WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2015

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

Good Morning Ladies,

Metallaxi, welcome. You will find this a very supportive and informative group of ladies. Please tell us a bit about yourself so we can get to know you. Also, please sign each post with the name you want us to call you. Come often and join right in.

Joyce, welcome to you, too. We love newbies and we were all new at one time so ask anything you want to know. Good luck on your journey.

Sylvia, so glad you had such a wonderful day. I know the DGD appreciates you. The last time I was in Target, I walked through the clothes department (which I hadn’t done in at least 2 years) and I was shocked at how expensive some of the things were. I guess I need to get out of Hamricks once in a while to see how the rest of the world lives. Lol

Barbie, I’m surprised that you still have your food intake set at 1200. Since you are on maintenance, I would definitely think you’d eat back your exercise calories. With the amount of exercise you do, like you say, you need fuel for all that. Gosh, if I exercised like you do, I would probably eat back some of my calories. You are such an inspiration, along with poop, Michele and many others.

Meg, it is so sad how storms bother some of our fur babies. One of my 3 gets a little uncomfortable but we’ve had some in the past that totally went berserk if there was thunder and lightning. Hope you get more rest tonight.

Katla, glad your eye is better. When my allergies are at their worst, I get something on my eyelid that itches like crazy. I have a very expensive cream that clears it up but it makes me want to scratch my eyes out. I try so hard to keep my hands away from my face and eyes, but sometimes I’m just too weak.

Lillian, congrats on the needed rain. It is so weird that half the world is in drought and half is suffering floods. Too bad we can’t just share the wealth! I laugh about your coffee pot that can cook on the stove; I’ll bet most people in the world today would have no idea how that works. Oh and to have a gas stove again would be a dream of mine. It’s been since 1975 and I would go back to gas in a heartbeat.

Mary, I always heard that you never forget how to ride a bike, but…..that is not like a bike you rode as a kid. Not even sure I could do that, but then I’ve never tried an elliptical. Not something my back would like; I can tell. You find a good place to practice until you will be safe on the road.

Donna, good to see you again. It does get hard to keep up with who said what and that’s one reason we ask ladies to sign each post. It just makes it easier, especially for the newer ladies.

Joyce, how wonderful that you found a great guy to work for. It’s really sad how many people have chitty bosses, as it makes life so much harder. Oh and you could read his writing, too? LOL

Cheri, I know we all like to see the scale move, but the reality is, if you can tell it in your clothes, that is better than being the other way around. Just keep up the good work and the scale will move. I’ve had the scale sit in one place for a month, which was very disheartening, but then it moved again. Like you said, you are in it for the long haul, so hang in there. We are with you!!

Yannie, yay on your good night’s sleep. It is so important to our health and wellbeing and sometimes so hard to get. I also wanted to thank you, because yesterday I did have a “google” day, I think.

Deb, welcome to this great group of ladies. You will find lots of support and interesting information here. Come often and chat away.

Lisa, glad the night was a success, even if not what you had hoped for. I think so few people get the newspaper any more that it’s almost not worth it to advertise there. I’m sure the article was great but if no one reads it, it does little good. The picture is great!

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.

Yesterday I did get back to more of my normal exercise routine. Going for a two day streak today. Then DH and I have a day date. We are going shopping to a store that we rarely visit and to lunch at Outback. He invited me to breakfast but I told him I’d rather do lunch. I can cook breakfast here and not be tempted by all the pancakes and fattening things. He asked, “so are you going to eat fewer calories at Outback”? I replied that I don’t allot as many calories for breakfast as I do for lunch and dinner. I told him if he really wanted to go to I Hop that we could go for lunch! He said, no, that’s okay. He just likes to give me a hard time sometimes.

Make it a positive, happy day. We have the power!


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

Don't feel bad . . . while I have not seen my son's wedding pictures, I probably look quite 'matronly' - HA! Hope not; but, I felt my weight, for sure.

Lisa great picture of you at the book signing.

Carol/Peach - thank you so much for heading over to buy the book...

But to all and sundry, please do not feel you must. I know that I am... or at least can be... quite overwhelming when I believe in something.

Funny, when I went to sell Avon, I was the worst! But then, everything Avon makes breaks me out in a rash, and I'm truthful to a fault, so when someone asked me if I used it, I'd tell 'em... and tell them the results. After three days, I couldn't even walk out MY door, much less knock on someone else's!

The two concentrations in my life right now are becoming healthy and becoming the writer I have always known I was supposed to be. I've always written... but never tried to put it out in front of the world because the fear stopped me. I've stopped letting it stop me. And in the process I may have become completely annoying! That is not my intent... I did not come here to turn y'all into my market. Saying I am in relentless marketer mode right now is really underestimating the case, but I do not mean to make anyone here feel they MUST buy.

I'm here on MFP to be healthy, and there's simply a lot of bleed-over into this community from that other writing focus, because it permeates my life. But again, thank you to those who have and will buy and read the book, and to those who have and will put up reviews on Amazon. I can't express my appreciation enough.

LisaH in West Texas


And now I'm running, I swear I am!

Pat - after my most recent fender-bender, my Physical Therapist told me to start by leaning forward onto the wall and hold for as long as possible. Then, slowly work my way down the wall until I can keep my back straight while my hands are on a counter top. Then eventually work my way down to keeping my body straight while my hands are on a table, then chair, then steps, until eventually planking on the floor. Anything that strengthens your core is better than nothing at all. Maybe you could start by sitting on a chair and lifting one leg off the seat while keeping your knee bent, and hold it a few seconds. Does this video work for you? http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=beginner+abdominal+exercises+for+elderly&qpvt=beginner+abdominal+exercises+for+elderly&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=09F230E68FCB9743264309F230E68FCB97432643

Keep it simple and keep taking baby steps. Between a herniated disc at L5-S1, OsteoArthritis in both knees, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, there aren't too many exercises I can do, but stretching in my chair, or short walks can eventually show amazing results. I'm sure you will find what works for you before too long. I will never be as fit as pip or Michele or Barbie or anyone else, but I can keep striving to be better than my yesterday self. And so can you!!!!!

Good morning ladies:

Beth: Thanks for the tips on carbs, I'll try it...right now I'm adding some calories this week since I've eaten out so many times. But I'll try your technique next week and see what happens. Thanks again.

Peach: I'm beginning to think the meds have a lot to do with it. I put on 30 lbs in a only 3 or 4 months and I wasn't eating any more than I did before.

TNToni 2 weeks with no pool... that sucks...

Lenora I use stevia in the raw instead of sugar in my coffee only 1/2 pkg does the trick for me.

Michele NC Not sure how to describe Alia as a store or a designer. They do have their own stores but are also sold by Sears and other retailers here in Canada. I just find that their petites fit my body type very well and they are easy to mix and match. In my opinion, very comfortable and classy to boot.

Katla: Glad your eye is feeling better.

Joyce K: The wonderful thing about the cardiac rehab program here is the support they offer. So many wonderful people who make recommendations based on what is best for you in your circumstances. They were so encouraging and able to connect me with all types of resources that I needed. I'm kind of sad that I've been discharged and those services will no longer be available to me.

YannieJannieCongrats on the sleep!

Teri: Thanks for the video link


I really enjoyed my lunch yesterday with all of my co-workers. After lunch I had to get my suv serviced, apparently it was at the mileage for extra checks other than the normal oil change... $400.00 later.. ouch! At least I won't need to worry about it until December now and will be safe to drive the highways, which I do a lot of in the summer. I did make it to Tai Chi in the evening, but little did I know that it was also an Instructor training class... talk about intimidating everyone one there was an instructor and I was the only newbie (only 3 months under my belt). I must say that they were great though, and very welcoming.

Have lots to do again today...what a hectic week.

Welcome to all the Newbies.


Thought for the day:“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


June Goals:

1. Do menu planning for June (in progress...3 weeks almost complete)
2. Eat 3 meals a day
3. Log all meals
4. Plan and Do one fun thing each week
(W1: Hot stone massage and weekend of Tai Chi with friend...Oops that's 2 things...oh darn
W2: Lunch with a friend, going away party for co-worker... 2 more...yay!)
5. Ride stationary bike 3 times a week for 30 minutes.

Carey-Edmonton

LisaH, what a great attitude! The experience you gained in last night’s adventure is immeasurable, and will stand you in good stead for the next one, which will be better. Obviously you have what it takes to succeed. And you need to frame that pic. It’s really a good one. I confess I must have missed the post of the title of your book, but I would love to read it if you’ll post it again.
Hi, Deb! Welcome! I love this group and am also fairly new. Great group of supportive women here.
Yannie, I have trouble sleeping too. Huzzah to you for a great night! I have a husband that snores when he lies on his back and I’m constantly having to nudge him to roll to his side. He’s also a very deep sleeper so the nudges can get pretty intense. Sometimes, because I work and he’s disabled, I just go sleep in the spare room or on the sofa. I’d rather give up my comfortable bed than do without sleep. I’m one of those people who have to have absolute quiet and absolute dark to really sleep well. I keep a fan on all the time for white noise.
Cheri, don’t give up! Change something. Try changing up what you are eating to get the same calorie count; for example, if you’re eating more carbs and less protein, try switching it to less carbs and more protein for a few days. Or if you’re always walking, try doing some other type of exercise for a few days; maybe a DVD/video or a YouTube workout. It WILL come off.
JoyceK, I did rural health for a number of years and loved, loved, loved my docs. They were usually fresh out of residency and getting their loans paid by working in a needy area (we were a fqhc RHC) and were so nice to work with. Fandango will sometimes let you buy your tickets online the day before or the morning of the opening…just a thought. There is bound to be a line. I am an avid movie fan, but I like to go when there are no texting, giggling teens and crying babies. I am always amazed at how young kids are who are just “dropped off” at the theatre and misbehave with no regard for others. My kids were not allowed to go to the movies without an adult until they were old enough to drive. We live in a small town and the closest theatre is 40 miles, no way would my kid be allowed. So, we give it a few weeks for all that want to see it to go, then we go the week before they pull it. It is sooooo lovely to sit in an almost empty theatre with stadium seating and surround sound and no distractions. I will probably never go see a movie on opening weekend again.
Mary from Minnesota, I am very interested in the stronglift program. Do you do this at home or at a gym? With barbells or dumb bells?
Peach, I no longer have red hair but have not uploaded a new look. I wore red for so long that it was starting to color my scalp…since my hair is thinning it was not as good a look as it was. I’m back to my “natural brown”. Gonna look for a new pic to upload.
Teri, thanks for that link.
Carey, oh holy cow a hot stone massage sounds exquisite. Never had one. How is it?

Well, it’s time to get some work done. Weighed last night, down another four. I know the weight loss will slow down soon (I always lose the water weight quickly but then slow down once it’s really the fat going…) Enjoying the elliptical right now as the humidity here is already almost unbearable. My tomato plant is looking rather peaked and my cucumber plant as well. I’m no gardener, so tell me, are the leaves yellow when they get too much water or too little? It hasn’t rained here in almost a week despite threatening thundershowers all around us, so I’ve been trying to put a little water to them. I have nothing but black thumbs but I’m trying!
Everyone have a good day and drink your water!

Allison...I think strawberries have had a healing effect on you. You seem much calmer and even got a kiss from DH. I think you should always have pink strawberry hands.

Chris in MA

Jules- you're lifting weight not body LOL

Mary from Minnesota

Oh Selena - so sorry. Awful for all of you.

Lisa - love the photo! I've not done any launching or readings, apart from the WI, but I keep trying to find new avenues for publicity. For me it was more a matter of saving WINDOWS from the inevitable bonfire once I'm dead, :laugh: , but I do love it when people buy it and write a nice review. I'm now writing my autobiography nearly every day and I also want to publish another one from my bottom drawer. I have an old novel on a floppy disk, it's that old. :noway: I want to find a way of rescuing it. Any ideas anyone? Any newbies who like literary novels, my name is Heather Eyles and I'm on Amazon. Children's books on there as well.

My big news today is that I LOST A POUND! ! ! ! ! Happy dance! Must be all that walking about in London. I am at target, so this is a bonus pound that I like to have as a safety net. I always eat my exercise calories, which means I eat around 1800 a day usually. I have my goal still set at losing 1 lb a week, at 1200, so I can still lose, but very slowly. I have always eaten all my exercise calories and lost 57 lbs in 18 months. The secret is consistency. I was rigorous about weighing, measuring and logging, but I love to eat so exercise is my way of earning food. :laugh:

Had a horrible frustrating afternoon on my laptop. The #÷×+× thing is sooooo slow and freezes so I hate using it. But I have to drag it out to print stuff. Drives me insane. I used my Macafee to do some "cleaning" and it dumped over 2 Ggs so that might improve it. My rental (not for too much longer I hope) is still frustrating me. Grrrrrrrrrrr! :ohwell:

Got our cruise info in the mail so that's good. Haven't got to print that out! ! ! :laugh: 3 formal dress evenings. DH is blanching! ! ! ! He could always get room service! :laugh:

Love to all. I'm hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Heather in gloomy Hampshire UK

DamitJanit wrote: »

Cheri, I know we all like to see the scale move, but the reality is, if you can tell it in your clothes, that is better than being the other way around. Just keep up the good work and the scale will move. I’ve had the scale sit in one place for a month, which was very disheartening, but then it moved again. Like you said, you are in it for the long haul, so hang in there. We are with you!!JanetMyrtle Beach, SC

Thanks for the supportive words. I am feeling stronger and my pants are fitting better so I will be patient with the numbers. It is very disheartening but it will move again as you advise!

terri_mom wrote: »

Cheri – congrats on the NSV. Better fitting clothes is a better indicator than the scale, but I’m the same way. I noticed my belly is sagging WAY down, which technically means it is getting smaller, but I freak when the numbers on the scale does not decrease. We just need to keep up the good work. Terri in Milwaukee

Thank you for pointing out that this moment is a NSV! I totally did not look at it that way!

Katla49 wrote: »

Mary from MN:
csofled: It sounds like you’ve hit a plateau. Keep doing the right thing and it will eventually pass. Several of us were vying for Plateau Princess a while back. It seems to be a normal part of the weight-loss process. :flowerforyou:

Love it! Plateau Princess!

pipcd34 wrote: »

morning peep-er-roonies and welcome new peep-squeaks !!!I am a skimmer of all these posts if I run into some comment that is yelling out at me, then I tend to reply as it with the following comment to our comrade in arms:csofled - don't concentrate on the scale so much right now, it mentally beats you down. just keep doing what you're doing, stay on track, DON'T give up, walk, walk walk, put on some high jamming music, throw those headphones on and keep at it.

I have every intention of keeping at it! I want to prove to myself that in the long run I am doing what is necessary to live a life with intention towards health and fitness in a manner which I can sustain through the rest of my 50s and beyond.

JulesAtkinson1 wrote: »

Cheri, don’t give up! Change something. Try changing up what you are eating to get the same calorie count; for example, if you’re eating more carbs and less protein, try switching it to less carbs and more protein for a few days. Or if you’re always walking, try doing some other type of exercise for a few days; maybe a DVD/video or a YouTube workout. It WILL come off.

I've been thinking of changing something as you suggest. I am a creature of habit but perhaps in this situation it is not necessarily a good thing.

Thanks so much for the supportive words of encouragement. I take it all to heart !

Pat love the clematis!

Hi, there!

Taking time to read about you all and write a little before leaving for work. My lady bits are feeling much better today. Even the pee doesn't seem to bother them. Thanks for the tips about the Bag Balm, girls. I'll get some for "just in case". Of course the reason I am so bummed about the No Pool is that this is the way I get most of my cardio and steps. I did a senior low impact class today and will try to get to work early so I can walk the track before my shift begins.

Hulamoma (and other Newbies) - don't feel like you are the new kid at school. We are not clickish on this thread! Many have been here years, some months, and some just a week or two. Your interaction with us is how we get to know you, and we WANT TO GET TO KNOW YOU! So jump right it.

Lisa - I think it is wonderful that you are pursuing your calling. Even though the book signing was a bit disappointing just think of what it took for you to write that book, publish it, and get it "out there"! You should be proud of your accomplishments! Loved the pic of you!

Heather - I am "brewing" my own kefir right now. My acupuncturist gave me a starter. It has been "cooking" for 3 days. I plan to get up the courage eat/drink it tomorrow. She says I won't die, but this is really strange! Do you agree that it won't kill me? I thought since you made your own yogurt you can be my expert in this arena!

We are gaining so many new friends - double names are confusing me. (But then it doesn't take much to confuse me!) I love hearing about everyone's life and seeing all the pictures!

Toni in Middle TN where it looks like rain is on its way

Well today I walked with my TOPS friends. What a great conversation we had! My 16 yr old got up early so he could jog TO the church where we start...THEN jog back home. He hates waiting for us to get ready....lol Plus I think he just wants to get it overwith. I am proud that he is listening to us and not whining about doing this. His body will thank him :-)
Afterwards on the way home I saw a garage sale near our complex, so I walked over to it. I stopped at the garden and clipped off 5 large spinach leaves to take as bartering tools. Nothing I saw spoke to me, so I gave the spinach to a neighbor that started a community garden plot next to ours. Share the wealth is my motto!
This weekend we were going to visit a nudist resort that is on the way to Portland. We have a family gathering on Sunday to spread my Father-in-laws ashes near Mt Hood. We decided to put off the resort visit until next month when our medical check comes in.... My husband was surprised that I was turning down the visit. I told him, I was just thinking realistically, and financially it will make the end of this month really LEAN if we do both. I would've liked to have gone, as least for my birthday present. (yes just GIVE me a reason to be nude hahahaha). Birthday present, birthday suit....there is a method to my madness..hahaha.
Oh this morning I am 2 lbs down from my weight from the TOPS meeting. That is just crazy but I will take it. I am in the lower 240's and I have been soooo long in the 250's that mentally it takes awhile to adjust. Soon I will say, I am in the 230's then 220's....sighes...I get impatient can you tell?
Have a glorious day y'all
Becca by the beach that is a nudist...(we are all nudists under our clothes don't ya know!)

Quick check in. I've been reading your posts at night just before bed, but haven't attempted shout outs because they will take too much time. Just know that I am seeing your words and am thinking of each of you.

My friend and I walked for about 3 hours yesterday and 4 hours today and I was able to keep up with her! What a great feeling. Not only did my seat belt fit on the plane, but I fit in my seat space and the tray table could be pulled down. Many NSVs for me. I am thrilled.

A's son, step-son and brother are coming in tonight so it was good to spend time with her before family starts to pour in. Tomorrow afternoon we will head over to her mother's house where there will be a dinner for everyone. Sunday is the memorial service followed by the burial (I cannot recall if I mentioned her father died) and a bar-b-q at A's house in the evening for 10 family members who will be staying in town overnight. I anticipate tomorrow ill be lots of laughter and reminiscing. Sunday may be a bit harder. With so many people milling around no one will notice how much or how little I eat so I should be able to stick to a good eating plan without busybodies urging me to eat.

Mia from MI but sitting in FL right now