WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2015

morning all
feeling great today thank goodness..
rainy and yucky here today...will go see my DFIL and then come home and see what I can get done here..
I had the DaVinci Hysterectomy so big machine, and and they tilt you down head first to use it.. I was out of it ,but that us how it works.. so guess I had to get everything out of everywhere.. and they had a heck of a time trying to get an IV into me too. a nurse with quite a bit of experience and smarts went and got a warm wet washcloth and put it on my had, plumped it up enough to get IV in..was very dehydrated... also was nauseous.. so they gave me something for that too..
before my hysterectomy I went online and found a webpage called Hyster Sisters, what a wealth of information I found, also there was a page like this for all us ladies that were getting it done on the same week.. was sooo nice to have others going through the same thing..
one thing I did learn is when they put the breathing tube in. ask for a larger one so that you dont have a cough and scratchy throat afterwards...
well off to check on DFIL
Rita so great to see you xoxoxo

Good morning! We had another round of storms come through early this morning, so I didn't get to walk to school with the kids, but did go to the Y and do the weight machines after I dropped them off. Hubby met me there. We don't exercise together, but I like being able to look across the big room and see him. Makes my heart happy for some reason.

When I got up this morning I put on my glasses and the left lens fell out. The screw was still there, but apparently had come loose. The lens clattered to the floor and I had a devil of a time finding it. I cannot see anything without my glasses. So, hubby got up and put the screw back in while I took my shower. He said there is something wrong with the screw though, so I need to go to the eye doctor's office and have them put in a new screw. They don't open till 1:00 on Thursdays, so I just have to be really careful till then. I have a spare pair of glasses somewhere. Wish I knew where.

Just a few small things to take care of this morning and then I plan to spend the day throwing pots. I have a show coming up May 1st and haven't made ANY new work for it. Nothing like waiting till the last minute. I'll be in production mode for the next two weeks. Except for all the doctors appointments I have coming up.

Alison, I found HysterSisters web site years ago when I had really bad fibroids and found a ton of good info there. It helped me decide between a hysterectomy and a myomectomy (to just remove the fibroids). Glad to hear they are still around.

PeachStateGal, I too hate cilantro. A tiny bit, chopped up in salsa is OK, but I can't eat the stuff otherwise. Some people love the stuff. I don't get it.

Well, gotta get busy. Have a fantastic day everyone!

Sylvia

Hello all.... I'm 51. Did great my first two weeks... now nothing the past two, so I'm feeling a little frustrated! I have a LOT to lose, but I'm setting small goals and meeting those rather than saying I have ____ (insert a large number) to lose. It just seems more attainable for me that way. I'm eating just at or less than 1500 calories per day and exercising, (vigorous cycling), about 4x per week for minimum of 30 minutes, but usually 40-45 minutes each time. - if anyone has any tips or tricks for me to try, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Good Morning Ladies...

I've been keeping up with the posts but haven't been able to post myself. There are times when life just gets in the way.This is a busy group!

I think I made the decision to close my business and look for a job. This business has been my life for over 20 years and in a way it's like a member of the family. My income has dropped 2/3 in the last few years due to the economy and I am just tired of the daily struggles and worries. To say I am nervous that I won't be able to get a job is an understatement, but I am trying to keep my worries at bay. I have reached out to some contacts and have posted my resume on a couple of job search websites. Please say a prayer and wish me luck.

On a lighter note, I am going to a chocolate and wine event this evening with a large group of friends. I have been in training for it all week, eating well and burning as many calories as possible prior. There is a local chocolitier who partners with a local wine shop to host these gatherings. Two of my favorites!!

I was thinking this morning that so many of my social activities revolve around food and when one is trying so hard to lose weight this causes me to shy away from socializing. This is not good. I have to come up with other ways to see my friends without food. Walking the mall is 1 thing that I do and I'll have to come up with others. Any suggestions?

For those of you who want to track sleep on the fitbit...the easiest way I have found that if you have the app on your smart phone is to tap onto the sleep bar and on the next screen tap the + sign and it will give you the option to "begin sleep". In the morning just hit "I'm awake" and it will log your sleep. You can also double tap the device itself before you go to sleep, it will give a vibration signal, and douple tap again when you wake up. I find using the app easier. I have noticed that I sleep much, much better since I have increased my exercise, even through these days of turmoil.

The weather here is supposed to be nice this weekend...60F and sunny so I am hoping to get some of the yard debris taken care of. It will be nice to do some work outside after this horrendous winter.

(((HUGS))) to all.
Chris in dreary, rainy 36F MA

Good morning ladies. I have really been in a fog lately. Last evening about 9pm it dawned on me that I forgot to pay a bill that was due. DH was able to go on line and make the payment and now waiting to see if I will be charged a fee. I used to be so on top on things and it is getting more and more where I just forget. I make notes and put them all over my desk, but this just went out of my mind. Then of course in the evenings I have been eating again. Just like I don't realize what I am doing. I have to get back on track and not feel sorry for myself. I know it is because I have let myself get stressed out about things. One Day at a Time.
DS and family are coming tonight for the weekend. They live in Iowa so only see them acouple times a year. We are going to meet them in LIncoln this evening so DD and family that live down that way can see them. Going to meet at Golden Corral for supper. I work tomorrow and then off the weekend. Am looking forward to the time with the DGC.
I also need to write a letter to my DSD's ex. He got himself in trouble with drugs and stealing and is in jail. DSD has a protection order against him so he writes me to know how his children are. I don't mind writing once in awhile, but have been so busy last couple weeks I have not done it. So yesterday I get a letter telling me how I am letting him down and how depressed he is not hearing from me. Also would like me to send him some money so he can buy stamps and personal items. No way it is not my fault he is there and they have jobs he can do to earn money for things. Also want to tell him to stop trying to call my house collect. I will not take those calls. This is the DSD that just moved from here to Iowa so do not see her everyday or talk to her only about once a week. Thanks for listening.
Rita--Congrates on selling the house!! Great news about DS and your colonoscopy and DH's being found in time to save his life. God is Good! Glad you are back, missed you.

yanniejannie--HUGS! I know it is hard to know what is helping and what is enabling our children. Being a parent is an hard never ending job.

Sylvia--So gald they did not find anything serious, but sorry they did not find out the problem. Love the joke.

Lesley--Sounds like Blaize\Rascal is fitting right in and just what you needed. He sounds like our Oscar, when the arlam goes off if DH doesn't get right up he will come up and sit on his chest and look him in the face, like what are you waiting for.

Kim--WOW! that must be some plant sale. I can understand why you would be so tried.

Katla--I admire you for taking them back and getting the bigger size. You are doing what works for you. I know I can not wear things to tight around my arm, makes sores I do not want to have to deal with.

Joyce--To put my fitbit into sleep I just tap it until the two dots show up. Sometimes it is easier then others, I like the way you take care of your meds. It never hurts to think of things like that..

Sharon--Sending HUGS as I know it is not easy to deal with the past, but you are doing what is right for you and I admire that.

Sassy--Congrates on the loss and that you so enjoy when DH comes home. I get the same way and mine is home everynight.

Chris--Sending prayers and hugs for your job hunting. It is not easy to put yourself out there, but sending positive thoughts.
Take care ladies and know that most important thing is not to give up. Love and pray for each of you everyday.
Blessings, Vicki GI NE

Good morning ladies! Just checking in. We are on our way to Amarillo Texas. So far we love the weather and people here.

Have a great day everyone!

Mary from Minnesota

Happy Thursday ! ! !

Allison - so glad to hear you are feeling better already. About 50% of the people who walk up to my desk are asked to wear a mask. I can't believe flu season is still so bad. I don't understand the breathing tube theory. I would guess that a person's throat would be worse if the tube were bigger? Thanks for the teaching. I love learning at least 1 new thing every day.

When I use kale for my salad, it is more veggies than kale. The flavor is okay, but the texture took awhile to get used to. I've tried baked kale chips, and they are tolerable, but not my favorite. I can tolerate cilantro, but it is not my favorite. DH hates it - he thinks it tastes like soap. I'm that way with basil; it smells and tastes like soap to me. I wish I had the guts to try more of the other leafy greens, to add more variety, but when they look like weeds I get nervous.

I am a super-easy IV stick. I donate blood every 8-9 weeks, and the Blood Center tries to start their new trainees on the Saturday that I'm there, because they almost always succeed the first time.

Sylvia - sorry about your broken glasses. It must be tough to go without, and to try to be so careful so the lens doesn't fall out again. I hope you make it until the Optometry Office is open.

Sassy - Congrats on the 25 pounds ! ! !

Chris - good luck in the job search. It's a big life change, so give yourself time to grieve. I'm envious of the chocolate/wine tasting. I wish I had friends around here interested in that kind of thing. I guess I could suck up my pride and go alone; might even make new friends that way. Anyway, enjoy ! ! !

Vicki - I understand the forgetfulness. If it weren't for Outlook Calendar and the alerts from the calendar on my phone, I would never get where and when I need to be, and none of my bills would be paid (let alone on time).

Tonight is the Neil Diamond concert. I guess I misunderstood when I won, because I thought I was getting Second Row, and I ended up with 16th row, but that should still be close, and I know my Dad and I will both have a great time. But the restaurant he chose does NOT have a menu on their Website, so I will stick to salad, and not eat any of the carbs or use their dressing. Then tomorrow is Frankie Valle with my Dad and my Sister. We are going out for Japanese tomorrow night. I will look over that menu soon. I decided to keep the skort that is slightly too big, because I want to be comfortable. I can't stand the look or the feel of clothes that is too tight. How much fun can a person have while constantly tugging on their clothes?

Kim - for next year's plant sale, feel free to take about 1/2 of my hastas. They grow like crazy in my garden, and I want room for veggies again this year. I like tomato or pepper in the topsey-turvey planters because I can't afford to have the huge tree in my garden trimmed, so I'll probably only put beans or cucumbers in the garden this year. Last summer I took all my grandma's rhubarb before she sold her house, and that grows great anywhere. Has anyone tried anything besides pepper or tomato in the topsey-turvey?

The rain keeps switching between drizzle and pouring, so the grass should be green soon. I hope everyone is able to make wise choices today.

Hugs to Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee

Katla49 wrote: »

Viviana: Sorry to hear about your sleep troubles. I have a generally high protein diet, but not specifically a low carb diet, and I don’t even know what ketogenic means. I did have a learning curve as I went along and made changes in my eating. I found that eating the things I like and using portion control was my best choice. Good luck. You will figure out what works for you but it takes some time.

Ciao. Ketogenic diet means you need have your net carbs (carbs minus fibers) in the 20gr a day, mostly from vegetables, and no sugar at all. In this way the cells are obliged to burn fat instead of sugar stored. Issue are carb and sugar craving. You should eat more fat (for instance coconut oil). I tried twice and I couldn't stick to this plan. I need some more carbs to go and a free meal once a week otherwise I cheat. So I am on high protein, lots of vegetables, minimum fruit (I am very sensible to fructose, I discovered), no gluten/gluten free products (max a couple of rice crackers a day). I add a banana the days I workout (otherwise I faint....). But I am just starting AGAIN....it is so tough....especially when I sniff fresh bread smell...I could die.
But I need to lose at least 5 Kgs by this summer, as I wear bikini swimming suite (I cannot resist with the more covering ones (what's the name in English)...I would sweat like hell).
Ciao.

Vicki.........YES.......you got it perfectly!!!! Helping vs. enabling........

Hi Everyone,
Pipcd34 and Katla49 Thanks for setting me strait re:spinning class. I bet it burns a lot of calories.

Hope everyone gets to experience something that helps them smile today.

Naiomi2015 from 39F and overcast Massachusetts

Viviana - why are you on gluten free? Do you have coeliac disease? For most people without a medical issue the only restriction necessary or desirable is a calorie one. Feeling deprived is a recipe for disaster. :flowerforyou: Any diet that you cannot follow for the rest of your life is not going to work longterm. Increasing exercise to "earn" calories has worked very well for me, even if I moan sometimes to DH about "this poor little old lady who is being tortured" ! ! ! ! ! :laugh:

Still struggling with my formatting, especially the outer margins. Will try again tomorrow. Very frustrating.

Yesterday DH's daughter brought out her first self published children's book on Amazon. It's called PIG DOG TAILS by Becky Ward. Picture book. Well produced. A third of the profits are going to Battersea Dogs Home, a famous rescue centre, as the book is about a rescue dog and her friends.

Tonight we have turkey burgers. I add spinach to them. Delicious. I make six and keep a couple for lunch the next day. Having it with stir fried cabbage and tomatoes. Big yum!

My Pernod has arrived! Bigger yum! :laugh:

Heather UK

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

Good Afternoon Ladies,

Lillian, good for you on taxes and even better on seeing the sun. Doesn’t it just make life better when the sun is shining?

Naiomi, thanks for the giggle on your thoughts on a spin class. I love it! I’m a hard stick too and usually warn them that they only get two sticks and NO digging! If nothing else, it scares the bad ones into calling in the expert.

Pattilou, welcome. Congrats on your retirement. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Come here often and you will get great support and information.

Jane, glad you heard from DS#1 and all is as okay as it can be. I hope your visit is good for you both.

Joyce, the doc that delivered Michelle sounds like a real jewel. My doc had a partner that would do the delivery if mine was not available. His name was Dr. Popp and DH thought that was so funny. I’m glad my doc was there cause I had a 9 lb 2 oz breach. I liked that she was so big so I wouldn’t be afraid she would break. I think you are wise to have a stash of meds that you can just grab and go in case of an emergency. When I go on a cruise I always take two a week supply, “just in case”.

Sharon, love the “all my marbles” question. Good that counseling brought up things you didn’t want to deal with, because that means you need to. Glad to hear it’s working. Hang in there.

Viviana, I eat pretty low carbs, but nothing like the low carb diet. I did it years and years ago and don’t think it is the best. I did hear recently that you can do low carb for two days then back to healthy eating, to get over a plateau in weight loss.

Jackie, Love your post. Isn’t that the truth!! Who needs a guy when you have food?

Allison, that is interesting about your surgery. I do think it was great that you and the Hyster Sisters could support each other.

Peachstategal, I’m with you on Kale and Cilantro. It’s ashamed that so many Mexican restaurants now use Cilantro in everything. Not that I need chips and salsa but I’m just saying. I grew up on the border of Mexico and when I was a kid no one used cilantro. Well nor did they use sour cream, come to think of it.

Sylvia, it sounds like you need to get in high gear to “throw” all that clay in time for your show. But it’s not like you have been sitting on your rear and doing nothing for the past two months. I know you will get it done and the pieces will look great.

Sassy, congrats on keeping that scale moving in the right direction. Keep up the great work!! And enjoy your Christmas.

Bren, welcome to this group of wonderful ladies. If you come here often you will find that you pick up all kinds of tips and useable information. The main thing is to keep going and never give up. It works, just not always at the pace we’d like. Is 1500 calories what MFP recommended when you put in all your information? Good luck on your journey.

Chris, congrats on making your decision about your business. I’m sure it was not done easily. I hope you will find the perfect job and just think of a steady paycheck and so much less stress. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for sure as well as say a prayer for you. I hope you do get the nice weather.

Pip, great streaking!!! Did you start here when you were 15?

Vicki, I think it’s nice that you are willing to write your DSDs ex to let him know about the children. I can’t even believe he asked you for money. I guess some people don’t get it? Have a wonderful weekend with the family. If you do get a late charge on your bill, depending on what it is, many will waive it if you have a good payment history. It never hurts to call and ask.

Mary, safe travels. Ya gotta love those Texans.

Terri, have fun at your concerts. I know you will.

Mugwomp, welcome. You are smart to try to lose weight and exercise before you end up with diabetes like many of us. This is a very supportive group. I hope you come often.

Heather, your dinner sounds yummy.

Carol, will there be others in your group that may want to do some things while you’re in Dallas? Some things I don’t mind doing alone and others I’m just not too crazy about. I hope you have a good time.

Welcome to any Newbies that I missed. Come often and join in the chat. This thing works!! Please sign your post with what you want to be called. It makes it easier for us to respond to you. Also a location is great, be it specific or general. We are happy to have you join us.

My computer keeps losing the internet connection. I guess I might have to get it checked out. I got a call from one of our credit cards early this morning. We had a fraudulent charge for almost $800. I’m glad they catch them but this is about the 5th one in a year. It’s a pain to have to get a new number and change anyone that has the number. This one we only use for online purchases but can’t figure out where the fraud is coming from. I spent about an hour this morning trying on clothes in my closet and weeding out the things that are just too big. I can’t believe how many clothes I had in there. But making room for new ones is fun. I’m keeping some that I could wear if I had too but hopefully they will be way too big in another month. I might get rid of them the next time I go through there.


Have a wonderful day, ladies.

words I live by:
Savor. I have to slow down and savor every bite.
and
Opportunity. Each day offers new opportunities for good health and happiness if we just look for them and choose them.
Janet
Myrtle Beach, SC

Janet - I don't know a soul who is going to this Dallas gig. There will be a thousand or so people at the event, and there is usually a sign up for those who'd like to have dinner with others so that they don't have to eat alone, but, unless I meet someone at a meal, I won't know if anyone is interested. The event begins Tuesday evening and ends at noon on Friday. I am flying down on Monday and coming back on Saturday. That means that I have Monday afternoon/evening and most of the day Tuesday on my own plus Friday afternoon and evening. Most of the JFK stuff is within a half mile of the hotel so I can walk to that and will be fine by myself. I think that I will do either the foodie tour or something else that is morning/mid-day timed on Tuesday and a trolley tour on Friday afternoon. I will also plan my meals so that I am within easy walking distance for wherever I eat dinner Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. I'm a stresser and compulsive pre-planner when I'm traveling by myself!

Thank you all for the welcome back messages! I really appreciate that. Especially today when I have had a very stressful rough day which is not done yet! Those of you dealing with adult children who continue to depend on your support, I have found several books to help me with the same situation with my son. One I have on my phone as an audio book (also comes as a 'normal' book) is "Overcoming Codependency" by Frank James. I have other printed books that I am reading and will get those names and post them in another post, perhaps tomorrow. They have helped me and I hope you all may find something useful out of them as well.

Have to get back to it!

Rita in CT

Words for the year:
Determination and Moderation

April Goals:
Finalize TN house sale (have to pay in at closing)
Exercise at least 12 times this month
Eat 4 veggies a day, and 2 fruits a day
Record what I eat.

The reason most people fail instead of succeed is that they trade what they want the MOST for what they want at the MOMENT.

Friday here
Saw doctor and she is pleased the new meds are working and that I have a new dog. Do not have to see her unless I need to and for scripts.
Saw Brian and in 3 months I have LOST 10% body fat, 5% visceral fat and GAINED 5% muscle. He wants me down to 10% visceral fat by end of Tom's BIG challenge starting in May. He told me to cut out the hot chocolate and use Cadbury's cocoa with Stevia.
Poor Blaize threw up in car again.
Stan has gone fishing at Pet Dam
Training today: before breakfast = Wii Gold's boxing, 1 hour after breakfast = JJ Cross training and Abs blast, afternoon = walk dog
Have to check new HRM for JJ's work-outs and post later