WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2017
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Lanette - Cracker and Tux are very good buddies, too. But, Tux looks very disappointed when Cracker gets to 'run inside' and he has to 'stay out'. But, he gets under the house through a vent hole; that we don't put a cover over. If he gets upset, he runs in there. He can climb a 40' pine tree in about 2 seconds flat! He is a lover; and, so is Cracker. During winter he usually weighs over 20lbs, and, we laugh when he tried to jump through it like he can during the summer months when he isn't nearly as heavy.
He does 'his job' very well; and, sometimes he will make it a 'presentation'. One morning I got up and opened the door; and there was a 'mouse' on a bed of grass! I guess he thought he needed to make it look better so I would not chunk it over the deck railing. Our last dog, a JRT would play catch with him with the lizards we have around here. Tux would get upset when Shorty would kill them once they got dazed. Pets do some very strange things. DH says that 'if' Cracker could 'actually' talk, we'd never be able to shut her up. She is so stinky spoiled rotten and is very animated.
Lenora0 -
Chris- I'm glad that you are back! I saw you on the newsfeed but I missed your posts on here!
Mia- it is a family reunion on here! So glad you have returned!
Mary from Minnesota1 -
Sherry, welcome back! I'm sorry for all you are going through.
Lanette[/b, I'm reading "A Year of No Sugar", too. I'm not as hard-core as she is, but I've made some significant changes. It has actually been easier than I thought it would be. The thing I'm missing most is yogurt.
Beth], hugs as you send the son back to Nashville. My DH retiring was the impetus I needed to put us on a budget. It has been life changing. Tracking spending leads to successful money management very much like tracking eating leads to successful weight management. I use YNAB, but I don't like the way the new version is subscription based. I still use the old pay one price, download the software version. It serves me just fine until we have to get a new computer.Then, I don't know what I will do! I've heard that the free version of Every Dollar is good, but I haven't personally tried it.
We got very little snow and it is all gone now. DH and I walked in the afternoon. It wasn't that bad. I filled one entire lawn and leaf bag with clothes to donate, another bag with two pairs of athletic shoes that are still good for everyday wear but too worn for serious walking. I stuck an almost new pair of socks in each shoe. They are cute, but I just can't love them, so I'm blessing someone else with them. I also have about 10 outfits on hangers that I am donating as well. I was afraid the matching pieces would get separated if I just threw them in a trash bag. Except for the shoes and socks, these are all clothes that have gotten too big for me. My closet is looking pretty good, my workout clothes drawer is nice and organized, but my tee shirt drawers need some serious help. That's a chore for next week.
Oh, and one more NSV! I got mad at all of my cotton panties because they kept sliding down, so I threw them all away and bought new ones. Size 7 and they fit!!!!!!! At one time I was in size 10 panties. My husband in his "on the spectrum/can't help it" way, said, "Well, what do you expect, Kay? Your butt is way smaller than it used to be, and your thighs are not as cottage-cheesy either." Bless his sweet heart! He tries to give a compliment.7 -
Hi Gals,
Last year I announced that one of my goals was to be in a better place financially by this time and Barbie responded telling me I could do it… I held that close all year, and while I never did the math to see what the debt load was then and now; I am sure that I am better – it is not by much, however I have put in place some things which will make 2017 yet better. So I am going to talk to my accountant and see if she can put together some numbers for me; so I can compare 1/2017 to 1/2018 as I know that stress is an issue for me (probably for most of us) and financials getting to where I want them would help.
I listened to a TED talk on time management – I’m pretty good at time management so would not usually pick that but I loaded a bunch on to my phone and just listened in order…this one was a really new take on time management! The speaker was Laura Vanderkam and the talk was How to gain control of your free time – I’d recommend it! The thing that resonated with me was that you write your 2017 christmas letter now with 3-5 things that you would like to say happened in your family 3-5 things for your relationships, and 3-5 things in your work/career world and then work backwards, to make those things happen. Really about setting priorities so things that really matter come first and don’t get pushed aside… a more fleshed out plan for Barbie’s saying from NA Maxwell “Never give up what you want most for what you want today.” It’s got me thinking about what I would like to put in my 2017 holiday letter – I have some ideas but not ready for prime time.
Heather – your picture of the roofs of London made me think of “step in time” from Mary Poppins
Sherry – welcome back you’ve been missed.
Newbies – welcome!
Chris -MA welcome!!!
January Goals:
Write Christmas letter, and have all cards ready to send by Dec1…this was for nov. but still working on it. Jan. still working on this….**** GET THIS DONE*******
Read and report on a book –
Log everyday to the best I can, over if need be.
11,000 + steps everyday –
Work on water consumption –
Lunch with Kyle -
Smiles.
Kim from N. California
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OK! I seriously messed up the bold thing tonight. I thought about trying to edit it, but then decided it was not worth the effort. Goodnight, my friends!4
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oceanmelody wrote: »I have a kind of weird problem. I really like to get out of the office for lunch and take a walk whenever the weather cooperates. Today it was really cold but sunny so I had a go. And the same thing happened that happens half the time it seems--some guy or other panhandles me. Today it was two times.
I am one of those types that likes to help people but honestly I hate getting asked for money on a city street. I do not know of many ladies that are equipped or desirous of stopping with a stranger, opening up a messy purse and looking about for spare change. Even coat pockets are a mess this time of year. Does anybody else have this problem? Also I only have half an hour and that is often the only time I can exercise and I need my time alone to do this.
So I shake my head and speed walk away. But then I feel kind of guilty. But I have no way to stick any change anywhere that is easy to get to, plus I feel vaguely threatened. What do you ladies do if you have this problem? Should I just follow the "I don't do guilt anymore?" philosophy?
Betty
Okay, I'm going to relate two different panhandler interactions I've had. As a result I am quite skeptical of panhandlers as they are not always what they seems to be. In our city we have HUNDREDS of panhandlers at any given time so you need to be careful and discerning. So.... here are my stories.
My daughter and were stuck at a long stop light that was flashing. We witnessed a man sitting by the road on a bucket dressed in typical homeless gear, old army jacket, and a backpack by his side. He sat there with a sign that said, "Need food, Vietnam Vet, anything helps, God Bless" I watched at least six people hand out a bill or two to him. About the time we got up to the light he stood up, grabbed his sign and bucket and walked across the street to a convenience store. We pulled into the convenience store because my daughter had to go to the bathroom and while sitting in the parking lot on the side of the building I watched the guy tie his long hair back with his bandana, put on a pair of sunglasses and then get into a BMW convertible and drive off. No joke. Homeless he was not, but he was a scammer. So that got me wondering how productive was panhandling...
There is a man, in his 60s that works a corner near my house in the city. He is usually dressed in what you would call business casual. Always clean and always neat. He wears khaki's and polo shirts. He holds a sign that also declares him as a vietnam vet, says he was laid off and can't find a job and as usual, anything helps God bless. This guy doesn't come across as scary at all and he is right on the way to Starbucks. I often say hello to him and one day I ran into him at the Starbucks and we started talking. I have watched this guy on the same corner for two years. No joke... two years. So I asked him about his panhandling. I felt pretty secure, we were sitting in Starbucks.... Anyway, turns out he really was laid off but he was of retirement age so he went ahead and retired. He considered getting a job and did look for a little bit but decided he didn't want to work an office job like he had been and after looking at his prospects discovered that it was more profitable to panhandle than take a minimum wage job. He said he would lose unemployment benefits for as long as they lasted if he made "too much" money, and his social security combined with panhandling provided him with the same as his former salary with the added benefit that his panhandling was all in cash and he didn't declare it.... So... he spends an average of four hours a day panhandling, usually four days a week. Golfs at the club, works on his fully paid for house, and lives a good life with his wife who is happy he is out of the house. I asked him if he ever felt bad that he was scamming people and he said he didn't as he really wasn't lying about anything. He was a Vietnam Vet. He couldn't find a job because he really wasn't looking, and anything really did help. He never claimed to be homeless or say he was hungry or anything like that. He actually turned out to be quite a nice guy. But I'll never give him a dime.
As a disclaimer I think many homeless are truly in need. I also have come to find out that a huge proportion of them have a mental illness and often choose to be on the street for one reason or another. I do listen to that inside voice and help those I believe I should if I can but for the most part if asked I will direct them to a local agency or church that will give assistance.
I do have to say the most honest panhandler I've seen is the guy who had the sign that said, "why lie, I'll use it to buy beer." He was getting money....
But trust them? Nope. (Ever noticed how the bandage on the amputated limb is always bright white?) Especially not the lady who comes after me threatening me when I'm out running because she thinks I'm "taking her business."..... uh... I'm running, not looking for "business." I will go work at a homeless shelter, or women's shelter or give to the food bank rather than feel guilty about not giving or saying, "nope, not today"6 -
katie bug - I'm so glad you get your DH as that complement was tricky!2
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drkatiebug wrote: »Oh, and one more NSV! I got mad at all of my cotton panties because they kept sliding down, so I threw them all away and bought new ones. Size 7 and they fit!!!!!!! At one time I was in size 10 panties. My husband in his "on the spectrum/can't help it" way, said, "Well, what do you expect, Kay? Your butt is way smaller than it used to be, and your thighs are not as cottage-cheesy either." Bless his sweet heart! He tries to give a compliment.
Wonderful NSV and one that I also have recently experienced. My FOTL cotton panties were loose and bunching up so out they went and a package of 8's came out of storage! I can relate to your ""on the spectrum/can't help it" way" as my hubs (Asperger's) does those type of statements all the time. Our therapist related it to me/us as his statements are just plain old factual as in "The roast is burnt." No fluff just a statement of fact. Hard to take sometimes but he means well!
Had a good day here. Gym in the morning (Planet Fitness for 50 min. on treadmill), trip to Sam's Club , cleaned out the laundry room, watched football, walked a mile with the dog in the chilly weather, worked on completing my Temperature Afghan (almost finished), grilled steak and sweet potato for dinner and just finishing up another football game.
Till tomorrow,
Cheri
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Yesterday saw a pinterest pin of way to burn 500 calories, could not find article to go with picture. Said 20 jumping jacks, 20 squats, 20 lunges, and 20 push-ups, didn’t say anything about repeating. So I did one set, most anemic jumping jacks and push- ups that I only went toward flor about 2 inches. Checked my fitbit and only burned 40 calories. Today I am very sore.
Heather UK sounds like we are having the same kind of day. I missed the gym yesterday and usually go in the mornings. My granddaughter called me at 1:30 to go today and we did. We added 15 min of cardio on font end of our workout too
Lacruiser I can never post or email from my ipad, words jump all over the place I don’t put them
SueBDew I have a drawer full of old cell phones. Come to think of it I think I have every computer I ever owned- afraid to dispose of them due to personal information that is on them.
Ljakubowsky I’m sorry you’re going through such a hard time. I'm sure that can do optimistic woman is in there, just give her some patience and love and she will re-emerge. You have some great goals. From my experience when not able to cope with life I needed to give myself credit for every accomplishment I achieved. Sometimes it was just being able to take a shower.
Marilyn- N CA
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Dr Katiebug - MEN! Congrats on the smaller size. I too had to get a smaller size a while back. I was hesitant to buy the smaller size as I was afraid they might not fit.
Speaking of that I can't get my mind to accept even now the difference that losing 90lbs makes it what clothes I can wear. I still look at clothes in my closet and think that they are going to be too small yet. Then I try them on and find that they are either perfect or even too big in the waist. My jeans that I bought last year really need to be replaced as they look way too baggy in the bootski and I have to wear them with a belt. Next paycheck I'll be out shopping for some new clothes. It feels so good on two fronts that I can do than - one because I can afford to and two because I'll be buying a smaller size.
I am going to look for a financial advisor to maximize my income while I can. This job is scheduled until the end of June and there is no guarantee that I will have another one by then so want to do what I can now so i don't find myself in the position I have been in the last 5 years.
Kim - The idea of putting down ideas for what you want to occur this year takes me back to college writing class. I used to come up with the general idea for paper then keep a small notebook and write down ideas as they came to me - even in the middle of the night or while I was driving. By the time I needed to work on the paper I had lots of choices to choose from which was so much easier than trying to come up with them all at once.
I tried to send a PM to someone tonight and got an error message so hit to 'go back' and tried again. same message so hit the 'go back' again and left it sitting there. I will try again later so i don't have to rewrite.
Love the picture of London and the comment regarding Mary Poppins.
Today has been a rest day. I slept when I wanted to and stayed in PJs all day. Then I ordered pizza because I could. Did not get in my walking today because then I would actually have to get dressed but am doing my kitchen counter push ups and calf raises. Looked at a cute website today about exercising in your kitchen so will be dancing as I do the dishes tonight! If I really get down and boogey I may burn more calories than by walking!
Allie - thinking of you
All of sudden felt like singing this so hope you all enjoy this
https://youtu.be/Edwsf-8F3sI
My word for the year FORGIVENESS and it starts with me!2 -
Rori, Toni, Barbie and Katiebug - thanks all for the welcome back! It's good to be back, i missed you all greatly!!! Katiebug, lol....I tried to use the bold a couple of times and messed it up both times cuz I couldn't figure how to turn it off!!! One of you asked me how Missy is....unfortunately I don't know...I was forced to leave her with my abuser and now he won't give her back to me...but I will have some legal help starting on Monday who is going to get her back for me. Unfortunately he has hit her too but the sheriff who came and got me said he couldn't help me get her because she is considered "property" in Oregon where I was living and said it's a civil matter, and I contacted animal control in The Dalles but they can't go get her because they don't service the area where she is. So legal will be contacting the Oregon Humane Society on my behalf to make arrangements to go get her and take her to a no-kill shelter who has offered to house and care for her for me until I can get permanent housing. Once she is at the shelter they say I can come anytime I want and for as long a visit as I want to be with her and spend time with her. I'm just hoping he doesn't hurt her too badly before they can get to her. The shelter told me they will provide medical for her if she needs it when she is brought there. So everybody say some prayers that he doesn't hurt her! I miss her so badly it makes me cry when I think of where she is and the jerk she's with. But I will be getting her back, then I am going to have her certified as a companion animal so that landlords can't refuse me cause I have her, nor will they be able to charge me a pet deposit. Sorry i don't have any better news about her. Just please pray for her if you all are inclined to.
Sherry3 -
Janetr: I love the snow photo. :bigsmile:
Rita: I'm happy to see that you take vitamin D3. It is good stuff, especially combined with exercise & light. I've bumped mine up to 6000IU for the time being. When the days start getting longer I'll drop it back to 4000IU. :flowerforyou:
Sherry: It is good to hear from you. You have many friends here. (((HUGS)))
Canookie: I love the pets.
Pip: Great calorie burn today!
Chris in MA: It is great to hear from you.
Mia: I'm glad to see you posting again! Did I already mention that? I'll probably do it again, too. :bigsmile:
Dr. Katie: Your DH is good at opening mouth and inserting foot. :laugh: I feel for him because I have that same "talent" and sometimes it pops out to embarrass me.
It has been a quiet day at home. We have snow on the ground, although it isn't very deep. I've been reading books and watching some TV. I didn't even go out and ride the trike in the garage. I'll get that onto my priority list for tomorrow.
Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison
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Christ in MA - I've been thinking and thinking about you lately. Wondering how you were doing and if all was good. Certainly good to see you back, we've missed you.
Janetr OKC0 -
I am trying my best to check in regularly. So far, so good
Katla - thanks for the support and the Hugs. I love hugs although I have a problem with people getting inside my bubble. I've really been working on that.
Heather - Your day out and about looked and sounded fantastic.
Rita - I have faith in you. You will win the race. Have you had your B12 levels checked? My DH has a light that he uses for his SAD. Maybe that would help? Talk to us any time.
Charleen - That quilt is absolutely stunning. A friend of mine made me a table runner that you can put hot pots on. She gave it to me for Christmas but I had to give it back so the quilting can be finished. I will post a photo when I get it back.
Barb - I , too, live in brrrrr......Alberta. I find it difficult to be motivated in this weather, I so hate being cold.
Sherry - Do what you need to stay safe. It is good to hear from you. I am sorry that you weren't able to take Missy. So glad that you are as warm as a bug in the rug.
Beth - It's terrible of me but good to know I'm not the only one with kitchen disaster.
Lannette - Such a cute picture of Sophie and her friend, Ellie. Our Chico has been trying to make friends with Skittles ( my sister's cat) but he is very cranky.
Barbie - We all have our cheddar biscuit moments. I know you will work that off in no time. You are an inspiration to me.
Marni - Gret video of Wyatt playing
drkatiebug - I see my DH is not the only one who has a way with his compliments. Got to love the dears.
I was up all night with what I thought was the stomach flu. I think it might have been nerves as I started feeling fine after I called in sick and had a 3 hour nap. I am dreading tomorrow but will go especially as it is inventory and everyone's plate will be full.
Larry and I went to my sister's to have coffee with her husband who was home from Texas. The man is a saint. He works away 10 days and she doesn't even have groceries when he comes home. She asked him what he was planning to cook for supper. I keep my nose out of it and make sure he gets good birthday and Christmas presents. No, she isn't tired from work as she hasn't worked in a number of years. This is my younger sister but she acts so old.
We are destroying some old records finally. I am having a shredding good time. I am keeping a few of the receipts for kicks and giggles. Not sure if any of you care to know but in 1985 we bought a side of beef, cut and wrapped, for $370.47 which works out to $1.59 /lb. It would be nice to get that price now. It has also been interesting to see the names of people who worked for us over the years. We have kept track of some and lost touch with others. Stories come to mind as I see the names, some make me laugh and some make me cry.
There was some discussion of teas on here. I love and try all different kinds. Chai is a favourite, peppermint another. Strong brewed Red Rose doctored with milk and honey is my go to. It's a throw back to days with my Granny. Also I remember my Great Aunt Gen reading tea leaves for people. Good memories.
Did I tell you that my favourite Christmas gift was a small heater for my office at work? The place is ridiculously cold .
- Sharon ( trying to stay warm in Alberta)3 -
Hi Barbie and everyone, I'm back after about a year. I am going to give this a try again. Keep thinking I can do this on my own, butter I can't. I have 65 lbs. to lose this year. Any encouragement is appreciated. I'm 58 and this is getting old!
Kristina from California1 -
SHERRY - I am so glad you are back. I missed your initial post as somehow I had skipped a whole page! Although I was not emailing you everyday I was thinking about you. I used to use Sparkpeople but left because the leader of the 300+ group never lost any weight but was the leader for years. I just could get no motivation from that. As much as I get frustrated with the food diary here I have tried others and they all seem to be more limited in the choices. I guess none of them are going to be everything we would like them to be unless we start our own! I asked MFP over a year ago to put the page numbers in the food diary where we check off the foods at the top as well as the bottom. It would be such a time saver.
Marni - thanks for the webcams. Now I know how it feels to have a preconceived notion of what it's like somewhere else shot down. I did not know that there were CITIES like Anchorage. I thought AK was all small towns and certainly not with lights all lit up like that. When I first moved to WA state in 1973 from So.CA my family thought the same thing about WA.
Somehow I missed that Barbie was going somewhere - where did she go?
Ok I need help with my skin. I have extremely dry sensitive skin along with eczema and psoriasis. The extremely cold dry weather along with dry air in the house and extremely dry air in the office is playing havoc with my skin. Sometimes my face is so bad it looks like I have a severe sunburn. Coconut oil does not help me and in fact aggravates it (I went online to find out about this and did find an explanation). I have tried OTC anti itch and hydrocortisone creams, Moisturizing lotions for very sensitive skin and hydrating my face with a wet wash cloth and vaseline (which has worked the best). By the end of the workday my upper arms, chest and face just itch like crazy. I may try olive oil tonight. Anyone who experiences this problem and has found a successful remedy please share. I may have to go back to the dermatologist again as the itching is driving me nuts.
I read a very interesting article last week about Positivity (Positive perspective)
They said the answer is Gratitude and Happiness and suggested the following 4 week plan:
Week 1 - Write down 3 things that go well every other day for 1 week
Week 2 - send a quick email each day to someone in your life explaining why they are a blessing to you
Week 3 - Think about things other than your stuff. A 2014 study found that people who are more materialistic are less grateful/happy. ie Focus on the pure lovely white snow falling outside, not the brand new car in your neighbor's driveway.
Week 4 - Don't forget to say thank you. Thank the person at the drive-thru for adding extra ketchup to your bag; thank a stranger for holding the door. Expressing gratitude will give you and the other person a lift!
Rita - have you talked to the doctor who put you on the antidepressant? Like other medications sometimes they have to be changed or at least adjusted. If I were feeling depressed again I would be in my doctor's office discussing this as I don't want to go back to the depressed screaming banshee I was without them. I know you will do what's best for you.
Katla sorry to see that you can't go to your friend's BD.
Becca - coming down to see you one of these days!
Carol - what a wonderful memory related to the smell of coffee. I was so touched when you shared that the smell in the morning let you know that love was in the kitchen. Actually brought a tear to my eyes. What a wonderful childhood you must have had.
Think I should end this as it's gotten very long. Thinking of all of the rest of you new and not so new on here as I read each and every post (unless it happens behind my post or I somehow skip a whole page) and sending healing thoughts for those who need them and kudos to those with successes!
Love to all of you amazing resilient women,
Gloria in it's no longer freezing WA but it is
My word for the year is FORGIVENESS, starting with me!
BTW someone asked about searching on here. Down at the bottom by the page numbers is a search icon. Click on it and type in what you want to search for like someone's name, a subject, whatever.
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Ok PM just will not work to you Lanette so here it is:
Hi Lanette - I live in Lacey. You must be somewhere close to me. Pip lives in Tacoma near the mall. Barbie and Sue I believe live on the west coast (I might be wrong about Sue) . There are some others who check in less frequently like Mighty LoLo in Seattle (new boyfriend drug her away from us we think
happy for her, sad for us) Are you the one with the Shnoodle? I would love to see a picture. I saw someone walking her dog near my daughter's in North Tacoma and had to stop because her dog was so adorable. She said it was a Shnoodle. I would love to get one of those dogs - just the right size for me at this age.
Welcome to our family of women - hope you stick around!
GloworminWA aka Gloria3 -
Hey now....
It's kinda late here but i wanted to check in before I hit the hay.
Katla - thanks for the hugs! I am so glad to be back. I missed you gals so much!
Sharon - thanks hun, I really miss my fur baby, her picture is now the wallpaper on my phone so I can at least see her cute little face all day long. But she will be with me again soon.
GLORIA - hiya sweetie! How are the boys?? Doing well I hope! I hope you and yours are staying warm and cuddly! I like MFP's food database better but have learned how to compensate for SparkPeople's lacking in that area. I think the 300+ group has been disbanded as I didn't see it in the list of groups, I may have just missed it or something. But I did find a group on there called "Done being the fat girl!" that has a lot of wonderful ladies in the group who are very encouraging and supportive and I love what they named the group, it's me to a T! I also found a group there called "ACEs", which stands for " Attitude Changes Everything" and they are wonderfully supportive and encouraging too. In fact a lot of the members in ACEs sent me bunches of the Spark Goodies, lol. I've also earned a lot of virtual trophies so far for keeping up with my goals, but my fitbit gave up the ghost already (i mean jeez, i just got the dang thing like what? A month or so ago?) so I haven't been able to keep up with my step count, I've been just guessing by distance. I know there's a formula for figuring that out but nobody told me there would be math involved LOL!! I think it sucks that person leading the 300+ group was leading it and not losing any weight, I mean WTH??? Maybe was fudging on her/his logging or just not making the effort, or there were medical conditions involved that made that difficult for that person. That person should have stepped out of the leader position and let someone else have it. Not very motivating, was it? I like a lot of SparkPeople's recipes though, I've tried quite a few and they have all been really good. Have you tried pure Shea Butter for your skin? That's what I use. There is a store in Portland that has it that ships the products they sell if I remember correctly. It's all natural with no additives of any kind and it's nothing but pure unadulterated Shea butter that is Fair Trade out of Africa. I also use African Black Soap in the liquid version that is nothing but Shea butter and charcoal from burnt Shea tree wood the has been saponified to get lathery when you use it. I use that as a body wash. It's also Fair Trade out of Africa. I like what these companies are doing to help support these poor women in Africa with the money they make off the products made there.
Well ladies, I have taken my meds, supplements and my shot so I'm gonna hit the hay and read some "Strong Women Stay Young". Hope everybody gets good sleep tonight. See you all tomorrow!
Love and hugs
Sherry1 -
Morning, all...
Chris in MA! So glad to see your smiling face on here again... not glad for the reason, we all know that feeling, just glad to hear your voice on these pages.
Kim in NoCal - I do something vaguely similar each year.
I called it, in honor of what they put on the sundials once upon a time, "I count only the sunny days." Each year-end, in my journal, I read over the year's entries, and then I put down the triumphs and the amazing bits that happened over the course of the year. Before I start the next year, I write a list of what I'm looking forward to doing, being, changing, loving, whatever's on my head. When I need a pick-me-up, I read those. It's not that bad things don't/didn't happen... but for me, as the memories began to pile on, I realized I could simply ignore the worst, hold onto the best and go on.
Don't get me wrong - much like a computer, if I dig hard enough, all the memories are there, both bad and good. But I'm determined to carve the good ones in stone, and let the bad ones wash away until they are only faded writing on a sandy beach. What good have they ever done me? While the tribulations made me stronger, that constructed the bedrock of my soul. That has become my "is." I don't have to dwell on what made me that way. I can focus on what I can accomplish now and in future with both feet planted on that solid ground.
Thus endeth the philosophy lecture for today. Take it all with a grain of salt, my chickens...
Love y'all!
Lisa in West Texas, where it's s'posed to be in the 60s tomorrow and 70s Monday, woo-hoo!3 -
Kate UK1 -
Hi all!
Sherry - Welcome back. :flowerforyou:
Chris - Nice to see you again. I have gained 3 lbs over maintenance. I'm trying to lose one of those before my holiday to Mexico.
To the breast cancer lady, is it Christy? , I had breast cancer over 9 years ago, stage 2, with lymph node removal. So far, so good, though I am never complacent. I still have to wear an arm sleeve every day, which is a minor inconvenience, but I am used to it now. I find it has changed my attitude to life and death and in some ways I feel freer.
The chemo was ok in the beginning, but the effects did get worse. However, as you say, there is an end point to it all, so you have to hang on. For me the hair loss was horrible as I am very attached to my hair :laugh: It has all grown back though. I put on a lot of weight through inaction and comfort eating. That could be minimised with care and knowing what I know now.
There is every chance of a complete cure, so keep thinking of that. Your ordeal with your son must have been awful. So glad to hear all is well now.
Best of luck! :flowerforyou:
Having a supermarket delivery this morning. Should be some chicken livers in there so I can make a ragu (Bolognese sauce). I have the mince. I will have mine with zucchini noodles. I follow a very authentic, old recipe from Elizabeth David's ITALIAN FOOD, which adds the chicken livers. Yummy. I used to have her recipe books beside my bed at university and read them like novels. Well, they are novels.
In those days Mediterranean food seemed so exotic. Her books transported me to sunnier climes and a different way of life. 
Food still is a way of world travelling for me.
Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxx
2 -
Morning Ladies~
slept well even on the futon on the floor...got up at 5:45 and having some tea.. then it is out to shovel and help Tom snowblow.... this is why I want to move to Florida UGH..... probably wont be doing that anytime in the near future ,but Oh well.. have to accept the things I cannot change...
will check in the later...1 -
You women are so inspiring to me!! Too many posts to respond to, but know that I am so motivated reading about everyone's approach to challenges-even if it is just describing them, there's a purpose to it all dont you think?
Good to see chris checking in, (insert waving emoji here)
Side note--DH had a promising job interview and I am trying not to get my hopes up-it would relieve so much pressure- but what will be will be. Trying not to get ahead of myself and take it one step at a time. My husband has not had a full time job for 10 years now and it would be life changing for us--but what will be will be.
NYKAREN1 -
Day 2. Stayed over in a hotel so nice breakfast. Put it all on this app and GASP!!! Did not realise how much I eat. Not many calories left for today so going to skip lunch and use them up at Dinner. Seriously going to watch out at breakfast tomorrow x. Good luck everybody - positive vibes for a safe and productive 2017 to you all x2
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Gloria I noticed that with PM too. It might be how that person has their settings. If you can get them to PM you then you can write them back.
On the subject of panhandlers I do report them if they do it when I am going into a business. The brick and mortar stores are having a hard enough time. It is legal here in Minnesota for them to be on exit ramps. My problem with that is I think it creates the potential for an accident for them and others. When asked for spare change I say I don't have any. I do not want to be going into my purse in front of a stranger. Unfortunately in the times we live in paranoia is sometimes justified. Margaret 1 -
The advice in Britain is never to give to beggars. If you wish to help them, donate to a reputable charity, as I do.
Heather UK xxxxxxx2 -
Stronglift Rest Day
Kettlebell Swing
Goblet squat-3X5X 30
Russian kettle bell swing-16 X7X 30
I will be at our fourth of five Christmas celebrations. I will be MIA all day. Everybody have a fantastic day!
Mary from Minnesota3 -
Good morning Ladies and thank you for the warm welcome back.
Sunday morning in my robe and pj's stalling until I have to do what many have to do today...shovel snow. On the up side it is exercise and easy to log.
I spent a wonderful day yesterday with my 3 closest girlfriends. We had brunch at one friend's home before we embarked to the Peabody-Essex Museum in Salem, MA to take in their shoe exhibit. They also had a lunar exhibit, of particular interest to the one in our group who was instrumental in designing space suits for NASA. I discovered that I weigh 26 lbs. on the moon. Loved the shoes and learned a lot. Love museums.
As is our custom when we get together, we went out for a late lunch, early dinnner. This was my first outting after recommitting and was determined to keep with my plan. The first restaurant we chose, which had a menu and calorie information online so I could make an informed decision, was closed due to the storm. We wound up at Legal Seafoods and although they do not have nutritional values available, I was able to,search for them on this site and choose wisely. I had grilled haddock served with sautéed spinach and jasmine rice. I skipped the rice and had a glass of wine6 -
Good morning! Happy Sunday! This will probably be my last post for a week. Next weekend my daughter is flying in from TX for her baby shower! SO...of course this week I am working my 11-12 hour days and then spending each evening prepping for the shower. There will be 35 ladies attending (38 including DD, DD's BFF, and myself). She is decorating pi-baby's nursery with Le Petit Prince motif; so the colors for the shower are white, sky blue and pale yellow. The food table, however, is going to follow a children's book theme. Each food will be based on a children's book. Example: book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar (veggie cups), Eating a Rainbow (rainbow fruit kebabs), The Stinky Cheese Man (cheese tray) {Yes, Heather, I got a giggle and thought of you when I thought of this one}, Dragons Love Tacos (7 layer dip), etc. etc.. The plan for today is to get as much done as I can, so that I have some down time this week. So far, I am ahead of schedule and looks like the plan is working. Today, I pop back into town for the supplies that I didn't pick up yesterday, and hopefully that will be last visit to the stores. I don't know why it is, but girls seem to require a little more planning for their events than boys. We had a theme for her graduation party (international theme), we had a theme for her wedding reception(black, white and gold Gotham), and now our pi-baby's shower. My boys have not wanted themes and have let me choose how to throw the grad parties. So far neither son is married; but they have said a pizza bar is fine for their reception. That made me laugh. Finding a girl who wants a pizza bar and beer for her wedding reception might prove difficult!
Gloria- Your skin issues sound painful and intensely difficult to manage in cold/dry weather. My SIL has rosacea, exzema, and skin allergies/sensitivities. She always uses Burt's Bees products. They are EVERYWHERE in her home. Lotions, soaps, detergents, overnight treatments, etc. Just thought I would throw that out there. Hope you find some relief!
Sherry- Hello, hello, hello! It is so nice to have you back! I did check out the Spark People site you sent me. For now, I will stick with MFP. I feel if I add one more thing to my "need to check in" list I will explode! LOL! Hope all is going well with you. Or at least getting better?
Chris in MA- How wonderful to see you! Sending best wishes as you get back into the health groove!
Marni- Love the pup pics and your Wyatt is great! At least while he is playing with the cans you always know what he is up to! Your lab is VERY tolerant! lol!
Michele or Cheri- was it one of you who asked about something to spray on shovels? I have never put anything on mine, but my nephews swear by board wax (for snowboards/skis). I have noticed the snow sticks to the shovel only when it is a wet, heavy snow. When that happens, I change up my shoveling technique and push the snow, tip the shovel (instead of lifting and throwing) and give the shovel a kick. My DH laughs, but it works! Bonus leg quad work out with each kick. Remember to alternate kicking leg every five kicks!
tick-tock, tick-tock, time marches on...time to get my keister moving. A big hello and thinking of you to all of you lovely ladies. I have decided that January is a wonderful month on this thread! People return, people check in, new members join...so many good vibes flowing...If it weren't for the cold and snow; I would say, every month should be January! xoxoxox KJ (Kelly)5
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