WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JULY2015

I thank my lucky stars each day that I've found such a supportive and sharing group of ladies to go on my health journey with. Thank you all for sharing your challenges, successes, wisdom and advice.

I feel like I've been travelling for weeks...oh wait I have! I can't remember driving this much in a long time. I've spent at least 44 hours driving in the last 2 weeks.

We had a great turn out for the reunion, even 3 of those currently having challenges with cancer were able to come for at least a few hours. I had a wonderful visit with them. Got a real kick out of my cousin's little boy who is 4 (going on 40) who talks a blue streak. He picked some flowers to give to mommy ( dandelions and little blue flowers with no stem). When we asked him why he got flowers for mommy he scrunched up his face in the cutest frown and said so mommy doesn't look like this. He's so adorable! Mommy had a smile the rest of the day...hangover or not. :laugh: A lot of family chose not to come to the reunion this year since there is also going to be a 75 birthday party for my aunt in 3 weeks and they couldn't get time off for both.


Thought for the day: "Man has never made any material as resilient as the human spirit." - Bernard Williams




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 (
W1: Family reunion - 3 days of fun and hard work
W2: Tai Chi with friend who will start beginners and needs some company. Hot Stone Massage
)

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

Becca – Congrats on getting your license. A sense of power and control is a nice thing to have. Being able to take care of ourselves and others. Good Job ! ! !

Grits – congrats on that wonderful compliment from a stranger. Love those NSV’s !

Carol – sending hugs. I don’t know if it will help, but since breaking my arm last year, I keep all my bras hooked, and pull them up over my feet/legs. I am also only a “B” cup, so it doesn’t take much to get settled in. I know you really just need the hugs, so here is another (((Hug))). The roof, too? More (((((Hugs)))))

Tuliplor – I believe many of us struggle in the evening (I know I do). And I still fail more often than succeed. But when I am able to succeed, it is because of veggies already cut up, almonds to crunch, or lentil chips from Big Lots (DS and DH eat chips, so I pretend to join them with my lower fat/calorie options). I also crochet, and I can’t crochet with food in my fingers. I am also finally able to use the word “no” when DH asks if I want something from a fast food place (or choose the salad when available). For breakfast I am currently focusing on protein, so 2 eggs with mushrooms or onion or ham or turkey bacon or something. When I can’t afford eggs, I eat Old Fashioned Oatmeal, and try to add a fruit. Keep coming, and getting/giving all the support you need.

Bkrimpet – I like tankini because all that I have bought have at least a little bra built in, so if the loose fabric in the front flows up, nothing is exposed except the rotund belly. If I leave the pool area, I can put on a pair of shorts or something, and the top is looser, so it looks like a tank top and not a swimsuit.

Michele – in the most previous bag of cherries that I bought, the individual cherries are HUGE. I suppose I need to adjust my calorie count. I can weigh them at work, I think I will try that today. I can’t stop eating them  // Congrats on the planks.

Kim – Congrats on the business/mom situation. What a stress-reliever. // Parishoners for Carol – great thought. I belonged to a Church that was amazing that way, and another that was terrible.

Joyce – Well done on your admission and revelation. Hugs for the truth ! ! ! and Respect !

Allison – Congrats on not gaining. You can do this; today is a new day !

I’m with Janet about depression. When I was unhappy I lashed out on others, which was both exhausting and sad. Now that I am happy, it makes me happy to make other people happy, and if I keep the glass ½ full, I have something to strive for. When I was unhappy, I couldn’t think of anything besides making other people unhappy with me (misery loves company). My new motto is “Love the people who treat you right – Pray for the people who don’t” and that helps me move on when someone talks trash to me or about me. Maybe if a person is truly depressed it is cathartic to stand up for your rights and tell the truth ? Plus, there is a difference between being assertive and being aggressive, so I’m guessing that is a factor, also. I believe we should all do what works best for us, and we should continue being strong women.

Theresa – baby steps, and one day at a time. If it feels overwhelming, dump it on us, then “in the corner” and start over with new baby steps.

Gilly – it is NOT stupid to have confused feelings about deceased son and living grandson sharing a name. We all grieve in our own way, and you certainly have a right to your feelings. (mine was 6 mo gestation, and I named her Courtney)

Well, I bit the inside of my cheek so hard the taste of blood was making me nauseated, so I didn't finish my salad, but since I ate most of it I will still log it like I ate it all. Hopefully the cherries and yogurt I have planned for my snack won't cause any more pain (or stinging). I also stayed on the exercise bike for 20 minutes this morning, so that was a huge accomplishment. 10 minutes on the handbike added to that, and I'm feeling empowered. I need to keep my protein up for donating blood on Saturday, yet keep my calories and fat down so I still could stand a chance in this contest.

Work is getting toxic again, so I'm glad I have my "cave" to hide in, and keep worrying about keeping the patients happy (I suspect when I return at the end of next week, there will be at least a slight employee turn-over).

Counting down to leaving for Chicago. I hope the Hotel has a laundry room, because if DS qualifies, he and DH need to stay a few days longer, and I'm certain neither of them will pack for the maximum days.

More Hugs for Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee (yesterday was 86 degrees, so Summer is over; I hope we have a warm Autumn).

Miriam I live in St. Paul. My oldest son went to the U of Iowa in Iowa City, so I am familiar with your area. I also have past through there many a time on the way to St. Louis. Hope you are having a good day.

Good afternoon! I can not thank you enough for all of the encouragement and hugs! I slept a lot last night and that has helped me feel better today. I slept for probably 4 hours or so before being awakened by the cat who decided it was prime time for going outside. I went back to sleep a little after 4 a.m. and was awakened by the doorbell at 10:20 a.m. I really wonder how long I would have slept if not for the doorbell ring!

My daughter is still really cranky but has removed herself to upstairs. I hope she pulls herself together!

As for all of the suggestions about bras...I wear a size 36HH bra. The girls have not been out in public without a bra since I was 10! I can not walk into a store and buy a bra unless it is a specialty bra shop that just happens to carry a bra in my size that actually fits my body shape. Bras in my size start at about $60, so I don't have many and take excellent care of the ones I do have. (I also shop eBay.) The potential for the weight of my breasts to pull on my surgical shoulder convinced my surgeon to put a bra on me before I woke up. No offense intended, but I have to giggle everytime I read about someone looking for a shelf bra in a shirt--my daughter and I are constantly searching for ones without the bra so that we don't have to cut it out. Terri (?)-I gave serious thought to your suggestion about pulling the bra up, but my hips are a lot bigger than 36 inches so I'm pretty sure that won't work.

Kim - You'd think that working at churches would give me an edge, wouldn't you? At one church, the members treat me more as if I'm one of their own, but most of the members are over 70 and not really up to the task. At the other church, I would have to search deep to find more than one or two people who would be willing to help out. They are THE First Baptist Church and absolutely don't get the whole helping thing. It's the most dysfunctional church I have ever come across. I AM asking for some help from my own church. I will be asking folks there for help in getting to PT appointments and, potentially, to work. I guess I don't think it is too much to ask to have my adult daughter who works less than 20 hours per week to do some basics for me. She is living in my house, eating my food, and driving my car during this time. My house was not dirty when she got here and I just expect her to keep it that way. I cleaned her FILTHY apartment top to bottom when she had surgery and was staying with me. I went to her place every day (twice on most days) to feed her cats, scoop their litter boxes, get the mail, and made sure she had everything she needed when she went home. This was on top of working 45-50 hours per week. She was not raised to have an entitlement attitude and she's not going to have one around me.

Sorry I'm so whiny!!

I'm reading a book called "Sugar" that I think is YA fiction, but is still good. It is about a very overweight teenaged girl and delves into her obsession with food and her feelings of worthlessness. Her family uses her and, even though they are all terribly obese, constantly berates her and calls her fat, stupid, ugly, etc. I empathize with her character so very much! However, if I remember correctly, the blurb about the book, written by the editor, says the main character is not likeable. If that is the case, the editor will get a piece if my mind!! The writer is so on target with the emotions of an emotionally miserable overweight person that I feel she is speaking from firsthand experience.

Okay, I've written a book here myself!! Off to walk a few laps around the house to get a bit of movement in. Hope everyone is having a great day!

Carol in NC

Lovely photo Heather!

Heather~ you look so classy!!!
I am tuckered...worked 9-5 with a 10 min lunch.. so going to bed... after I make the dos food for the morning

At the Venetian and on the gondola

You look so happy and relaxed, Pip, both of you. It's a pleasure to see the pictures, keep 'em coming!

miriamwithcats wrote: »

Carol, when I tore my rotator cuff and separated my shoulder, I could no longer comfortably fasten a bra. I am an old hippy, so I just go braless a lot, but then I don't live in the south. I do find that a cheap sports bra that goes on over my head works well enough and I can put it on without pain. I am talking about the type that look like a tank top with elastic for under the boobs. They usually are double fabric in front. Might be worth picking up a couple until you feel better. Also, regular bras can go on over your head if you don't fasten it as tightly. Or you can put it on around your waist, fasten it in front, turn it around and pull it up. It helps to bend over and rearrange things after you get it on. I am reminded of Acid Annie's comic strip- the best bra is a sweatshirt!

Both times I tore my rotator cuff, I went braless - just could not put a bra on.
Hey, 183lbs - down 16 since I started. My nurse/MD is very happy with my progress; I keep this up I will be at least another 10lbs (or more) when we go see son and his 'new' family the end of August. I'll agree that the best bra is a sweatshirt (or any shirt that is thick enough that your headlights are not shining.

Just in case you aren't sure, my previous post was supposed to be funny. There is half of one leaf left on the plant.

Today my feet look like I wasted my money on the Baby Foot. But supposedly, in 3 to 5 days, the dead skin is supposed to start shedding. I'll keep you updated! Maybe I'll take a picture of that and really gross y'all out.

barbicat-every time we have come here for the last few years, we have walked from the airport to the hotel and walked everywhere always taking the stairs and not the elevator or escalator unless that was all there is and even that, we would wank when we were on on the escalators. we have always worked out in the beginning of the day. i am so blessed to have someone that is like minded.

the sun time for me so far has been a bit dissapointing ONLY because of where the building is and it blocks the sun coming on to the pool until 11:30. kirby apologized. i told him it's not his fault, he didn't build the bldg. + i am dark already but tomorrow is CABANA day! so we have to workout a little harder and earlier so i can stuff myself and drink myself into bolivian and spend that $400!!!

Thanks for all the tankini tips...now I get to shop sometime soon and see if there are any left or if the fall clothes have taken over the stores!
Love the hat, Heather!
I also love hostas and this is the first year the deer are not eating them. There is this thing with dried blood that is black and you pull some strip and set it in the ground near your deer candy plants and they do not seem to touch the plants. You only need to set these things out once every season. My day lilies and roses also seem to be safe. Cannot remember what they are called.

.

Did an hour of a 20-40-60 workout on the treadmill today. Basically, it's 1 min at a recovery pace, 1 min at a quick pace, 40 seconds at a very fast pace and then 20 seconds of running. The plan for tomorrow is to do a step revival DVD

Vince was just saying last night that we seem to have something doing every day. Tonight is Mexican Train, Wed. we have the general meeting for Newcomers, Thurs is the lunch for Newcomers, then Fri he has his men's lunch (I get the day off), Sat. we need to go to the Hallmark store to get some of the ornaments we ordered. Still haven't heard from Lynette if they're going to come for dinner Friday.

janetr - hope you get in the pool. I really don't like when it's too warm and it's just so frustrating when you start your workout but then have to get out of the pool for a storm. Hope this doesn't happen to you. Later: so sorry the pool is still way too hot. That isn't fun at all, you can't get nearly a decent workout.

Heather - so glad you friend is coming. lovely photo. Love the hats

Kim - how wonderful that your mom is going to pay off your loan! What an unexpected surprise, and such a good one at that. She's right, she has been doing a lot for your brother. Congrats on getting your business!

Joyce - what a sweet idea of getting that picture frame! Do you remember where you got it? Your strawberry "smoothie" sounds delish

Mary in MN - yes, I hold my plank for the 2 min 45 sec all at one time. I've started listening to CD's while doing it, helps to keep my mind off how long its been. But I do keep a timer right by me so I know how long I've held it for. I just need to be watchful that I'm holding it correctly, it's so easy to start to lift your butt.

Welcome everyone new! Just jump right in, you'll get lots of good tips and help

Carol - I know I've had those bras that snap in the front. Would something like that help you? Great suggestions miriam gave you! the way Katla described putting on a bra is how I do it. And, like her, I don't have any injuries. I'm sure your church would be more than happy to help

Lisa - loved your pics abvout writers

Cheri - your pic is cute, too. Loved them all

DJ - Mexican Train (don't ask why it's called Mexican, there's no rhyme or reason) is basically dominoes. but it's nice to get toghether with other people. To me, one of the worst things I find is that people bring such unhealthy food. Vince goes for the desserts mainly, I almost never have the desserts. Actually, I can't remember when I had some. This month cherries are in seasons (plus Food Lion has them on sale which WalMart will price match so I got them for $1.99/pound) so I'm planning to bring them. Usually, Vince won't eat much of the food there so I make him something at home (a hamburger or hot dog) and now I'm starting to have dinner at home and maybe just some nibbles on things there if they have things like fruit or vegetables.

csofled - I would like to visit Ethel M. They are supposed to be Mars premier chocolates. How they can overdo Dove is beyond me. Like I said, the place was named for the Mars brother's mother, Ethel, hence Ethel M. The Mars plant is very very super clean and I bet the EthelM plant is the same way. They are so very meticulous about everything. And good!!!

Exercised, went to WalMart, came home then decided instead of only cherries, I'd take some blueberries and strawberries to Mexican Train tonight so went to Aldi to get the b-berries and s-berries. The b-berries were great, the s-berries weren't as good as some of the others I'd botten there. Then went in the pool, came in and had something to eat, read the paper (finally!), going to get dinner ready then Mexican Train tonight.

Gilly - You might look into if Ethel M can ship their candy. I know that there's a problem with the candy that contains liquor (they can't ship that to all places). Before Vince retired he got the Mars unit in Canada to send me some of the Dove with caramel. The candies they make up there are so much better than what you can get here in the US, more caramel. Anyway, they did ship them from Canada to the US

Sylvia - I always call bringing my umbrella somewhere my cheap insurance that it won't rain. Have a good trip!

pip - did you post that pic of Kirby drinking once before, or is it a new pic? You sure are one lucky lady. wowsers you in that dress and Kirby in that shirt. He needs to maybe have another button unbuttoned, but that's OK. You look FANTASTIC. Amazing that you're working out even on vacation. And all that walking you're doing! Do you guys walk up to the 22nd floor?

Carey - so glad you had such a great time at the reunion. I'll take a hot stone massage, thank you

terri - I can't stop eating the cherries, either. You can be sure that hubby and son don't pack for maximum number of days -- probably too much thinking....lol

Just got back from Mexican Train dominoes. Just snacked on the fruit I brought (cherries, blueberries, strawberries) and had a taste of two different salads. One I thought had too much oil, but the other was pretty good.

katla - kudos to you on your sticking with the horseback riding lessons. I give you lots of credit


Michele in NC