Hi Karen, I enjoyed your family photo. How did you get that there?
Hi Paula, What's the Mother's Day Challenge?
Hi Cheryl, Related to your issue with keeping yourself on your priority list - my biggest problem is eating with others & not eating what they eat. That's what I'm working on this month.
Hi Bobbi, Thank you for putting this together. I'm really needing the support from this group.
Hi Ella, Happy Birthday. Mine is 4-11 (I just turned 62) - What's yours?
Hi Phyllis, I'm glad that you found us such a nice group. Thanks for thinking of me.
Hi Joanne, I LOVE Vancouver. Hope your weather is better than ours in northeast PA.
I started an online course yesterday. I've already had 2 students call me with problems - I'm hoping this is NOT signs of things to come.
I'm meeting my gf for lunch today at a Thai restaurant. My goal is to drink water and stay away from the fried noodles and duck sauce.
Yesterday was the 1st day of my diabetes course. Interesting - my lowest blood sugar numbers are always before lunch. During the course, I realized that the reason is most likely because I exercise after breakfast. I'm going to try exercising after dinner to see if I can get the numbers down before bed - and stop the nightime munchies.
Hi Lynn,
Good to hear from you and I am so glad that we have this group to come to. If you want to post a picture --you go to where you write the message and click on "go advanced" Then at the top where they have all the icons for everything right next to the smiley there is the attachment paperclip. When you click on that that opens a new window to where you can browse your pictures and choose what photo you want. Once you choose your photo then click "Upload". When it is finished the photo should be in your message. You can do a preview of your message to make sure. It really is pretty easy to do--- I hope I didn't make it sound complicated.
I'll check back later to see how everyone is doing. Karen
Snow on the fourth of July, eh? Well, doesn't THAT sound...um..."picturesque". Are you SURE you live in the continental US and not in Alaska or sumpin'???? Oh, MY! Oh, MY! Um. Nuh-uh. I mean, I've been pretty bitter about OUR lack of spring here in the northeast. I am now officially zipping my lips for fear that the great weather gods will hear me kvetching and complaining and decide to send US a snowstorm in July!
So, here we are (so far) the GOLDEN GIRLS....Bobbi, Karen, Paula, Theresa, Phyllis, Lynn, Jay and Cheryl. Oh, and me... Not a bad showing, huh?
I'm at work, and taking a well-deserved break from writing...by doing what? Writing of course!!!
For the past day or so, I've been watching coverage of that awful shooting down at Virginia Tech. It occurs to me that we are ALL of an age to have had (and maybe some of us still do have) our kids away at school somewhere. I mean, you worry constantly when they're away from home for the first time...and keep right on worrying...but I really think that those ongoing worries are more of a precautionary kind of thing, like "Please God, keep my child safe..." (or please whomever or whatever one happens to believe in). We worry, but at the same time, I also think that we engage in a kind of denial..."Surely nothing bad could happen to MY child." And most of the time it doesn't. Or it does, but it's something you just handle, somehow, you know? But THIS...THIS has got to be every parent's nightmare. So horrifically sad. Something like this just makes me feel so powerless, you know? Makes me feel powerless AS A PARENT, which we all know we are when push comes to shove, but I think in order not to go absolutely bonkers, we have to maintain some illusion of control - of being able to take the right precautions, make the right decisions, etc., that will keep our babies safe.
Last year at around this time, my eldest daughter Stephanie - a beautiful, vibrant woman of 36 who works as a family therapist for the school department and volunteers with a group of troubled adolescent girls as well as personally training to run the Boston Marathon AND is mother to two beautiful children AND just moved with them and her husband into a beautiful new home that he built for them - was diagnosed with MS. She is still working, but of course the marathon training had to end because she was getting alternating pain and numbness in her arms and legs. She's now on daily injections, and holding her own, but it's been a very rough year. My other girls and I have been with her through it all, and going down to cook and clean for her in turns. That's about all we can do. We can't stop the disease, you know? Life has a way of demonstrating that there are just some things that we can't control, and all we can do is respond to them the best way we know how.
In reading all of your posts, I think that the thread that runs through this group very clearly is that we have all managed to learn to deal with rough times and really appreciate the good ones. Bobbi, you sound so content and happy with your gardening and your wonderful cooking and omigosh...you're already two pounds BENEATH your weight loss goal! Paula - my sister just LOVES that Red Hat poem...I wonder if everyone here has seen it? Would you be able to post it for us? And Theresa, at ALMOST 50, you're the youngster here, but we're glad to have you...just hurry up and catch up, okay???
Phyllis, I am pretty jealous of ANYONE who's in Florida right about now. I'm beginning to forget what sunshine feels like. They say it's supposed to clear up around here and that we're going to have a nice weekend, but right now, that seems awfully far away... And Lynn...I'm so sorry about your very challenging year. I hope becoming a GOLDEN GIRL will help a little bit. I'm so glad that you decided to join us! Jay, is it COLD up there? To tell the truth, I'm looking for someplace with a moderate climate - never too hot, never too cold - to retire to, except once I find it, we'll never move because it would mean leaving my kids and I can't. I'd be miserable.
Cheryl? Good grief! All that working out! Now I REALLY feel guilty! (But keep it up....don't mind my sniveling and sobbing).
Okay. Gotta run. Have a great day, all, and get some more posts up here fahgoodness' sake! Inquiring minds want to KNOW what's happening in your lives!!!
Morning Everyone!!!! I had my best day in a very long time -- lots of great exercise (40 minutes walking my loaner dog) and a very intense 40 minute strength training class. Add to that I actually kept my calories under 1800 I am one happy camper - YAY!!!!
I just want to touch on one small thing with the horrible tragedy at Virginia Tech. I work at a large post secondary institute and we never know who we are sharing the halls with but we have to remember this could happen anywhere anytime. I am NOT saying we wrap ourselves in cotton and shelter ourselves from life. As a few of us have learned life can hand us hard knocks -- we have to just learn to live life well and try to have as little regrets as possible. So for today - hug your children (and grands) a little harder, pay closer attention to other family members, smile at a friend and remember to do this for all your wonderful tomorrows. Ok off the soapbox!!!
Karen - just stay warm I can't even imagine freezing weather past March.
Paula -- enjoy your Hungarian dinner - I love cabbage rolls -- now dessert is another matter -- LOL no help there its one of my many downfalls so I tend to avoid dessert when I can. That said when I go to my mother-in-laws and she makes her carrot cake I indulge and I normally don't like carrot cake LOL
Cheryl -- it is a wonderful feeling being lighter - I am actually in the best shape of my adult life. My 40's were pretty yukky and my body reflected how I was feeling.
Bobbi -- yes absolutely thanks thanks and THANKS for getting us set up
Lynn - glad you love our city - I had the joy a few years ago to come back after a repositioning cruise from LA. I stood on the deck of the ship with so many people that had never been to Vancouver --- as we cleared under one of the bridges and Vancouver was there in all her gorgeous glory I felt so very very proud. Weather isn't horrid right now but it could be a bit better.
Ella -- I am so very sorry about your daughter's diagnosis. I have several friends with MS -- I do know one that can do some amazing physical things (climb a mountain) when she is in remission -- so hold on to good thoughts. We are extremely temperate here -- not very cold in the winter and not that hot in the summer. Very few people actually own air conditioners -- but we are getting one for my mom --- she suffered a lot last summer in her new condo -- but she had other issues that were taken care of over the last year. I hear you though about never leaving your children. I only have one son and he keeps threatening to leave Canada and immigrate to New Zealand (he has dual citzenship) -- I can only smile and hope he never leaves.
On to a great day -- to all the lovely GOLDEN GIRLS -- ENJOY!!!!
Mine is the 19th - tomorrow. I'll be 61 !!!! Good grief, it seems like only yesterday that I was 60!
Desserts are MY downfall, too!!!! After my son was born - 25 years ago <gulp> - I went on the Atkins diet and lost the 50 #'s that I'd gained, plus a few more. I stayed very slim for SEVEN years on maintenance until one day a hot fudge sundae called my name VERY LOUDLY and I gave in to it.
Went on a binge that lasted forever and ever...ended up gaining I-don't-even-remember-how-much over the next year, and have been up and down ever since. No desserts for Ella, now. Not even little ones, not even ones that are within my daily calorie allowance. NO, NYET, uh-uh, and NEVER AGAIN! I don't even eat any of those yummy diet bars they have now, because the sweet taste just riggers the desire for MORE SWEETS for me.
I am so JEALOUS of people who can nibble on ONE cookie, or one THIN slice of cake or something. ONE is never enough for me...I want the whole package of cookies, the whole cake...
Thanks to Bobby and Karen,
For setting this up. It is so nice to get on and have fun with someone you can really get to know. As friends. Not just a name. Seems like more get on more often here too.
Lynn
Thanks so much for the link.
I am reading that TODAY!
I did see something on the news, but could not find the link later that week.
Weather! it is only 40 today. Cold wind of Lake Erie. But... the sun in out at this minute. I am just waiting for things to dry up some. So I can plant some DAHLIAS any my easter Lily given to me from the lady across the street. Might even mow the lawn when it gets dry enough.
Happy Birthday Ella.
Your house sounds lovely, If we had the bigger family...Thats what I would have wanted.
We have a tiny little 3 bedroom. Just enough for us. and dd.
That Zen garden sounds fun too.
""And Theresa, at ALMOST 50, you're the youngster here, but we're glad to have you...just hurry up and catch up, okay??? ""
Now Ella, its coming much faster than I can keep up with.
Karen,
thats a nice looking family there.
Joanne
Sounds like you have already lost lots! Congrats!
Cheryl
your story how you met your hubby is sooo cute. I love it.
Paula
Your business sounds like a blast.
I might have to get a new sewing machine.
Maybe then I can find a job on the side too. I feel a need to contribute to the income. But Jobs are so FEW around here...its frightening.
The money I make so far On Ebay is spent on my granddaughter. Its gone fast.
I am going to look into the Red Hat Club, around here. Sounds fun.
Hope I did not miss to many..
this is to cheer everyone on today. Eat well, keep moving, and enjoy life.
Good Morning! We have beautiful weather here today and I have a large load of clothes to hang out on the line. DH went over East yesterday to scout out some motel to stay in for this fall deer hunt, He'll be back today. Yesterday I just made Flat Out pizza for my lunch and French toast for supper, 59% carbs and 76 grams of fiber. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from cooking large meals. Paula... I smiled when I read what you did for a living, custom made costumes and pioneer clothing. My DH is a "Shootist" and really got into the period clothing of that era. To be a member they all had to wear the authenic made clothing and only use the material, button, etc. that were available back then. Boy, those pants and shirts were very expenisve. I was too cheap to buy the outfits for myself, so I made a couple of things for myself. I love to sew but don't have time anymore. I did start a quilt this winter and just about finished with it. My SIL is a member of the red hat society and I still don't know what you all do? Ella... My DD would love to live in an restored Victorian house, but it would have to have a wrap around porch on it. I think she was born in the wrong century. I would personally enjoy doing the restoring part. I've done a lot of wood re- finishing and replacing material on chairs, etc. I tackled a couch once, what a job and no thank you. Can you take pictures of your Zen garden and back yard, it sounds heavenly. I sure don't envy you and DH's long commute, but it probably gives you lots of personal thinking time. Good for you in kicking the smoking habit and losing pounds, and yes we can do anything because we're the Golden Girls. Karen... I feel like I already know you from the other threads, when I see you post I always thing about the walking incident you had with your beloved dogs. You should share it here, that'll explain why you walk indoors. Thanks for sharing a picture of you and your family, I would love to see everyone's family and home. Theresa... Hi again, another friend from another thread. You've been on your feet through out your career like I was. (Only partly, I had my own desk) Like I said in my opening statement, I developed foot problems. Did you ever have any negative effects from standing in your jobs? I'm glad you've had the chance to retire, it's nice to slow down and get things done when you feel like it. When we are working girls, we have to squeeze all home jobs into tiny slots between working hours. Bummer! Phyllis... Hi to you again too! Sorry to hear about your cats, we've had many stray cats come up to our door. The very old cat we have now is the daughter of a black stray, she gave birth at our house and stayed. We gave all the kitties away except for Black Pearl. The momma kitty evenutally died, we have a regular grave for all our pets out in the shade garden. I sometimes think I have more compassion for pets than I do people. I would sure like to find out what happened to the Virginia Tech shooter when he was small. It sounds like he was mentally and physically abused. I guess I shouldn't be judging his upbringing since we know nothing yet about him. Lynn... Gosh, I have a friend that looks exactly like you. Everytime I see your phote I think Joy! (That's her name) I love how people from New Joisey talk, do you have an accent? So sorry to hear about Donald, that's got to be the hardest hurdle in life. You had quite a year didn't you, I had a spot burned off my nose, thank God it wasn't cancerous. I have olive skin and never would have thought I'd have skin problems but I lived for the outdoors and had lots of sun damage on my face. For years I never used skin protection because I never burned, too bad it took me so many years to smarten up. Joanne.... Welcome Canadian neighbor! Sorry to hear of your loss too, 22 years is a big chunk of your early life.
Quote:
I soon found 35 of those pounds and started getting angry with myself again. In Jan of 2006 I couldn't wear a single item of clothes in my closet (gotta love yoga gear) and I even started researching weight loss surgery -- well I decided instead to count calories, drink lots of water and exercise more. So far that combination has allowed me to drop 35 pounds and keep it off. I am now ready to drop
I think getting angry with yourself is a key to losing weight. Congrats on the 35 pound loss! My two grandsons have an old Golden Retriever and I dread the day he dies, it's going to be devastating to them. He's huge, weighs over 100 pounds and he's constantly eatting the cat's food, not good! Cheryl... Welcome and wow, 8 month plateau? What were you doing during that time? I see you like Survivor, me too! Jeff has been sitting in for Regis for the last two days on "Live with Regis and Kelly" show. Have you been watching it, he said he met his girlfriend on one of the shows and used to sneak her a high protein bar now and again. I was in the last "Biggest Losers" on the 3FC's site, it just ended a few weeks ago. It sure helped me shuck the last few pounds of my goal. Most the gals were heavier than me, I was actually the oldest and the lightest in weight so I had to work extra hard. Thankfully they went by percentages and I ended up in the 3rd from the top losers. Congratulations on your retirement and your long love affair with DH. Hope I didn't miss anyone while typing. Gotta run, I'm burning sunlight. I'm going to apoligize right now for my grammer, usually I'm a stickler on that but I've spent too much time already typing and I'm not going back over my post.
O.K. I lied, but I am on my way out the door and I see I did post after a couple of you. DH is unloading my clothes from the washer and bringing it outside for me, sometimes he even hangs them up for me! But I like to do it myself. You're all welcome, I wanted to be in a group of women my age and we're off to a great start. How does everyone feel about posting pictures of family, homes, etc? Now I really, really have to go!
Hi Everybody!! I just finished my walk and thought I would check out the posts! I love that everyone is posting and I know this is going to be such a wonderful group!!! And I love the idea of posting pictures of family, homes, pets (they are family!) Whatever anyone feels like they want to share! That would be so nice!
Here is the story that Bobbi was talking about and why I do most of my walking inside!
We live up in the mountains in Colorado (Pikes Peak is right out my front door) and a couple years ago when we were living in a different area I was walking outside. I put Ginger, my red pomeranian, I didn't have the Sissy yet, in her pet pocket (like a snuggli for babies) and I would walk down the main road and would total about 5 miles in that walk. Until one day--- I felt someone walking behind me--- When I turned around I felt like "lil' Red Riding Hood!! There was this huge silver/gray wolf that was stalking us!! Thanks goodness a car stopped and got between me and the wolf and kept at it until the wolf gave up and went on back down another road. He sure didn't want to give up though--- the car had to turn around 4 times to keep between us and that was the last time I walked outside over there!! I think he looked at me and said "dinner" and considered a Ginger a little "dessert"!!
So now when I'm walking with the video both Ginger and Sissy lay on the bed and sleep!! I'm hoping that I can get outside more in this area. We have a big circle that I can walk around in our area and that totals a mile all the way around. I have to check since there have been so many people move in behind us that they have dogs that are fenced in.
So that is my story about getting bored walking inside or scared to death walking outside!!! And that is why "Leslie" and I have become such good friends!!
I guess I'd better go and get some wrok done around here now-- the sun is out and the fog is gone. Talking about thundershowers this afternoon---- Ginger will be under the couch!!! She is so afraid of thunder!
I've been watching CNN all morning as the profile of Cho, the shooter, becomes known. VERY SCARY STUFF! I've taught college students in English classes and reading classes and wonder how many of them may have come through the doors with issues just a few steps short of all this! Creative writing certainly DOES provide a window into the soul!
I've been thinking of the time frame for the two sets of shootings which took place about two hours apart. I've been thinking about those two roommates, John and Andy, who are now realizing that Cho MUST have had all that deadly ammunition and weapons right there in the dorm room when they were right there. I'm thinking about the writings that Cho did that shocked everyone.
Lucinda Roy, the English Department Chairperson, certainly was quite eloquent as she spoke in her interview. I admire her for taking Cho on as an independent study when her coworker could not/would not be able to keep Cho in class because of his disruptions. There's so much that can't be done due to the civil rights of the individual student. Somehow I think that there needs to be SOMETHING more that could be done to protect students from an obviously troubled individual like Cho.
This whole incident speaks to all of us. We probably all know people who are just strange. It makes you wonder what caused this strange person to turn his anger onto others and then onto himself, however. I guess anyone can snap anytime.
I hope everyone has been having a good afternoon. I got my walk in this morning and then I've been lazy the rest of the day!! I will have to get busy tomorrow and catch up with what I didn't do today! I guess everyone needs a "lazy day" once in awhile!
I just took this picture and thought that I would post it for you to see. This is from my front porch and that is Pikes Peak in the center. Yep, still lots of snow up there!! At least we don't have any right here. One New Years Eve they have what they call the "AddaManClub" that hikes up there and then they shoot off fireworks to bring in the New Year! We can see them so nice from here. I told Tim that it is so nice they celebrate our anniversary!!!
Well, I think I'm going to fix some grilled chicken breast with a salad this evening. I'll probably throw in a baked potato for Tim. Sometimes I will take a small portion of the potato but I'd rather eat more salad now.
I'll check back with you this evening and see how things are going. Take care everyone and don't forget to give those HUGS out to everyone! Karen
Oh! I just spent 20 minutes typing a message and it did not take. I had to sign back in??
Any way.
will try again.
Karen,
nice pic out your back door. makes me cold. brr.
I am glad you had help on your walk. That had to be sooo scary.
the only wolves I have to worry about are 2 legged.
Not to scary.
This is an old fishing town ( tourist trap). So most of the year its pretty quite and quaint. I love a small town.
Bobby,
Yes, I had trouble with my heals. And shoulders and hands. That is what happens when a very short person does the work that is planned for Men.
I also worked in the paint dept. WoW!!! hot. and fast work. I always drank lots of water. was like summer even is December.
Most of my coworkers in the paint dept. were about 20 and boys.
Ran me ragged.
I am so lucky to be retired. But I am looking to find something to add to our income. towards retirement. His retirement.
He just got hired at FORD 2 yrs ago. now he is 50 and has a long way till retirement.
But we are both greatful for this job. Jobs are very few and far between here. Unless you want to make $8. Or go to Cleveland.
thats at least 45 min. one way. all traffic. Yuk!
now lets see if this gets posted before I add another word!
Theresa, my son-in-law works for Ford Motor Co., they live in Temperance,MI
just across the state line from Toledeo. They love living there.
We sold our office supply business and have been retired 1 yr. now and it is amazing that my dh doesn't miss it at all? I thought he would be going crazy by now.
Dh is a nighttime snacker and makes popcorn every night.....it just kills me to smell that popcorn, it always makes me hungry.
Karen, I remeber that story about the wolf....how scared you must have been, thank goodness for that car, be careful. The photo is beautiful.
Lynn, I am glad you are joining us after your stressful year. I think these ladies will keep us motivated and once you learn the diebetic diet, you will probably lose some lbs., my dh does if he follows it (which he usually doesn't).
Bobbi your making me miss having a garden!!! I think I will try to grow some tomatoes in a big claypot on our screened in porch....I do some herbs but not having a yard makes it harder.
Will try to post a photo or two......everyone have a great day!!!
Good morning! I'm very glad to hear from you. I have enjoyed reading posts from all the "Fat Chicks" site. Thanks for including me. Ok, I am almost 59 yrs. old, retired from my office job at Maytag after our plant closed. I'm 5'4" & currently weigh 167.6# & my goal is 140. Currently this time around I'm doing Weight Watchers on my own & with the help of this site. I actually started my diet 1 week ago yesterday starting at 172# so am down 4.4# so far. I had to have triple bypass surgery going on 3 yrs. ago so it's very important that I get this weight back off & get more active again. My husband of almost 40 years is also retired from construction & is the love of my life. We have a little Yorkie named Chewy who is also a delite & is my walking buddy (except when he poops out on me & I have to carry him!). I love being outside (in good weather anyway) & working in the garden, flowers, etc. We used to hunt all the time when we were younger, but hubby's knees won't let him go anymore, but we do fish. We live in a small town of about 3500 in north central Illinois so we know about scooping snow too. I also love to mow the yard. Hubby rides & I use the push mower. That's about the size of our life. I have 2 grown step-sons, 2 grandaughters, 2 great grandsons & 1 step grandaughter who has a boy & a girl.
I am a yo-yo dieter & have been all my life. When I eat I really eat & eat all the wrong things, but when I diet I stick to program usually quite close. I need to learn to equal it all out once I get this weight back off.
Guess that's about it for me. Thanks again for including me in your group. Have a great day! signed, openheart
You and I are just 1/2" apart in height, but I weigh a lot more than you do! Can't wait until I weigh what you weigh right now! When I get there I will have lost over 100 pounds! What a trip this weight loss thing has been! I have been at this on and off for the last SEVEN YEARS!!!
I'm a big outdoors person, too! I'm thinking that it finally is warm enough (50 degrees) to put in my new red raspberry plants. I laid 8 yards of mulch several weeks ago just before we got more SNOW. I'm glad it's all done, though, because everything looks good out there...for now! Our tulips are thinking about starting to come out. Hopefully our snow is finished!
Mine is 4-11 (I just turned 62) - What's yours?
for fear that the great weather gods will hear me kvetching and complaining and decide to send US a snowstorm in July! 
Not a bad showing, huh?
