WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR NOVEMBER 2015

Kim in N. California, I was snorting in my coffee thinking of my response to your question about the difference between trousers and pants in Ireland. Pants are what come out of your husband's mouth after you drop your trousers on the floor! As I understand it from my sister who lived in England for five years, the word pants is not used for clothing on your lower extremities. They do use the term panties for underwear for women. I think. It has been decades since she lived in Cambridge and I learned what a loo was, that pissing meant it was raining, etc. I love reading about the development of the English language as well as reading an interesting book about the development of a sign language in a small village where many had congenital deafness.

Sylvia - the bowls are fabulous! Love them all! Is there any way you could get a couple over here? If you are passing a post office perhaps you could enquire about shipping, or google it. Obviously good packing is key, but I would pay good money.
Would love to have your bowls on display. :flowerforyou:

Penny - Enjoy your drink at Raffles Hotel! :drinker: I wouldn't have the slightest pang of guilt. :laugh:

All you ladies who are talking about your age - I am 66, I have been on here over 3 years now. I have lost 56 lbs and kept it off, apart from one pesky pound, for nearly two years. I haven't felt deprived as I eat well and do a lot of exercise, but it does require dedicated logging and planning. I still log almost every day of my life and always will. The maths work.
I am lucky that I don't crave high carb or sugary stuff, but I have my own challenges with cheese and alcohol. I don't do takeaway or processed food, so it is easier to eat high veg, lean protein, usually in a spicy format. I eat a lot.
Tonight is squid stew. I eat a lot of fish and seafood.
I exercise 600 calories a day, except for yoga days - 236 - and I have always eaten my calories back.

No need for fancy plans or restrictions. The maths work. If you work it.

Love Heather UK

WELCOME Welsh lady!

Went in to talk to doctor. We had a very fruitful discussion. The problem was in the computer system and how the prescription was written out. He is so frustrated and angry because he said computers are not decreasing these types of errors. He showed me how they go about entering in a prescription into the system. The wording of the prescription was poor in this case, but you could see how easy it is to click on the wrong prescription, too. He did not do this. It is hard to explain why the prescription was incorrect, but it was. This is a standing prescription so I am glad I went in because the same thing would have happened again the next time he would go to get this filled. Now it is correct.

Lessons learned is
1. to have your medications filled at a pharmacy because they are another check your health care. A mail order pharmacy would not have caught this error.
2..Check your medications to see if they are the right dose and right prescription. If something does not seem right speak up.
3. If something does not seem right in your meds plan that they send home with you ask questions the potential for confusing and conflicting info is strong.

He is going to take DH case to the safety committee as another example of how this system compromises good care. I am glad I went in because if if helps in bringing light to this issue and then improvements I did the right thing. Anyone who take prescription medication needs this awareness.

Margaret

Hi girls!

Everyone is running round trying to set up exchange and completion dates on my rental. I think we will be clearing out the flat next week. It was fully furnished. She wants me to leave the fridge freezer, washing machine and dining table and chairs. That's great as I don't have to pay for the cubic feet in the van. There is an enormous TV which is a shame, but I did offer it to her. At least I won't have to disconnect the washing machine and the cooker is electric, so no gas problems.
I was in tears of relief this lunchtime. Please, please, please let it go without a hitch now.

DH went off to the supermarket and I stayed behind and did my hair roots. I'm now a natural blonde again! :laugh: I feel sooooooo much better when it's done. My back is still sore, but not any worse.

Lots of love, Heather UK

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

Good Morning Ladies,

Barbie, I’d have to try to get in the middle of some of that snuggling. How sweet!!!

Becca, yogurt and G-strings. Yep that sounds like a man. Or maybe a “boy”??? cute fur babies. Oh and darling kitten!!!

MicheleNC, we finally got a little rain last night and they are still saying could get up to an inch overnight tonight. I would think you might get more but ya never know?

Sylvia, it’s November already and guess what? Next month is Christmas!! Yikes, right? No offense but pumpkin turkey chili doesn’t even sound good. I commend you for trying it.

Mindy, I hope your rough day at work was just physically rough and not emotionally rough. Hope you got some good rest and things look brighter today. (((Hugs)))

Sylvia, I didn’t realize you posted the finished bowls on the end of last month. They are fantastic!!! They do look better than the ones the kids did, but I thought they were going to paint them again this year? You are such an angel for donating all of that.

Joyce, you said, “I used to make a real good chicken pot pie and I used store bought pie crust for it. It was one of those things that made me 233 pounds.” That is something I would still eat in moderation. In fact, as my DH would say, “You flung a craving on me”.

Irish, a huge CONGRATS, on your success in this journey. When I started this journey I’m not even sure I believed that I could do it, but once the pounds started dropping off I sure became one. If two years ago someone told me that I would lose 60 pounds, I’d not have believed them. Isn’t it wonderful???

Gloria, wishing you the best luck with finding a new place. At the least, I’d figure you’d have 30 days from the time a proper notice of eviction is given. Hang in there!!! (((Hugs)))

Karen, how nice of you to go to the memorial service to support your colleague. And what kind words you spoke. Thank you. Crossing my fingers for you on your health checkup.

Jenna, welcome. You did a great thing by losing weight and I really support you in not putting it back on! That is the worst thing I can think of. This is a great place for support and information so come often. You don’t have to respond to everyone or even to anyone. Concentrate on you for now! Thanks for being honest about your drinking. And yes, I’d say at our age we should be past getting drunk and having hangovers. That is the last thing I want to happen to me and I love my Vodka and Tonics. Did you lose the weight using MFP or some other way? We totally support you in this life journey. Hang in there. You can do this!!

Peach, good to see you again. I can see where the stress of your Mom’s house isn’t helping the situation. You are strong enough to overcome the stresses in life and conquer the situation. If you aren’t ready to totally give up your wine, how about switching to something else? A mixed drink, a spritzer or even a beer. If you don’t like it as much maybe that would be a good way to ween off of it. Just a thought. Take care. (((Hugs)))

Margaret, I think I’d talk to the doctor, too. They need to be aware of what happened so they can keep an eye on things. Who knows, this sort of thing could have happened before. Good for you.

Pat, so sorry to hear about your DH’s health issues. Sending healing thoughts for him and strength for you. Please remember to take care of yourself as you won’t be any good for DH if you don’t. Please try to stop in and give us an update a little more often because we care. ((((Hugs))))

Heather, thank you for sharing about your journey and your success. I knew it from being here as long as I have but think it’s important for newer members to hear. There are some that have been on here for a long time that have not been as successful but I get the feeling that they also don’t eat fewer calories than they burn. Like you say, it’s just math and it works. And we all know that you eat a wonderful variety of food.

Susb, very nice testimonial. I don’t know if you are joining our little group but if so, please tell us a bit about yourself. We also ask that you sign each post with the name you want to be called. Welcome.

Mary, you reminded me that I have two spots of trim that need painting before winter. I have to get the paint so I can do it the next dry spell that we have.

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.

I have a Moose meeting tonight where they will serve food. I’m getting better at resisting even a bite or two. I hate to miss the social time to visit with the members but have to just not look at or think about the food. I can do this. I can do this.

I hope all of you have a healthy and happy day.

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.
I Love you,
DJ
Myrtle Beach, SC
Remember: Just because you see the hook doesn't' mean you have to bite.

Heather-you must be very excited! I hope everything goes well for you.

Mary from Minnesota

susb wrote: »

Kim, don't get discouraged. You're putting negative thoughts in your head if you are relati g to how easy it was in the past. It can be accomplished now! Yes, our bodies do change as we age but that doesn't mean we can't reach our goals. I did, and it was shocking. I call it, silly as this might sound, eating correctly in the right amounts to lose or maintain your weight. I shocked myself as well as everyone who knew me. This sounds like one of those darn ads! It is not. I got rid of the mindset that I was on a "Diet", which to me represented denial of all the foods that I love. I simply told myself that I was never going to win the battle of losing or maintaining my weight by eating in that manner, day after day, year after year. It was a battle I was never going to win and as you know, you are continually left feeling defeated! I do know what it feels like to eat foods due to stress and comfort. This is never good, right? It makes you feel like you have no self control. It is, mindless eating...

I have to tell you this: by setting up a healthy eating plan, I lost 40 punds in few months. No, I did not starve myself. I did, every now and then, hit a couple of plateaus but I was patient. In the end I weighed 118, the same weight I was when I was 20 years old and this happened at the age of 55! Only, after six weeks of eating correctly, did I begin to do a small amount of walking and I added Pilates. I could never have imagined the results. I never went to a class, just used and bought DVD's to do at my home, at my convenience. I added my cardio by opening up my front door and walking in my neighborhood. A few months later, I had not only lost every pound I had ever dreamed of losing bit I was toned and in great shape.

I made sure I ate at near the same time, morning, noon and evening, around, 8, 12, 6 with 100-150 calorie snacks mid morning and mid afternoon. I was never starving and I enjoyed my meals and snacks more than ever because, I feel, I wasn't shoving food down my face all day long! I also wrote down everything I ate until I lost every last pound! I also drank green tea for a snack here or there, throughout the day.

I ate lots of protein, vegetables and fruits (wow, what a surprise!) My grocery list had all the healthy items included each week when shopped.

Overall, I did not eat bread at every meal. I kept bread, pasta, rice and potatoes to a minimum while I was losing the weight and measured it out when I was in maintenance. I did switch everything to whole wheat or grains. I did eat sweet potatoes. I did not rule out peanut butter (natural), butter (whipped) olive oil, low cal salad dressing or honey. I made sure to limit these items and measure them out, so I could add them into my daily count. It would be ridiculous to think that any of us could sustain a healthy diet for life without having the small amounts of flavoring these type items add to your overall eating experience. I think this is where people go off track, they feel they have to go on a "diet" and deny themselves of everything if they are ever going to reach success; not true! It's not small amounts of anything like these items; it was the overall excess calories day after day, that made us put on all of the extra weight, right?

I made sure not to bring any food that was tempting or not good for me, into the house, especially during the first six weeks of forming my healthy eating routine. If someone did bring something home, I quickly tucked it out of sight, later, it didn't matter, my quick results and healthy eating habits were a way life.

I measured everything I ate with measuring cups and spoons.

When I went out to eat, which I avoided because of old habits, I strictly ordered healthy items.

Oh yes, two more things, I weighed myself every day and I used 5 lb. goals as an incentive from the start. 160 would be 155, 155 would be 150' until I reached the last goal of 118. In the end, I was too skinny. Best weight, for my age, was anywhere from 120 to 130.

I was so proud when I went to my OBGYN and blurted out that I had lost 40 pounds! He told me: you're too thin, you need some weight on you, you've passed menopause!

Wow, sometimes you can't win! This was one issue I didn't mind having and I could easily modify.

I hope I am not coming off as preachy; I simply want to share my experience so that all of you could realize losing and maintaining weight should not be thought of as a battle; it truly does have to be a way of life!

Yes, make sure to reward yourself with bubble bath, body lotion, a new DVD or anything you like, instead of using food as a reward!

Very encouraging story and plan of action for weight loss at our ages. I have for the most part followed the same path.

I began my journey on MFP on March 8th of this year weighing 198.2 lbs with my height being 5'3 1/2". My last weight was 181.8 lbs on August 25th and it has stalled at about 185 lbs since then. Very discouraging because I feel I am doing the right things to lose the weight. Ugh! I try and get in a 3 mile walk most days of the week. I do moderate strength training 2-3 times per week. For the most part my calorie consumption is about 1300 cals per day.

In the past I would have thrown in the towel. I'm sticking with it this time as it is a lifetstyle change not a diet that I am on. However, something has to give here because I don't know what the problem is regarding the stopped weight loss.

Cheri plateauing along in sunny NE Ohio

Barbie – Thanks for keeping us going ! ! !

Michele - Is there anything else she treasures that can be her “Something Old”? Or maybe even pin the ring inside her dress somewhere, or wear it on a chain around her neck? My Mom had a particular necklace that I loved, and I wore it only for my wedding day, then gave it back. There was also a handkerchief that has been handed down numerous generations that everyone wore pinned inside her dress. You can find a way to make this special. Skype during dress shopping is a marvelous idea, too. Hugs !

Margaret – This whole thing makes me so sad. I don’t think you really need a reason for firing a doctor, you just fill out the paperwork to transfer your records to whomever you want as your new provider. Or ask for the records to be released to you, then take them with you wherever you go until you have made a decision. Hugs ! ! !

Gloria – what luck on the duplex. I hope the right option falls into your lap. Moving is so stressful. Hugs !

Sylvia – Cute cartoon. My DS struggles with time change both spring and fall. Good luck with your canine alarm clock. // The bowls are great. I like them all !

Almost time for lunch. I will send this, and return after lunch to get caught-up with all of you.

I just got a phone call from a local number I didn’t recognize. A few weeks ago, after shopping at El Rey, I saw a drawing box. If you buy a certain brand of ham you sign the back of your receipt and give them your phone number to enter to win a TV. Tomorrow I will pick up my new TV. I’m so pumped ! ! ! I don’t even remember any details about it, but it is my favorite price range: FREE !

Hugs for Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee

Pat I unfortunately can relate. DH feeling much better since blood thinner is working.

DJ I believe you can do it too because you are thinkjng about it ahead of time.

Georgia Peach our family had to sell the family home this past summer for the same reason the upkeep was too expensive. My mom is not going to be able to return home. Someone should have power of attorney to be able to pay her bills. My brother had that so it was possible to sell her home. If no one has that I am afraid you will need to go through the courts to get this done. It is not your responsibility to pay the bills on her home but her estate. Without the power of attorney it makes it hard for the estate to do this. It is a tough call if the home is worth a lot because without paying the bills a lean will go on the property and those bills will be settled before the estate is divided. Again it shows the importance of getting these pieces in place before there is a problem. It is a hard enough time as it is. I am thankful to my mother for having the power of attorney in place. I would keep a record of all expenses so when the estate is divided these paid bills on both your parts in taken into consideration. You are saving the estate thousands by keeping up on those bills. ((((((Hugs))))).

Thanks for all your thoughts about my mom's house. They put the house in my sister's and my name along with my mother over 6 yrs ago and it can't be sold until she passes on . At this time she is on Medicaid and no she won't be returning home. My biggest fear is that when she passes on, the State might come in and claim the house for the money they have expended on her care. If she lives for more than a few years, all the money we have invested in its care may be lost. One brother actually went to the bank to borrow the money to buy it from us and he was told they wouldn't lend him the money as long as the estate was set up like it is. Funny thing is that he is the lawyer who had it set up this way. Enough ranting. I just have to leave it up to God and know that things will work out for the best.