Posts by jennytu

Connie... where are you? I hope you aren't feeling bad about yourself, whatever happened. You look terrific and I'm jealous. Just think back to the night you went out and the 20-something tried to pick you up.

I'm back!

Just a quick check in. I'm SO SORRY that I've been out of touch for SO LONG. Too many visitors plus too much work plus a college tour with my son equals NO TIME for CC which I realize is really inexcusible.

So many new people!! I tried to read and catch up but I can't do it all in one sitting! Anyway, I will catch up and get back into the swing soon (I hope). Being away was ok and I thought I'd gain weight but didn't. However, now I'm having trouble getting back into my food routine.

TTFN Losers!

Jenny

Hi Karen! Welcome! A molecular biologist... wow... cool title.

I have done every "food plan" out there, macrobiotic, vegetarian, low carb, low fat, etc etc. What's been working for me right now is sort of a combination. I found that without protein, and some fat, I get ravenous and overeat so low fat didn't work for me. Then I did low carb, cut out sugar and whites (flour rice etc) and, although that did work very well in my teens, it didn't work in my 40's. But I felt physically better eliminating the refined carbs so I stuck with that.

So now I avoid refined carbs, eat protein, try to eat non-starch veggies and fruit, AND I count calories. I used the tools on this site to figure out what I burn and what I should eat to lose 1 pound per week. I've lost 11 pounds since April 28, which I consider a great loss rate because I've also learned that the faster I lose, the faster it comes back on. I also use the food, weight, and activity logs on the site. I don't cook so I eat a lot of frozen dinners from the health food store which also makes it easier to count calories.

Good for you for getting help with a trainer! We all need help here which is why we support each other. I have no idea what type of "food plans" the others on this thread do, I've never asked, but whatever is working I say keep doing it no matter what others say. Some people have very strong opinions about how others "should" eat but I've found none of that on this thread. I think our age group makes us wiser and more accepting of people on different paths.

Jenny

Hi Everyone! I can't believe that it's been 5 days since my last post! Time sure flies when I'm busy.

New low on the scale today! It will probably go up tomorrow but the trend continues to go down. I went to see my doc on Wednesday and their scale said I lost 12 pounds since my last visit which was 2 pounds more than what my scale said... I like their scale better needless to say. I'm feeling the depression much less and messing around with timing on the medication for averting the weird effects (so sleepy during the day I can barely keep my eyes open).

The horse update on Rusty is that his feet are sore from the training so he's going to get his first set of shoes. After that the training will continue. I haven't heard from the trainer for a while. It will be one month since he left on Monday.

Sue/Mom-I've been to Tucson almost every year since my dad and his wife moved there 13 years ago, It's our main April break vacation since they pay for the plane tickets. I like it for a change of pace but the heat would kill me. We had a couple of hot humid days which for me was 87 degrees and 55% humidity. I was sweating rivers. It would've been a cold snap for you! Funny!

Connie-How scary about the lightning! Sounds like a good time for a calming PC. Wait... that's pretty much anytime isn't it?

Suze-Hurricanes are scary too. Every now and then we get one which comes up from your part of the world. It's been a while though. I remember the last one, my husband (stupidly IMHO) drove his sister and husband to the Boston airport and left me home alone with an infant in our partially finished house. It was good though. We were living in our enclosed timberframe home (roof, outside walls, and windows... all open inside) and the wind was really blowing and the house was totally solid. Made me feel safe in the end but I still hold it against hubby for leaving me there... the bum!

Aly-I saw the same word so here I am in the gutter. And good for you tackling a sweater! I'm impressed. I left all that sort of crafty stuff to my sisters who both sew and knit very well. I gave up sewing when I made a dress as a teenager which was supposed to have the sleeve shoulders sort of puffed up. well, one puffed and the other was flat as a pancake. One sister and my mom both tried to fix it to no avail. And knitting? Forget it! I could never keep count of the stitches and I'd have to rip stuff out over and over and things would never match 'cause my tension wasn't consistent. So I chose other endeavors. When you finish you can get some fashion photography done and show it off! We won't laugh... we promise!

Welllll, gotta get back to work. My client told me yesterday she wants all the shots done by Monday. Sigh.

Jenny

Hi All,

Wow! I had a REALLY crazy week! I told you all that my sister came with her two littles girls Mon-Wed, then my son had his wisdom teeth out Wed which went well. He was very funny when I went into the recovery room... a happy drunk. Doesn't remember a thing. Then my sis-in-law came with her husband on Thursday with their 23 yr old son and his punk-ska (?) band and they ALL crashed at our house Thursday-Sat. Nice "kids" despite the scary tattoos and the screaming songs. We went to see them perform... eek. I kept my fingers in my ears the whole time. I felt very OLD. Then we packed my son off to Delaware with his pain meds. I feel kinda bad but he was okay and said he was up to it as long as he could rest on Sunday. I would've had him wait for a week but he was getting a ride down with my sis so it was free one way travel. Bad mom?

So now I'm back in my comfortable rut and back to the loser forum.

Aly-glad you're back. I absolutely know about weird times with sisters. My one sister who was visiting and I get along with very well but the other one... well, it's always tense when we're together. But it sounds like your visit was good overall and that's a blessing. And isn't it nice to give back to our parents when they need help? My mom drives me crazy at times but it's still nice to do something to help her.

Connie-that's terrific about meeting your goal! I will put you on a pedestal now and strive to emulate your success. And two pounds either way... well, what the heck. You gotta have a life too besides being a loser. And I'm picturing you and Aly together taste testing all the drink recipes... yahoo!

Suzenf-glad to have you back too. And the trip sounds great until the extra week. Scary about your niece. That brain stuff is so unpredictable and worrisome. I hope she's ok soon. And very wise choice not to get on the scales for a while after your excellent food and wine in France! I don't know that I would have the self control.

Let's see... Axe-how was the potluck? Sue/Mom-sorry about the gym experience... I'll look at the post later. Sue/Skn-you're life sounds like mine... a bit crazy with kid stuff. Fun but busy! And where's everyone else??

I posted a photo of Rusty I got from the trainer. I wish that were me riding him with the long blond hair and the skinny bod but alas, it's the trainer's assistant. I also put a more recent photo of me from our business's web site so you can see me in my graying glory.

Have a great day you losers! -Jenny

I'm here Sue! Glad to hear you're still enjoying the gym.

Not much going on. Sticking with the program and I've lost 8 pounds so far! I'm down to 184. Yea!

My ankle's still sore! Boo!

I live in North Yarmouth, Maine which was named such being north of Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Maine was part of Massachusetts at the time. Neighboring town Yarmouth, Maine spun off in 1860-something so we were here first! Nowadays, they call the whole area, which is about 5 towns now, Ancient North Yarmouth. I think when it was incorporated it was known as Wescustogo though.

Connie-The arms getting better right? And Skn-Sue... how are the hips? Anyone else with aches and pains they'd like to share?? Hoo boy, like my mother-in-law says, gettin' old ain't for sissies.

Wow, I missed a few days and missed many many opportunities to post replies to many many topics!

I got an email from Rusty's trainer with photos of one of her assistants riding him! Yea! She said he'll be fine. Just taking it one day at a time.

My ankle is still giving me trouble. I was at work and there was a thunderstorm coming so I kneeled under my desk to unplug the computer and when I got up I re-injured it.

Welcome Caverlady. Are/were you a caver? My husband used to go caving in his youth.

I have too much to do and no time to write but I've read all the posts. Glad everyone's still here and slogging through the aches and pains and rains, etc.

Jenny

Connie - that stinks! I'm so sorry! I hope you will keep reading and come back to us soon. I don't know what it would be like without your humor. And at least you do have that scale to think about in your lucid moments. Shoes and clothes weigh at least 5 pounds right? And don't worry, we won't forget you! How could we when we are reminded of you every time we see a package of Pina Colada mix?

Aly - too bad about the car. In the first 6 months of his having his license our son rear ended a Jeep SUV in the traffic jam which forms every morning at the approach to the high school. The bumper of the Jeep was just enough higher than the bumper of our Camry that the entire hood was crumpled and radiator dislodged etc etc. $4000 worth of damage and not a scratch on the Jeep. Kids were ok thank God. That's what I needed to focus on or I would've killed him. At least he had enough money to pay for it in his savings account - cleaned that out in a hurry. Expensive lesson. And no, I don't want another one... thanks anyway.

Nothing new here... ankle's still getting better day to day. Made a big jump down on the scale but I'm not officially reporting it for a while until I know it's real. It's our town's 325th birthday today... now that's old! - Jenny

I'm here.. looking at a mountain of slipper photographs to retouch... working weekend for me! Ankle's ok, bruised and swollen but I'm able to hobble. I checked with my sister the PT PhD and she said do what I'm doing, so I'll have my foot up while I work. Maybe time for one of Connie's famous Pina Coladas.

Aly-I saw tornado warnings in Oshkosh and was definitely sending prayers for your and your family's safety. How scary! Is your house/basement ok? And the cabin? And hubby? The weather's just getting weirder and weirder.

Sue-I have tried a bunch of gyms... the only one I liked was the YMCA because there were skinny little kids and fat old folks and everyone in between. I also liked the aerobic class where the instructor yelled at us... hmmm... what does that mean? A year ago I joined Planet Fitness with my kids... YUCK! We unjoined not too long ago. They have signs everywhere about "No Judgement Zone" but when you see all the buff people... well. I didn't like it. But YMMV and they're not all like that so go for it girl! I'll toast you with a Colada.

I got an excellent (horse) trainer who is going to take Rusty to her farm on Sunday. I'm SO relieved!! We can't really afford it but I can't let things continue the way they are. It's worth the peace of mind. I know it's helping my state of mind to have someone helping me.

Today I had to take hubby's car in to the shop for it's 65k checkup and wait for it. I actually found a gas station next to the dealer celebrating their grand opening by selling gas at $3.97 so I filled up, whoopee! Bad news is I had an evil McDonald's Breakfast sandwich. Good news is it made me a little nauseous! But I bet I get a gain tomorrow on the scale due to SALT. It was yummy though **sigh**

So what happened to our new people?

Jenny

PS: Oh Connie, I was typing up my post when I saw your's come in! So sorry about your friend! That's WAY too young!! I also just heard that Tim Russert died today at 58. So sad.

Hi All,

The vet came today and WHAT A FREAK SHOW!! My younger of two horses, Rusty, is very rude and smart and not very well trained due to problems with our finances when he was young. And did I mention that he's BIG... like 1200 pounds half draft horse big. So what ever I said about the vet being cranky yesterday... I forgive him after what he went through today.

Due to the quills sticking out of Rusty's nose, which have been there since Friday night and are probably somewhat sore (although they haven't affected his appetite of course), I didn't have his halter on when the vet came. Rusty's good about coming along with a lead rope around his neck and he was this afternoon, until the vet tried to give him the tranquilizer. OMG. First touch of the needle and Rusty was up and all around trying to get out and away any way he could. It was UGLY.

After three or four (lost count) more attempts, Dr J gave up the needle idea, got Rusty haltered and standing still and hobbled up one leg. Ugly became nightmarish. Picture a big black horse with spines sticking out of his nose, rearing and jumping around on three legs trying to get his hobbled leg free and escape. Dr J held onto the end of the lead rope and just let Rusty fight with the hobble (while jumping out of the way when necessary). I was humbled and felt REALLY BAD about not having a better trained horse. Finally Rusty got tired and lay down on his side, which was what Dr J was waiting for, and once the tranquilizer was in it all went very smoothly. Maybe a couple dozen quills and one little abscess and two vaccinations while Rusty was "compliant." After it was all over, Dr J said, "Oh he'll be down for another hour or so" and we went to give my other guy, Boomer, his vaccinations. He was a perfect gentleman... hard to believe these guys are half brothers. As Dr J is giving the shots, I look up, and there's Rusty, bloody nose and all, standing up looking like an Irishman after a drunken brawl (I can say that... I'm Irish). The vet was impressed.

Now before anyone worries that this was cruel treatment... have you heard of the people who "whisper" to horses, the natural horsemanship way of training? This is what they do... the hobbling thing. I've seen it before and it's very effective. And this vet did a great job (he's done Natural Horsemanship training clinics with several horse "whisperers"). So really whatever I said yesterday - I eat my words. Of course, Dr J was still cranky to me yesterday but like I said, I forgive him if he forgives me for having such a BRATTY horse. I'm putting my name on a trainer's waiting list tonight! Thats' what my big tax rebate will be buying! When's that coming anyway?

Moral: Train 'em when they're young and relatively little... that goes for kids too.

I am feeling better. I've been taking my supplement for three days straight and I think the anticipation of the vet coming was really wearing on me too. Also talked to my Dr today and he's prescribing a new antidepressant which my sister takes with tremendous results. So I am more hopeful too. The food's been easy since I've been uninterested for much of yesterday and today.

Well, as usual I've written too much and won't take up more space. Suffice it to say that I am wishing you all (and myself) a very peaceful contented evening and I look forward to reading more about what's going on for you all.

Jenny

PS: I think I must have done some calorie burning today but they don't have watching-horse-freak-out-with-heart-pounding- in-throat on the activity list.

Sue/mom-I like that meeting idea! And Alylou - how nice to extend the invite! A whole year seems so far away but then that's the time for my goal weight so it makes perfect sense! So Sue, since you've suggested it, are you planning to get in touch with "O" and making the arrangements?? I've found that making good suggestions is generally the same as volunteering... which brings me to...

North Yarmouth Trails Day! Which was fine but not as many people showed up as we had hoped for. A few more than last year. Mostly families with little kids. In Portland (ME- the FIRST Portland) which is 15 miles away, they had another Trails Day and SCADS of people showed up and they were mostly there to WORK! I've decided that city folk cherish access to the outdoors more than country folk... which makes sense - you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone... they paved paradise and put up a parking lot... shooooo bop bop bop bop.

Unfortunately I did come home with a terrible case of depression which I think is a combination of anxiety-let-down, not taking my depression supplement that morning, and being overwhelmed with life's chores - nothing new really. Since I was in my teens I've battled mild-moderate depression with all the usual weapons - therapy, meds, exercise (yuck), light, supplements, etc, etc. I joke a lot - that's my survival mechanism. I'm still struggling today but I got out of bed and made my kids do some chores so now I'm feeling a little less overwhelmed. Reading and writing here is helping too. It's like being on a roller coaster without the huge "ups". If I wait a while and do my self-caring stuff, I will feel better.

Animal update - One of my horses, Rusty the Curious, got a snootful of porcupine quills late Friday night and I'm waiting for Monday to get the vet here (can't afford a $300 emergency call surcharge.) I've had dogs get quilled but never a horse and there's NOTHING on the web about it. Sue/skn - any experience with this? I did read that a mixture of baking soda and vinegar applied to the quills will shrink them but he won't let me near his poor nose with a weird smelling sponge and a spray bottle would send him away for good. If he were one of my dogs I could just sit on him but that won't work on a 1200 lb horse. So hopefully the Vet can come tomorrow and knock him out. He's eating ok but today is HOT and BUGGY so he's definitely uncomfortable. Sue/Skn - I don't know how you manage with a whole barnful and babies every spring to boot.

Aly - I went to your gallery to check out the cabin and I found that you had posted some photos of yourself. You look GREAT! You are now officially one of my role models. The cabin looks really nice too... especially when I'm looking at it on an 87 degree humid day in Maine! And Sue/mom - I know AZ is hot but you know... it's a DRY heat.

Sorry no personal notes today... just don't got it in me. And I'm supposed to be catching up on work. Bye bye all you lovely losers!

According to the tools on this site you are eating what you are burning so that's good for maintenance! Your problem is that your fear is dictating how and when you eat. I'm not sure how you can change that without some sort of counseling but here's a few facts which might help.

When you wake up in the morning, your body has been keeping your metabolism low because you haven't eaten while you were asleep (duh). When you wake up, your body needs food right away to boost your metabolism. The food you eat is digested into blood sugar (which is what your body needs) which lasts about 3-4 hours. Your blood sugar level and the related hormones regulate how hungry you are. If you don't eat enough to last the 3-4 hours, your blood sugar will drop, hormones tell the brain, and you get hungry. OR if you eat a lot of refined carbs (white flour, sugar), your blood sugar will spike and then crash, also leaving you very hungry much sooner. This happens pretty much every 4 hours throughout the day. Of course, individuals vary but this is the basic idea.

So if you aren't eating enough during the day, and your low blood sugar is triggering hormones which are telling your brain that you are starving, then you will get VERY hungry by evening and overeat. You also run the risk that your brain will trigger your metabolism to slow down and if this happens often enough, it could be permanent. It's how our bodies evolved to adapt to times of famine before we had unlimited access to food.

If you want to normalize your eating habits, the best thing to do is eat small meals of protein, whole grains, and fruit and non-starch vegetables, every 3-4 hours throughout the day so you don't allow your blood sugar level to get low enough to make you very hungry.

This does not address any psychological reasons for eating though... only physical. If you eat due to emotions or other psychological reasons then that's a whole other issue.

And just so you know, I struggle with this very issue myself and I'm constantly working on changing my own habits. So don't think you're out there in left field all by yourself!

Sue/Mom-this is just too coincidental! My son practices taekwondo too. He actually started in shaolin kempo karate at age 6, got his black belt in that discipline at age 13, then switched to Taekwondo. He'll test for his third degree BB in January and is a Jr Instructor at the local ATA school. Do I sound proud? Ah well... I am...

And thanks for the weight of that tea Sue and Betsy. In knew it was way more than it seemed!

Time for beddie bye.

Oh all you ladies are just so FUNNY! You brighten my day, which is gray and rainy today although we need the rain so it's ok I guess. My family thinks I'm a bit nuts when I chuckle out loud reading these posts. Ha ha! let them think what they want!

And as for bugs... here's my funny story. Another Rec Commission friend and I went out through the woods on Friday to check our town's new trail since we're having a Trails Day on Saturday and people will be walking there. Well, my friend found a few ticks on her beige pants as we went along... yuck. I was wearing jeans so I couldn't see anything and was quietly smug. When we were walking back to the cars I felt a little stab, looked down my shirt, and sure enough... a little tick was biting my breast, the little beast! Well, I took care of it in short order and checked again when I got home. Crawling around on the inside of my shirt were 4 ticks... YUCK YUCK and EEEEWWW!!!!

So I've been itchy ever since and last night I swear something was crawling on my back and I LEAPT out of bed but nothing was there.

How could I count that as an activity? Surely the rise in heart rate would count for something!

Jenny

I know Connie... you're going to gain a bit on purpose 'cause you can't face the thought of life without us. How sweet! You really like us!! (You know I love Sally Field and I hate making fun of her but sometimes it's just there and you can't avoid it.)

How does that work with drinks and calories? I think it should be that if it's clear... like water... then there shouldn't be any calories.

So I have to whine a bit. Remember when I said I had lost some (teeny) weight when I should'nt have? Well, now I'm gaining when I shouldn't be and it's pissing me off. It's not that time of the month. I have been exercising, which I said I wouldn't do, and now I'm gaining even though I've been "good". This is usually what happens. The second I even think the word diet, or exercise the littlest bit, I gain weight. It's like my brain sends out a message, "ALL CELLS ALERT... CONSERVE RESERVES AT ALL COSTS... SHE'S EXERCISING AND WE DON'T WANT TO DIE IF THERE'S A FAMINE!!" ARGH

Skn/Sue-I also lost a fight with a birthday cake at my mom's. Those cakes don't fight fair! And so sad about the baby. I suppose that since you are in the breeding business you must see that occasionally but still, I would think it's sad for you.

cholder-What's an EOG? I'm sorry it's stressful for you and glad he made it through the second one.I have the same problem with dissolving resolve as the day goes along. Try not to dwell on the past and see each day as a new start... I'll do it too ok?

Alylou-That's great about the $ you raised! Good for your heart. And rum and diet cranberry huh? Sounds yummy and like something I could drink way too many of (thus ending her sentence in a preposition... sorry teach)

Sue/Mom-we have a lot in common! That's fun! And you know my Dad lives in Tucson... are you near there? As for the logging... I was doing it religiously but have been struggling with some of it... like not really knowing how to log some things I've eaten which were made by someone else (restaurant) and I'm too shy/embarrassed to ask about how many oz of fish there was in that dish.

Sophesca-Hi, we haven't "met"! I also think that it's great that you haven't been gaining while you took a break. Good for you!!

I went to NH with my son today. He's mid-terming toward his third degree black belt in Taekwondo and will take the final test in January. Then I worked on three photos and got them all done. Bookkeeping tomorrow! Oh Boy!! Gotta go to bed.

PS: So I was just finishing up typing and I saw something move out of the corner of my eye... it was a little frog which had gotten in the house and was hopping across the family room! Like the size of a quarter. I have no idea how it could've gotten in here!! Weird!!

PPS: So if you have to leave the group if you reach your goal weight what if you turn 51? Like I'm going to do in August. I guess I could just lie. OK, never mind... it's not me, I'm asking for this friend of mine.

Oh no... another long post! SORRY