WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2023
barbiecat
Posts: 17,251 Member
December is upon us with all its stresses. Whether you are dealing with holidays, end of the year projects at work, vacation, weather, traffic and long lines wherever you go, or health, it helps to navigate these challenges in the company of a supportive community that will listen and cheer you on.
The name of the thread is "Women Ages 50+" but all women are welcome.
Be sure to bookmark the thread so you can find it again.
Please sign your post with a name or nickname and a location, general or specific so our sharing is more personal.
Barbie in NW WA
The secret to living well and long is: Eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure..." Tibetan proverb
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Replies
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Thank you Barbie for a new month!
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❤️0
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Thanks Barbie!0
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Thank you for the clean slate Barbie!
Okie in the TX Hill Country1 -
Thank you, Barbie - So pleased to make it to another December!
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR1 -
Thank you Barbie! December already.
Lanette
SW WA State0 -
Hi, I have been on MFP for a few years but haven't figured out the groups yet. But I really need some support and advice and was wondering if I can join this group?
My name is Valerie and I am 71 years old and live in southeastern Arizona. Mostly retired although I do substitute teach from time to time.
I would like to lose 15 pounds to get to what my doctor considers a "healthy weight". I was starting to lose a bit earlier this year but this last month I have gone back to binge eating; my especial weaknesses are sugar and bread. I have also not been exercising as regularly anymore.
So, as December begins, I am committing to following one of the MFP plans that's on my phone, called the immune system plan.
I have a question though, something that I've never quite understood about the Calories section, Goal-Food+Exercise. If I go over on the food calories but I also go over on the exercise calories burned and it shows that I still have calories remaining does that mean I am on track for my weight loss goal or do I need to stick to the Food calories goal? I do try to stick to it but I was wondering if exercising more can cancel out overeating.
Valerie10 -
Valerie, welcome. Posting is all you need to do to be part of this supportive community. Then keep coming back. About the food plus exercise calories---the more active you are, the more fuel you need for your body. If you sit and do nothing all day, your basic 1200 (or whatever you chose) will be enough to nourish you, but if you walk for hours or bike or lift weights or do yardwork or anything strenuous, you'll need more healthy food to keep you going. Most of us don't eat all the exercise calories but since I walk for two hours a day and ride my exercise bike for three to four hours, I need more than my basic 1200 calories. The most important thing is to make those calories nutrition dense. Eggs, lean protein, and veggies give me the most nutrition for the fewest calories and I stay away from desserts and bread.
Barbie in NW WA8 -
Barbie … thank you for the December thread!
Valerie … welcome!
Lisa … we finished on November 1st after a light snow… just in a nick of time! This photo is just a few pieces before he finished!
Beth7 -
Oops1 -
Beth - Outstanding! Timing is everything in home improvement...2
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Everyone – thank you for your sentiments about my grandson. Heck, I’ll probably never even get to talk to him!
Tina – glad your hubby got a reprieve. I cut my sourdough bread into pieces and then freeze half of it. By the time we finish half, the other half comes out of the freezer and is like it was just baked. I don’t heat it in the microwave or anything
M – going to see Leo would be nice --- IF I knew where he was living. If it’s on Reunion, do you have any idea how expensive it is to visit? First you have to fly from the US to Paris, then from Paris to Reunion. So that’s two round trip air fairs for each adult (2 adults) That is, IF that’s where he is. It can cost us hundreds of dollars to just see PJ for a few days. What with hotel, all our meals, someone to watch Loki (and it costs extra because of the different medications plus you have to take extra precautions with the chemo), not to mention gas etc. Of course, miscellaneous expenses (like taking PJ out) As it is, we don’t go on the weekends because hotel rates are much higher than during the week.
Lisa – thank you for the test. I think it pretty well hit the nail on the head. I’m a consul
Personality type: Consul (ESFJ-A)
Traits: Extraverted – 63%, Observant – 76%, Feeling – 70%, Judging – 82%, Assertive – 53%
Role: Sentinel
Strategy: People Mastery
So you’re a Consul… Now what?
The Consul is a generous and reliable personality type with a clear moral compass and strong desire to serve others. Few things bring Consuls greater joy than sharing a wonderful life with wonderful people. But sometimes all that they give isn’t reciprocated in kind, leaving Consuls feeling unbalanced and frustrated.
Got one of the trees decorated, the small one in the kitchen that doesn’t have any of the special ornaments or lights. Just the mini ornaments. Then wrote out the Christmas cards. It is sad that the list is getting shorter and shorter. I’m thinking that maybe next year I’ll only send cards as people send them to me. Maybe some people send me a card only because I send one to them.
Ginny – you’re right...tiny steps, no matter how small.
Valerie – we’d love to have you. Stop by often so we get to know you better.
Michele NC5 -
INFJ-Advocate -- that sounds about right. In Strength Finders, two of my strengths are empathy and developer. I see my role as an administrator to build my people to be their best selves. Students too, I guess. Which is why I get frustrated with students who aren't interested in learning because that indicates to me that they don't want to grow.
Flea
Willamette Valley OR4 -
I’ve had a busy day and have read but didn’t really take notes.
I had ceramics tonight, I painted these pieces for my village. They aren’t done yet, but Kaitlyn and Michaela can put them on tomorrow and then I’ll take them out and finish painting them the first of the week.
The lighter is to show the scale.
Tracey in Edmonton16 -
Barbie - thanks for the new month.
Beth - glad you got that siding done in time.
Lisa - your roof too was timely. It will be nice to have that extra room. I'm sure Egg will love sleeping in the sun patches. Our cats love the sunspots in my sitting room.
Annie - hope you had a wonderful ride today. Horses are amazingly comforting to just be around. Sorry you are having to make such tough decisions.
Went to water exercise this morning and then Walmart. I took one of the paper ornaments off the giving tree to provide presents for a 5 yo boy. His wish list includes Legos and dinosaur things. That should be doable.
Does anyone watch "Unsellable Houses" on HGTV? Lesley and Lindsey live here in Snohomish where DD and I live. In fact their company is who we worked with to buy this place.
Everyone take care, Sue in WA9 -
Everyone – thank you for your sentiments about my grandson. Heck, I’ll probably never even get to talk to him!
Tina – glad your hubby got a reprieve. I cut my sourdough bread into pieces and then freeze half of it. By the time we finish half, the other half comes out of the freezer and is like it was just baked. I don’t heat it in the microwave or anything
M – going to see Leo would be nice --- IF I knew where he was living. If it’s on Reunion, do you have any idea how expensive it is to visit? First you have to fly from the US to Paris, then from Paris to Reunion. So that’s two round trip air fairs for each adult (2 adults) That is, IF that’s where he is. It can cost us hundreds of dollars to just see PJ for a few days. What with hotel, all our meals, someone to watch Loki (and it costs extra because of the different medications plus you have to take extra precautions with the chemo), not to mention gas etc. Of course, miscellaneous expenses (like taking PJ out) As it is, we don’t go on the weekends because hotel rates are much higher than during the week.
Lisa – thank you for the test. I think it pretty well hit the nail on the head. I’m a consul
Personality type: Consul (ESFJ-A)
Traits: Extraverted – 63%, Observant – 76%, Feeling – 70%, Judging – 82%, Assertive – 53%
Role: Sentinel
Strategy: People Mastery
So you’re a Consul… Now what?
The Consul is a generous and reliable personality type with a clear moral compass and strong desire to serve others. Few things bring Consuls greater joy than sharing a wonderful life with wonderful people. But sometimes all that they give isn’t reciprocated in kind, leaving Consuls feeling unbalanced and frustrated.
Got one of the trees decorated, the small one in the kitchen that doesn’t have any of the special ornaments or lights. Just the mini ornaments. Then wrote out the Christmas cards. It is sad that the list is getting shorter and shorter. I’m thinking that maybe next year I’ll only send cards as people send them to me. Maybe some people send me a card only because I send one to them.
Ginny – you’re right...tiny steps, no matter how small.
Valerie – we’d love to have you. Stop by often so we get to know you better.
Michele NC
What's more important? Money or spending time with your grandchildren?
I have travelled a lot ... including a recent trip to Canada. Yes, it's expensive (I would venture to say very expensive), but it is worth it. 😀
You don't know where Leo is YET. But the doors of communication have opened and that is something to be very thankful for.
As for PJ, you chose to shorten one of your trips to see him, so it was possible to see more of him if you wanted. Try looking into other accommodation options. You don't have to stay in a hotel. Try renting a unit through AIRBNB for a couple weeks.
I have a pretty good idea where 2 of my grandchildren are, but the doors of communication are shut and locked. I have not met them and so far, it doesn't look like I will.
Machka in Oz6 -
Well woke up at 1 am and am awake..
Lisa- could you post the link to that test again .it just wouldn't load for me...
I watch Unsellable houses all the time.they are the highest selling real estate agents in the pacific north west
Barbie- thank you for taking us through another year..Bless you !!
Rita- tell me about kidney issues..if I didn't have one thing or another wrong with me I wouldn't know what was going on lol
Well im going to try and get a bit more sleep,at least here is hoping.
And about Carmine? Will get her a gift card to Cumberland farms or Amazon and send it in a card..she isn't talking to me but don't want her thinking I don't love her.6 -
Gratitudes
Today: Barbie for the fresh start and all the wise, smart, funny, caring, strong women on this thread.
Thursday’s gratitude: Got a text that the igniter/burner has shipped and will be here by 9pm Monday. Halelujah!
November summary and stats tomorrow.
Ginny ((hugs)) While that’s a scary long list of foot issues, alien implant sounds about right. Sorry today’s doc was no help, remind me when you see the foot specialist? Brava for passing the fitness tests!
Annie ((hugs)) what Ginny said and hooray for hot tea, vitamin c and horseback riding. ((hugs))
KJ “letting go of some of those things” is definitely ok, and the better part…
Allie thanks for the warm salt water reminder.
Barbie love your flexibility/resilience, seeing the morning time variances was hard for your friend, finding the evening alternative with the bonus of holiday lights. Well done!
Beth WOW! Sure glad you got the siding project done when you did
Thanks Lanette that’s great results from barely more than a month of after meal circuits carrying weights. The Dr. Langer story of the gal who felt like a failure’s change of perspective resulting in losing weight “without trying” fits right in with what I’m reading about how kaizen/tiny questions bypass the amygdala’s fight/flight reaction and sneaks in to the puzzle-solving cortex. Hopeful stuff!
Michele ((hugs held extra long )) but never say never. Thought you’d never hear from Bryan and was thankful to be wrong.
Lisa thanks for the personalities test link, will take later. Loved the description of Egg burbling… that’s just the sound! And Corey’s jalapeno honey jam sounds yummy!
Heather glad your MDMD group meeting was full of camaraderie and laughter. Sorry about the liqueur filled chocolates, possible to find elsewhere?
Rebecca when you describe the meaning of each gem on that tree, please make a map or key and share with us. The hints of the stories you’ve already shared were fascinating but I couldn’t tell which was which…
Flea ((gentle hugs held extra long)) From monthly to quarterly and possibly to semi-annually sounds pretty good to me. ((hugs))
Tina bread freezes well… then a quick reheat in the oven-not-microwave restores that wonderful chewy crust…
That’s it for November, time to snooze.
Welcome @Johan2021 Valerie from AZ! Good question and have no simple answer. Some say Calories in less than calories out results in weight loss, but others say you can’t out-exercise a poor diet. Every body is different. What works for one won’t for another. Start where you are, take baby steps, cultivate a spirit of exploration. Good luck, we’re here for you!
Sue yes I watch unsellable houses. In one recent episode they actually lost $$ due to the market, while I was sorry for them I was gratified by their honesty.11/30: Move: 1 set PT w/d, dogs to powerline, Steps:4132Later, lighter, lovelies!
Fuel: sugar in vs mfp=-2 CI<CO net=-50 vits=0.5.
Live: Joe, readings, BP, ptT, ptS, reconciled checking/savings, changed TRowePrice mailing address back to PO box, filing, zoom with financial advisor. Wt:129.4
Corrected 11/29: Move: 1 set PT w/d, line dance class, dogs to powerline.
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
November: Move more: chair yoga, line dance, dailyish PT, play with dogs.
Fuel better: less sugar, CI<CO, dailyish vitamins.
Live NOW: dailyish time with Joe, readings, start meditating. Open heart and mind before mouth.
2023: Be of good cheer.
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Tis the season to be thinking about summer holidays!
Machka in Oz4 -
Good morning ladies!
Barbie thank you for the thread!
Mom's discharge hasn't happened yet. I guess we get a consult with hospice first.
My sister flies back to Tennessee today. I will miss her helpful ways. My cousins from California want to visit in January. I'm not sure whether that's a good plan. Today mom can hold a conversation that makes a visit worthwhile. But this path leads downhill. Her dementia is getting worse. If her tumor gets painful, and we add painkillers to the mix, confusion will reign. I guess I will explain that and let them decide.
I'm still wrapping my mind around the whole hospice approach. I'm sure it's the compassionate way.
Anyway, have a great day, ladies! And thank you for the hugs. They feel wonderful.
Annie in Delaware10 -
Barbara - Yes! I found it a little strange, because we are talking about things that are often disturbing or taboo for many people. One older woman had just lost a very close sister. She had been in an excellent local hospice, and the woman was now receiving grief counselling from the hospice. It was just offered. I mentioned our high spirits to the woman next to me, and she said it was because we were talking about personal choice and freedom.
I have never been in a group before where so many of my thoughts, often private, are shared.
Going to have a painting session with John this afternoon.
Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx
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Thank you Barbie for bringing us into December!
Welcome to the new ladies! Remember to bookmark this page!
Beth- WOW! That is a lot of snow! The kid in me would love to have that much snow at once. The adult in me (the one who does the shoveling) says "No THANKS!" Perfect timing on the finishing of the siding! Whew!
Michele- It is hard being a far away grandparent. It is also expensive. If you want that physical relationship with your grands, it is an expense you need to make. If plunking down a hefty chunk of money seems too difficult or not in the budget, do what I do and save a bit each week just for the trip. In the meantime, send cards, postcards from your town, do the little things to stay relevant in your grandchild's life. It is worth it!
Allie- Good for you for still sending a little something to Carmine! It is important for them to know that love is unconditional (or as close to it as we can get) and that they are accepted for who they are and the choices that they are making (whether good or bad) by someone they love.
Tina- As a baker I am sure your DH knows not to bag/wrap them until they have totally cooled. Try paper bags instead of plastic. Also, if you don't want to store bread in the fridge or freezer; is it possible for him to bake the breads a half loaf or half batch at a time. Dough can be refrigerated and frozen as well.
Love to all ttfn xoxoxo KJ
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Lisa - I took that test. INTJ-A, Architect. No surprises there, other than it was heavier on the Introvert scale than I expected. I need to read up more on that Assertive (94%?) category.... at first glance, I don't think it's very accurate in my case. But I've only had 2 cups of coffee, so things may change.
Barbara - The Dr. Langer story of the gal who felt like a failure’s change of perspective resulting in losing weight “without trying” fits right in with what I’m reading about how kaizen/tiny questions bypass the amygdala’s fight/flight reaction and sneaks in to the puzzle-solving cortex. Hopeful stuff! Of course I'm curious.... what are you reading?
Machka - thank you for the reminder it's your summer! Please post photos of your warm weather, garden, etc as we here in the northern hemisphere get ready to slog throught the dark days and snow.
Annie - Out here, there are hospice volunteers who stay with the patients who are doing at-home hospice to give the child and/or spouse some relief so they can leave the house to shop, or just take a break from caregiving. That might be an option for you if your dad is unable to safely watch your mom while you are out running errands. Perhaps they've already covered that with you. Many more hugs coming your way.
Heather - somehow I skipped over what that MDMD group is all about. Looking back over my DH's final day in the hospital before he passed, he wasn't officially in hospice, but was put in "Comfort Care" status which I think is similar. What helped me the most was the time spent with the chaplain there at his bedside. She encouraged me to talk about what made him special, the fun times and adventures we shared, and let me shed a few tears. She was more a grief counselor than a "preacher". I know he wanted "Last Rites" but there's a shortage of priests in our area so that was that.
Lanette
SW WA State where the monsoons are back in the forecast.
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December!?! Wow! Thank you Barbie! You are a gem and inspiration.
Valerie Welcome!
The holidays can bring out so many emotions. We all want that Norman Rockwell family and holiday. This leads to depression and stress. We aren't perfect people. We have freedom of choice and different life experiences. Hugs for those missing family members especially due to choices. I am thankful for this group as it is a real life not social media support. I am thankful to Rita for loving detachment.
I took the 16 personality test. I had to just go to website to get it to work.
I am an turbulent adventurer. Both test I rated the same. I can actually agree with most of the strengths and weaknesses.
Went to doctor yesterday. Have had a sore mouth/sore throat over a week. She thinks it is my body reacting to stress. Cold sores without being cold sores. A week before my wedding my mouth broke out badly and my ribs burned. Pharmacist recommended high dose l-lysene for a few days. It cleared right up. I had forgotten about that. Doctor prescribed antiviral. Not sure if I will take or not. One of the major side effects is migraines! Instead I picked up l-lysene. Started taking last night. We will give that a chance to work first. Prescription picked up just in case. Was only $13. I went to pick it up and they told me it was coming from central pharmacy and wouldn't be in until Monday-WHAT? They have a new system. Really? My doctor prescribes something and you expect me to wait to recieve? I don't understand. That would work with meds that are monthly refills, but seems not efficient or patient friendly for new prescriptions. I always loved my pharmacy then changes were made and the pharmacists that knew us all left. Ran into this same thing when I had reaction to bee sting. In both instances, the pharmacy was able to fill at store after I told them I couldn't wait. Will have to ask around other pharmacies I guess. Not a happy situation, but luckily not often needed other than running refills. Background info.....I have had chicken pox and mono several times. So cold sores in response to stress is not unusual for me. Same virus apparently. For now breathing deeply and taking l-lysine.
I let R total bills and put in inventory yesterday. I am burned out. I put up Christmas lights and started decorating inside shop while he did that. I did ask him if he felt like he was in school and I was grading his papers since I gave suggestions and double checked them. He said yes, but wanted to do it correctly. He also told me that my suggestions made sense. Unlike SIL, he actually listens, asks questions, and implements. He had no repairs to work on, so I am thankful for help. Yes, it was hard for me!
I felt like November was a good month. I did walk more until Thanksgiving. We are eating out less. Need to get back to walking both for weight and mental health.
Ugh, time to get ready for work. Rainy day. I need a day off.
DH would say I could not go to grand daughters dance, but that isn't happening! It will all come together in due time. Timeline is to have things in order by 4 pm Sunday.
More later,
Much love,
Kylia in wet Ohio
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Annie ((HUGS)) I think giving cousins information and letting them decide is good idea. The death of a loved one is hard. We have so many ladies on here with experience and insights. Remember your "mask" first.
Heather I would like a group like that. My SIL, yes that one, has my medical power of attorney. I don't want that burden on my daughters and my DH can't make a decision in a timely manner. They all know my wishes.
KJ Great suggestions to Michele and Allie. I will keep that in mind as well
Machka I agree with Lanette, keep sending summer pictures! They bring me hope. I am NOT a winter person.
TTFN,
Kylia4 -
Barbie thanks for the new thread. Lynette your epistles are wonderful... and often your posts alert me that I've crossposted with someone and I can go back and find out what I missed. Barbara your posts help me the same way.
Lisa, I took the survey... no surprise I am a defender, am passionate at protecting people close to me.
December, crazy that it is almost the end of the year. Wonder what this month and next year will bring. I put out a few Christmas decorations and am "thinking" of putting up Christmas lights around the garage.
Betsy in NW WA
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Good morning, 6 am in Arizona! Thank you for the welcome it feels good! I used to be on SparkPeople before it closed down and I’ve so missed the group I belonged to there. Just looking at some of the posts lately:
Lisa, yes, could you repost the link to what looks like a Myers Briggs site? I am an INFJ and was so glad when I learned that several years ago. It helped me to come to terms with some things about myself I’d been feeling frustrated about.
A few of you like to travel? Me too. I am actually a transplanted Canadian from Montreal, have lived in the UK, in Ireland and various places in Canada and now the US. I went home to Montreal/Toronto in October to see some friends and reconnect, get my “big city” fix—we live in a small town that calls itself a city but…. Plans for next year aren’t as ambitious as in years past because money is a bit tighter. We’re going to go on an Alaska cruise in July from Vancouver BC but apart from that we have to see how the budget goes. Money is something else I tend to be quite “live for today” about. Luckily my husband is a saver so together we’ve balanced seeing what we wanted to of the world with having a secure home life financially.
I have four grandchildren who, together with their mom (my only child) and dad live here in our small town. It’s why we live here, I convinced hubby to move here after he retired so I could enjoy being with them. I don’t have any other living family. If they didn’t live here we’d probably not be living here. How about y’all? Do you live in the same place you’ve always lived in?
Valerie8 -
Did that personality quiz ...
Logisticians are practical and fact-minded individuals, whose reliability cannot be doubted.
Is anyone surprised about this next bit?
Machka in Oz
3 -
I haven't taken the quiz but when I read "Quiet" by Susan Cain (I highly recommend the book), I learned about myself as an introvert and the realization changed my life.
Barbie in NW WA
5 -
Hugs, Annie. The day before my mom died, one of her friends, who is my age wanted to visit her. I was against it, but she insisted. She asked if there was anything she could bring, and I started to say no, then remembered that I needed food. (I didn't want to leave my mom's side.) She ended up bringing two meals for me, which was more than I expected, but I wouldn't have eaten that day without them. She stayed just a moment, but ended up being such a comfort and blessing to me. Your cousins might be the same. So consider letting them come just for the blessing they could be to you and your dad, even if your mom may not know they are there.
Take care.
Flea
Willamette Valley OR11
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