I just found a place to buy the Birkenstock shoes and I live only 25 minutes drive from there. I go to that town all the time to buy groceries. Yeah!!!
You all are gonna kick me out. You all have started out the new year so well. I started out ok, all full of hope and all. The intentions were good, but lasted a little bit today, but then the contents of that break room called to me (darn it ~ the holidays are over ~ what the heck was that stuff doing there?), and I let myself down. Oh well, tomorrow is a new day to try again. You either can have a chuckle or if someone slipped like I did, maybe find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.
I walk in this morning and on the table of the break room is a box of Whitman Chocolates and a container of baklava. I thought to myself ~ those things are not gonna get me. I was feeling so proud of myself ~ thinking maybe I am finally gonna be an adult and not be foolish and give in to stuff that is “calling” to me. I was planning in my head to be able to come here tonight and tell how I had been a grown up today and not gotten into that stuff. Maybe that saying ~ pride goeth before a fall ~ would apply here. Anyway ~ not gonna beat myself up over it. One day at a time ~ give it another go tomorrow.
On the positive side, I walked a little this morning before work.
One day of work down ~ three to go. It wasn’t too bad a day. There was enough time that I could empty the contents of the 2011 file folders in the filing cabinet, to make room for the 2012 stuff.
A few comments:
Lynn ~ I put my yarn in a plastic milk jug. I cut a hole/flap in the side, put in the ball of yarn and bring the end out through the top hole. Tape the flap down and the ball of yarn rolls around inside there. The jug sits on the floor and seems to be a little less intriguing to my kitty that way. Yes, I was able to watch the program on New Years Eve that had the real ball in NYC Time Square with the ball dropping.
Donna ~ I think I read that you do some of your stretches on your bed. I was glad to read that ~ I want to try to find some of those stretches and had hoped that maybe I could do them on the bed ~ I can get down on the floor, but pay a price with my knees afterward. Seems like it takes them weeks to get over the trauma of just a few seconds of getting down on the floor.
When you were telling about looking in the mirror ~ it made me think of my coworker telling me a funny thing one time. She had a patient who had fallen and had bruises on her face. The patient didn’t understand why she was in the hospital, so my coworker got a mirror so she could see the bruises on her face. The lady looked at her reflection and said ~ oh my god ~ when did my hair get all white. It was funny ~ she wasn’t startled by the bruises, but by the site of her white hair ~ as if this was a new thing. Poor thing.
Marie ~ about the cleaning ~ I think it was CK that had in her post one time these words: Clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy. That is kind of my house. I like for it to be neat, and organized to a point, but I don’t obsess about it. Like you ~ I don’t want to be a slave to it. There is so many other things I want to do. So, it gets cluttery until it bugs me, then I deal with it. There are only so many hours in a day. And if I have a chance to do something with the grandkids or my kids, well that stuff/clutter isn’t going anywhere and will be right there when I get back. The kids are growing up and will be gone, or not wanting to spend as much time with Grandma, so I want to enjoy them while I can.
There was a poem on a crewel embroidery kit I had ~ I have always loved it ~ here is a tweaked version of it that I put on a picture for Sara one mother’s day.
I hope that my child, looking back on today
Will remember a mother who had time to play
Because children grow up while we’re not looking
There are years ahead for cleaning and cooking
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait ‘till tomorrow
For children grow up we’ve learned to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep
Havin’ fun with my children, ‘cause children don’t keep
Donna ~ you mentioned in an earlier post that I don’t write much about myself. It kind of made me laugh. I feel just the opposite ~ like I write too much about me. Just look at this post.
Location: Home of the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins
Posts: 12,386
S/C/G: 217/179/142
Height: 5'2
I had plantar fasciatis and it really flared when I started that job where I had to stand all day. I didn't doctor for it, but I did 2 things. I quit wearing completely flat shoes. I try to have a least a little bit of rise in the heel. And when I was sitting or lying down I would do heel stretches. I hold my leg straight out in front of me and bend my toes toward my shin, stretching the heel, slowly. I hold for a few seconds, and repeat. All of a sudden one day I realized the pain was gone. Occasionally, it will flare. I do have a couple pairs of flat shoes that bother me, but I try not to wear them for long periods of time. I start doing the stretches again and in a few days I'm pain free.
Now if I could just do that with this sarcoma. LOL Actually, yesterday and so far today the pain isn't as bad. I have been doing sponge baths because that shower seems to be what started this the last time when I probably got water in it. Just think. This is all because I ate those darn peanuts! LOL
Sorry for not getting here sooner. I have had problems getting on. Guess I will have to breakdown and install foxfire. Is that it? I have this fear of the computer and dread doing anything different. But I miss being able to keep in touch too, so maybe it's time to bite the bullet. It's really cold here, and windy, which makes it seem even colder. The weather man says it will get up to 40 by this weekend. A heat wave! I had to work New Years Eve, and had an awful day. Seems like that is the norm anymore. I came home and passed out early. DGD called at midnight to wish us Happy New year, and I guess I sounded pretty bad, because she asked if I was ok. We've got the Christmas decorations down and put away and the house is back to normal. I don't miss anything except the mantel decoration. I always have greens and lots of crystal and white candles. I'm so far behind there is no way I can do personals, but Happy New Years to all of you.
Who mentioned migraines? Imatrex inj. are a life saver. Takes the headache away in a matter of min. and without the next day grogy feeling. I seldom get them anymore but got a lot with the hormone dips.
A friend of mine had the Plantar fasciatis. She swears by crocks sandles. They have the same configuration as the Birks, so there must be something to that. The stretches would help too, i'm thinking. At least worth trying.
I used to love to crochet, but stopped for a long time. Now my fingers just don't want to cooperate. I think I just need to do it more to get them more flexable. Good exercise for the hands. I did try to teach my DGD, but she's left handed and I just got her confused.
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy New year.
Freda
Last edited by the slim me; 01-03-2012 at 08:42 AM.
Back at work, albeit reluctantly. Now that I’ve solidly made up my mind to give my notice and be out of here by the end of April, I’m finding it difficult to come in at all, let alone focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. Ugh. Being home over the holidays and away from work for so many days was just enough to entice me with the idea of what life could be like without the obligation of commuting to a job every day. Nice, to say the least.
Yesterday, we went over to dd3’s. Her father-in-law, who owned a flooring and tile installation business for years before he retired, was re-doing the tile in her master bath. They just recently replaced the tub in there, and wanted a different color scheme. My dh had built them a set of floor-to-ceiling shelves in their bedroom some time ago, and we bought full-length louvered doors to go on the front a while back, so it was time to get the doors on. AND you’ll NEVER guess what my daughter and I did! Her kitchen faucet has been leaking, and so she bought a new one – it’s the kind with the attached spray hose – and she and I read the directions aloud to each other, and WE installed it! We were so proud of ourselves – and, it works perfectly! I swear, when we women want to get something done, it GETS DONE, no doubt about it!
I am 100% committed to eating healthier, exercising, and being as fit as I am able to be now that I’m retiring. I don’t want to turn into an old lump, all hunched over and inflexible. I don’t have any desire to break any “senior fitness records”, but I DO want to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Don’t worry, Gayle, you’re by no means alone in being unable to stick to your New Year’s resolutions around eating yesterday and on New Year’s Day. I was planning to, as well, but fell victim to cookies at my dd’s house, among other not-so-smart choices. It’s way easier for me at work. I bring only what I can eat, and then just put my foot down hard when it comes to those oh-so-seductive lunch room treats and such. Today feels like the right day to start, for some reason – well, in my case, the reason is going back to my work routine.
Good to hear from you, Freda. I’ve been using Mozilla Firefox for a long time, now, and have never had any problem (knock on wood) getting into, or posting on 3FC. The IT guy at work told me a long time ago that it was the best browser to use. I would strongly recommend downloading it…it only takes a few minutes, and your internet experience is a lot smoother. Sorry to hear that work is so nasty these days…mine, too…but how much time do you have left before you can retire? Less than a year now, isn’t it?
I don’t think I have that Plantar Fascitis (?) that you-all have been talking about; at least I don’t THINK that I have it – but I do get sore feet from callous build-up, and have to get my feet scraped every six months or so. Otherwise, they really get sore. Of course, pedis help as well, so I do indulge in those occasionally, too. Birkenstocks don’t agree with the structure of my feet for some reason. I have extremely high arches (my doctor once described it as if I were walking on tripods) and the Birks just hit me in the wrong spot. I used to always be in heels, but over the past year or so, I’ve “graduated” to wearing more flats – just flats with some kind of arch support. Both Borns and Merrels seem to work pretty well for me. Those heel exercises that you describe, Carol Sue, sound like they’d be good to do even without Plantar Fascitis – just to maintain good flexibility and such.
Those dessert ideas all sound yummy, incidentally, but I think I’d better not try them just now. I find that anything sweet (even if it’s low calorie) encourages my appetite.
A quick wave and I'm outta 'ere
I have my eye doc appointment this morning and some grocery shopping to do. On the news, we're to get 50 degree weather on Thursday and I'm going to hang washed bedding out on the clothes line. Who would have thought to do that in January?
Lyn...add my name to the list (Carol Sue, Isabella, Marie) who has Plantar Fascitis. I had injections for awhile when the pain was too much. I had to resign myself to no more walking, thats how it flares up. Mine is non existing anymore because of the steel arches I had made for my shoes. I can't remember the name of them anymore, Feather something. They send you a box with clay like material in it, you step in them to form your feet and send it in. They send back the correct arch support and that's what cleared up my feet. (made of stainless steel). I think the exercises Carol mentioned would be helpful too. I'll look up the company and post it later. After I developed heel spurs, they re-made them with a dent in both heels for my spurs, FREE. Life time warranty on them.
Donna...I tried your leg roll over on the floor and it's the same exercise my chiropractor gave me to do for lower back pain. I'd forgotten all about it. I used to do it religiously in the mornings while waiting for Charlie to do his business. After DH retired he lets the dog out in the mornings and I've forgot to do the exercises.
I have to get ready, later gators.
I decided on my resolution – clean out drawers and closets and my spare bedroom. I will do 1 drawer/section of bedroom each day. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
I am trying out the Anti-inflamatory diet. Most difficult thing will be cutting out my coffee and protein bar in the morning. Other than that, does not seem bad – mostly veggies and whole grains. Seems like what is good for one thing (e.g., arthritis) is good for everything (e.g., high BP, heart, diabetes, esophageal spasms). We’ll see if there is any improvement.
My next course begins next Tuesday. I should be able to do personals until then. For the 3 weeks I am teaching, I will try to at least check in every day.
Lynn
Quote:
Originally Posted by chickadeee55
Pencil Push Ups are when you hold a pencil out in front of you and slowly bring it in towards your nose, as some point your eyes will start seeing double. There is a common distance at which this should happen, if you are out of that range it is called Convergence and your eyes are weak and have lost some focusing ability. so you need to strength them. It can come from too much close computer work or say knitting, anything you do too much of and your eyes don't take enough breaks.
Hi Chick,
When I was a pre-teen, an eye doctor had me rubber band a little rabbit to the eraser end of a pencil and do this exercise. I never knew why – figured he was some kind of a quack. Thank you for clearing up the mystery!
Quote:
Originally Posted by slmn11
Good Morning GG!
Lady in Waiting - Unfortunately I was not at the casino outside of Philly. I would love to be able to visit the Philly area where I was born. But I am in SW PA, near Pittsburgh.
I recently found out that the fluid filled pouch I have at the bottom of my incision is called a sarcoma and may take a while to heal. It has become very painful...I think because my incision goes right through my lower abdominal muscles. It mostly hurts getting into and out of a chair. When I'm lying down or sitting in my recliner it hardly hurts at all. I am trying to take only 1 pain pill per day, about 45 minutes before the nurse comes to change the packing. That keeps me from going through the ceiling while she's doing it. She can press on it to force some fluid out and it doesn't hurt, but putting that packing in is painful. I remember saying that I didn't have very much pain, but a few days later this thing started to hurt. So now I'm taking the Percocet for a good reason. LOL I am trying to be happy that the bag is gone and I'm on the mend, but I want the mend right now!
Hi Carol Sue,
You and I are in the same state but at opposite ends. I have not yet been to the Sugar Casino, the other one in a suburb of Philly (Warrington) is AWFUL!
I am so sorry that you are having this sarcoma problem. Sending you my wishes for a speedy and painless recovery.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbolink
P.S. Check out my ticker, I lost 5 pounds the first week! Probably lots of water but looks good on the scale anyway!
Hi Bobbi,
CONGRATULATIONS! I aM dOiNg ThE hApPy DaNcE for you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karen31
Lynn, the vent free logs are gas logs. And there is no smoke and no mess!! We have put gas fireplaces in two homes and it is very nice!!!
Hi Karen,
Maybe that is what they will need to do. I know that they have propane fireplaces in their B&B. Maybe they need to get one in their house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marie
[COLOR=Purple] Lynn, I love the image of your kitties helping you knit. What if you gave them their own ball of yarn while you knit? I take your kitties are Harry Potter spin-offs. My whole family loves HP but I’ve never watched/read any of them. And yes, the Packers did win. They get to sit out the first week of the playoffs so I don’t need my packer cheering outfit for two weeks.Marie
Hi Marie,
I tried giving them their own ball of yarn – they totally ignored it. Only interested in the one I am using.
I never read the Harry Potter books, but my DD and SIL LOVE them. I saw a couple of the movies with them. Congratulations on your team’s win.
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredone
Hi everyone. I'm sick--some stomach bug or a very bad case of indigestion. I knew something was brewing all day Saturday and I wasn't feeling very good at my party Saturday night. I was up several times running to the bathroom, early Sunday morning and have been flat on my back since yesterday.
Hi Isabella,
Sorry to read you are sick. Feel better soon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lynard21
Took down the decorations and went to the gym. Did 30 minutes on the stationary bike – as my heel hurts and I can’t walk on it very well. I looked up heel pain and it sounds like planter fasciitis. Anyone else ever have this?
Lynn – I am in Barnstable County. The cemetery was in East Dennis…lots of old sea captains and their families..some lived to very ripe old ages, but, yes so many children too.
Hi Lyn,
My DD had PF – she had both feet operated on. Took a LONG time to recuperate from the surgery but is now fine (ran 4 marathons in 2011).
I will look up “Barnstable County” to see if any of my ancestors lived there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by maryea
Finally got back to the gym! I kept it very light though...walked 15 min at 3.2 and biked 15 min at 5.
Hi Mary,
Does NOT sound “light” to me! Biking at 5 would KILL my knees. I bike for 30 minutes every morning to loosen my knee up so I can walk on the treadmill. I bike at 0.
Quote:
Originally Posted by akrosey49
Hi everyone.. its quiet around here and im loving it. my grs went home with his folks yesterday.i had such a good time with him. my dd and i went too 2 sessions of bingo new yrs eve. i won 25$. and had fun. its been a long time since this old lady stayed out that long. they had hats, and noise makers, snacks and sparkling cider.
Hi Rosey,
Sounds like a nice New Year’s Eve. CONGRATULATIONS on winning $25!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jess1
Lynn – do you have a cat sitter when you go away? Have you tried putting your yarn balls in a plastic bag? It tends to keep the CuriousCats away. “Gorking” means lazing around. Marie – no, to a kitty, every ball of yarn is his/her ball of yarn. They just don’t get the concept of “yours and mine”! Sweet Kai! SamCat sends his love.
Hi Donna,
I have a woman who comes to my house 2 times each day (on her way to and from a nearby job) to feed them and clear the litter pan. They are on their own for company. I always feel REALLY guilty when I leave. I put the suitcase on my bed to pack and they both jump in. I have a photo I will try to post.
I agree about them playing with their ball while I knit with mine. I will try the plastic bag and let you know if it works.
Quote:
Originally Posted by glynne
Lynn ~ I put my yarn in a plastic milk jug. I cut a hole/flap in the side, put in the ball of yarn and bring the end out through the top hole. Tape the flap down and the ball of yarn rolls around inside there. The jug sits on the floor and seems to be a little less intriguing to my kitty that way. Yes, I was able to watch the program on New Years Eve that had the real ball in NYC Time Square with the ball dropping.
Hi Gayle,
I have a feeling that the plastic milk jug will work better than the plastic bag. I will try both and let you know.
Every year, I watch the NYC ball drop and wonder if it is just an East Coast thing. I have never been there (and have NO plans to ever go), but I enjoy watching everyone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by the slim me
Good Morning GG's
Sorry for not getting here sooner. I have had problems getting on. Guess I will have to breakdown and install foxfire. Is that it? I have this fear of the computer and dread doing anything different. But I miss being able to keep in touch too, so maybe it's time to bite the bullet.
Hi Freda,
I use Internet Explorer and have been experiencing problems also. I find that if I do NOT use a favorites link, but Google 3 Fat Chicks each time I login, there are no problems. Seems to just dislike the favorites link.
I am 100% committed to eating healthier, exercising, and being as fit as I am able to be now that I’m retiring. I don’t want to turn into an old lump, all hunched over and inflexible. I don’t have any desire to break any “senior fitness records”, but I DO want to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Z
Hi Zoe,
Posting at the same time & missed you.
It is actually a LOT easier to eat/exercise right when you retire. You will have a LOT more time to think/plan/act and focus on yourself.
So, are we planning the retirement party in Colorado Springs for May?
Carol Sue, I found this site last week and have been doing the heel stretches, but plan on doing the others also. So for all those plantar fasciitis sufferers have a look.
Gayle you're certainly not alone with work place snacks. It was awful when I was teaching. At least several times a week someone would bring in a large platter or dish of goodies and after Christmas it was almost every day for a while. Some days I just stayed away from the staff room and other days I succumbed to the siren call of the sweets. I love that poem you posted. I'm going to send it to DIL. She's always playing with Boo.
Freda, thanks for the mention of Crocks. They are easier to find. I use firefox for just about everything. My DSs highly recommend it and they are both computer people. I don't have any trouble accessing 3FC.
Zoe, I had to laugh when you said you didn't feel like working now that you've definitely decided you'll be gone in April. When I was on my last few months I felt the same way, except I had little kids depending on me so I had to keep everything in good working order in the classroom. But I know that some teachers would just take sick leave the last few months. They must have had doctors that just gave them a note. On my very last day we had the kids in school for the morning and in the afternoon we had general clean-up of our rooms, year-end staff meeting and other such stuff. I had been cleaning out my cupboards and desk for weeks before and on that last day when the kids left I cleaned up, took my keys and register and turned them in to the office. The principal looked at me and said, "Where are you going?" and I told him that I was going home. He told me that we had a meeting, blah, blah, blah. I just looked at him and smiled and said, "I'm going home. What are you going to do, fire me?" We left it at that and I went home.
My stomach is feeling a bit better today but not 100%. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be better. I'm going to try to get on the bike and do a few kilometres before nightfall. I feel energyless after my bout of sickness but I'll try and ease back. When I get back to normal eating I'm going to start posting my daily menu and exercise.
Have a good day.
ETA: Bobbi and Lynn we were all posting at the same time, lol.
Bobbi, don't you just love those unexpected warm winter days. We had rain last night and was very mild but today the temperature dropped again.
Lynn, I have no trouble using Firefox. Have you tried re bookmarking the 3Fc site?
Last edited by retiredone; 01-03-2012 at 11:36 AM.
Just a quick hello. I am having trouble with firefox and IE this morning.... Grrrr. When I cant get into 3fc, it is like trying to get into a building.... the doorman is ignoring you and pretending that you aren't there.... meanwhile you are shouting "help! Let me in! My FIRENDS are in there!!!!" If this posts, I will be back later. Off to work
Just a quick hello. I am having trouble with firefox and IE this morning.... Grrrr. When I cant get into 3fc, it is like trying to get into a building.... the doorman is ignoring you and pretending that you aren't there.... meanwhile you are shouting "help! Let me in! My FIRENDS are in there!!!!" If this posts, I will be back later. Off to work
Hi Rie,
As long as I do NOT try to get in using a Favorites link, I am OK. Works fine when I get in by Googling 3 Fat Chicks.
Donna, was there really any reason to mention tax season is upon us? Couldn't we revel in the joy of Christmas a little longer? Kai hopes that SamCat is feeling well now since you certainly did enough domestic drudgery without his help.
Isabella and Lyn, the best part of Birks is that the cork bottom conforms to your feet, meaning that unless the length is wrong, they will be comfy in short order. I think that's why they work well. BTW, keep in mind they are spendy but last a long, long time. Lyn, as a reference, I wear size 8.5 and am a 39 in Europe/Birk size.
Gayle, I love the poem. Without a doubt, children grow too fast. I'm starting to think grandkids grow even faster.
Carol Sue, I must have missed something. Peanuts caused the first surgery?
Freda, my friend swears by the imatrex injections too. Said they're painful to get. Her son agrees with her.
Zoe, driving into town this morning was a special kind of kick in the pants. I basically hadn't left my house for 10 days. Seeing the town lights was not pleasant. I told my friend I needed to win the lotto (retirement is not around the bend for me like it is for you - see my jealousy surge) and she said or a sugar daddy. Since she's divorcing the lout she'd married, she can try. Me, I'd rather my DH. So I'm going to buy a lotto ticket for tomorrow night. I shall win. That's my new year's resolution.
Bobbi, your steel arches sound much like the orthotics my podiatrist made other than my orthotics are plastic. He'd made them from drugging me (I couldn't relax enough to let my foot relax), then made casts of each foot. He sends the casts off and the company makes the orthotics. Because of the plastic, the podiatrist can touch them up. I definitely couldn't hike with the doggies without them since my Birks would get full of rocks. I think the cork bed of the Birks does basically what your steel arches and my orthotics do.
Lynn, let us know how the anti-inflamatory diet works for you. I hope it does wonders and I'm glad it sounds like you'll only be teaching one course in a few weeks. The two classes seemed too much.
So I am back at work and want to be on the short-timer list like Zoe. I'll get back into the groove soon. At least I hope as I do have a pile of work to do. And the M&M monster has roared and I fed it. Bad me.
Marie
Lynn – I am in Barnstable County. The cemetery was in East Dennis…lots of old sea captains and their families..some lived to very ripe old ages, but, yes so many children too.
Hi Lyn,
Next time you are roaming around the cemetery, look for some VERY old (1650-1750) stones for -
Tuesday's Menu and Exercise: Eating light today because of stomach.
Breakfast: Fruit smoothie, ff yogurt
Dinner: 1/4 cup homemade guacamole (mashed avocado, garlic powder, salt, lime juice)
Supper: Cornflakes, skim milk, banana, little brown sugar
Exercise: 15 minutes bike, 3.08 kilometres
I thought I might as well start on a day I didn't eat junk.
Last edited by retiredone; 01-03-2012 at 09:22 PM.
