WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2012

It has been a long while since I have posted but I have been reading the post almost daily. I can relate to so many of you and can feel for you, so happy for you.
I know I should just take the time and reply to everyone on here but I just don't have enough time in the evenings now that I have to stay of the computer at work for personal use. So at work I sit with way to little work and a lot of time and at home I have little time and sooooooo much to do.
My DH had 35 staples removed this afternoon, a quick lunch then back for Physical Therapy. Get home son is nowhere to be found and his chores are not done. So I am not cooking dinner! DH hasn't check our room to see if more money or coins are missing. Sure wish I could get him into his own place, he has a case work and 2 personal agents but they are not doing anything. I could go on but it wouldn't do any good.

I really like this site, have received alot of advice/suggestion.!

Everyone keep up all your hard work..........

Hugs
Susan

Nice salad, Sista Desiree! Salad is good! Just pile stuff on and chow down. Cauliflower and broccoli. Sunflower kernels. Blue or feta cheese. Beans of all kinds. I don't think many of us eat enough beans. They're the bomb. Filling and nutritious. Buy low-sodium brands, rinse and drain. Or cook your own. Anyone like 3 Bean Salad? I sure do. It's great piled on a green salad. Mmmm-hmmm.

For me the bottom line for losing pounds (how funny, "bottom" line - hahaha) is to burn calories like crazy every day and eat only 1200 -1250 calories of great food that's perfectly balanced in nutrients. Yogurt, grains, nuts, fruit, SALAD, lean meat, a little cheese, maybe a little whole grain bread, Butternut soup or something simliar, and lots of Veggies! It's amazing how much bulk you can have when you include lots of vegs. Oh, and WATER. I'm faithful with 8 glasses a day. And I'm faithful with WINE, LOL! 2 small glasses a day, of course allowing for it in my calories. I love it after a long day of teaching.

My motto has always been "Eat less, move more". Moving is the clue! Burn it, you'll earn it. But I just can't lose if I eat back all of my exercise calories. Tried & failed. 1200-1250 are my losing numbers.

Welcome new friends, great spot to share ideas and talk things over. Hope everyone had a good day!

:^) jb

Yes, my students lit up the school with their electric quiz boards today, and I took a couple of hundred (give or take) pictures of them to include in their portfolios. Did I mention that I love my job?

Wednesday night is my fitness circuit class, it was a great workout and I got to use my HRM to prove to the instructor (and myself) that I was busting my butt! :explode:

I experimented with pasta-free lasagna tonight. Flavoured the meat Greek style (cinnamon), blended fat free cottage cheese & sour cream & feta for the cheese and topped it with just enough low fat mozza to keep everyone happy. I used zucchini between the layers instead of pasta. It was really good, but I had to drain it as I served it because the zucchini gives up a lot of moisture as it cooks. Don’t think I’ll repeat the experiment, I’ll stick to the eggplant version.

Cindyw7: I hope Elaine is getting better counseling and support as time goes on. “…plunked her in an office with a video” sounds dreadful and I’m not surprised she was terribly upset. Sounds like your brother did the right thing. Thinking of her, Don and you as you adjust and cope.

\ / | / ) ^ \ // ! Kackie Never a straight line but always moving along in the right direction! Another quote for my wall.

Barbiecat: Thank-you for reminding me it’s “My Fitness Pal” not “My Weight Watching Pal” That thought came back to me several times as I went through my day. Yes! :drinker:

Genealace: I'm glad to hear good news about DBF, I imagine he’s feeling terribly frustrated and confused because he’s not in control. Don’te forget to take good care of yourself while you are taking care of him and all your chores.

Jb- I think I’ll try your Blueberry Muffins this weekend. J’boy’s getting tired of my regular mix. :grumble:

Hi Carol – I hope your job news comes in soon. Your work sounds fascinating and I’d like to know more about it. I can identify with your struggles with the younger generation and the gender prejudice. :frown: I was a school administrator for a long time and even in this fairly balanced field of education the men outnumber the women by a whole bunch at the senior level. I dropped out of the race three years ago when I took a year off to travel with my DH and J’boy. I came back as a classroom teacher and I love every minute of it. When people ask me if I miss “the big time” I say how could I? Now I get all of the fun, none of the paperwork and none of the politics. :bigsmile:

Lulugrand: Hi there sunshine! :bigsmile:

Sarah: What a challenge, to have to sample food for a living! :huh: And give honest feedback to amateur cooks. 2 different kinds of fish and chips???? I am so with you on the red wine, it’s my downfall and my great delight. My strategy lately is to buy one really good bottle at a time and enjoy it, but I can’t over-indulge because the wine rack is otherwise empty. No will power, that’s me. Hope your trip to the gym got you fired up.

Pam3: Tomorrow is another day indeed, and you will find your way there. :drinker: Keep moving.

Oh dear, this is an epic post.

Hasta pronto, amigas. Voy a dormir. :yawn:

Nancy

Good Thursday morning

I can take it slow this morning because exams start and I don't have to shop for school this morning which buys me an extra 45 minutes......bliss!!

I did go to the gym yesterday and worked out for a good hard 70 minutes. When I got home, my son and DIL asked if we could all go to the place I take yoga classes so I did that too!! Over 700 calories burned and I didn't even eat them all back! And I felt invigorated and am now out of my slothy head space.

Sue: squats and lunges are absolutely vile but they do great things for thighs. When they get too easy on their own, add weights.....I have a definite love/hate relationship with both.

mazaron: If you oven bake or grill the zucchini first, it gives up its water and also improves the flavour. I like to do that with most vegetables I use in vegetarian lasagna but it does add some time to the prep. I think my red wine solution is to just not have it in the house for the most part and drink tea instead.

Thanks for all the support and encouragement.

Sarah

Thank you all

Love reading about everyones busy lives and ways to stay fit and focused. Loving my new protein shake for breakfast. Hoping it keeps me full longer.

Sent my two off to school today in fog and rain. It is so dark it seems like 5:00 already. Must get motivated to get moving!! :drinker:

Sarah

Hi all! I'm overwhelmed by this thread, so I'm just saying, "hello" for right now until I gather my thoughts. My history can be picked up at http://www.chronic-connections.net/ and I'll write a bigger hello when I settle down. As an incurable optimist, I have ignored the fact that I am wheelchair bound (in a lying down position) and the only potential escape is a tricky surgery, which my doctor won't perform until I get my weight back down by about 75lbs. I will conquer this difficult task (complicated by multiple medical issues) because I have a daughter who has inherited my disease and she needs my help to live an enriched life.

Thank you all for your posts, and I look forward to chatting with many of you in the future!

BigSusan
:flowerforyou:

:flowerforyou: Good evening all .....

:happy: yey! ...2 days of "Not being naughty" ....by that I mean not eating the chocolate cake DH "made" me bake last weekend, or not eating the crisps or chocolate! Xmas was a nightmare and I found myself quickly eating the chocolates to get them out of the way...so I couldn't eat them!! Weak willed or wot!! But ...I'm sure once I keep logging what passes my lips I can be motivated again.
:sad: I'm still trying to get going on the exercise .....the Zumba class keeps e.mailing me but I don't have the car to get there and my previous lift doesn't go either. I know...excuses, excuses!
Sooo ... I'm going to say ....I'll get out my latino tone DVD. There..I must do it now!!

:laugh: I was woken this morning by DH shouting "We've got it!!" ...it being THE mouse! Great I thought! ...only to hear .."!!**!** or the like!!
:ohwell: When DH reached to pick up the trap...said mouse managed escape from it and run ...Yep! back under the radiator. We've seen the tail so it's still alive. Tonight we'll try again ...let's hope it hasn't got a good memory regarding the trap!. I may be out buying that peanut butter if the biscuits don't work again...or a better trap maybe!! I love peanut butter!!
And ...yep! the cat's are hopeless!! We have had a few dead mice though..laid out neatly on the step but methinks they now think it's beneath them to have to work for their munchies!!

I'm hoping we'll do some dancing on this next cruise. We had thought that, for the first one and did lessons...mainly Latin and a bit of ballroom. You know what thought did, don't you? My shoulder still hasn't really recovered (rotator cuff injury) from some sort of dance manouevre and DH is loath to start again!! but ...we're meeting another couple on board who "Dance" so maybe we can get some instruction and motivation from them!

And ...from the look of the steps on the Great Wall of China methinks I may get a bit of exercise while sightseeing. We've quite a rigorous timetable before the cruise so I should avoid putting on weight ....maybe!!

:drinker: Well folks ...tomorrow starts the weekend. DH and I have become mystery shoppers/diners and have a restaurant to assess on Sunday. It's a carvery chain so I should be able to make those healthy choices.We're enjoying doing this ...it doesn't bring in many pennies but it's given us a few free meals and the odd things we've had to buy, as well as the petrol costs.

Cold here tonight. White stuff forecast .....I think we'll stay in the warm....:bigsmile: with the mouse!!

BFN
:flowerforyou: Jackie

Hey everyone! Just surfacing for a minute to say "hi!"

I'm way behind...Will you forgive me for not replying in detail yesterday and today? Life is moving at a dead run and I'm jogging to keep up (do I get to count that as exercise?)

I do want to thank jb for the muffin recipe. Gotta try that.

Things are crazy and I have got to avoid my old pattern of stress snacking. Healthier choices and lots of exercise!

It's supposed to be nice here Saturday so DH and I are hoping to go on a long walk along the C&O Canal Towpath. I'm interested to see how far I can walk. Should be interesting considering that when I started at 319 lbs a mile would do me in - I'm shooting for at least 10-15 miles. Tonight as a dress rehearsal I'm going to do the Walk at Home 5-Mile walk.

Best wishes for the rest of your Thursday!

Virginia

Hi just had a nice relaxing bath. Did a whole mess of ice chopping/snow clearing this morning so that I can get my car out without killing the underside.

Had a little visit with DBF (Dear or Darling Boy Friend) around lunch time and will be going back shortly for an hour or so before I go to my knitting group. Then I'll pop back in to see him on my way home. He hadn't moved at that point, but I think it is in the plan for today. I took in his shoes, socks and dressing gown and toothbrush.

Lousy weather forecast for here later today and overnight - more snow and even more freezing rain. Snow I don't mind, I hate the freezing rain.

I think my hair is dry enough to go out. Don't want to catch a chill.

I can't believe part 3 WOW. 1 more night of graveyard. Not a good night last night, twist my knee just by stepping wrong. But I'm going to keep moving just a little slower now. Not that I was moving real fast to begin with. Congratulations to all the new grandbabies. If you lost weight a big cheer YAHOO!!!. And if you are still sticking with it way to go. Welcome to all the new comers. And my thoughts and prayer are with everyone who are going through tough times. And if you are on vacation enjoy.
Joyce

Hi Folks - I'm sorry but I don't have time to read the postings from today. I'm getting ready to head to choir practice. My brother Don had his biopsy today. We won't know the results for about a week. I'm under calories today but ate poorly (lots of fatty foods.) I guess I hoped on the nervous eater train. Will start anew tomorrow.

Love & prayers for all of you! Cindy

:flowerforyou: Looks like it's been a busy Thursday for everyone!

Evenings are so hard to take the time to post to everyones comments...but

To those that are struggling:flowerforyou: hang in there and look ahead tomorrow is a NEW day and we all have some ups' and downs.

To those nursing loved ones{{hugs}} to you I'm sure that your love and support is helping the healing process.

To those that are having the struggles that many of us do / have / had with our Kids:flowerforyou: know that this too shall pass.

For exercise:drinker: so many of you are truly an inspiration....now if I could only find the time to do that much. By the time I get home, change clothes and get in 1/2 hr of some kind of exercise it's usually after 6:00 and closer to 6:30 and then I have to prepare dinner...thank goodness hubby cleans up my mess:bigsmile: . I do try to get to bed early so I have some quiet time in bed to read because I know how important those 8 hrs of sleep are....beauty rest and all that

The reason I am back here is because I let last year and all the things that I couldn't control take over my life and I remembered that in 2010 I was in the same place (only different, then it was taking care of my Mom long distance, she passed in Oct 2010) I had no control over what was going on around me and I realized that the ONE thing I did control was what I ate and if I exercised....so here I am again with everything around me out of control (hubby no job, company filed Chapter 11, company has NO cash flow) but I CAN AND WILL control what I eat and if I exercise Confesson is that I gained 30 lbs in about 7 months which I'm still really upset with myself:sad: over....but I will succeed. Another thing that I'm looking forward to is that when I have that weight back under control I feel sooo much better:drinker:

Se everyone drink your water:drinker: :drinker: and get up and move...and we will succeed in this battle together:flowerforyou:

Laura

A quick check in for tonight. I was at a new low in weight this morning ....so feeling really good about that. Had a doctor visit this morning and learned that I need to have a pelvic ultrasound. ( I don't mind the test.... I mind that it cost me $225. out of pocket last time. I know that in the big picture this is very worth it so I need to get over it and stop whining). Had a great meeting with my old team I used to work with. We are starting to do our work together again so it was exciting to be getting ideas rolling again. The national organization we worked for just cut our department and we were devastated. So it was great to be with these people today.

Laura....glad you are back here.

Have a good night!
Sally

I get up at 5:40 each day to get ready for work, I get home about 5:15 at nite, how can I get motivated to do exericise , seems once I get home think about dinner, etc I am ready for bed. Any tips?

good job ladies that get that exercise in
Sherry

Sherry:flowerforyou:
Coming from me (especially after I post here), you may think who is she to give advice. But when I was working, I had long hours too. I was simply too tired to exercise in the evening. I was too busy playing catch up with everything at home. What I did was exercise on my lunch hour. There wasn't a gym nearby, but I would walk for the hour, usually at a nearby park or whatever.....just walking. I felt better, and saw myself losing weight and got stronger. Weekends I did the gym or workout DVD's. Do you have somewhere you can work out at work maybe with a DVD and some other employees? Just a thought.


Okay, here I go.

I am (as usual) down in the dumps!:frown: Three days ago, while transferring mom from the wheelchair to her bed, she just gave up and siad she couldn't do it. This was as I was guiding her to the bed and she was standing at the time. Mind you, it is only 4 or 5 steps to the bed but she just went limp on me. Thats 200 pounds of limp that I am trying to hold up so she won't fall to the floor. I immediately pushed my knees against hers to force them back so hers would lock into place, but she refused to help. She put all of her weight on me and my arms and knees took the brunt of it all. I could here my own knees popping and cracking while balancing here and I was yelling at her saying, " Stand up, force yourself to stand up!" Of course she didn't, so I had to toss her onto the bed from where we were standing about a foot and a half away. She ended up face down, crying, and I had to flip and turn and lift, etc over and over to get her in the right position on the bed. It took me a solid half hour to do this. The whole time she is yelling at me and crying. Finally I got her settled. (Frankly I was shocked I was able to do it. I have noticed that I am not able to handle her as well as I used to. I feel weaker and points in my body hurt now where they never did before.)

Anyway later that night when I went to walk the dogs, I was in so much pain (knees) and I swear I could feel my knee cap popping out! I had to call a freind to come and walk my dogs as I couldn't do it. The next day, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I couldn't lift my arms without all my muscles (what little I have) being knotted up and stiff and I couldn't walk. I was barely able to move mom in the bed during diaper changes. Now it is 3 days later, my arms still are stiff and so now are my shoulders and neck muscles. My knees are a little better, I can walk my puppies now with just once in awhile my right leg popping out.

I spoke with the doctor and told him what happened and he is trying to get authorization to put mom in a rehabilitation center sooner. I and he, hope she can stay for at least a month. But once again, it all depends on her and how well she progresses. If they don't see progress weekly, then they can release her early, saying they have done the best they can. Unfortunately, I am expecting her to be there only 2 weeks. I know she won't try, she'll give up. She doesn't want to walk bad enough.

Tonight when we were doing a diaper change, she just burst into tears and I asked her what she was crying about now? She said she had been praying all day to die and she was still there. I got upset. I told her, "That's what you pray for? Why don't you pray for the strength to work out or walk again. You always just want to give up!" I told her it was highly unlikely that she would die soon. She asked, "Why?" I told her, "Because you have nothing wrong with you. Your heart is strong and healthy, you have no diseases, and the doctor says you will probably live to your nineties."

I don't get it.:noway: How could someone who knew they would be living a very long life,in good health, not want to simply exercise to rebuild her muscles so she could walk again? She doesn't want to experience any pain from the exercise. She had recently lied to me and told me she was doing her exercises in bed with her respite careworker. When I asked the worker, she said, "I havent; been doing them with her because she says she doesn't feel up to it." I was furious and went in and told her in front of the worker that she is to do them with her every time she comes here to visit. (The respite worker comes only once a week. I mean is the really going to kill her to do????)

So I have gone grocery shopping this week (before all this happened) and bought my veggies for roasting and chicken and fish, you know all the stuff I know I should be eating and haven't touched a thing. They just sit in the refrigerator to be stared at. Tonight I am still sore and cannot stand for long, so I didn't make dinner, but just ended up heating 2 corn dogs in the microwave for dinner. (I bought these for my son, when he comes over and wants something to eat quick-like.) Besides being sore I know I am depressed and that also is why I and not making an effort to eat better. I'm not kidding myself....I know it's all my fault and I have to do it. I am not making excuses. I'm just exhausted and worn out. I'm gong up and down in moods, and feel myself losing control and I am like a plane spinning out of control and cannot right myself. I don't want to gain any more weight....but I don't know why I can't snap out of this. All I know is I am tired and all I want to do is sleep.

Well by now I know you are all bored with me and my ongoing "poor me" story. So I will end it now. At least I can tell someone what I am feeling and get it off my chest.

I just wish I had my life back. I miss it.
Chiclet