WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2015

evening ladies~
went to 99 restaurant had a childrens cheeseburger and carrots..
there is a show on HGTV that I adore called fixer upper.. the couple is soooo cute.. and they refab houses..
Tom and I are hitting Sams club tomorrow and then it is a cooking day for me...

Quick hello-
Did some training at work today. Tired!
Welcome newbies - you're in a great group here!
Michele - you can't taste the tomato in the chocolate cake. I don't know about other flavors.
Linda - so sorry for the loss of your friend - ((((hugs))))
Meg - take care of that knee
Katla - bareback, handsfree trot - WTG
Heather - DARLING picture of your DGC

Have a blessed evening everyone.
Toni in Sunny and Warmer TN

Viv – a garden centre that sells cakes? Wow wish ours did…. For a while they sold coffee, but no longer… I loved getting a coffee and wandering around… now I bring mine.

Alison – sending good thoughts for your interview.

Cynthia – glad to see you posting, hope it means you are feeling more yourself.

Gail – Ok I must be out to lunch but what surgery????????????? Take care hope it goes well!

Belinda – welcome!!! There are a few cooks here… and Heather found and shared skinnytaste.com and it has become a favorite resource.

Lorielliott, Michele-AZ, Linda (ohmygosh33)– welcome

Katla - I bet all the balance work on the horse is really building core muscles… I only ride when I feel obligated by the desires of my niece and then I just hold on with all my might and relax later with a glass of wine!

Jane – yes, when you find the topic, at the top of the list of posts is a grey star, click on it it will turn yellow and then it is book marked.

Linda – this is the place to rant, we read, we understand, we love you just the same!!!
I am so sorry to hear about your friend… ((((((hug))))))))

Heather - Love the pic!!!! And I am very careful about my food budget when traveling also! No mini bar, I tend to pack in my luggage my wine LOL – do you have to be careful about the quality of the water in SriLanka?

Meg – take care, the surgery is not bad if it can be arthroscopy - just remember it is better than what you are currently going through!!!

Jane – So sad to hear about your hubbies uncle… it is so hard when they are one after another!!!


January goals:
Walk every day
Log all bites everyday
Do a fun thing every week.

Kim from N. California

Did 70 minutes of "The Butt Bible" DVD. Tomorrow's plan is to do another segment of the 30 Day Butt Lift

Alison - Even if the nusing home doesn't provide a mask, it would be worth it for you to buy one. I know Vince got one a while ago to wear when he cut the grass. You would feel horrible (and probably never forgive yourself) if you got FIL sick

I just got a nice surprise call from the lady who took care of my father shortly before he passed away. It's been around 10 years since she's been in the US, but we still keep in touch. Wish I could understand her more, tho

Gail - I'll be thinking of you Monday. Best for the surgery

Belinda - welcome. I do hope you come back often. I'm always on the lookout for new ideas and recipes, too.

lorielliott - welcome. Most gyms have some sort of "member initiation" where they show you how to use the machines, etc. Maybe you'd want to look into it to see if that's a possibility? Once you go to the gym frequently, you'll make friends and before you know it, you'll be WANTING to go

Katla - I find that I'm viewing food differently now too. My first thought seems to be "what is this going to do for my body" followed by "are the calories worth it?". You know what I do when buying clothing as a gift for me from Vince? I go to the store, try it on, buy it, then give it to Vince to give to me. Hey, at least I know I like it and don't have to return it. If you have to return it, many times you need a different size and by the time you get the gift and return it, they don't have that size any more. Bolding things: I tried the "control" and highlighting just the person's name. But when I went to "control" the next name, the entire paragraph to the previous person was bolded. Not a good thing. I do like when the names are bolded, tho. So glad you had such a good yoga class and I'm impressed with your horseback riding.

Michele from AZ - welcome! ANOTHER Michele who spells her name with only one "l". Kewl!

Alison - what's the story with your parents? So many times you talk about FIL but never mention your parents. Are they no longer with us

Went to PetSmart to get more canned food for the cats mainly because it was on sale until, I think, Sun or Monday. Then went to Aldi, I actually got Vince to go with me. Fortunately, I didn't get much. If I ever let him loose in that store! He kept eying the cakes and brownies. I'd prefer to make my own.

I will be so so glad when this nominating committee stuff is over. I called one guy, he's thinking about the vicepresident position. It's amazing, a really simple job and no one wants to do it. I'm just afraid that he might say "yes" only because it was me who asked him. I don't want him to feel that he has to do something just for me. Really, I sort-of am concerned if he'd be a good fit for the vice president. but then again, no one else seems to want it. I don't mind coordinating the magic show stuff, but this is NOT my strong point. Note to self: never volunteer for this again.

Lin - Juls sounds like a wonderful friend. So glad you have her. Rant any time at all

pipcd - I never go by the calorie burn on the machines, either. I've found that it will tell you how many calories you burn at a constant pace. Now there are times when I'm sprinting and I KNOW that I'm burning more calories than the machine says that I burned. So I never even look at that number. My heartrate goes down really fast, too. One time a few years ago I had to go for a stress test and the nurse was amazed at how fast my heartrate came down!

Linda - welcome. Keep coming back for lots of good information

Meg - Bryan did call today and Diana got on the phone (miracles do happen!). She did say "thank you" for her gift. I just was always taught that you should thank someone as soon as you got the gift. Bryan mentioned that they needed to give one of their cats a pill and he has to push it down the cat's throat and hold its head up until it swallows the pill, so I'm going to send him a pill shooter. Loki isn't fond of it, but it gets the capsule in him in no time at all.

Michele in NC

Call me crazy but I love to see other people happy and succeeding.


*Terri, I'm glad you are feeling better. Just don't over do.

*Tina, your walking tour sounds great. I haven't heard of that on a treadmill, but then I haven't been in a gym in years.

*Meg, sorry about the knee. At least after the surgery you will feel much better. And I agree that the better shape you are in before surgery--the faster and easier the recovery. You know we are with you all the way.

*pat, that was an interesting article. Thanks. And you "are" one of a kind.

*Kim, I'll trade Christmas gifts with you, even though the ugly sleep shirt would be too big for me. I got my last gift yesterday and it was some nice perfumed skin lotion. The
problem is that it is way too strong on me. I put some on the back of my hand to see how it smells and it made me nauseous. I tried washing it off with soap but that didn't work. Tried it a second time and still too strong. I finally took a Clorox wipe and scrubbed the back of my hand with it so I could get to sleep. Needless to say, I won't put it on again.

*Linda, I'm so sorry for your loss. Take the time to grieve and rant all you want.

*lorielliott, welcome. It sounds like you have the tools and we can help with support so if you have the motivation you are on your way. Most gyms have someone that can show you what you should be doing to fit your wants and needs. Go to the front desk and ask them about that. Good luck.

*Michele, welcome. We don't really care that you are young. Good luck with your goals. I admire anyone that is willing to run a 10K.

*Allison, good wishes going your way for the bird store interview. I know you would love that.

*Linda in Ontario, I'm sorry for your loss. Congrats on your weight loss.

*OMG Linda, welcome to our get-togethers. Yes it is a very informative and supportive group of ladies. We are happy to have you join us. I have actually found this to be much easier than and of the diets that I've tried over the years. And knowing this is a life journey somehow makes it even easier for me. We wish you success.

*Heather, I love spinach in anything but never thought of it in hamburgers. I'll have to try it and I bet it does help the turkey burgers be moist. Thanks

Every one keeps talking about staying warm. Before MFP I was hot all the time. I mean I would sweat while others were chilly. And no one ever told me it was because I was "fat". Now after only 30 pounds, I'm cold all the time. Go figure? But I'll take the cold and the missing pounds any day.

I wish you all Health and Happiness!!


My word for the of the month is savor. I have to slow down and savor every bite.

Janet in Myrtle Beach, SC

X marks my spot. (*)

Michele in NC
Your message to New Michele reminded me. Ten years ago when my best friend retired I wrote her a poem as a tribute. It was called "Michele with One L". The whole time we taught together everyone at school, including me, spelled her name with two Ls. She never corrected us. Somehow near her retirement date I learned about the one L spelling. She loved the poem and it was a surprise to everyone else who spelled her name with two Ls all those years.
Toni in TN

Viv from York - Reward yourself with the flowers or a plant for resisting the cake.

Alison - Glad you are feeling better. You DFIL is blessed to have you in his life.
Sending best wishes and positive vibes for the bird store interview.

Katla - I'm glad you enjoy your riding classes. There is a special connection between humans and horses. They can have such a therapeutic effect. Horses have a special place in my heart. My Dad used to take me on horses before I could walk.

Linda, Northern Ontario - I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a very special relationship with your friend. Grief has no time limit and we each express it in our own way.

Today I made sure I had super salad. It tasted so good.
DS and DDIL are in Calgary so I have DGD all to myself (have to share with Grandpa). We did puzzles, played babies, sang and read books. Now she is sleeping like the little angel she is. I know her Mom is apprehensive, first time they are apart overnight in 3 yrs. I think it is good for all.

-Sharon in Alberta where the Chinook is blowing.

I hate that. My post got cut off again!

Linda - I'm sorry to hear about your friend! I just lost my brother exactly the same way from diabetes. My heart goes out to you

Hi all!

Viv - you are doing great. I can't even think about decluttering my utility room! :sad: Luckily I have one so my kitchen stays tidy, but it really is a dumping ground so it is difficult yo see what I've got. I currently have so many different flours that I have nowhere to put anything. Must cook something with the buckwhest flour I ordered.
- I have really gone off cooking since I stsrted my typing, so just now DH said he would cook dinner tonight. He is going to make a rabbit stew. Lovely, and rabbit is low fat. Left over turkey burgers for lunch in malted wholewheat bagels. :laugh: They are delicious with the frozen leaf spinach in them, but do make sure you thaw the spinach and squeeze out the liquid. I also put scallions, garlic, a little bit of chilli, herbs and Worcestershire sauce in them. Fresh mint is good in them, but I only had a bit in the pot outside the back door, so I mainly used frozen cilantro. Parsley is great, obviously.

Kim - yes, we will be careful of the water, though I understand it isn't as bad as India. The hotels give you bottled water, but it is never enough and one of our first jobs when we get there is to buy a crate of water to put in the back of the car. (We are touring with a car and driver, so staying one, two or three nights at each hotel). In my research yesterday I saw there was a supermarket just up the road from our first hotel, so I guess we'll be going up there. There is also a restaurant popular with locals about half a mile away, so that will be great. It pays to do research.
In India once I made one stupid mistake and had a lassi at a (respectable) roadside restaurant. (That is a yoghourt drink mixed with salt and water). They must have used tap water as I became very, very ill with the worst "Delhi Belly" I have ever known. Oh my word! It lasted two days, on one of which I stayed in the hotel, but then we had to move on, driving through the desert, so I fashioned nappies from the hotel pillow cases! ! ! ! ! ! Never, ever want to go through that again. I will be extra careful. That is the only time I have been that bad and we have had many exotic trips, including previously to India. Just one stupid mistake. I didn't think of lassi as water, but of course it was.

Looking forward to seeing the grandchildren tomorrow. And my friend. I am blessed.

Heather in gloomy Hampshire UK

I'm not sure how joining this thread works, but I'm new to MFP. I've been on it for 2 weeks and have lost my first 5 lbs and plan to stay the course for another 25 plus maintenance. I'm 53 1/2 and gained all this weight immediately following menopause. I teach English as a second language to immigrant adults (in Iowa), and my family consists of me, my DH, kids ages 22 and 18 (only semi-at-home), 4 dogs and 2 cockatiels. The humans in the family are vegetarians (DD and I mostly eat vegan) since 1990, and I love international cooking, recipes, languages. I like practical exercise like walking dogs, walking to the store, or yard work and am leery of going to the gym, but I may try it sometime with my daughter and her friend because I want to see what an elliptical machine is like. I have osteoporosis in my spine and need to do something about weight bearing exercise on top. Best thing about this adventure is that it has reminded me how I used to eat when I was thin. I feel better than I have in 3 years, and almost all my misc. aches and pains, which reached a crescendo over the holidays, have disappeared. I'm walking for 45 minutes most days, and new, cushioned walking shoes have helped my arthritic big toes so that I have upped my pace to 4mph. I may even try a little running once my weight is lower.

I'm looking for friends who can help this feel more like a hobby than a chore. So, hello.

Good morning ladies...such a beautiful day here in Missouri this Jan. Today's high is going to be 55!!!

Yesterday, I got my DH (dear husband) out to the park and we walked the dogs for 45mins. I am taking advantage of this "warm spell" this week and hopefully will be able to get the dogs out a few more times.

I have been playing with the calories, exercise, and all that jazz to find a perfect balance. It really can get confusing!

After asking around on these boards the general info was I need to start "heavy lifting" as a part of my exercise routine. My reason for doing this is so I do not lose "lean muscle". So, I will be looking into that. Also I need to up my protein a bit and probably reduce those carbs a smidge. I am still learning.

Hang in there everyone and enjoy your day.

Jeannine

Good Morning,

Sprepej love the idea of this being a hobby and not a chore. I think that mind set makes it much easier to stick with it.

Michele been there when I have agreed to something and later think why on earth did I agree to do this. I am glad it is coming to an end soon.

I know how important names are in subbing I try to learn and pronounce names as quickly as I can. Some names present quite the challenge on Friday I had a Darwaishi. I think that is how you spell it. He prounounce it Dar wa shay. In another classroom I had a Yabzara again not quite sure how to spell it. Pronounced Yab zra with a flipped r. He said I am one of the few who says his name correctly. It makes a big difference in how my day goes. I think my singing experience helps me in saying the names correctly. With younger students I start off the day by singing their names. If I mispronounce a name they all like to correct me at once. I sometimes tell them I know how it feels to have your name pronounced incorrectly. My maiden name was Freerks. I would have teachers call me Freaks. Not fun! Sometimes students make fun of my name Turk. They will call me Ms. Turkey. I just say calmly I try to say your names correctly I expect you to do the same for me. My name is Ms. Turk. I often times just say call me Ms. T.

I have a friend Carole that for years I spelled it Carol. I don't remember how I learned how to spell it correctly. She never corrected me. Another challenge for me is it Cathy with a C or K. Patty or Sandy with an i or y. Again I learned how important that is I had a parent read me the riot act because I spelled her daughter name Tylieta instead of TyLieta. When I got her name from the office they spelled it the first way.

I don't always say or spell a name correctly, but I try because it is the most important thing about that person to them. As well it should be.

2014 word: Strength

Just because I see the hook does not mean I have to bite.

MNMargaret

Sprepej, hello! I'm the one with a whippet. Years ago when my 19 year old mutt died I told hubby I really wanted a greyhound, but he thought they were too big. We wound up at the local shelter where they had a beautiful brindle whippet, and I fell in love. She was the perfect compromise. Sleek and gentle but small enough to go through the doggie door. We've had three more since then. Right now we just have one whippet, Molly, and two other mixed breeds. One from a shelter and one found in a parking lot. I'd love to hear about your greys! I still want one. I'm sorry about the loss of your other dog. It really hurts to lose a beloved pet.

Margaret, I don't envy teachers having to pronounce the strange names kids have these days. One granddaughter has a girl in her class whose name is Qoe. She pronounces it qu-O-ee. Where do the parents get these things?

Sharon, how sweet that you got to keep the little one so her parents could have a little break. Fun!

Viv, I'm going to check out that decluttering web site too. (Spell check just changed decluttering to devil uttering!). I really need to do it both at home and at the studio. I can't find anything!

Well, last night hubby wanted to go to KFC for dinner. I just had grilled chicken but it was SO incredibly salty! I don't care what their web site says, it had LOTS of sodium. This morning my weight is up about 2 pounds, which I am attributing to the salt and the fact that I didn't take my water pill yesterday because I was going to a workshop. I hope the numbers will be better when all the salt is gone, maybe in a couple of days.

I thought I could sleep late this morning, but Bruno and Spot thought differently. At 5:30 they were ready to play. So I took them in the living room so hubby could sleep longer. This afternoon the kids are coming over to ride bikes. It's supposed to be a beautiful - and warm - day!

Well, I hear hubby stirring. Time to get busy. Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sylvia

Sylvia, my daughter's name is Sylvia! We've had 7 retired racers over about the last 12 years, usually 4 dogs at a time. They are wonderful, wonderful animals, but so was our little shelter Labrador. The Italian greyhound is another story--He was turned in at our local shelter from out of town. The shelter wasn't supposed to take him in, but he had been starved to bones and was filthy and covered with urine burns, and the director was afraid to leave him with the owner. They called me to see if I could find a foster home via my greyhound connections, which I couldn't. Next thing I knew I was offering to foster him, and of course, he's been ours for a year now. Impossible to potty train, barks, rowdy, mouthy little thing, but the greatest cuddler and the most whimsical animal I've ever known. Makes us laugh constantly. He is 25 lbs and large-framed, almost whippet sized, and I've thought about looking for a homeless whippet that could match his energy level (our greyhounds are all elderly, and one of them has osteosarcoma in her shoulder, so she won't be with us much longer) to keep him exercised. I worry a bit about his playing with the big hounds, as they are so prey-driven. We muzzle them outside.

I don't know much about whippet temperament, but even though the big greys are larger (ours range between 65 and 85 lbs), they are so lazy and mellow, and so silent, that living with them is a breeze. You could look into finding a smaller one, maybe a female.

I have to laugh when you all talk about pronouncing unusual names. I teach adult ESL. My current students are from Togo, Sudan, Congo, China, Vietnam, Honduras, Iran and Iraq, and pronouncing foreign names has become one of my specialties! The students are very understanding while I struggle to learn the pronunciation of their names. I tell them I'm "studying", and they can identify. I almost always teach beginning level, so that's about the extent of our early conversations about it.

It's such fun getting to meet you all!