WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR OCTOBER 2016

Alison - Sending you my best wishes for everything you have to do this weekend.

Barbie - So glad normal life is sneaking up on you. :bigsmile:

Heather UK, still basking in the warm feeling of a trip to the dump.

Katla - My home is lovely, but I am like a fish out of water in this rural village. Our neighbours are largely uncommunicative, and one side is a pain in the neck, there is no shop, we are very different politically from the locals and we are 10 miles from the nearest hospital with a difficult, urban journey and very little, expensive parking. My doctor is a driving distance away.
I only have a couple of friends from the yoga group who don't socialise much outside the weekly class, despite my best efforts. The WI has been a bit of a damp squib. We are not church goers where most of the socialising goes on. I would love a community of more like minded people. I loved living in London and felt that was my community. We only moved because the apartment block I lived in was subject to noise issues and we could not afford a house in London. I meant to live in Winchester as a good compromise, but the house we were moving into fell through. Brighton/Hove was my first choice back then, but was too far from DH's football. He doesn't go to football now, but his cricket is a problem. We thought we would find a community here, but no luck. The pubs are just restaurants and there is no hub to the village.

Good, I am persuading myself we are doing the right thing.

Heather UK

Heather - Are you able to part with any of your possessions by giving to your sons or family members? Kind of like the things that maybe you would bequest them after you die, but instead give them up early so you can watch them enjoy and use them? Or maybe, could there be some creative storage solutions in your new place? Benches or footstools that double as storage inside/underneath? Under bed storage? Perhaps a chest at the foot of the bed? I love a good purge, like you! Last spring break I went through my son's room (with him) and then I tackled our basement storage with my dh. My things are really down to clothes in my closet and a couple bins of books. DH has a closet and a half, two work benches and FOUR bins of sweaters from the '80's!! FOUR!! I threatened him that the next time I purge, I am doing it while he is gone and those sweaters are going, going, gone!

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

Good Afternoon Ladies,

Marcelyn, my one armed friend, I’m so impressed that you will do the marathon, with or without your arm strapped down. You go girl.

Heather, that is great that your difficult friend won’t be on the trip in November. I’m sorry for the reason but just glad she won’t be there to bug you.

Penny, we will be thinking of you while you are working your tushie off. Sorry for the turn of events but I feel sure you will handle things. ((((Hugs))))

Allie, I hope things improve at work for you and all concerned. You are wise to try not to worry and take one day at a time. (later) So sorry about your dear friend, Ray. I do hope you get to go spend some time with him this weekend. (((Hugs)))

9LKnoles, welcome. You just join by posting, like you did. We appreciate it if you would tell us a bit about yourself to help us get to know you. It’s also nice to sign each post with the name you want to be called and a location, general or specific. This is a great place for support and information so come often.

Connie, welcome to you as well. We will gladly support you and good for you on doing something now before it got out of hand.

CarolGA, it’s too bad your mom wasn’t up to going out for her BD. She looks great. Could ya’ll not all come back to the nursing home for a celebration? At least you tried.

Virginia, welcome. Please come often and post often so we can keep up with your progress. Only when asked, I’ve been known to get out my boots for a swift kick when someone feels they need it. Your walking and Elliptical times sound great to me.

Pip, you did tell Knowles about the $500 check to join but you forgot to tell her to make it out to me. Come on, lady, git with it! LOL

Wickglamgirl wrote: »

Like my new pic? I find it depressing and inspiring at the same time

Actually, I love the picture and feel the same way about it.

Debbie, welcome. We are happy you dropped in and you can ask questions any time. I’m sure some of these very smart ladies will have some suggestions for you.

Heather, Boo Hiss on getting a cold. I hope it goes quickly! That was a nice gift that DH’s DD sent. Hopefully after you get moved you won’t have such expensive taxi rides if you even still have to take taxis. Feel better soon!!!!

Gloria, I hope the best for the interview. You probably did better than you think but I know what you mean when we feel a bit off our game.

KateUK, sorry your weather turned yucky. Exactly what season are you in there? I could Google it but easier to ask you residents. Lol

Betty, thanks for checking in.

Kay, I gave up diet soda over a year ago and I have to say I’m shocked that I don’t miss it. I now, occasionally have one and I can’t tell any difference when I do and when I don’t. I just know it’s better for me and I used to drink a lot!

Joyce, first of all I don’t look at the sunrise most days, even when I’m up. When I stay at the beach it’s just more common since I love looking out at the water, but I don’t see those beautiful sunrises that often. I guess that’s what makes them so special. I hope your new CPAP works out great, hair and all.

Janetr, I was wondering about MichellNC also. I’ll message her and let you all know.

Katla, so happy your DH’s new leg brace is an improvement. Why do we all overdo when we get something like that? Lol

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 got behind but have now read all the posts. I love being part of your lives. I’ve laid low since the Monday night Moose meeting after my busy weekend. The weather has been beautiful! The area is still cleaning up from Hurricane Matthew and the town near me is evacuating many neighborhoods due to continued flooding. Some of the rivers are just now at their highest points and going places they don’t belong. Many places here also were without power for 5 days so we were very blessed.
Sending love and good thoughts to all of you and I hope you all have a Happy and Healthy 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

Hi all. I've been looking for a group to join. It's been tough. There are a lot of nasty people on this site. Can't find anything nasty here, so I'll give it a try. I live in NJ. I'm 57 years old, married mother of 3, with 2 grandchildren. My daughter is getting married next week and I have been trying to lose some weight for the past year. Since I came back to MFP the end of August, I'm down 6 pounds. 48 lbs. to go. I guess that's something. I have a lot of stress (husband lost job last January) and I take care of my grandchildren everyday, running them back and forth to preschool. I can't seem to get a handle on dropping the weight this time. I lost a lot with WW in 2004, but it's almost all back. Hopefully I can connect and get moving again.

Hello, Lithe Lasses!

Another day, another pound of Puffy. *sighs* HATE that Puffy Princess. But, I am feeling confident today, anyway... I am wearing my new sweater – an A-line with an asymmetrical hemline in forest green. It pairs marvelously with my black leggings... Not much else of any note to mention, today... Got up, went to the gym, came to work. End of story.

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Kay – I commiserate, for sure. Both with the HVAC, and the noodle arms... I have been trying to do some arm work at the gym. I got baby biceps! But the first few hours after doing those presses and pull downs... *sighs*

Joyce – I understand not stooping – but sometimes, you need to shock those men into behaving. Once in a very great while, you just have to stand your ground. For me, that usually involves some yelling... your way is probably better; but not everyone responds to calm and rational. Sad but true. Good luck with your “cramming.”

Gayle – Hello!

Janet – I am sure Michele is fine, and that she will be back.

Katla – Hope you and DH can find a MH that doesn’t make you ill. So glad to hear the brace is helping. And I know just what you mean about the passivity... my DH has become much less of a “firecracker” than he used to be. Being helpless and dependent for a long time was not good for him, at all.

Heather – Everybody wants to nest at the holidays – this, too, shall pass. Besides, who doesn’t want to be nearer to those ADORABLE children at Christmas time? Think of the visits to Santa, the cute Christmas jumpers, all those other marvelous Holiday things... Proximity is a wonderful thing. Hope your knee loosens up, soon. And OH yes... I love getting rid of stuff... but DH is a bit of a hoarder, so he is resistant. *sighs*

NYKaren – Thanks, Hon. I am not stressed about the scale. I already know that the Puffy One arrives at her whim, and stays for as long as she pleases. I also know that eventually, the *kitten* gets bored and goes away – taking a few pounds with her. I feel for your Dad. But at least in the 70’s it was just a few select industries... now, it’s all-pervasive. It’s RARE to have a job that you really love, that doesn’t stress you out. I try not to think about it, too much, either. It just depresses me. As I said, Que Sera, Sera. Hope that scratchy throat goes away!

Allie – Sorry about Ray. “Family” is a matter of the heart – more than the blood. I know you will take care of your own. (Hugs!) Wish I could help with the clothes for Ruth... I have loads of 4x just sitting around. PM me... maybe I can ship a box to where Ruth is or something. I have plenty of bed-appropriate clothing and would love a good excuse to send it off to someone who needs it.

Carol – It’s super-hot in TX, too. Who would have thought we would actually NEED the AC in October?

Lenora – There is an old phrase that I am sure you have heard... “Kill her with kindness.” No matter what she says, no matter what she does – be polite. Ignore her madness. Forget about whether or not what she does is “right.” Be sweet to her, as much as you can. Eventually, she will be shamed into behaving better. It takes a great deal of stubbornness and some time – but somehow, I think you might have what it takes...

Virginia – Let me preface by saying that I am a major advocate for exercise. I find it to be the most important part of this whole process – at least for me. So, I am biased... And I have experienced the stiffness and such... but, I am finding, after a LONG time, that when I stand up, my knees are whining less – and if I don’t sit for too long, I have a lot less of the stiffness. Now, 8 miles a day isn’t really required... lol. You will find your own sweet spot. I have been doing about 30 – 45 minutes a day on the elliptical since May – so maybe six months from now, perhaps less for you, your knees might whine, less, too... Not sure how much of the lessening of pain is from sustained exercise, and how much is from just being lighter – but, it does get better. Keep it up!

Carey – Hope your eyes stay better! I know my DH had serious computer issues when he took his Lisinopril during the day... he said it made him feel like the computer was trying to suck him in... Obviously, the blood pressure was affecting his vision. He started taking it before bed, and Viola! Computer issues over. Have you changed your medications, lately?

Cheri -

Pip - *waves*

Mary – Hope you are having a marvelous time! Let us know when you get home.

Barbie – SOOOO glad you are feeling better. And HURRAY for 7000 steps. Do your legs feel much better? Or are you still sore from the surgery?

KJ – Hope you are feeling better, Sugar. And I am so there with you on the DH stuff... obviously yours and mine are brothers from another mother... lol. The man has two giant garbage bags full of socks... Who DOES that?

DJ – Now don’t be silly, Hon. You KNOW those checks are supposed to be made out to me. I got a fence to build! And I don’t miss the soda, either. I had to give it up, because after lapband, anything carbonated was like swallowing knives, but I got over my Diet Pepsi addiction pretty quickly and have never looked back. I am most pleased that the storm didn’t cause you much grief.

Kate – back pain is tricky stuff... it only hurts when you do “this.” I used to get horrible back muscle issues when I first started exercising – because I wasn’t doing any abdominal work. All my elliptical, bike, etc, was making my back muscles work and tighten up – with abdominal muscles like flabby noodles, it was like my back was trying to make a fist all the time and it hurt like heck. Once I started doing my daily crunches on the abdominal machine, I never had a problem with it, again. Hope yours is as easy to fix.

Margaret – Beautiful photos! I love the Fall colors... we get them around December in TX... lol.

MountainMomma58 – Welcome! We try to avoid Nasty, as a general rule... We are all grown, and we all understand how it feels to be treated like sub-class citizens – so we try to behave – and generally succeed. As to weightloss success – you have to find the little changes that you can make – never to change back! Even a tiny change can have some results... and if you never “change back” then you never regain the weight. At least that is what has worked, for me. Down 100 lbs with the lapband about ten years ago – and down another 30 lbs by making more small changes now. See my note above to Virginia on my exercise bias. I had a practical example of how the smallest amount of exercise can affect you... I had a job where I parked in the garage and walked – less than a city block – from my car to the office. For a variety of reasons, my DH started driving me to work – and he dropped me off RIGHT at the door. I gained ten pounds! EEK. That walking back and forth to my car had been keeping those ten pounds at bay. So, any little thing that you can add, or change, can make a difference. Good luck!

Gloria – Oh Honey – I eat stuff I probably “shouldn’t” every day. But, I don’t believe in “forbidden foods” or “fat free” or anything that isn’t just regular food like regular people eat. (Exercise is my friend.) We each have our own method of doing things and not every path is for everyone. And I am someone who tends to feel that anybody who doesn’t like what I am eating can Bite Me... I am trying to build a healthier relationship with food, here... But that is just me. LOL. And, yes, we should all be the better angels... that is what we try to do, here, every day. ((Hugs!)) Alas, we cannot chastise the haters...that only goads them to further hating. We must lead by our Sweet Loving Examples.

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Dinner out of the freezer, tonight... we have an Eggplant Parmesan in a box that is fairly edible. And I am not quite back on track for preparing marvelous meals in the crockpot, since my vacation and the HVAC prep... perhaps next week.

Be well, my Sisters... Hugs for Everybody!!

Re in TX

There is never, ever, ever an excuse or "reason" in anger get physical with another human being. Enough said.

Janetr OKC

Hello all: Feel like I have spent the whole day driving to and from and spending time at the interventional gastroenterologist's office with DH. I did get to water exercise this morning though, thank goodness. DH had an esophagectomy many years ago at Mayo Clinic for Barrett's esophagus a precancerous condition. They told us then that he would probably need to have the esophagus dilated three or four times until it stabilized. He is now coming up on dilation 66 or something like that and it has had to be done more and more often hence the referral to this doctor. He will do an evaluation on Dec 8 and then offered several options. His goal is to get it down to one dilation per year. I would be happy with that and so would DH. The catch is this can only be done at a hospital in Seattle and like Barbie I hate driving in big cities.

Glo - Hope you hear good news from the interview.

Janetr - Do the steroids mess with your sleep? They do with me and that makes me very cranky. Also for me they caused carb cravings, not nice.

Welcome to the newbies.

Everyone take care, Sue in WA

Sue in WA - what does the dilation do? I had Barrett's the first time I had an esophagectomy done but the next one showed nothing. The only thing I was told was that I would have to stay on Prilosec for the rest of my life. I stopped taking it about a year ago after being symptom free for a long time which I account to losing almost a hundred pounds. I'm really going to count my blessing now. Time for another esophagectomy and am praying it will be as positive as the last one.

Gloria in WA

Good evening friends, been a busy day today. I had my first WI this morning and lost 2 #. Yea for ,e
Finally caught up on posts after being out of town all weekend. BB tomorrow.

Sue B Dew in TX

BTW I made spaghetti squash with frozen (homemade) meatballs and spaghetti sauce in my crockpot the other day. It was great - especially the day after. I did let in cook longer than the recipe said to get the spaghetti squash nice and tender.

Gloria in WA

Katla - I'm sure that would have upset me also. I think she really meant she would enjoy having grandma and grandpa closer. Some times our children, even though they are adults, can be very selfish and do not consider your entire life has been there. (((Hugs))).

Ladies, thanks for the input on Michele. I have to apologize, I forgot to tell you I had messaged her that same night and she responded. As you all said, she is fine just very busy at the moment.

Janetr (in GA tonight, headed to Tampa in the morning)