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!

Good morning all.

Bonnie: I am smiling with the memory of my last Chucky Cheese experience. Chris and I share a birthday. When I turned 40, we were still living in Miami and Tom played in an old guys' rock n roll band, appropriately name "Roadkill." He apologized to me that they would be rehearsing the Friday night of my birthday weekend, and playing a gig Saturday night. I was disappointed, but not aggrieved. Later, he proudly revealed that the band had rearranged rehearsal to accommodate Chris's 8th birthday party on Friday night at C.C. I bitterly announced to everyone I knew, and a few strangers, that my DH was taking me to Chucky Cheese for my fortieth birthday! Actually, it was a fun night, but that didn't stop me from kvetching. Saturday night, he took me to dinner before the band played and presented me with a beautiful diamond ring (that we had not been able to afford when we married). Then, we went to the band's gig site, where he had arranged a surprise party. Boy, did my friends give me a hard time about my pre-party grousing! I deserved it, naturally.

I know how you feel about the boyfriend-less daughter. Our younger, shy engineering student son, Nick, only acquired his first girlfriend last February, when he was a junior in college. She's lovely, and joined us for Thanksgiving this year. I felt like I could let out a breath I had been holding forever.

Snow: I wish you continued success in the new path you've chosen. I know you'll be hovering over like a guardian lifestyle choice angel.

Ohio: Your tight pants also made me laugh at myself. Yesterday, I squeezed into a skirt that I haven't been able to wear for four years. My case was really long and sensitive for all involved (a failure to diagnose breast cancer case). By mid afternoon, I felt I could no longer breathe, but I had to keep going. At 7:00 p.m. when we finally settled it, I called Tom to say I'd be late. He invited me to meet him for dinner (his treat), but I elected to come home and cook instead just to get out of that corset!

BEB: My older son developed an alcohol/drug problem his sophomore year of college, and he endured legally related issues. It is so hard to be a Mom in those times. I can't tell you what to do, as I only know my own experience. I careened between fierce protectiveness and out-sized anger. Thank goodness, Tom was the steady hand, and it's harder for you with no Dad in the picture (at least, I think that's so). For what it's worth, I think you have to find a balance between too tough love and enabling love. Have you looked to see if there are support groups in your area? Sharing your experience with others who have gone through it might help keep your mind clear.Kyle will test you, and you need to take care that you have the strength to react well. Good luck.

Frost: You are my running inspiration. How about a picture of Spike and Pork Chop with you on your gallery?

Phox: I agree with you about the dietitian. I think I always do better when I have that professional assist. But I also think you are at a good body weight place, and may benefit from attention to your second insight, which is to be self accepting--not that I ever take my own advice there.

Alice: Hello. Glad you're still with us.

Beth: What a wonderful career you have chosen: lots of work and lots of joy. Thanks for sharing with us.

Helene: Your parenting experiences sound much like mine, and I agree that our most important task is modeling responsible behavior. My oldest is now working and being a contributing member of the family, which I would never have believed two years ago. BTW, I saw an article in the paper yesterday about a new pill that helps people regulate their sleep cycle. Keep an eye out for it while you're chasing rabbits. As for books, I am just finishing Daniel Mendelson's "The Lost: the Story of Six of Six Million." It's the beautifully written and overwhelmingly poignant story of his great uncle's family's Holocaust experience. I highly recommend it. Like you, I was a reader from an early age; I used to wash dishes with a book propped up behind the faucet!

To all: Looks like Tom's arthritis in his other hip (not the one he had resurfaced last year) is starting to pain him more. I expect we'll be back at the surgeons here in the next several months. Getting old really isn't for sissies!

Sorry for the rambling. I guess I prefer writing you to the other chores on my agenda today (paying bills, ugh!).

Robbie, You can say that again, getting old isn't for sissies, Bette Davis said that line...on talk shows often and in one of her autobiography books.....on her tomestone reads "I did it the hard way", sounds like my life...lol

I'm fasting today (sensibly) not to worry, and all i can think about are Helenes rabbits..............RABBITS............RABBITS..............Hehehe.....i too only sleep about 4 hours but just recently have trained myself to get 5 now i don't take afternoon naps as much.  I think my exercise before bed tires me out...although some people may not be able to sleep after it...it does work for me.

Its been a long time since I posted here.  Last time I posted was back in September or October and I was going to the funeral of one of my favorite uncles.  Well, that went well and it was nice seeing my cousins again.  I hadn't seen them in at least 40 years.

That funeral was followed by the unexpected death of my other favorite uncle and it brought to mind how few of my parents generation are still alive.  Both of my parents are still alive and well enough to live on their own, although they need a lot of help, but it brought home how little time I likely to have left with them.

On top of all that, my cat died.  I am not much inclined to depression.  I am usually watching my husband and mother for signs and trying to keep them going, but I suspect that I have gone into one.  I have been inactive on CC, reading things but not caring enough to respond.  My diet has gone by the wayside (though I have managed to avoid gaining).  I have quit going to Boot Camp.  But the clincher is that everyone (in-laws, daughter and husband) is trying to give me a kitten.  It could simply be that no one can remember seeing me without a cat.  The last pair lived over 20 years and I have had cats most of my life before them.  Or it could be that I am not acting as normal as I thought.  I don't know, but I don't think a kitten is the answer.

I have decided to start getting back into things.  This post is a start, but I have to make a decision on the kitten question.  My husband found some that will be available in about a month.  We have discussed getting a Bombay (black cats with gold eyes).  They are short haired (something I think is VERY desirable after the two longer haired, fur shedding machines I had) and supposed to be quite affectionate.  I have always had a strong affinity to cats and they seem to sense it (or maybe I just have the softest lap).  And I was very tempted to pick up a stray I saw the other day.  On the other hand, not waking up to a cat demanding food and not having fur all over the place is kind of nice.  I may not have a choice.  I am beginning to suspect that my family is going to keep trying to give me a cat until I get one.  Decisions, decisions......

Carol: So very sorry to hear that you're going through a rough patch, but good for you for "treading weight." I don't know that my opinion matters on such a personal decision, but we have always replaced our dogs almost immediately. It's just too lonely without fur in the house.

Good luck getting a good Bombay if that's your decision, and welcome back.

HI ALL: It's nice to meet you all. I started here Nov 13th and i really enjoy the way the calorie counter works.  I need to lose one hundred pounds. I have worked at this for years. With this devise i am hoping i stick to it. I have been keeping count and watching my analysis results. I like working on my journal also. Even when i do bad i keep counting. That encourages me to stick to it.

I hope everyone had a nice ThanksGiving day. Hope to talk with you all again soon.

Noreen

Hey!

I see that my rabbits stuck! I have one hopping around my garden (her name is Nibbles), that may be why I liked the image, and it apparently impressed most of you too. But BEB 's utterances sent shivers down my spine... The way you wrote that RABBITS! was scary, especially coming from someone fasting... LOL

Carol, I am sorry about your difficult time and your cat. I am struggling here with two very old dogs, one of which will soon be put to rest, so I can imagine the heart ache. I had a Bombay cat. His name was Belzebuth and he was a giant (a yard from nose to tip of the tail, 22 pounds; most people thought it was a panther...). He was extremely affectionate: every day around the end of school time, he would place himself on a chest of drawers near the entrance door and he would wait there till I came home. When I arrived, I had to first sit down and he would jump on my lap, purring loudly and rubbing his face against my chin, sometimes even licking my nose. When he had had enough, he would end his purr with a big sigh. I was then allowed to remove my coat and greet my Mom... LOL  I am a dog person, but cats come to me, sometimes running, wherever there is one around. And they follow me too!

Robbie, I can sooo see you with that book propped behind the faucet! I used to read while walking!!! In Taipei I walked everywhere, so I always took a book with me and did a lot of reading that way. My friends made so much fun of me for that. I never tripped or walked into things though. Only once, I bumped my shoulder against a light pole and apologized... I quickly checked no one had seen me - no one had - but I was more careful after that... LOL

The atmosphere is suddenly heavier. A storm is gathering and it's almost oppressive. I didn't go walking this morning, because my chiropractor's apppointment was early. I also took an appointment with the generalist because I am almost out of thyroid medicine, and I haven't done any checking of my levels for several months now, so it is time. I am taking 75mcg of Eltroxin, down from 125mcg. The doc thinks I should take at least 100mcg, but it gives me palpitation and makes me feel anxious, so he brought it down. I just realized tomorrow is weighing day. I haven't thought of my scale, or my weight, the whole week. I do not think I have lost, in spite of my not going over 1200/1300 cals a day.

Fat - 32.0% (324 grams)
Protein - 18.2% (415 grams)
Carbohydrates - 46.9% (1,069 grams)
Alcohol - 0.0%
Other - 2.9%

Daily Calorie Intake - 1,244 cals
Daily Sodium Intake - 1,612 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 36 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 120 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 15 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 16 grams.

We'll see tomorrow. One thing at least is good about this exercise: I have stopped obsessing about the scale. So I tend to be more relaxed in the morning, and so to better control my food intake throughout the day. I often got so depressed after weighing myself that I restricted myself till I was ready to eat anything by the end of the day...

On the sleep front: yesterday I purposely didn't take a nap in the middle of the day, after sleeping my usual 4-5 hours. This morning I felt sluggish again, whereas I was fine yesterday morning (4 hours + 1 hour nap). So I took a one hour nap today at noon. We'll see how I feel tomorrow... Sleeping longer nights gives me a headache for the rest of the day... So I'd rather find the rhythm that fits me.

Have a very nice day all!

Helene, in Saigon, who hopes the storm is going to start soon...

Hello All

Carol: Welcome back. I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your uncles.  I too recently lost my cat. I was devastated to say the least. But unlike you when I quit logging into CC I had a significant backslide. I gained weight and started to feel low. I'm back in the saddle now. Running again and starting to feel lighter.

Helene: I can relate with that feeling of being in better control of my food intake earlier in the day. Evening is definitely my tough time.

Freedom: WELCOME. We have several "big losers" on this thread and I hope you are our next.  We support each other!!!!!

Robbie: I would love to upload pics of Spike and Pork Chop but for some reason CC won't let me. It keeps stating error. This happened to me before but I don't remember how to remedy it.

Bonnie: Glad we still have plans to become related. Eventually we will have to let the children know.   I think as it starts to become cold here I am going to have to consider the gym. Not just for me. Finally talked Max into letting me take his BP.  Not good. I am willing to run a trial time of lifestyle modification (meaning diet and exercise) . If that does not bring it down.....hi ho hi ho its to the doc we go.

Wonderful day to all of you.

Peg

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to pop in briefly to say "hi". I'm still reading posts but my life has been really hectic lately, too.

Welcome to Noreen! I hope you will feel free to participate in our conversations. THis is a very supportive group of ladies. 

Carol, I'm so sorry about your losses. We also have cats and find them very comforting companions. I don't think you will regret getting another one at all. Good luck with your decision and welcome back. I miss hearing from you.

Helene - I think your taking naps is a great idea. My husband does the same thing because he can't sleep a long night. It works for him, too. Also, I love that "heavy" feeling when a storm is coming. Hang in there on the calories because I'm sure the scale will move eventually. It always does. At least I keep telling myself that.

Robbie - So sorry to hear about Tom's arthritis. Maybe it will feel better after winter. I hope he can avoid surgery.

BEB - I hope things are going better with your son. I agree with what Helene said to you in her post. Children do love their mothers. Just keep his best interest in mind when making tough decisions and I think you will eventually see him come around to making his own wise choices.

Snow - If you are still lurking.... I wish you the best but miss you!

I have to get to work again. It's going to be a very busy prenatal day for me today. Actually my only day off this week is tomorrow. My weight is finally back down a little this morning. So I'm hoping that tomorrow I will have something better to report than last week.

Blessings,

~ Beth

Good Morning All

Welcome Noreen!! We're glad you joined us

robbie- Surprise party sounds very nice and a diamond ring to boot! WOW!! I pray about my daughter all the time - I just really don't want her to spend her life alone.... She gave me "fits" when she was in grad school - made some really poor choices, drinking etc... we all go thru something with our kids. At that time she didn't think I said or did anything right - it was a terrible time - very stressful for me - her life style choices were scary... but her "up-bringing" won out in the end and she is now a kind, loving daughter who has a great job and is very responsible. Now all we need is a wonderful husband!!! I'm sorry to hear about Tom's arthritis - I wonder if winter has anything to do with it as my arthritis is acting up too

CarolI'm so sorry for all your losses - it is so hard to think about healthy eating when under that kind of stress. Good luck on choosing a kitty! We're glad you're back with us!! You did good maintaining while under that stress and depression.

Helene  I still wonder if you are eating enough. You eat about the same calories as me but I am only  5'1". Sometimes you can actually gain weight if not eating enough calories but it's a hard mentality to accept - I struggle myself. But only you know what works for you - something to thing about. I take Synthroid 75mcg - used to be on a much higher dose and actually felt better on higher dose but alas arthritis Dr said it was too much and it was affecting my bone density. Thyroid issues make it difficult to lose weight I think. I feel bad that you don't sleep well - I go to bed at 11 and don't hear a thing until the  alarm rings at 6am! I guess I'm lucky to sleep that soundly.

Peg- Wish we lived close enough to actually hook up the kids!!! My hubby complains that he never had to take ANY  medicine until he married a nurse LOL I tell him hey you were a lot younger then!!!

Beth  Your life sounds very hectic right now! Glad you're checking in with us!

ohio- LOL about you and robbie and your tight pants and skirt! It is amazing how it can feel somewhat comfortable in the morning but by days end....LOL too tight! Maybe Peg is on to something - The pants diet!

Alice, Phox Bex, BEB - Hello!!

Bonton­­--You asked if my dietician had any words of wisdom beyond what we read on CC. Not really. The individual attention, however, was good. We worked with the Dash Diet (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/ hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf) to lower blood pressure, which was my goal. Way to go with your workout. When I finish working with weights, I’m so wiped out I can’t face cardio. Sometimes I do Pilates after weights, but not today!

I was on vacation for 2 weeks, and returned to the gym for 1 week to do weights, yoga and Pilates and I went to dance class twice. Today I went to my toning class and struggled through. I used to work with 2 kilo weights. Today,  I could barely do the reps with 1 kilo weights. I hardly used the step, and did most exercises on the floor. It was like I spent 3 weeks in bed!! Amazing how fast we lose training. Probably I will get back my strength after 3 or 4 classes, but the speed of the fall is discouraging.

Peg—I can’t upload pictures to CC unless I make them smaller (lower quality, less bytes). Someone here explained how to do it and I don’t remember what I did. Perhaps someone could explain again.

Welcome Noreen. There is lots of help and support on this site. Enjoy.

Robbie—I love the story of your 40th birthday. Thanks for your advice, I keep giving myself the same advice, but if I stop trying to lose, I gain. I haven’t been able to get maintaining to work!

Helene—I’m looking at The Alchemist, really want to continue reading, but have been so busy with my Mom’s surgery, checkups, drops that I haven’t had time, perhaps over the weekend. I know that sounds lame, because I have time to surf the Internet! Choices don’t only apply to what we eat!!

Hi all! I hope you'll forgive me for not posting to you each individually --it's taken me all day (off & on) to get caught up. What a wonderful chatty gang we are!

It sounds like everyone had fairly nice Thanksgivings without throwing in the towel on 'the lifestyle'. I had a few moments like Robbie (glad they couldn't read my mind!) but overall enjoyed it very much. I weighed in at 132.3 this morning.

I had 6 (!) moles removed at the dermatologists and he wants me to come back for more. Ug. Of course I've always read that it's the ones that don't have a regular shape that you need to be concerned about. That always made me wonder because I probably have 20 that fit that description. Well, I guess all 20 are going to come off. (Hmmm, I wonder how much they weigh? LOL. That's NO way to lose it, trust me!) The 'high point' of the visit was when the doc asked me if I work out. Had to laugh at that!

I also visited my gyn. and happily all was well in that area. He did want me to get a colonoscopy soon as the result of the exam and my soon to be 50th birthday. Not looking forward to that sort of 'weight loss' much either.

I'm going to be off work A LOT in December but I'll try and log on more at home. I've missed you all! It's good to see Carol back and that Noreen has joined us.

There are carolers in the lobby just outside my office so I guess I'll go enjoy the music!

Good afternoon girls:

Well Kyle went to school today, and His P/O went and talked with him, i had a very long heart to heart with him last night about the skipping classes and as usual ended with a big momma hug.....when he outgrows them i won't have to guide him anymore.....hehehe...much!

Helene: The RABBITS comment i was hoping you'd get a laugh out of that...lol  Were you picturing me chasing a rabbit with a butcher knife or something...lol...I too take afternoon 1 hour naps, it's the medication i take for my back, if i am lying on the couch i just drift off, a little while later i wake up and didn't even realize i was asleep...i seem to do this alot, but if i'm active i don't get tired.  I only sleep 4 hours too like clock work.  Funny isn't to within a 5 minute window....lol..P.S. your stats look really good!!

Well my one day "fast" worked out well, i am back to where i was on the scale before the box of chocolates attacked me.....lol

Robbie: A diamond ring, how romantic!.....Thank you for sharing your story with me about your son, it was comforting to know i am not alone.  I am sorry to hear your husband is afflicted with this nasty arthritis, i am struggling with this cold dampish winter with my shoulder too, sleeping not easy on that side.  The day will come there is no comfortable position and i'll be hanging from the ceiling like an ape!!...LOL

Well my government is fighting with each other, yu'd think they have better things to do then fight about who is king of the castle....the one good thing is our GAS prices are way down to around .76litre this is fantastic considering a few months ago they were at 1.20L..wow

Rick has joined CC he needs to lose 40lbs and he wants to do it, logging foods and checking out recipes, of course he keeps asking me about beer...beer....i said hey drink lite beer, so he is going after coors lite now...i think he has been listening to me talk about the great things about CC....another one recruited....lol...of course i doubt if he'll go into any community topics.

We are just now getting a snow storm, how many inches i don't know but temp is -3, it's funny some days i feel the cold, other days i don't.....in the house 73* seems hot some days other days i am shivering....must be those Hot Flashes!!..LOL

Carol: I am sorry for all your losses, i personally have never heard of Bombay cats, although having many cats myself over the years they do sound nice....when i lost Bandit (short hair) back in 2003 after 19 years i thought i would never get another but after a short morning period i jumped right back into it...and "Angel" (med. hair) domestic is just the perfect little buddy, playful, coy, and a kook, maybe in time you'll want to again....when your ready!...They are the sweetest little creatures...and of course the love of a good dog too!!

Beth: I am glad you found time to log, it sounds like it has been one hecktick week for you, i guess everyone is trying to get them out before xmas....hehehe...and glad you too have had happy weight results.

Snow: I miss you!!

Phox: Reading your post reminded me why i don't walk and read, i walked right off a dock once into the water confinced i had two more steps..........didn't!!...Took 3 days for the book to dry and it was on water travelling how ironic!!...LOL

Bonton:Funny comment about your hubby not having to take meds till he married a nurse..LOL..so funny!! Feels good having the tree up doesn't it, especially now with all the snow..do you have some snow in Penn. yet...now??

Peg: Have you tried opening up a program that can change the size of your pics i use windows photo gallery, sometimes you have to change the pixels then it should work, or dragging from a picture program instead of from a folder.  Hope it works would love to see you running partners, and love their names....LOL

Chris: How much do moles weigh????..hummm not enough..hehehe..that was funny when i read that!!...You kill me...hehehe

Noreen: Welcome to our happy family!!

Well off to cook dinner tonight, hungry today..must be because of the "fast".....see you tomorrow for weigh in............

Bye to anyone i missed and all my cyber friends......

BEB 

Thanks for your support all.  I am feeling better and I am sure I will be out of this funk soon.  Then I will start losing all kinds of weight...  wait.... Xmas is coming....  cookies.... fudge....  well, maybe after New Years.  I suspect we are all going to have trouble this month.

A Bombay is one of those fancy breeds.  I have never had a pedigreed animal before.  I always just got a kitten from a neighbor or a dog from the pound.  That is what I get for surfing the net looking at cats.  Hubby found a breeder that is only about an hour away from us and we are going to look at kittens tomorrow.  Helene, I read that they were big cats, but man!  It is going to eat the chihuahua next door for lunch!  Hmmm...  another reason to get a cat.

Hi Everyone,

I am proud of me tonight.  I had to go to dinner with the lady's and stuck to my guns. I had grouper with grilled asparagus. My friends had dessert and i watched them eat. They asked if i'd like some. Of course i would, but not!!!!!!

It makes me feel great to be able to talk with you all. Even if i do bad, i will still talk.  I need to learn not to eat when i am bored, or stressed out. It is hard when you do things without thinking:(.  It becomes second nature.  Now i have to think before i eat and why i am. Is it emotional or just  hungry.

Have a Great Evening!

Noreen

December 5, 2008 : 181.2 lbs

Not exactly earth-shattering, but still almost a pound less than last week, so I will consider it a HUGE success!!! Maybe watching my cals like a hawk (especially in the evening, when it seems my wits take a leave and I feel for some unknown reason that cals absorbed after dark do not really count, or can be forgotten...) and making a point of walking off the little extras does pay! I'll keep that in mind.

Noreen, welcome! I missed your post as I only discovered it when I submitted mine. I am sure you'll find support here. I have been part of other groups, but this is the first one in which I feel completely at ease. Probably because we are all women and all of the same age, so we share a lot of the same problems, physically and otherwise, and it does a world of a difference. Menopause, sluggish thyroids, unmarried children, maddening teenagers, aging husbands, past divorces, thickening waistlines, aching joints, infinite patience, incredible resilience, and love for anything alive... (Carol, you have a Chihuahua next door? Get that cat...).

I am a dog person, but small dogs are such yappers! And they have such an unpleasant voice too. My next door neighboor in our previous house had two Jack Russells. I love the things - had one myself - but they do need to be disciplined about barking, and she never did a thing about it... As my vet in Dubai used to say: "The problem with many dogs is that they have untrained owners"... LOL

Robbie, we must be the same split soul, because there are so many parallels between us! My husband also surprised me with a diamond for my 40th birthday (I should say our, because we almost share a birthday). We were having breakfast, in Taipei, with the whole family, and he had just announced that he would spend the Saturday in the office so couldn't attend the children's baseball games, and that he had a dinner party he had to go to... I took up my glass of orange juice and offered a toast to my children, saying: "Happy birthday Mom!" I didn't make a scene, but I was really sad, because it was not the first time, and certainly not the last...

That's when Pierre told me to be careful when I picked up my napkin. Inside there was a small box with a Tiffany ring bearing the most magnificent diamond I have ever seen. It's not huge but it is flawless, so it just needs the slightest ray of light to sparkle like a rainbow. I never asked for a diamond. I never even thought about having one. I was speechless. And in the silence Pierre said: "Children, from this year onward, Mom and I will have spent more time together than we have lived alone (we were 20 when we met). She is the most important person in the world for you, and for me too, but we forget to tell her. So I bought her something that will remind her all the time what she is for us." I always wear my diamond, removing it only once a year to have the setting checked. I still get mad, but when it happens, I look at my ring, at that impossible brightness coming from its core, and tell myself there are worst things in life than a busy husband...

BEB, that's exactly what I pictured in my mind! You drooling, with an evil smile and a concealed weapon, while you looked at my poor innocent bunny... LOL DH sent me a Christmas dinner menu at a good restaurant in town, as an idea of things to do with the boys when they are here. It proposed a dish called "Batonnets de lapin" as an "appetizer" (Bunny sticks...). I told him that both Patrice and I would loose our appetite rather than gain one...

Time to go about my morning. Thank you all again for sharing glimpses of your life with me. It is a great comfort and help not to be alone. Thank you for helping me tackle my weight problem, and for giving me the courage and determination to keep trying. I haven't lost much but I really do not know how I would have achieved even that without your support.

Have a great day everyone!

Helene, in Saigon, who prefers the release AFTER the storm to its building up!!! (that's for you Beth! LOL)

I want to thank Helene and Robbie for sharing their sweet stories. A good reminder to us not to go too far with righteous indignation; things aren't always as they seem. My own DH often has very long hours just when I am free and I have to admit I sometimes resent it. I was prepared when I married a pastor to have calls from congregants as we sat down to dinner, I wasn't so prepared for all the meetings & the paperwork scheduled at that time.

I can't help but laugh at the difference between your 40th birthday gifts and mine from my ex: reading glasses! LOL. I guess it shows something about what was coming in a few years.

Noreen, you should be proud of yourself. Those situations are hard to negotiate and can be a mistep that leads off in the wrong direction. That's the big danger, of course, not one poorly chosen meal but giving up because of feeling like a failure. 

Good Morning!

I'm happy, happy, happy this morning. My weight is finally dropping again!

Last week ... 154.8

Today ... 153.6 ... almost a lb lost this week.

Since I weigh daily, I know the drop just happened, too. Yesterday my weight was finally back down to 154.6. So I was hopeful. When I kept having to get up and pee last night, I was really hopeful.

But the cold weather really makes eating and exercise difficult for me. It's messed up my walking outside schedule and I crave everything! I don't like water when it's cold either. At least this year I am fully aware of what's going on and able to fight the temptations a little better. Getting to the Y isn't always easy because of my crazy schedule but I keep trying. Now if I can just get through the Christmas Holidays, I'm pretty sure I will be fine. I'm so close to my goal. I just want to reach it and maintain.

Noreen - Good for you resisting temptation, too! I also try to analyse why I want to eat. It really does help to know what my triggers are. Journaling helps with this too because you can always go back and read your own journals when you get discouraged. I really wish you the best. I've lost 50 lbs using CC and I know you can do it too.

Helene - I had to laugh when I saw your post last night because it was still Thursday the 4th here in the states. So your post said "Dec 04 2008 21:55" even though you dated your entry for the morning of the 5th. I loved your story about the diamond from your husband.

Today is my one day "off" this week. But it's hardly a day off because I have so much to do. I haven't been able to clean house since Thanksgiving. I'm afraid my husband isn't much help in that category. He tries but is clueless on what to do for some reason. So I've got to get caught up today. I also need to go see one of my new babies because he is having trouble nursing. So he needs to be weighted every day until he gets regulated on eating.

You all have a good day. (Or as we say in Texas, "Ya'll have a great day!"

~ Beth

Beth, Congrats on the pound down! It CAN be done even when you're so close. I've got to hold onto that!  I can't help but laugh when I read you talk about the cold weather. Funny how things are relative. If we notherners or our Canadian friends had your temps for a few days, we'd be energized. (Heck, I'll bet Bonton would be golfing!) Then again Helene would feel like a popcicle. Of course this is one of the really fun things about this group and why I enjoy you all so much.

Last week 164lbs

This week 164lbs...same

I should be down a pound but i am afraid the a big box of chocolates attacked me and wouldn't let me go till i devoured it.....with a little hlp from Kyle...LOL so this week i had to fast to make up for this silliness.  Otherwise i was afraid it would blend into next weeks count, and would have.  So this is my first week not losing, i will say maintenance week.  Back on the chocolate wagon xmas is coming and i'm sure to go a little silly then!!...oh no

Helene: Fantastic!!....That's great, keep it up, any weight loss is a victory!!  Whatever you are doing keep doing it!!  The bunny, ..that's exactly it, the look don't forget that evil laugh while i am chasing it!!!  Isn't laughter the absolute best medicine in the world.  You are ususally the last post i see at night before retiring so i always enjoy a good chuckle too!

Chris: Righteous Indignation...i like that, quite a mouthful ..but so true.....i have had those neglectful husbands, so busy with themselves they sometimes take for "granted" what is right in front of them....maybe they should sit down and get a healthy dose of the movie "The bishops wife"....lol...this would be especially meaningful to you Chris....hehehe.

Beth: Another fantastic : You have been so busy with birthing, the gods have rewarded you....just a phrase so to speak....but wonderful...you mentioned the cold and not being able to walk etc...have you thought about getting a treadmill or like myself an indoor stationary bike, i have developed some nice leg muscles and it works great on hips, calves and butt too??...Just 30 minutes is = to about 300 calories....!!

In our generation ladies the men didn't  help out around the house because their mothers were probably stay at home moms...homemakers or housewives and didn't take the time to teach them to but the young men of today are learning to as their wives are working we just missed out by ............that much!!LOL

Noreen:  I know that wasn't easy, but good on you for sticking to your guns at dinner....keep with it!!...I too struggle with hunger versus boredom and the evening all those darn commercials on tv!!!...Yikes...so i ride in the evening now..and let the happy endorphines make me smile through them..lol

Now i feel bad for cheating this past week, ...but i should feel good as i have been consistent every week 1lb loss, so i can't beat myself up to much....i feel slimmer, my face and this morning i noticed my double chin is starting to disappear so i can feel good about that at least.....

I just realized something ladies my organs are all good but the wrapper is falling apart...LOL....LOL...my chronic back trouble, dupytrens in my hands, and now my darn shoulder......whaaa...hey does heat work on bursitis or arthritis ladies?????

I wanted to say to everyone i just love the support, i know i keep saying this but i feel it, am blessed to have such a loving, caring bunch like you with your wonderful stories, funny ones too, your diverse contributions.  I t is a real joy to come on here every single day and read them......i left a funny cat story on my journal, didn't think it is right to post it here......and to all a good night...!!..p.s. Who has not put up there tree yet??....that's gotta be good for 200 calories or more...hehehe............

Have a good dayto everyone!!!!..............BEB

hi guys  :D  i just had to check in!  i've been reading the posts & i sure miss you all!  t's weigh in day, isn't it?  hehe

well, let's see...  i think i was...

last week:  139

today:  138

beth!  you are doing awesome!  i can't believe how close you are to your goal!  congrats!!!  WooHoo!!!

helene:  very good speech about how our children love us no matter what we do.  :D  don't worry about losing weight.  you'll find out what works for you.  i used to have a fat cat, freddy.  he died when we were on vacation years ago & my son was supposed to be feeding him.  if i nap, i'm up all night!  congrats on losing almost a pound.  a ring inside your napkin?!  cool!!!  :D  i'm sure you'll cherish that forever.

bonton:  i eat too many sweets, too.  LOL  that's really neat how you had all that time with your grandson.  your daughter's house sounds like mine.  there are always sweets everywhere.  the others need it.  last night though, i went out & bought 4 boxes of the pot of gold nut assortment.  2 for me & 2 for hubby so he can't steal mine when his are all gone.  :D  i ate 1/2 a box last night!

i don't know what got into me!  well, yes i do.  i was so mad that i had my ttom & it was so bad that i didn't even go meet hubby for lunch & then i kept eating all day.  by nighttime i had to go to the store because i needed more pads & i wanted to walk when i got home but i couldn't...  so i ate the chocolate, pretzels & geez!  i forget what else!  that reminds me, i need to go buy more good foods now.

if you are eating the same points as your daughter but maintaining, are you the same height & do you weigh the same?  do you exercise about the same as her?  you know me...  you probably need more calories...  hehe  it's not your age.  i can imagine that you work harder than she does, so you need more food.

that sucks about your shoulder, beb.  i hope they can fix it!  i'm glad to hear your son went to school again.  he'll turn out fine...  someday.  what's the age when they turn human?  28?  you shouldn't be fasting.  that won't help you.  eat more often instead.  that'll help.  rick joined CC?  wow!  that's pretty cool.

yep!  vicki needs to go home!!!  :D

robbie, that sounds awesome.  lol  chucky cheese for your 40th, etc!  that's something you'll never forget.  oh no!  not another surgery...  poor tom! 

clharr, it's good to see you again.  yeah, spend time with your parents while you can.  sorry to hear about your cat now.  i think a kitten would be nice.  it would never replace your cat, though.  :(  good luck getting things started back up again!  yeah, christmas time is a bad time to start up, but so is any other time.

freedom, i have lost 84.  you can do this!!!  11/13 is my anniversary  :D  my real one, not for joining here.  keep counting & stay active!!!  that's great that you didn't have dessert!  yep, think before you eat, not after.

peg, it sounds like you are doing really great now  :D

phox, you'll be back up to par in no time.  just don't start up again too quickly. 

chris, the colonoscopy is nothing.  don't even worry about it!  LOL  i was scared to death, but seriously, it was nothing.  hmmm...  i guess 20 moles could weigh something  :D

our tree isn't up yet.  hehe  we're all too lazy...