Posts by robbie615

Kathy: So much of life's journey at this age seems to be about loss. I will keep you, your dad and your sister  in my thoughts .

Carol: Sounds very smart to me.

Helene: I will send this welcome although you are probably sleeping.

Kathy: I agree with you about the freedom of having the kids out--but that might be because my house went from virtually empty to full with two grown sons and twi MORE dogs.

Ohio: did you get to paly golf? I'm with you on Greek food--yum. NOt so easy to come by here.

Chris: So glad the injection is offering your Dad relief.

Jill: Your progress is great. Yeah for perseverence!

Alice: Bittersweet but good decision to give that cat away.

BEB: Forgot to mention, glad your hearing went well.

Bex: Glad your Mom stress is down; mine are still coming Sept. 4. Mixed feelings here.

Hello, Sharon, how's the new challenge going?

Carol: I don't have to compete with 30 year olds, but I do have to find ways to communicate that don't make me sound dated. I think having the boys home at least helps with that.

Bonnie: How's sis? Happy mowing.

Bonnie: We get great peaches most years, but this year, nothing. For future reference, though, how do you freeze them?

Original Post by blueyedblonde1956:

Robbie: Great pics of Chris woohoo! It loked like that girl was to close to the board to break it, did she finally break it though??

What girl?

Shepherds arrive 10:00 a.m.; ultimately we felt they would get the best home with us, and they're just so regal and sweet. Wish me luck!

We’re about to pull the trigger on the shepherds, but not without some trepidation. Training two at once with one a runner/fence jumper has me worried. We’re going to look at some labs at a different rescue tonight, then make our final decision. Wish me good sense!

Sharon: The gel seat really helped a lot. It’s softer without adding bulk that can chafe. I hope you’re right about getting your own store.

Chris: (Driving Queen) Are you finished? I really struggle with long car trips; I always feel I “deserve” a reward—i.e., a food that I don’t need. Keep that trend line south now, no self sabotage (MY specialty).

Rebbex: I know 120 is not much, but I am really short—I weighed 104 when I married, and I wasn’t that thin (I’ll post my wedding pic). So, I don’t get to buy new clothes because I already have them from BTC (Before “the Change”). I will, however, vicariously enjoy your new wardrobe when that next 10 drops away! Enjoy your self care day, and feel better. Is your Mom’s visit a good thing? Is she a chillaxer, too?

Ohio: I love to hear your thoughts on your job; I think you reflect perfectly the ambivalence we all feel occasionally. Yes, DS (older) is cute, but not half as cute as he thinks he is. Younger son’s interview didn’t go as well as we hoped—turns out they were looking for more software engineering, and his expertise is more hardware/embedded systems (whatever that means). Gas station wine, oh dear, you go girlfriend.

Peg: I am better, thanks. I saw the workers comp doc yesterday. He was about 95 or so, but very pleasant and thoughtful. I have some bone re-growth around the edges of my fibula, but it’s not solid yet, so I’m still babying it for exercise. No Tae Kwon Do for at least a few more weeks, and high heels may be a thing of the past.

Alice: Wow. And I mean WOW. You are awesomely badass, and your storytelling--enhanced by the pictures--was as impressive as your cool head! Yes, get thee to a space blanket store post haste.

Bonnie: No need to be jealous; instead, check out my trend line--I’ve been at this for two and a half years, and that includes some long plateaus. Hang in there. Club sandwiches, yum!

Laura: Nice to know you’re lurking still.

Carol: You know that hiding from the scale is not a good long term strategy, right? Anyway, glad you had a good trip with D and once SD leaves, you should be able to rise to Rebbex’s challenge.

Jill and Lisa: Where are you?

BEB: I agree with Rebbex, it sound like your dad has some organic issues. Poor Maggie; she was probably glad to have you.

Kathy: Have you swum out of your doldrums?

Happy: Your comment, “Try to focus on how much better you feel when eating right and getting exercise” is just how we are all trying to approach this age.

Deb: Sounds like you’re being thoughtful in your approach. Welcome.

Too hard to match woman's seat to this exercise bike post, but I did buy a neoprene/gel pad. Should help, thanks.

Well, I didn’t read Bex’s good advice until I overdid the walking yesterday (ouch), but I am going to take Chris’s suggestion and do least 3 good things for myself today:  I will eat the healthy things I had Tom buy when he did the shopping yesterday (yes, he was helpful on that), try 15 minutes on the bike, and attend a jazz party in the mountains one of my work colleagues is throwing. I also plan to start hanging up the clutter of clothes that I haven’t been able to sort out since I was on crutches. Yeah for weight bearing IN MODERATION today. Oh, and yesterday I scored some cool UGH boots that still had the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale half price tag  by mistake, so they had to honor the sale price (I couldn’t drive during the sale, so I probably saved a ton of dough). Score!

Chris: I think you should be far less self critical, woman. You are managing a household, a job, and still working in some exercise and thoughtful food choices. As Carol would say, "All you really have to lose now is vanity pounds."  I would also make a bee line for the quilts at the fair since I don’t have a crafty bone, like Helene and those who know how to make their own.

Ohio: You’re right to say carpe diem; we are trying to plan something for my parents’ 60th anniversary. A party is out because most of their friends have died since their 50th! Sounds to me like you have a sweet aura, and the people who prattle on are complimenting you (even though it might be annoying) for your listening skills. And, I vote “shop till you drop!”

Alice, welcome back. I think the Go Fit Wear is so perfect because it helps you tune in to your body, and you’re to be commended for giving your knees a break. Your hiking buddies need “reeducating” about the impact of abandoning chums on a hike. If they still don’t get it, I say find other hiking partners. 

BEB: Bex’s advice is better than anyone else’s on new date strategies. Enjoy your weekend and your rescheduled travel on Monday.  I love train travel, but it can be confusing—Tom and I had some scary moments in Italy when we were guessing at stops and connections.

Bex: Did you know Crocs started here in Boulder? DH is for some reason antagonistic toward them (they are ugly albeit ridiculously comfortable), so I am the only person in the county who doesn’t have any. My sister’s cervical cancer is treatable. She’s had two out of three chemos for that. We’ll know more about the breast cancer next week after surgical biopsy. Yes, she’s only 45, and yes, she’s been much more accepting of help since we took drastic measures.  She’s had more hardship than most 80 year olds, though. If you like the book, I’ll trade you it for one I’ve liked when you’re done.  

Sharon: How long did it take your rescues to bond? Any suggestions for me on what to do right and wrong? We’ve had big dogs before (lab, shepherd, Pyrenees), but  never rescued ones. Yes, please post pics!

Bonnie: Zoo? I love the zoo. Glad your sis is going home, and maybe she can relax there enough to gain the weight back. My yard is a veritable weed garden—oh, how I wish you lived closer! I would totally impose on you!

Yep, my house is filling up. Two sons (and their girlfriends, who might as well live here) and Milo now, and two “teenage” dogs in week. But the boys are scheduled to move out in January, and Milo will go with Chris, although I’m sure this is a “Man plans and God laughs” kind of prediction. My folks are driving up for a week or so in early September; I should probably notify the state patrol. You know how they have amber alerts—maybe they should have silver (hair) alerts, too. Nick learned today that he has an engineering job interview in a week---PRAY for him friends!

Bex: I hope I didn’t miss something, but is DD still living there? CONGRATS on the 5.5. You RAWK. My dip under 120 didn’t last, but at least I visited that place for a few days. As for the rain, the farmers’ almanac says we’re going to have a very snowy winter, so the deluge must be a warm up.  No, the fence would not be a huge expense—about the same as the dogs. Of course, that’s not cheap, but . . . BEB: Have a great time with your Dad and Maggie. You are way braver than I am. I’d be terrified meeting potential dates over the net. This is the first ever internet site where I relay anything very personal.  No, we can’t put up a prison fence; the HOA would boot me out faster than your landlord could sneeze. The fence we’re considering is actually buried wire around the perimeter of our existing wood fence. The buried wire radiates a weak radio signal, which is detected by a collar worn by the dog. The collar emits a warning noise near the wire, but if this is ignored, produces a mild shock. Sofie has already jumped a tall fence, so we need to restrain her. Chris: I have been in a walking boot now for almost a week—no scooter, yeah! It’s awkward, but not painful. I have never been this long without working out, so I need you to get out and do it for me. Humidity be darned. You are so lucky to be able to work out. Don’t forget that or I’ll come kick you with my dumb boot! How exciting to have “your own” car; and I’m glad “cash for clunkers” benefited someone I “know.” I made really good stuffed cabbage last night—want the recipe? Ohio:  I swear, you are right. I think people do spend their weekends dreaming up problems for me, too. I’m actually using Lunesta on Sunday nights so I can stop staying up all night worrying about my Monday case/chores. (sound familiar, Chris?) I’m sure DD can find you a nice day spa in Orlando. Sharon, nice to have you pop in here and there. Keep up those weight workouts! And, I’m sending vibes that say, “Find her a store of her own, now.” Jill: I hope you’re getting lots of swimming and grandson time in. I’m sure he’ll help you meet your goal of becoming a more active woman! Carol: I’m so happy you’re doing boot camp again. Good for you! How’s the no TV going? I’m sure DD will be just fine when the real baby arrives—other people’s babies seem harder to deal with, I think. Bonnie: You don’t have to be envious anymore; I’m bouncing between 119.8 and 121. It’s all loss of muscle mass, I’m sure! I’m so happy about your sister’s progress. Mine, unfortunately is now dealing with two types of cancer (cervical and breast) on top of her other issues. It’s tough going for her. Alice Cooper looks nice. Watundah, did we scare you away? Kathy: I held out as long as I could, but I had to go get Mexican tonight. At least I avoided the fried stuff and had soft tortillas, but I’m still stuffed. I only peeked at your journal, but if I read it right, you’re in a psychological valley. Hang in there, you’ll recapture your enthusiasm soon. Lisa: How great that you got to see your daughter through the move, but sorry for the sacrifices (your back). Guess we all do that for our kids! I know how easy it is to push too hard (Are we anal because we’re lawyers or lawyers because we’re anal?) Hope you recovered in time for Sir Paul.

Anyone I missed, so sorry, Robbie

I know it's a mistake, de-conditioning or lost muscle, but I don't care. Weight this a.m. = 119.4! At least I have glimpsed the promised land.

P.S. BEB,

Sorry, we cross posted. I admire you so much for doing what's best for Kyle, and you did. No, you never get ready for them to leave, but it gets easier, I promise.

I haven't had time to read or write--hope that changes soon. I posted a picture my brother took at the airport in Orange County of me and my da#@ scooter. Am feeling quite annoyed with my old dog can't learn new tricks husband today. More later...maybe?

Everyone: Thanks all for the encouragement. I am still crushed with work--go to SLC (ugh) tomorrow, so no time to do any activities--sedentary, enjoyable or otherwise. I will write more on return.

Jill, I have the same wheeled thing and the big black boot.

Chris, I appreciate your training tips.

Bex: Sabotage at the verge of success is my specialty, too!

All: have a good hump day.

Original Post by schaufel:

Robbie, I hope you'll be all fixed when I come back (on the 18th of August). Bex, I'll think of you as I walk in the streets of Vancouver, and of BEB as I fly over her. I'll miss you all. I intend to come back even lighter than I am going, so wish me courage and steadfastness. Melinda has lost almost 30 lbs the past year and she told me she'll make sure we eat healthy and light, and I know Lee will make sure I stay the course. Lee can't walk (she has 2 artificial knees) but Melinda promised me she'll walk with me. So I am all set.

I hope I'm healed by then, too, and I wish you not only courage and steadfastness, but also fun, laughter and adventure!

Chris: Thinking of you and DH. Best wishes being sent.

I am slammed at work (of course), but appreciate everyone's support. Will write more later.

Jill and Lisa: Everything is relative. When you only have 5 to go (me, Bonnie), it feels just as hard for some reason as having 20 or more to lose. We midgets only need about 1200 calories to maintain, and smart eating means don't go below 1000 or body goes into starvation mode. The math makes it tough to lose rapidly at that rate! So, it has taken me 2 years to lose 12 pounds. And at 5'2", that's a big loss. My point is not "boo hoo, poor me." It's just that we all have to be patient and persistent and in it for the long haul.

I'm still not gaining, even with no activity, which means I could be losing muscle mass, but who wants to look this gift horse in the mouth?