calling out to women 50+

I'd like to start this thread specifically for women who are 50 or over.

As a 53 year-old woman, myself, I am finding new challenges, unexpected difficulties and wonderful insights on my path to getting to and maintaining my health, weight and body shape.

What seemed to work for me as little as five years ago doesn't work quite the same anymore. My body doesn't seem to respond to what I consider healthy eating habits and good workout schedules as it even in my middle to late 40s'.

SO, I am would to hear from those out there who are finding themselves in situations. OR NOT, maybe you can enlighten the rest of us as to how you keep your shape, or how you're getting into better shape and a healthier overall lifestyle.

Hopefully this will be the start of something wonderful, educational, funny-offer up jokes anecdotes, whatever!

LET'S GET STARTED!

Welcome Lisa! You're in good company here...obsess away ..we do

Robbie - So sorry about your dear Dakota...no real words ease the difficult time you're having right now - that is the worst part of having a pet - they become a member of the family and when they pass it is just terrible and sad...<<<HUGS>>>>

DH got Synvisc in both knees today...we shall see if it helps - next appt 2 months - if it does not - knee replacement at least for the left knee to start with. He is at the point he can't really do anything without lots of knee pain.

I had to call our Dr for me today too - had a bug bite that got infected - been putting Neosporin and bandaids on it for over a week  - finally got it healed up (it's still purple looking though) and then the bandaid tore off my skin (NOW you know you're old when the bandaid tears off your skin) anyways that got infected now so he ordered me an antibiotic - it's a strong dose 4x a day - kind of made me worry a little when it was so strong. Took my first dose tonight

Had 4 g/f 's from HS here on the deck tonight - it was a nice time

More tomorrow I'm tired and it's late ...I hope I sleep - the hot flashes continue even with the HRT...sigh

Welcome Lisa! Robbie and Bonnie summed it up beautifully, we are a nice group of obsessive/supportive ladies in their 50s. We bond, we empathize, we laugh and cry in a happy bunch. Hope we can help you too. I have been working at getting lighter for almost 2 years and I JUST started losing, and all thanks to the support and friendship of the girls here. I used to be 193 at my worst, I am now around 176. I hope to keep the trend alive...

Robbie, I hope you are ok, and it's great to have you stick around.

Bonnie, all my wishes for your DH. Any pain is a bummer as it seems to suck all energy and thought in your life to concentrate on IT. I suppose Synvisc is an injection to alleviate his pain, and I hope it works.

The weather is rainy today. I did most of my ironing this morning but will have to go shopping today as the inside of my fridge could be called "Impressions of the Taklamakan desert"... I am down to a few cherries, so it's time to replenish... Today I want to cook BEANS. Keep forgetting. So I took out the slow cooker, and will try something with it. I like slow cooked food...

Today is my daughter's birthday. She turns 26, I can hardly believe it. She was born on 7/7, a very auspicious day in the East (it's called Lover's Day in Japan, as two stars that are normally separated by the Milky Way find themselves on the same side on that day. There is, of course, a nice legend about that). Maybe Kathy can tell it for us???

Time to go back to my ironing. My weight is the usual disgusting 80kg LOL. To think there was a time when I was delirious about it!!! Fickle, we are... But I can feel it's a LIGHT 80, so tomorrow for sure, I'll break that fateful barrier!

Have a gorgeous day all!

Helene, in Switzerland, where the sun has finally pierced the clouds...

Helene, what are you ironing?  I keep saying it's not too much trouble, but if I buy something needing ironing, it goes to a basket, eventually gets buried and doesn't submerge till it's out of style or doesn't fit.  I iron napkins, and even wonder if I save the environment by not buying paper napkins, which are made in a factory, but then the cloth use electricity to be ironed.  Interesting about 7/7.  You've lost so much and now your body is resting while it gets ready to shed more.  You'll break the barrier soon.

bonton:  the bugbite/torn skin infection must be serious.  There are so many germs out there hope the antibiodics heal you fast.

welcome Lisa.  I crept up to 202 once, got down, then crept up again.  This time I intend to be viligant about regaining.  I also go to the South Beach site and a modified SB seems to help me.  It's amazing how calories pile up if you aren't logging.  Great that you are walking.  it really helps.  You should take your measurements, and every month you will be proud of your progress.

You guys are helping me stay tethered right now. On top of my ankle broken dependence (no driving-arghh!), and Dakota's death yesterday, I had to "walk" my niece through a commitment hearing for my sister. My sons were great with the vet and Dakota, and my whole family was on board with helping my sister--she has been self destructive, and made a suicide attempt. For her privacy, that's all I should say, but all your sympathy really helped me through a tough day.

My weight holding steady despite inactivity.

Hugs Bonnie, and get well soon. Hang in there Helene. Ohio--that nobleman is out there. Carol, steady with the parents; I feel your angst. Alice, Chris, Jill, BEB, hugs. Everyone else, that's all I can say for now--my best to all.

Gosh Robbie, I sure hope you've pretty much had all the crap possible heaped on you by now. Surely the rest of the year (or 2!!) will be easier. I'm so sorry your sister is having this difficult time. It is a blessing that you are knowledgeable about the technical details necessary for helping her. I hope you know that I pray for your extended family as well as you. Hang in there girl!

Carol, glad you've got a plan for your folks. Had to giggle about your dad being jealous. Hopefully that will pass soon. My own father didn't recognize my mom more than anyone else for some odd reason. He'd talk to my sibs and I about this woman who was living with him and while she was very attractive, he just didn't think it was seemly. lol. Of course, I found it esp sweet that he still found Mom attractive. (She was always just 'Mom' to me so it opened my eyes a bit.)

Lisa, you are very welcome in the group. Welcome to the meltdown! Be advised, it's only these other ladies who obcess...not me! lol. Yeah, right! Sounds like you have a good plan of action. Add some exercise, then start counting cals: One change at a time. Congratulations of quiting smoking too! Think of it all as one big plan for health.

Bonnie, I sure hope the treatment helps your DH. I don't respond well to band-aids either. When I had the moles removed that was the worst part...the divots from the removal would be getting better but the skin under the band-aids got worse and worse. I finally used the spray on kind. Hope that antibiotic kills off whatever is trying to take up residence in your hide! Take extra special care of yourself until it does.

Ohio, I'm with you on the ironing. Yuck. Men's shirts are really bothersome right now. (OK there's something you should NOT miss about having a man around! lol.) Even many fairly pricey ones from an upscale dept store near here launder terribly. I bought a little steamer recently which I find less offensive for some reason. It doesn't work well on everything but is good for the light weight summer fabrics I often want to wear now.

Helene, happy birthday to your daughter. It is amazing how the time flys. My DD went to the liquor store with me yesterday to pick out a wine for dinner. lol. We BOTH felt awkward about it. I'll have to Google "Lover's Day", it sounds like a lovely story. Please don't be silly like me...I immediately thought it would be an appropriate day for a Milky Way bar. lol. Perhaps the Mars company hasn't taken over the earth enough for those to be available in your area. If so, keep it that way! lol. I've had a hankering for beans myself. There were some nice bean salad recipes on the blog recently. Seemed great for summer.

Bex, you be careful around those cowboys now! lol. Hope you have a good time on the coast.

Jill, I was just wondering about Sharon myself. She was soo darn successful, maybe we aren't that necessary for her. Sure hope that like Snow, she'll keep popping in from time to time.

EL, HOPE YOU'RE DOING OK TOO!!!

I'll put in for a couple of vacation days next week for DH's sinus surgery. The thought of 1.5 hours under anesthesia in a dr's office makes me nervous. DH is OK with it though. I sure hope it brings the relief that the dr expects.

After last week's vacation bible school every evening, I feel like I'm on vacation myself this week. DD & I were going to go to swim laps after work yesterday but all the lanes were taken. We were going to go back but her stomach acted up. She did recover later and made dinner for the family--not bad too. We watched a very silly movie later (House Bunny - I know what you're thinking! but DH & I laughed quite a bit believe it or not!) My pedometer registered over 5 miles so I didn't mind missing the swimming so much. A pleasant evening overall!

Robbie  My heart is with you as you mourn Dakota.  I'm also sorry to hear about your sister, and hope she is doing better. How old is your niece? Hope today is a better day for you! Hope you have found some seated exercises to keep you toned during your inactivity with the ankle and heavy boot.

Bonnie  Two months seems long for DH to wait after the injections of Synvisc, but I hope they help him a lot!

Your bug bite sounds quite bad; where is this infection? I know you will be eating yogurt while taking the antibiotics, Right?

Glad you are enjoying your deck and the friends you gather there with you!

Lisa  Welcome! I like the idea of making one change a week...thanks for the food for thought!  Hope your knee improves with PT and it doesn't affect your ability to walk, especially since you've more than doubled your walk-time and have such a great pace! I'd love to be able to walk 4mph for a half-hour! I've been at this seriously since April 23rd, starting at 220, and have dropped close to 20 lbs and some inches too, mostly in right places-lol! I've been on a plateau though for about a month now, but am hopeful pounds will again be dropping real soon. I bet you'll see a nice weight drop on Thurs when you go to the dr. again--will be anxiously waiting to hear about it! 

Helene   Interesting story about the 7/7 date! Happy Birthday to her! It's a special day for You too-Lol!

Carol  Hoping you have good reports to share about your parents and all this new help for them. I imagine it's pretty tough though, to accept certain facts about their lifestyle changes and just enjoy what they are still able to do. My Step-dad tells me often, how embarrassing and humbling too, it is to not be able to do the things around the house that he always easily able to do in the past. And mom tells me about how he always stands right there whenever someone has been hired to do these things, whether it's a small job or large, and how quiet he is afterwards, for the rest of that day. For her, the changes in things she can no longer enjoy or do is mostly disappointing, but for a man, seems to be harder to accept.

Chris  I love the way your dad felt about this woman who was living with him and while she was very attractive, he just didn't think it was seemly. lol.  It surely can't hurt to find humor in such a sad situation! Glad he thought she was Attractive! 

When is your DH's sinus surgery scheduled?

Thanks for mentioning bean salad. I haven't made any in quite some time, so think I will do so today, with whatever I have in pantry. I like making it with a simple olive oil and cider vinegar dressing, with added herbs for seasoning, though I might add a bit of chopped tomato now, and a sprinkle of F/F Parmesan. I find it a refreshing source of protein during the hot, muggy days we've been having here lately. It's great for a meatless meal, but DH will want some kind of meat with his portion anyhow, lol!

Beb  Hope things are going good for you and Kyle.  Did you ever get to that discussion you hoped for with Rick, or has it been put off for now?

EL  How's that adorable little bundle of cuddly cuteness, Ava, doing these days? Have you started to spoil your GD, yet-Lol!?

For those of you who remember my on-going project of de-cluttering my master bedroom...I made some good headway yesterday, actually working on one particular box of mostly papers, for a couple of hours; well past my usual goal of 15 minutes, without getting side-tracked. I am trying to keep my vision of the completed room in my head as incentive to work on it a bit each day, but sometimes it's still just too overwhelming even now. I think doing the closet first was great though, as it was a very noticeable change for the better, and is so nice to be in there now, with DH even noticing, though I had to Ask-Lol!

 Robbie Geez when it rains it pours...so sorry you are going thru all this difficult stuff right now. Prayers for your sister and family..poor niece - so glad you were able to walk her thru what she needed to do - must have been difficult. Glad weight is staying stable

Jill - I just finished a large bowl of Greek yogurt with blackberries, raspberries and strawberries with a drizzle of honey! Infection is on my R calf but looks better already today after just 2 pills. DH says R knee feels great today but L feels stiff and still somewhat painful.  Yeah for headway on "de-cluttering"!!

Helene- Synvisc is an injection - supposed to lubricate the joint where he has no cartilage left - seems to be helping R knee but L?? Happy Bday to DD! Time really does go by quickly. I have a lot of ironing in the summer - seems those cotton things wrinkle up and LOL it doesn't help that I forget them in the dryer!

OhioNice weather we're having - hope youre outside enjoying it! We'll keep you vigilant this time!

Chris- I'd take off too - hope DH makes out with good results like promised. Yeah for 5 miles walked!!! They asked my DD to be in charge of BS but she just spearheaded that large yardsale for the church - don't know if she's up to it or not. Seems like a handful of ppl always do the work

Lisa- 1 change at a time sounds like a great plan!

Played golf this morning...8am a little to early for me the NOT morning person - but now I need to bake cookies for our member guest tournament tomorrow and then go up and decorate tonight.

Hi to anyone I missed - phox Bex, Alice, El, BEB hope everyone is having a great day

Oh DH and I ate here after Dr appt - I just couldn't face another salad or chicken - LOL had the Wimpy Basket and a diet vanilla coke!

Oh oh, BEB, when you're this quiet, I get worried. What's up???

Baby Chick here.!...Ah Chris (mother hen) lol ..didn't mean to worry you about one of your flock or , baby chicks...i am fine, just really bushed today and it has been a busy few days for me, so i couldn't get on here....will explain at bottom of entry. You mentioned Beth, did you send her a PM by chance?  It also sounds like yur swimming is becoming a geat activity for yur and you DD that's great! "House Bunny" sounds interesting..what was it about? When is DH sinus surgery??

Can anyone recommend a good new comedy out today that Rick and I could see at the drive on his holidays from July15-28th???Or something about men and woman!! hehe

Robbie: I am so, so sorry about Dakota, he had a good long life though, and was truly loved, i am hopeful you have some beautiful pics of her and memories to share when it perhaps is less painful to think about.  We all share your hurt!  being we have all had pets to whom we come to think of as our family members not just pets, and the many stories we tend to share with everyone around us!...[[[[[hugs]]]]] They say things always happen in 3's so this should be the end of your bad fortune for a long time, okay! that is my intuitive prediction ....your doggy, your sister and your ankle..right!  So things can only get better now, be strong hoppy!...lol... as i know you are!

Bonnie: I am glad to hear your are healing when you mentioned that bite "spider " came to mind must be all the talk about that on here lately, i am also happy to hear DH knees are better, with the shots and that your sis is steadily improving! Oh for the ladder game....they also call it 'hillbilly golf'...how do you insert the rope in the golf ball??, any ideas cuz i would like to build the apparatas myself for this game...you are talking about the balls on rope you toss at the rungs for points, right??  Glad you enjoying having your g/f's on the deck for the afternoon, how nice to reminise like that!

Alice: Your question about the par?  It was a par 3 (Pineview course) that i got a 83 but that wasn't a great game for my first game this year but the back 9 was an improvement, yesterday i went Golfing with Kyle (his first time) and i shot a 85, his first attempt was 106 but i think a few missing balls ahd shots were miscounted hehehebut it was a really good game for a par 62 (Credit valley golf course) so that was a gooooood game for me!  In fact one of my best, playing with Kyle although it was very hard to concentrate when he always wanted to drive the power cart, was always looking for balls in the bush and i don't mean the one he lost, he found over a dozen lol...and horsing around, driving the power cart...thankgod there was really no one on the course...i don't think i will play there again though to much water marsh and misquitos...the fairways were all narrow and no views just bush! ...bush...bush...?!

I like a golf course with nice ponds, country field views with the old wooden type fences, some scenery, hills etc you know like the other par 3 course Pineview i went to with Rick but its only a par 3 and i like to use my drivers...oh well there are alot of course here in Barrie so next time it will be maybe Springwater or Shanty Bay both have all of the above and Shanty Bay has 27 holes too!..woohoo..lol.

The lottery i entered the super 7, i had 4 out of 7 numbers and was off by 1 and 2 numbers on the other 3...............darn girls i could almost feel the victory and it was for 10,000,000 too.......rats?

Ohio: When you find your nobleman see if he has a twin brother for me!...okay?  To find an honorable gentleman seems to be a hard task these days, either that or all the good ones are happily married, right ladies? .... I hate ironing too, i would say outside of laundry it is the most tedious job i do, i will avoid it if i can but eventually i need to wear something i have to iron, just having all my clothes bunched together in the closet causes me to re-iron so i just wait till i need somthing and then iron it!

Helene: Happy 26th to your DD...Taklemakan desert? you sure have a knack for making me google explanations  but i believe i got it by your description of an empty fridge....lol...how goes the boxes...getting any headway!!  lol

Lisa: Welcome....you'll find all the friendship, humour, stories and support right here with this great gang of nuts lol...lovely ladies...hehehejust stick with it, and congrats on the quiting smoking i quit Feb/07 so i share your re lease on health!

Carol: Parents... meals on wheels, what a great idea, it's a start!  I had an Aunt Vera in England who got so bad she didn't even reconize her husband, my mom (her sister) or her family that is so sad when they get that far, so to have parents who know you is a blessing in itself!!

Jill: You mentioned your DH likes meat..meat in his salads why don't you throw in some BACON BITS..that's what i do, some of those chunks are quite large...well it's meat!

So whats new with me!.....first i had Rick come on saturday we took Baron (his dog) to the beach, and walked around the promenade festival here and walked around he didn't stay the night however as planned, we were on the patio and i was about to start having that serious conversation that i wanted after my big chilly dinner i made with garlic bread and cheddar melted cheese and cheescake blueberry dessert,  and he says he was getting tired and left...next day i don't know then he comes picks me up for golf and we went to the one above Pineview....he tried so hard to sike me out he ended up doing himself in haha..! His mood changed 3 times during the course of the game like he was sitting in the cart i went to reach in to give him an affectionate little peak (a kiss) on the lips he pulled away or gave me his cheek i pulled back (the hell with that rejection?)...later he said something and i piped up and said hey "you don't even want a kiss" he said "not in public..i said "oh Please" (like give me a break) anyway later he reached over still on the golf course and gave me a peak on the lips...and again later..so you see i don't understand him...one minute this...the next that....hard to figure him out sometimes.  A year ago today was our first date.July7th..........NOW yesterday he was in a foul mood and said again he was going to delete me on "IM" AGAIN i said to him i had done nothing wrong and what is your problem...and i told him "decisions should never be made when you are angry" i should have added or "high" he likes his mj....anyway...men..! This is getting annoying, but i really do like Rick it's just as much as we share in common there just as many things we differ in....one day at a time...that's all i can do with this guy!

As for Kyle things are fine...i have really pu my foot down, and he will obey all my simple rules...or Youth Haven for him....he knows it too!  I did however let it slip purposely to the superintendent here that Kyle will probably be back but I will keep him OFF the property, i just didn't say when or if!  If you would have seen how sad he looked when he begged me to come home, i think everyone of you would have opened your door!! TOO!

Anyway yesterday i took Kyle golfing that was alot fun, but he i think was more interesting in driving the cart and looking in the bush for balls, haha teenagers, he doesn't have his drivers license yet or shown any interest but now he is...hehe well he says he would like to golfing again so that is good!, but i will have to keep a shorter leash on him, lucky there was noon on the course cuz he sure liked driving that golf cart, what a kook....

So Kyle and came home after 18 holes and i cooked a nice bbq oustide with my candles and lantern...and then came in did the music on headphones for awhile and a couple beers then bedtime...........i am bushed today it's been a busy few days with Rick, golfing etc....oh i had to take a cab to the course but got a ride home..so that wasn;t to bad but i can't do this to often amost $30.00 just for the cab then cart and green fees...phew!

So anyone i missed hope you all are well! Sorry about the long post but i haven't been on for a couple days right??

Night all BEB Bushed in Barrie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bonnie  Your meal of a large bowl of Greek yogurt with blackberries, raspberries and strawberries with a drizzle of honey Sounds So Delicious!!! Yummy! I always try to remember the yogurt thing whenever I have to take antibiotics...keeps the yeasties away. Glad you are already noticing the infected area responding so nicely!

Maybe DH's L knee is the worse of the two? Maybe it's just slower in responding, but good that at least the right one is noticeably improved!

I Loved that little Ditty from that restaurant's website! Really cute! Glad you had a nice time...but the diet vanilla coke? Yeah, saved a few calories, I know-Lol!

Beb  You are so funny--bacon bits...I use them sometimes, and my kitty loves them, but it's no substitute for meat by DH's thinking anyhow-lol! Just like today's tomato sandwiches--he asked if we were Out of lunch meat! He wanted some meat even with the freshly sliced tomato...I know he likes the meat, but I just have to Try the healthier approach every now and then-lol!

Too bad you don't have a video of your golf trip with Rick...you could show that for a good comedy-LOL call it: Romancing the Stone-Lol! He's so used to being with his buddies, he doesn't know how to enjoy it when he's with a Woman! Could he really be That Shy?  Well, I guess you can just enjoy his company every now and then and if you expect No More than that, you'll be okay! How do you keep from Laughing when you'd probably like to explain to Kyle why it's not a smart thing to just play around with the golf cart like he does? I remember when my brother got a golf cart for his son. They live in a community that has it's own golf course in their back yard, and my nephew took me for a ride in it to show me the various areas of interest. I thought I'd never make it back in one piece-lol! It was hilarious, a real riot, but scary for me! It was just a phase though, so as long as Kyle isn't destructive, it's just all in good fun!

It's an early night for me now, will be up before sunrise in the morning and planning to be out-of-town all day tomorrow, so I hope everyone has a better day tomorrow and a good week in all!

Hi Y'all!  Welcome Lisa! You'll find plenty of support here!

Sorry-  I really have been busy, had a large screen job to finish and then had to work a double shift - Asst. manager was sick-  Have only had one day off since I came back from school in SC.   Hopefully things will settle down a bit.  I have no clue how long I will be at this store- not long hopefully.  I am anxious to have my own store. And traiing pay stinks- I think I got more from unemployment.

Hey! too successfull?? not hardly!  And I  think you ladies will always be necessary!!

As a matter of fact I need to be slapped- I haven't gained but need a kick in the butt cause I have had a hard time lately eating healthy lately and I don't want to revert to bad eating habits. Boy I am really missing that treadmill too!  Gonna get one as soon as I can.

Sorry to hear about Dakota :(    I lost my greyhound Natasha after 12 years and I still miss her every day. 

I've been having leg cramps at night in bed, hamstrings- I think either I overdid the treadmill or maybe dehydrated-  Bought some G2 Gatorade today so I hope that helps- I don't always get breaks at work so I know I am not drinking enough.

Jill -are you still driving the sound system around??

Hope y'all had a happy 4th.  I worked of course but got to see the fireworks from my GF's yard- everyone in her neighborhood brings a lawnchair to an intersection on a hill in the subdivision where the view is pretty good.

Night all!

Hi Sharon Sinabear!  Glad you stopped by.  I know how that too busy thing goes, unfortunately.

Hi Lisa, and welcome to the best group of women on CC!

I can't say I am proud of my eating today but I've done worse.  I'll try to meditate on it first thing in the morning so I'll get back on track.  Started out great with oatmeal, but then went downhill from there with candy.  Looking at my tiny friend Karen in some photos is making me kick myself for eating too much today.  I REALLY want to be thin and I'll never get there if I don't change.  

My Yosemite photos are finally posted.  Here are the links:

Day One - we hiked to North Dome  http://moondust.smugmug.com/gallery/8808511_3 XAGK#583475739_bMuri

Day Two - to the top of Half Dome and Karen began the John Muir Trail  http://moondust.smugmug.com/gallery/8823295_F UoMM#584507521_cxQwj

Alice

Thanks for the photos Alice. I'll watch them at my next break!

Sharon! Welcome back, we missed you!

Robbie, I hope you are feeling better after all these bad turns on your path. You did realize your sister was in trouble last time you saw her, but still it must be hard, as one always thinks "I should have done more..." Good you can help your niece sort the practical details at least.

Jill, men are meat lovers... Must be because of all those muscles they have and we don't... But you should still try and be careful for your DH if he won't pay attention to his own health. Use oil instead of butter, add less of it in the dishes, choose leaner meat, prepare casseroles that also include a lot of veggies.... One comfort is that WE are in control of the pan! LOL

BEB, Rick is probably very shy or insecure. Don't push, he'll make a move when he is ready. And you both have a past that left scars, so tlc and patience are definitely good things at first. I really hope Kyle is starting to realize even mothers can come to the end of their patience. Do not let anything slip by yet.

Bonnie, hope both DH and your sister are improving. That must be such a burden on your mind! At least you have golf. But I hope you do not have our weather because it's really chilly and wet (we are in the 60's today).

Ohio, Europe - especially Italy - is full of destitute noblemen, so I suggest you come for a tour for your next holiday. Italians can be very charming - they are also terribly spoiled males - and they REALLY know how to make a lady feel appreciated. The fact I married a Swiss German - they are reputed to have as much fantasy and lightness of spirit as the cows inhabiting their mountains - should still give you hints of some of the drawbacks... LOL

Chris, I had to chuckle when you mentioned being embarrassed to be buying wine with your daughter!!! We do not think of wine as alcohol, but a huge part of our culture. Excess is frowned upon, and considered a sign of a low level of education... Things are changing nowadays, thanks to all the silly teenager movies showing binge drinking on campuses - something that used to be totally unknown here - but we still think that wine is an exception.

I just wanted to share the great news! I broke the 80kg barrier (176 lbs). I am now officially in the 70's range, with 79.8 kg (175 lbs 12 oz). It's not much, but psychologically as well as emotionally it's wonderful! LOL My next goal is to exit the 170's before the end of the month... I was not expecting it, because I prepared a nice dinner for Pierre (pasta-less zucchini lasagna, absolutely delicious...), and ate more than I needed, and I polished off all the cherries... But I must have done something right yesterday (like walking to Aigle for shopping in spite of the rain), because it didn't show on the scale this morning.

Oh! And I am cooking beans!!! I found a slow cooker recipe for meatless chili an d that's what I will be preparing for tonight. Pierre won't be eating with me, because he will be eating with two friends from India (that both used to be in Vietnam with us; one is still there, the other one went back to Delhi). But I guess it is the kind of dish that gets even better with time, so I do not mind. Marc should be coming today to help me set up the desktop in the office room ( I know how to do that but there is a lot of boxes and furniture to move around to do so).

I am doing fine with the boxes. Except my sewing room and the office, all rooms are free of boxes now. There is some minor work to do in the kitchen to finish off the plinths, a door to install, and a few spots to touch in the wall paint, then the house will be officially settled. I'll keep the basement organization for when I come back from the States, mid-August (I come back on St Helene's day, the 18th of August).

Before I get off: ironing... Europeans are "ironers". My Mom even ironed my father's socks... I iron shirts, blouses, pants (those you can't dry clean), towels, dishtowels, aprons, napkins, bedsheet edges, pillow cases, duvet covers, etc... After so many years in the tropics, we are all addicted to 100% cotton and flax, so all that stuff really needs ironing. I do not mind. I usually watch TV or listen to audio books while I do it, so I do not really think about it. And I love to put away freshly-ironed neatly stacked linens. Makes me feel... accomplished. LOL I do not know about the States, but in Europe mothers-in-law would look at the way you kept linens in your  cupboards as keenly as they's watch your cooking skills... My MIL is NOT that kind, but it's still in the culture. (We even have a different way to fold upper bedsheets and lower ones, to be able to spot them at a glance! LOL).

Have a wonderful day all!

Helene, in Switzerland, who will have to brave another rainy day to go to Aigle...

Read this on another thread.  If you don't feel like exercising, reach around and grab your butt.  it will remind you why you need to exercise.  LOL.

Helene; oh the Italian men I am familiar with and you're exactly right.  My hubbs family was northern Italian.  He charmed me from the first moment we were introduced.  The downside was that both of us were very stubborn.  Italian/Irish not a good mix.

CONGRATULATIONS on breaking the barrier.  Sure is tough isn't it.  Strange how we feel we deserve it and it doesn't happen, but when we don't expect it, after a certain meal, then it does happen. 

I agree Helene, I love putting away freshly-ironed linens.  I just don't want to be the one who had to iron them.   

Up at 5:30 am, but to be expected when I go to bed so early.  It's so nice int he morning and just getting light.  I'd have time for a nice wog, but playing golf tonight and need to pace my energy.

Thanks for the welcome Robbie, Bonton, Helene, Ohio, Chris, Just 4menow(LOVE the name), Blue Eyed Blonde, Sinabear and Moonduster (those Yosemite pictures are gorgeous!)  I thought this looked like a nice group.

Day 5 for me on this site and tracking calories, and I know that this is what I need to do.  Once I start paying attention to what I eat I am amazed that I am not 3 times the size I am!  Ugh, all those empty calories year after year.

When I quit smoking in 07 I found it helpful to review the things that were making the experience easier, rather than dwelling all the time on how difficult it was, so I am going to try to do the same thing with this change.  So, here is a partial list:  I am a good cook, so I can make healthy food that tastes good.  My husband is supportive and wonderful and makes time to walk with me whenever I ask, even though he is a marathon runner and must find watching his huffing and puffing wife a little off-putting. The weather here in Mass has been unseasonably mild thus making exercising a little easier.  There are wonderful fresh berries for sale every week right now which are such a treat that I almost forget they are good for me. 

I go back to my doctor tomorrow, and that will be my first "weigh-in" since I went there 8 weeks ago.  I spent the first week in shock and feeling overwhelmed/ashamed/depressed.  Since then I have been making one change a week...Friday's was the BIG ONE, starting to track the calories.  So I don't expect to have lost any real weight, but I am still having to do a lot of psyching myself up for the visit so I don't let the fact that I have NOT lost weight knock me off track.

I am of two minds on weighing.  In the past when I hit a plateau, especially if it was for two weeks in a row I gave up.  But I know without weighing in I will drift away from all these positive changes.  I am toying with the idea of weighing in every month, which hopefully will be often enough to keep me motivated by seeing some movement in the right direction and not so long that there is no accountability.  I am interested in other peoples' opinions, thoughts and experieces.

Lisa

I've been keeping busy.  We are trying to find tickets to the States in September.  It is so difficult to find any for sale.  Right now they are mostly sold out from Kansai Airport.  We may have to travel to Tokyo to get out of the country.  It's so hard working around my teaching schedule.  Japan has a new 3-day holiday starting from this year.  It seems like everybody must want to leave the country on the same day.  Travel in Japan is really expensive.  It will add another couple of hundred dollars to the cost.  But, worst than that is the time it will take.  By the time we get to our destination, I  figure it will take about 60 hours to get to our destination.  First we take a jet to Tokyo, stay over night, take various subways and trains to Narita Airport, fly to Portland, Oregon, fly to Eugene, drive to daughters, stay overnight, drive an hour and a half to dad's house to our destination.

My dad would be so disappointed if we don't get to spend time at the family reunion which was scheduled so we could go to it...

I have taken over the Slimming Minis forum as the lady who has been doing it is too busy in the summer.  It really helps me to keep on track. 

I seem to be a little off track with my daily routines.  How is everybody else doing?  It is soooooooooooo hot here.  I wish the rainy season would hurry up and end.

Welcome to Lisa... We are looking forward to sharing our lives with you.

sinabear - take care of yourself.  Good luck on getting your own store.

beb - you'll laugh.  It's not new, but I watched the "Full Monty" at my friend's house the other night.  Our HBs and we wives laughed so much.  It's a real hoot.

bonnie - your yogurt and raspberries sound heavenly.  No Greek yogurt here, but I make my own and drain off part of the liquid to make it thick and creamy.  They don't sell raspberries here, and they are my favorite berry.

just - your de-cluttering sound like it is going well.  It does feel so good to get things organized.

On losing pets - it's really devastating.  My cat died in my arms five years ago in May from cat leukemia.  I still miss him.  There is something about a pet's unconditional love that good.  We haven't gotten another pet as our live style is too erratic to take care of one.

Kathy  Yes, the decluttering is my only "project" for now, as I feel a real need to concentrate on this for my own sanity-Lol! I must be going through a cleansing phase in my life; my eating habits and exercise and now this too.

I hope you are able to get your tickets to the States soon...September will be here before you know it!

Lisa  You aren't the only one with a past rep for giving up when on a plateau. I've been on one for about a month now, and in the past would have already given up. Not now though; I'm SO determined to be the best I can be, and where my weight is concerned, it sure is wide open for improvement! I've worked too hard since April to just give it all up now, so I just keep plugging away, hoping the scale will reflect all these efforts that right now seem so fruitless!  On a positive note, the tape measure has been user-friendly-Lol! If you can weigh-in just once a month, more power to ya! You can literally go by the seat of your pants, as in when they feel loose, you know you are doing really well! I have to see the scale often, myself, it's just a "thing" with me, to be sure I don't go back up in the wrong direction-lol!

It's nice that your DH walks with you When you can find the Time! Enjoy your mild weather and the succulent fresh berries!

Ohio  I lost my butt in the war--the war between good habits and bad-Lol! Unfortunately, the rest of me has a Long Way to go to catch up to it so I don't look so odd back there! I wish I could switch my stomach for that area-lol!

Sharon  You do have a life beyond work; it's just hiding right now behind double shifts and that big screen job! When do you think you'll get your own store? So I guess your physical training for the volunteer FD has been way-sided too? I'm glad you found a spare moment to get on here and update us though! And no, not riding with the sound system now-whew! The extra 200 lbs in the trunk was good for stability on the road I suppose, but I'm glad to have the free space again!

Helene  I do try to help DH's nutritional content by preparing foods the healthier way, as you outlined, and he eats them fairly well, but adds much more salt than any one person should have, to just about Everything! I also am too well aware that his lunches, when not eaten at home during his workday, are all loaded with all the things that we all know are unhealthy and even destructive. He's beginning to feel the effects of these unwise selections, but it Still doesn't change what he continues to prefer! Stubborn! 

Robbie  I hope you are feeling a little better with each day, and in every way! My DH refuses to get another dog, as he doesn't ever want to go through the pain of losing another one. We lost two at one time, with one's whereabouts actually totally unknown, but since the other was poisoned, we pretty much can figure out what happened to her mate. Men rarely speak about the deep feelings that go with such a loss, but I hope for another dog eventually.  I don't know why I am rambling about this...just know you are still in my prayers.

Alice Thanks for the scenic links...will look at these shortly.

Beb  Fortunately, today's dental appt. didn't take as long as I thought it would. The Sheetrock/drywall is being installed on the garage as I write, and I even had a much-needed 20-minute nap with all the noise going on too! One of the young men on this job is very well put-together, and I thought of you and your interest in younger men-Lol! DH's back is getting better, but is bad enough to keep him from a pool tournament tonight, but he's too stubborn to try any of the back exercises I've found that might be helpful, and says it will heal up with a bit more time. I need to get new eyeglasses--not looking forward to adjusting to tri-focals though! Actually, I just hate how expensive they are, especially the frames, which don't seem much better than the cheap kind used for store-bought "readers", which are the magnifying lenses used for some of us who need a bit of Help in seeing to read things nowadays-lol!

I hope things are still going well with your son at home.

Kathy, that is quite a challenge to travel. I hope you can find some good rates. It is too bad you have to stick to certain dates. I started looking at flights to Paris today. lol. DD isn't even there yet! We'll most likely go in the spring anyway so looking now it pretty moot.

BEB, who said you could be out there living? lol. Glad you're OK. I think you're right, give Rick his space. If he comes around and you have a good time, great! Long term I think he'd drive you nuts.  House Bunny is a very stupid movie about a girl who loses her spot in the playboy mansion and becomes a sorority house mother to some misfit girls. It's as predictable as you think it is and yet we laughed quite a bit. Last night we watched Defiance. I thought it was really good and while it's deep, could be a good 'date' movie too -enough action for him, enough story for you.

Lisa, on weighing. Ug. I vacillate. and so does my weight! lol. My fear about only weighing once a month is that should that day coincidentally be one of my 'heavy' days, I'd really be devastated! I used to weigh a couple of times a week and then this spring I started only logging it if it went down. Guess what? No logs for a LONG time. Right now I'm weighing and logging everyday (almost). For someone like me who's weight varies a lot, the trend line is really helpful IF I log often.

Helene, I congratulated you on breaking into the 70's in your journal but what the heck, consider yourself congratulated again! You deserve it! It is kind of funny when we get surprised by the timing. I think our bodies just run on a much longer clock than we expect.

Alice, the pictures are spectacular. I've got to get out there someday...preferably while I can still hike a bit!

Bonnie, after reading about everything you've been up to, I wanted to go take a nap!

Robbie, I hope you're feeling better. Physically and emotionally.

I just had a really nice lunch; sauteed zucchini, cabbage, onions & mushrooms then I just threw in a little leftover spaghetti sauce at the end. I put a little shredded Parmesan cheese on it (it only smelled a little like wet dog, Helene. lol.) Less than 100 cals and with a little ff yogurt w blueberries, a nice summer lunch. I made salmon cakes for the 'boys' as well. Yep, Jill, they like some meat too! lol.

Hi everyone!  I have some new pics in my gallery.  One of the new kitten, and a few taken on my vacation in North Carolina.  If you look at the kitten, you will know why we have started calling him "bat cat".  His ears are huge!  If he grows into them, he is going to be the biggest cat in the house.

I have decided that it is really time to drop some more pounds.  I have been kicking around in the same 7 pound range for a year now.  Its nice to know that I can maintain well, but I am not in a healthy weight range and I won't get there doing what I have been.  So, back to P90X and if I don't do that at least 2 days a week, I go back to boot camp.  Its hard to motivate myself to exercise when it is as hot as it is now, but I can't wait until October to start this.  I WON'T STOP UNTIL I LOSE 20 MORE POUNDS!  Keep me focused my friends.

Ironing?  I have never ironed a sheet, pillow case, or sock in my life.  I guess I will have to stay away from European men.  I would never get my mother-in-laws approval.  I do iron shirts on occasion, but I am a firm believer in wash and wear.

Welcome Lisa.  I got up to 205 at one point.  Realizing that I wore a size 20 in pants and seeing the scale over 200 was my "Moment of truth".  That is when I decided I really had to do something about it.  I got down a bit below 180 and then took a break.  Fortunately, I haven't slipped much, but I still have a long way to go.  I have found that weighing a couple of times a week works best for me.  A month would be far too long.  When I don't weigh, I tend to get more careless about what I eat.  Or do I avoid the scale when I am not eating right?  Anyway, charting each weigh-in helps you see the downward trend that you might miss if you are just remembering your last weigh-in.  You are lucky to have such a supportive husband.  That is a big plus.  And those berries are making me jealous.

I hope they can help your sister Robbie.  This has to be really hard for you and her children.  At least you have done what you can to help.

I loved that story about your dad Chris.  It is funny in a sad way.  Just like my father is.  Alzheimer's is such a horrible disease. 

Congratulations on 70's Helene!  I know you have been working really hard and you got a great payoff.  Good work!

-Carol

Hi Girls: Just a quick hello i am bushed just got back from going out and having a big fat juicy charbroiled burger with Kyle...i was craving one and too tired tonight to bbq.....phew....staying firm at 165 oh one of these days i may go off maintenance again and try and get below 160 but i feel good, eat good that is what's inportant.

Rick has called twice and i wasn't awake the first time yesterday to talk and i was out the second today....so i guess i had better email him at work tonight to let him know i have been busy researching things for us to do on our holiday together in case he assumes i am avoiding him or something...i thought maybe crossing a suspension bridge might be fun! eh girls? 

Alice and Carol: saw your pics all great!

Jill: SO YOU think you can dance is on tonight!!!!!!!!    what is a sound machine?? that Bear was referring too?  I guess i mised something there?

Helene: yea i think ick may be insecure, but certainly not from anything i have done i know that....it's all good...taking our time...no rush!!

Hi Lisa, Robbie, chris, Bonny, Ohio and everyone ele i missed!!

Boy a police man came to the door giving me notice to be there for Kyles case Jyly28th well...when they buzzed i freaked,....i thought maybe it was an eviction notice or something....phew...lol Anyway Kyle poor kid is having a rough time of it, his friend Tyler has been ignoring him because he has been seeing a girl downstairs...oh well i have been there for him and we are actually having some nice quality time together, and talks so maybe it isn't all bad.!

Well girls i am sorry i can't talk to each one individually today but my last entry was rather long eh!!!!!!!! So to all have a nice night!

And to the newbees don't foget to count your calories, drink lots of water, 3500 calorie deficit is 1lb lost and get lots of exercise!

Goodnight all!!! BEB