iron infusions. Thankfully I did not have to have blood transfusions. I have struggled with energy and mental focus. So not only do I struggle with the emotional connection with food, I also have no energy and drive. However, I am reminded that it is not my strength and understanding that will get me through. I must learn that God has provided His strength for me and shown me that their are communities of people who struggle and share common issues. We need each other and moving forward in 2015 , I have a choice to make. Embrace others successes and encouragement or continue to sink into a pit that has no light or hope. I have hope in Christ and the provision of others He is placing in my path.

Can I be an encouragement to you as I know you will be for me?

From the great state of Texas...will you be my team and friends?

Nancy

Hello everyone: Glad so many new people are joining us. I managed to get through the holidays with a few fluctuations but weighed in and am the same as before they started. I will take that.

Trying to get my time more organized. Since I retired I have been great at procrastination. Oh, I can do that tomorrow since I don't have to go to work. Problem is I seem to be able to put things off for quite a while. I need to adopt a new attitude, so if it can be done in less than 15 minutes, "do it now"! or at least take a bite out of that elephant. I think it is the "FlyLady" who says you can do anything for 15 minutes.

Katla - Some people who do competitive trail riding use sweats. Wranglers are made specifically for riding with flat seams on the inside. I usually don't have a problem but some days it seems like I get a wrinkle or the inseam in the wrong place or something and it is just uncomfortable. My DGD only wears breeches even though she rides western because she says they are comfortable and stretchy.

Allison - Take a deep breath, you can do this.

Sylvia - Glad you are feeling better.

Joyce - Glad your Christmas went well and your plumbing issues were fixed. You deserve to rest up now.

Robin - You will have to post pictures when the bathroom is done.

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

I really saw myself in the mirror this morning after finishing a work out tape. I sat on the floor and just cried. Yep, I managed to completely sabotage myself this year by eating, all the while knowing that I was moving backwards and I would have to work harder to get the weight off. I found this board and honestly some of the things you all have written or quotes included have made an impact on me. Thank you!

2015 - Strength (yes, that is a good thing for this year)

Allison
It's a journey and a lifestyle change. Challenge my courage to be the best I can be.

Nancy - this isn't a "group" as such. It is a thread, restarted by our lovely Barbie every month. Welcome to this great band of women! :flowerforyou:
- Heather UK

I just now figured this out right now!! Lol. I have been trying to "join" the group. I really like this board!!

Will put in my stats later, welcome to all newcomers, even though I think oh myself as one :0), new to the grp, not mfp

Yes, I am glad I got my identity back without having to go to the administrators. I was surprised at Charlie, he is so non technical but that was the first thing he mentioned that I do. I guess maybe I should listen to him more often. Myrtle Beach Janet, I remember how lost I was in Walmart when I had to go out of the plus section. I never really found my way around it. Michelle finally told me that even though I can find clothes to fit me there, I could fins clothes that flattered me when I pay a little more. So Kohls and Christopher Banks are my two stores now. And Christopher Banks sister store which is also right next door is their plus sized store CJ Banks. The web sites are the same, their styles are the same.

OK, my Christmas weekend. Friday Christina and the family got in while the plumbers were outside working. They were warned to stop somewhere where they cold go to the bathroom. But not long after the got here, the plumbers were ready for us to flush one commode and check it. Then they just had to finish in snaking out the rest of the back yard so family were really never inconveinced. They enjoyed watching the back hoe putting the yard back together again. It was very traumatic for me to have to stop shopping for the teenage grand daughter at my safe store, Justice, and go to teenage stores. But she loved the dress I got for her and understood when I told her that when I went to the store she wanted me to that this dress was the only dress there that not only met her requests but Grandmas requirements. She was proud enough of it that she wore it yesterday when the whole crew came in. The length was good, it was red, outer layer lace she just needs to grow a little up top to have it look real good on her. But the jeans and boots were the biggest hit! Hew smile was so big when she wore them. She also loved the pink zebra storage bins and bandanas were a hit. The 8 year old is still a little girl in many ways. But the store Justice has her size so I still have my 'safe' store. I really enjoyed our own family Christmas. My oldest daughter and hubbie don't make a lot of money and she asked it I wanted a blue tooth. I thought a blue tooth was what people wore in thier ears so they can talk hand fee on the phone. she gets a lot of things through the website that many cites have called 'all things in commen' and everything is free. So I said yes, I could use one. I had no idea that this blue tooth is a tiny powerful speaker that I can sue with my iPad, phone and laptop. Charlie is one that has a philosophy that if it is cheap it is good. He for some reason is really cold all the time. His thyroid levels are OK while on his dose of medicine. BUt he is still freezing. So he dresses in a tshirt, long sleeve shirt and insulated hoody most of the time. All the rest of us are nor believing that you get hat you pay for. Michelle learned from her now ex husband who was in the National Guard about the type of clothing that is not bulky but is made of the kind of material that makes you warm. He tried it on for her and said he would not wear it but she bought it anyway and he loves ot. Now if only I could get him to realize that with watches.

Saturday the family started coming over around 11 AM. If you remember I have two nephew that just can't top having babies and don't marry the girls. I do't know how it has worked out but those children are the most precious and well behaved kids.. And my nephews are terrific Dads. One nephew is still with his women, just not married, the other guy decided that he needed to move on. But they came together, shared the hotel room and were real lovey dovey here. Just don't understand it. How can you move on, have another steady girlfriend. They have a 3 week old and was so precious!

I think we have a good sized family room but when you start serving dinner and you put 2 8 foot tables, a 6 foot table, 5 foot table, Mom's antique Duncan Fyfe with both leaves in it for all the buffet set up food, a card table for deserts, 33 chairs that are sitting next to furniture, fireplace or Christmas tree...well it doesn't spell fun anymore. By the time everyone has gone through the line, it some one needs to go to the bathroom or for seconds, you have to ask at least 2 people to stand up and move. So even though it will be difficult for me to do, I will relinquish control and we will have it some where else from now on. We have agreed that because we love the family situation and even though it is crazy and zany, it wouldn't be a Peterson Christmas if we weren't in a family home type environment for the gift exchange because we never want to leave out the real reason for Christmas, that Jesus is the reason for the season. So we will come back to my house for the gifts. Now as the family gets bigger, oow, I don't know what will happen.

The guys 'cleaned up' my family room before everyone went back to the hotels. HMMM, I think not. We still have 30 chairs in the family room and toys are out, the recliner is still in the laundry room along with my antique bench, Mom's table still has the leaves in and the ends up. So Michelle came over today to have leftovers with Christina and family and they finished 'cleaning up'. Yes, all chairs were put away, recliner and bench retrieved from the laundry room and toys now in the toy area and they said it was cleaned up, no no no. So when they all finally pulled away in their cars, we cleaned it up. I just hope we can keep it cleaned up. That's the part we aren't good at. The cat is now back to her usual loving self, Charlie has had his nap and I think the family is back to normal. And I am still breathing and I know Mom would be proud of me!!!!!

Joyce, Indiana

stats for the day, quickie mini workout-
jog- 27.11min, 8.45ap, 6.7-10sp, 3.11mi

Good Afternoon Friends,
Newcomers. Glad to see others are finding us. We missed you.



Went to see Into the Woods because Imitation Game was sold out. It had some good actors. The review had me expecting more from it. For me it was okay and somewhat interesting how they put a spin on familiar Fairy Tales.

Dr. Katiebug thank you for inspiring me in how nice it is to have things in their place. It looks great.

I am trying to ask myself as I go through things does it serve me functionally? or aesthetically, does it have a home?, is there room?, can it replaced? what is the cost to store it?

Then it is reduce, reuse, recycle and not be afraid to pitch if it is worn out.

I am making it a goal to log my food everyday because my weight it up 10 pounds. I maintained for two years. It is time to stop the momentum of gaining and get back to my maintenance weight.

2015 word: Strength

Allison I use the word I choose as a touchstone to guide me at the times I need it. It sounds like the word resonates with you too.

2015 quote : "Just because you see the hook does not mean you have to bite."

MNMargaret

I'm looking forward to starting with a clean slate tomorrow. I'm setting long term goals with little ones along the way.

Tami SC

Forgot to mention....

remember I told you that we put money into Bryan's PayPal account? Well, the other day we got a package addressed to him. Vince sent him an email saying that it feels like it's a CD.

Tonight I got an email from Bryan saying that that package and two others that are coming here are for us. Now I'm torn, we didn't give him the money so that he could buy us something. I'll probably leave this to Vince. Maybe Bryan felt guilty.

Michele in NC