WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JULY2015

Becca like the addition of the lights bet it sparkles when lit.

Penny what a gorgeous spot you live in. I also know you are are so far North you have the twilight darkness that is special too.

Mary glad you could rent. Hope the sale goes through more quickly now.

Heather I think it wonderful you are taking up the pen and being consistent in writing.

Joyce hope DH tests get to the bottom of his troubles.

Slept late today 9:00 a.m. Plan to work in garden today. You've reminded me I need to apply for a new passport. My old one just expired.

MNMargaret

All the stress in June has affected my mood. I have done hardly anything so far this week. That is usually the biggest problem with my depression- I become a slug with no motivation. So I am battling it with my various tools, and considering going back on the second antidepressant that I had been able to wean myself off of after a decade of taking two antidepressants every day! So frustrating! Yesterday I spent the day either reading in bed or sitting at the computer. NOT GOOD! big sigh

Congratulations to all of you who have managed losses for the month of June. JanetR- 8,Renny- 3,Kate -8 , YannieJannie - 5.5,DJ - 2.5, LisaH- 6, Mia- 6.6,Lenora -6 , Kathi-7, and everyone that I've missed! It's so great when the scale reflects all of your hard work!

Welcome to everyone new!

Carol NC: Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery.

Michele: So sorry to hear about your challenges with your son.

Penny: Love the pictures you're sharing...those DGC are adorable.

Sharon: Coffee watching flowers seems like a perfect way to start a busy day. Family reunion is in St.Paul area. Oh, and Costco has wonderful water guns right now

Katla: So sorry to hear about your friend's husband. My condolences. Happy Birthday to your DD.

DJ: On my trip I passed signs for Demmitt, Alberta... and I immediately thought of you. :laugh:


Thought for the day: "Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you're going to do now and do it." - William C. Durant

Carey-Edmonton

July Goals:

1. Do menu planning for July - Increasing protein to 130g per day. Do one week at a time so that can adjust as I go.

2. Log all meals - try to pre-log to get a better handle on calories for the day

3.Plan and Do - 2 fun things every week (I hope to increase this so that eventually I'll get to one thing daily)

4. Ride stationary bike 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

@Carey-Edmonton - Thanks for the cudos on the loss. I'm going to try riding the stationary bike on days I don't go to water aerobics. Hoping it's easier on my knees than the treadmill. We shall see. I may try it every afternoon when I get bored.

Janet in NO – Just a reminder because I’m sure you already know this… water resistant is not the same as waterproof. You are correct that getting caught in the rain with water resistant should be fine. Showering or swimming not so much.

Carol/Peach – I grew up in a household where the communication style was indirect. For example Mom would say to Dad “Are you going down to the basement anytime soon?” Translation: I need you to take something downstairs or I need you to bring something upstairs. Mike grew up being very direct and literal. I am much better about being direct with what I want to say but I still will often have to stop myself and say “Sorry, what I meant to say was…”

I am still working with him on the concept that tone of voice is as important as the words used. When he gets passionate about something he sounds angry when he is simply excited. His boss is the same way so I often hear him talking to his boss in a manner that makes me cringe and think he’s going to get himself fired. No. They understand each other and all is well but if he talks to me like that I get defensive. He’s getting better at moderating his tone with me. My Dad used to say “It’s not the words, it’s the music.” It helps both of us to remember that.

After almost 28 years of marriage our communication continues to improve. I hope we make it to 45 years to see how we are doing by then.

---

I talked last night with my friend who is going through a bad divorce. She is having panic attacks and asked me for advice on how to handle them. I have never experienced panic attacks so I’m not sure what advice to give. Does anyone here have experience with panic attacks and have ideas on how to deal with them? Especially how to deal at times when you are alone and it is entirely the wrong time to call up a friend?

Mia in MI

July goal:
Continue to honestly log food every day
Continue to meet PT one day a week for strength training
Start one hour a week of aerobic exercise
Stop Iced tea overload. 24 oz. iced tea daily plus 40 oz. water
Word of the month – gratitude

Just marking my spot. June was pretty good weight wise. I managed to get back to my most recent low. Now if I can move it down a few more lbs in July.

I'm fighting a horrendous cough right now. When I exhale I sound like a squeaky door that needs oiling. I called the doctor for an appointment, but my doctor is out of town until Monday. His partner is supposed to review my chart and call in a prescription at some point today. What a drag! I don't feel all that bad, a little tired and achy behind the eyes, but the cough and squeaky sound are kind of scary. I may end up going to urgent care if necessary. I'm not a very patient patient.

Welcome to all the newbies.

Happy Thursday ! ! !

Penny – beautiful pictures (as always) and nice story. What a great family!

Yvonne – I put creamer in my coffee, so I log it as food but not water. I do log ice tea as water, and I usually sweeten with splenda or agave nectar. I rarely drink pop, but I would log that as food but not water.

Tess – I love your goals. I am all about baby-steps. I would rather see you succeed, and continue to give and get support from everyone here.

Michele – So sorry about your Bryan. My daughter goes through phases like that, but never “forever”. I hope he comes to his senses soon. I know you did your best to raise him right, and at some point they just start making their own decisions, and too often it hurts us. Please accept my HUG ! ! !

Kathi – Congrats on the weight loss, and the swim challenge. Getting old is NOT for sissies, you are so correct. Keep doing what you can and what you enjoy.

Kate – Keep up that positive energy. I hope I catch it from you. I am always looking for more.

Gail – Please share the self-hypnosis app. I would be interested in getting rid of my sleeping pill, if that is possible. And about losing weight, too? Double bonus.

Joyce – Thanks for sharing about your DH and his trouble. You are so loving and caring, and he is a lucky man. Also so funny about the fitbit on laundry night.

Sharon – Congrats on wasting (re: enjoying) your relaxation time. We as wives, mothers, ladies, etc, tend to take care of everyone before ourselves, and when we start making positive changes for ourselves, the insecure men will take that as being selfish, yet consider their own similar behavior to be acceptable, if not expected. Take Care Of You ! ! ! I am proud of you. Fingers crossed, hugs, and prayers for your DH tests.

Allison – Hugs! Enjoy ! ! !

Lisa – Your pimp comment made me laugh. Thanks!

Carol/Peach – Congrats on DH joining MFP. Being in the “same book” will certainly help everyone. I am envious.

Katla – Hugs for your friend and family.

It is so unseasonable cold here that I seriously was shivering and kept moving last night at baseball. The average temp was only 61f, which is typical for April, not July.

The inflammation in my wrist is spreading this time, so I have stiffness in my elbow all the way down to the outside 3 fingers. This is not unusual, so I will keep stretching and icing, and in a few days to a week, the RA will choose a different joint or set of joints to attack. As long as I keep my sleep routine, I will continue to move as much as I can. Since I only have a slight flare in my left hip, I can still walk and ride a bike, so that is good. I really need to get back into the habit of doing my planks, since they can be done on my elbows and not cause arm/hand/wrist pain. Someone slap me upside the head so I remember to put those planks back into my routine. . . . Thanks for that slap !

Tomorrow is my yearly physical. My Doctor, although several hundred miles from where we moved from, is a family friend, so we get pretty chatty. She is always supportive about my weight, and has positive things to say about how to get it back under control, and full of suggestions. She is into the paleo diet, which helps with my RA as well, but I only use it as a guide (more protein, fewer complex carbs, etc.)

Then Saturday I am helping my Dad's company with a presentation at the Parade. We put signs on 4 new cars/SUVs/trucks, and drive some Veterans. My sister's eldest Granddaughter helps hand out candy. I will either help DS carry the banner, or sit in the back of one of the trucks and make sure the girls have full candy buckets, or drive one of the vehicles. I won't know until everyone else arrives. I hope I get to carry the banner, because I will get some steps in. I think the route is a little over a mile.

Norton is now permanently installed on my laptop, and I will have access to it this weekend, so I will try to keep up over the weekend.

Hugs for Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee

Terri - I'm holding your co-worker in my heart. I hope all goes well for her sister.

Im here for July. Was happy with the good start I made in June and yesterday was my first bike ride where I actually felt strong and was able to attach the hills. As long as I keep track of what I eat I stay on a healthy path, for me logging is key as exercise comes easily. This month I will have some traveling so that is always a challenge but Im focused and no what to do. Have a great July 4th weekend everyone.

Terri - Hugs and Prayers for your coworker and her sister

I just did my 30 min. on my stationery bike and my knees are ok so far. I'm excited, I can do this whenever I want. Found out last night that 30 min. on the bike burns many more calories than the 30 min, @2.5 mph, on the treadmill. Thanks Pip, I had not used the startionery bike in quite a while and "forgot" it was sitting here. Ha, oh what tricks we play on ourselves in our own minds. I will add it into the 3-4 x week water aerobics.

Thanks Miriam that was indeed helpful information. My son has panic disorder and it is exactly as you describe. His first one was around puberty. He was at the theater with his youth group and we got a phone call asking to come pick him up. He didn't go into another theater until many years later. Another episode was at the gym in college and again he avoided that scenario for many years. With the correct medication and CBT he has made great strides in his life.
I was introduced to David Burns' book The New Mood Therapy many years ago while in graduate school. Still have my original copy and refer to it on occasion when dealing with my husband and his Asperger's.



Miriam you are a phenomenal woman and I am so glad to have "met" you and truly appreciate all that you share of your life with us.

Cheri

Janetr - you might find a rower good too. You need to have a look at good form to use it, (trainer, U tube) but it sure burns up those cals! I also like the elliptical. My knees used to be awful, especially the left one which first went pearshaped when I was 16. I had loads of investigations, but no diagnosis. A few years ago in desperation I paid to visit a sports physio and she told me my patella was not running true in the groove. Apparently this is quite common. The answer is to strengthen the muscles around the knee. I do daily knee exercises and the stationary biking is a great help. Mine is recumbent to support my back. I have built up the resistance over the years. It is still not perfect but 200% better than it was.

Mia - - My DDIL is a Harley Street clinical psychologist, specializing in CBT. She has written six short books, aimed at the general reader, one of which is THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU CALM. I think it is great and you can "work" it, with exercises to help you. It is available on Amazon and Kindle. Her name is Dr Jessamy Hibberd. :flowerforyou:

Heather UK

cityjaneLondon wrote: »

Janetr - you might find a rower good too. You need to have a look at good form to use it, (trainer, U tube) but it sure burns up those cals! I also like the elliptical. My knees used to be awful, especially the left one which first went pearshaped when I was 16. I had loads of investigations, but no diagnosis. A few years ago in desperation I paid to visit a sports physio and she told me my patella was not running true in the groove. Apparently this is quite common. The answer is to strengthen the muscles around the knee. I do daily knee exercises and the stationary biking is a great help. Mine is recumbent to support my back. I have built up the resistance over the years. It is still not perfect but 200% better than it was.

Mia - - My DDIL is a Harley Street clinical psychologist, specializing in CBT. She has written six short books, aimed at the general reader, one of which is THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU CALM. I think it is great and you can "work" it, with exercises to help you. It is available on Amazon and Kindle. Her name is Dr Jessamy Hibberd. :flowerforyou:

Heather UK

Thanks, Heather, I used to have a rower but have not used one in years and years. I am a member of the YMCA, I guess I just need to get off my backside and go check out the exercise room. So far all I've done at the Y is the Water Aerobics and Yoga a few times. Thanks for the info.

[quote="stm712015;33111222"

"Struggled not to weigh myself this morning - I get too obsessive about the scale when I diet. Boy was it hard to ignore my curiosity. Today I'll take "before" pictures and do my "before" measurements - eek!"


Sara from Arizona[/quote]

Good job for day one!! I have a horrible time not getting on the scale, sometimes I want to jump on it several times daily. I retain fluid quite badly and can up or down three pounds in a day for no reason, then I'm down all day and so tempted to eat everything in sight. I play a game with myself about not getting on the scale every morning. I also "run" to the kitchen and get that first cup of coffee, cuz heaven forbid I weigh after I have put an additional ounce in my body.