~ Golden Girls~
 

We are about Fitness and Quality of Life after 50...
We are about Fun and Friendship after 50...
We are the Golden Girls...

There is Value in us
There is Power in us
There is Wisdom in us
And Laughter....
We are a rainbow of unique wonders,
There is love in us.
(poem by Dorothy Holmes)

Tell us a little about your life, family and goals. What keeps you motivated? What is the best thing that's happened to you since you pasted the 50 mark?
Friends laugh, cry and stand by each other, we'll be that to you!:grouphug:

Good Morning!
As you can see by my trademark large print, I'm a granny and large print is sooooooooooooo much easier to read. I'm a 61 year old Minnesota gal and live out in the country on an acreage. We've been married for 42 years, have Tiffany our daughter and two grandsons Damian and Lukas. (14 & 9).
I was 52 years old in 1998 when I developed Plantar Fasciitis and had to quit work. (I was a manager/buyer of collectables, plates, figurines, dolls, etc.) The best thing that happened to me after I turned 50 was early retirement!
We have a large vegetable garden, a huge shade garden and 6 separate flower gardens. While working I never had time to process all the fruit from our trees, now I do. We have two each of apple, plum tree, apricot, pear and peach. Strawberries and raspberries too. My DH is an avid hunter and the majority of meat we consume is game meat. We always have Elk and deer in the freezer, sometimes Pheasant and wild turkey. DH retired at 62 and been a blessing to me, he vaccums the whole house every morning and sometimes we fight about who gets to cook. He's a fantastic cook, but so am I. We have a sweet tempered English Setter named "Charlie", a very old Black cat named "Black Pearl" and 6 Golden Orpington chicken that keeps us in brown eggs. DH and I joined a "Snap" fitness club January 1st since the only exercise we got was shoveling snow. I'm not sure if we'll continue the club this summer and fall, we get plenty of exercise out on our acreage.
I've reached my weight goal and just going to maintain and hang around the 3FC's site. I lost my weight through counting calories and staying away from Cabernet wine.
Have a great day everyone!
Bobbi

I'm Paula and I just turned 55 this month. I married to my Jr High School sweetheart in 1969. Ron and I have 2 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren, 3 boys and 1 girl (Ian 13, Brendan 11, Maya 8, Caleb 6). I am a housewife and have my own on-line business. I custom make Halloween costumes and pioneer clothing. Starting around the end of July my orders start coming in and our good eating habits are usually forgotten and we grab whatever is handy and quick.

I have tried several diets and I've always gained back the weight I lost. I attended WW meetings and finally made goal by losing 50 pounds and became a lifetime member. I started gaining the weight back and hated to spend the money each week because I couldn't get back to goal. I stopped going to meeting and the weight all came back. I subscribed to ediets and really found it easy to follow. I would lose the weight in the winter and then gain it back in the summer. I was trying to get my finances in order so I quit my membership. Now I'm trying the You: on a diet and eating whole foods. I can't wait for summer so I can get all those fresh veggies. There's nothing better than a fresh picked tomato off the vine.

I have a small garden. I'm thinking about trying the square foot gardening this year. It looks like it would work great in my small space. I plant tomatoes, med. hot peppers, cucumbers and green peppers. I will also plant green beans in a separate garden. We have a nice big back yard and I'm working on planting flower gardens to make it look like an English garden. This takes time and money so I'm doing it a section at a time.

Since I turned 50 I started my own Red Hat Society Chapter. I have met a lot of nice ladies. The only thing is we love to go out for dinner and we love to order desserts.

I look forward to meeting and learning more about you "Golden Girls".

Hello! :wave: I'm Karen and I turned 55 on February 14 this year! We live in the Colorado High Country. I was married to Tim in 1970. We have two sons Michael is 34, and Todd is 32. We have 4 grandchildren, 3 boys, Travis 13, Brandon 11, Jade 13, and TJ (Todd Jr.) is 9.

Tim and I became very distracted and hit a "BUMP" in the road and divorced back in 1982. In spite of the fact that we both got married to other people and moved to other states, then divorced, we found our way back to each other and remarried in 1993!

I am a housewife and loving pet parent to 2 pomeranians, Ginger and Sissy.

We live on 5 acres here in the mountains but have found it is very hard to grown any type of garden. We can't plant anything until at least the middle of May (it still freezes overnight 'til then) So between that and the deer, and the rabbits not much grows. I did put some geraniums out in pots and they had beautiful flowers on them when I went to bed--- when I woke up they were pruned very nicely by our deer!!

At this present time what seems to be working for me is a combination of Slim fast and watching weight watcher points. And I'm walking 6 miles each day with the Walk Away The Pounds DVD. I'm sure as things change my exercise and diet will too.

I look forward to getting on 3FC everyday. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and getting to know more about each one of you.

I've put in a picture of my family that we took at Christmas this past year. That is everyone except for 2 grandsons. I am standing between my DIL and my granddaughter. My oldest son is in the wheel chair. My other son is is on the end next to my husband. And TJ has the cowboy hat on!

Have a great day and remember we are the "GOLDEN GIRLS" Karen

I just got this in an email and thought it was so beautiful!! Wanted to share. Karen

http://parentswish.com/

Hello,
Thanks for the welcome. I hope to get to know everyone here. Seems like a nice bunch. :)



I am an almost 50 yr. old. (in 2 months. )
I have been married almost 29 yrs.
We live in Northern Ohio. In a very small town.

We have a son Adam, who is 27.
Adam, is married with one daughter, Jessy.
She is 21 months old. Still not walking, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in January. Just now getting strong enough to sit up for little while by herself.
Jessy is The Highlight of our days, she is! She is your typical little girl. Lots of smiles most the time. Just getting to the fun age. "I do it stage"

We also have a 21 yr old daughter, Magan. She is my diet buddy. We are going to Curves 3 times a week together.

Until recently, I had worked in Factories. 10 years in Quality control, in printing factories. The was No money in that!
So I went across town , to a factory that Built
Light fixtures.
I did that till they closed almost 2 years ago.
Since then I tried a few other factories, Like a sponge factory, Machine shop. YUK! And even a Goodwill store.

The cut in pay was so much, that Hubby said to just stay home.
I would love to do some work here to add to the income.
I am still trying to figure out something I can do at home, But have not figured it out yet. I do sell things on Ebay now and then. Now that yard sales are coming up… I can find more goodies to sell.

I am thinking about some kind of Culinary school. Maybe later this year. The biggest problem is so far, most of the schools are in Cleveland. That is about 1 hr. drive. I don’t drive in big cities unless its an emergency.
I am going to spend some time looking at the schools around here
For classes.

Right Now I am the Housekeeper, Gardner, and Cook. I don’t think I am a Good cook. But he does, so its ok.
I do all the yard work I can, As Wayne works 50+ every week.

Until this year I have tried no other diets. Just kept eating healthy.Or so I thought!
I have a very slow metabolism. Even had to fight my weight as a girl. I grew up in the country. So to go anywhere I had to ride a bike at least 5 miles.


Starting March 1st. I joined Curves.
And I am changing the way I eat.
I cut out 100% of Pop (cold turkey) from my diet. I am trying to add my fresh/frozen veggies and fruits everyday. And Lean Protein.
Also only drink water (lots) and tea or diet v8.

At this point in time, with walking a 1-2 miles a day, and doing Curves 3 times a week. and eating healthy…I have lost about 8 pounds in 6 weeks. Boy does it seem to go slow for me.

I see major losses for some and Wonder, “” what am I not doing right?””

I feel like its just not coming off enough, So impatient!

Hi all you beautiful Golden Girls...

My name is Phyllis, married and live in South Florida 45 miles north of W. Palm Beach and 7 miles from the ocean. We are now retired after selling our Office Suppy business last April, I am 62 yrs. young!!!

This is my third marriage, my dh second. I have 3 children, 2 boys & 1 girl. My dh has 2, a girl and boy. We have 7 grandchildren between us all age 6 and under. I have one son 30 that is not married yet but looking, he lives in our area and all the other children and grandbabies live up notrh in Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. We really are thinking about moving back north in a year or so.

It seems like I have always been on a diet since I hit my late 40's. Lost 45 lbs. once but gained it all back. I am very determined to lose and keep it off this time and I know I have found a great group here to keep me encouraged.

We live in a condo now so no yard to grow any veggies, I do miss the fresh tomatoes but there is a lot of fresh produce stands here in town so I can usually get most any fruit or veggie any time of the year.

We had 2 cats that we had to put down in the past 6 mths, one was 19 and the other 13. So we now have left is our dog, a Doberman and he is 13 yrs. old named Rusty. My dh's best friend, that dog loves him and follows him around every second now that he is retired.

I have Chronic Kidney Failure and kidneys only working at 18% and holding so I have to be a bit careful with my diet especially protein. It would help my blood pressure a lot to lose this weight, so I have plenty of reason to lose.

We are taking a trip for a couple of weeks up north to see the children and grandkids so I am trying to lose some pounds for our motor trip, we will be going thru the Smokey Mts. on the way up....I love that part of the country.

I am enjoying reading everyones introductions and I just love this group. Off to do my walking dvd.

Phyllis

Hi Everyone,

I'm Lynn and I live in Bucks County, PA - near where Washington crossed the Delaware River into Trenton, NJ.

I lived most of my life in New Jersey but moved to PA to live and work about 10 years ago. I have been an educator for most of my life - an adult education teacher, an ESL teacher, a teacher trainer, a curriculum developer, a college professor, a test-maker, and an educational researcher.

My last full-time job was as the director of graduate programs for a small private college in Eastern PA.

In January of 2004, my love of 27 years, Donald, had a heart attack and stroke. In August, we decided that it was best to marry and that I retire to care for him. Since that time, I teach only online courses for the University of Phoenix.

In the past year, Donald died at the end of June, I had a hip replacement in August, and I had surgery in February for 2 skin cancer spots (melanoma) - luckily, neither cancer spot had spread and the hip surgery was totally successful. The same week I found out about having the skin cancers, I found out that I have type 2 diabetes. Needless to say, it's been a VERY tough year for me. I keep trying to stick to some kind of diet (right now, I'm trying Jenny Craig - but I think it's too many carbs for me), but I need help:grouphug:.

I have a daughter and son-in-law who own a B&B in New Hope, PA; a crazy calico cat – Princess Di; and I like reading, walking, horseback riding, traveling, scrapbooking, and doing jigsaw and sudoku puzzles.

I am looking forward to getting to know each of you.

Hi Everyone -- so far I am your token Canadian. My name is Joanne and I live in the beautiful city of Vancouver -- ok the suburbs - but I love life here.

I am 51 years old and have battled my weight since I had my one and only child just over 26 years ago. When I add it up I am certain its close to 200 pounds I have lost and gained back doing everything from low calorie (800 a day -- pee on a stick diet - shudder), WW, Jenny Craig and everything in between.

My highest weight was about 280 pounds in 2001. That was a tough year for me. After a long battle with severe depression and surgery gone wrong I lost my darling husband of 22 years. Four months later my dad passed away and I felt like my world turned upside down. The last thing I cared about was my weight - I wanted to just learn how to breath again.

Slowly I came out of it and in 2003 I registered for my last attempt with Jenny Craid (3 times!!!). I lost 40 pounds and was quite happy -- so happy with myself that I found myself falling in love for the second time in my life. Geoff moved in with me in 2005 and I was positive I could stop Jenny Craig and eat like a normal person. 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 another 30 this year and the last 30 next year. Slow and Steady is my motto for this lifestyle.

Ok enough of the diatribe
I work for a post secondary institute -- admin support (love it!!!)
I am a reality and food TV junkie, I love crocheting, going for long walks on a beach -- ooops this isn't my online dating profile LMAO
I sold the family home and moved to a townhouse a couple of years ago -- only do container gardening and I love it like that.
No animals -- we lost our beautiful golden retriever just last year and first thing I did was pave over the small bit of grass we had. I miss her dearly but enjoy the new carefree lifestyle we lead.

Best thing to happen to me over 50 was to fall madly and deeply in love for the second time in my life. With no children in the mix -- my son is 26 -- no grandchildren -- doubt if any will be coming in the near future.

I look forward to getting to know all of you here

Hello Everyone!

I'm 55 and retired this year from teaching. My husband and I met when we were ten, began dating when we were twelve, and married in 1976, twelve years later! We have two sons, ages 26 (today!) and 18. Our oldest will be married in August to his high school sweetheart. He's the track coach for our youngest son this year who is a senior in high school.

My weight loss adventure began seven years ago when I was SHOCKED to see the pictures from Christmas. I've not gained back any weight but have hit some VERY LONG plateaus -my latest was eight months long!

I stay pretty active working in the yard, exercising daily (cardio, weights, yoga) and recently began HipHopAbs! LOVE IT! My weight loss is allowing me to feel better than I ever have, so I am thankful that I began this journey. I like to read, cook and bake, journal, and go for long walks.

I'm exploring some new ways to get my pounds to say "Buh-Bye", including eating fewer carbs and increasing my workout sessions. I'd like to meet my goal by August when our son is married.

I enjoy reality TV, especially The Batchelor, Survivor, Top Chef, Top Design, The Biggest Loser, and The Apprentice.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

Cheryl

:wave: Good Morning !!!
I am so glad that so many have posted and told us some about themselves. This is going to be so nice!:)

We have FOG here this morning and it is 32 degrees. Yesterday we had quite a bit of rain and even thunder!! So maybe it is going to change to Spring after all.. But then we can always have snow clear up into May!! In fact, I can remember one year shooting fireworks off on the 4th of July in the snow!!

I wanted to stop in and say Good Morning to everyone and I hope to see lots of more posts later today..

Have a good day! Karen

Good Morning Ladies- I'm going to try and keep a cheat sheet for all the info you ladies provide.

I've had a busy morning already. I had my breakfast, I went to stay with the grandkids while my daughter went to the school for a computer orientation. I took the kids to school and then came back here and had my am snack. I went through my fabrics trying to find some prints to fill 2 orders for pioneer dresses I got over night. Looks like I'm now on my way to WalMart to buy some blue floral fabric since I don't have any here that will work with the apron striped fabric. I think while I'm at WalMart I'll check out their exercise videos.
I'm going out to dinner with my Red Hat group. It's Hungarian Night so I'm thinking about getting the Cabbage Rolls and plan on bringing half back home with me. Wish me luck with the dessert section of the menu!!

OK I'm off to the store. See everyone later.

Mornin' Karen!

Just want to thank you for organizing the new "Golden Girls" homeplace! Being fifty plus brings some interesting changes, so it's nice to have a spot where all of us are in one place to discuss the changes AND challenges we have!

Since I have lost the weight I find that I not only feel better, I feel YOUNGER! Sure do wish that I would have lost weight sooner! I'm realizing, though, that many things must be in place before we are ready to make a life change. I wasn't ready until a few years ago.

My biggest challenge so far? Learning how to keep myself on my priority list! I'm GREAT at caring for everyone else but LOUSY at caring for myself! I am having to go back to square one to learn about myself!

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the compliment about organizing "Golden Girls" But I can't take any credit for that!! Bobbi did all the work! :thanks: A Great Big Thank you to Bobbi for all her hard work!! :cheer: All I did was send a PM to everyone with the link to the thread after all the hard work was done.
Cheryl I know what you mean about having to learn how to make yourself #1!! A long time ago a friend told me that I could never think about making anyone a #1 in my life until I made myself #1! Good information but still so very hard to put in place. I'm still working on that and this weight loss journey is a part of that process.

Paula, I am so jealous of you that you know how to sew!! When my Mom passed away 5 years ago she left me her sewing machine. It is a beautiful PFAFF and in a maple cabinet. When I brought it back home from MO. I then took it in and had it cleaned and tuned up to get it in tip top shape--- now it intimidates me so much! I know I just need to jump in and start doing something with it but it scares me for some reason. I've never sewn but then I had never used a computer until I got one 6 years ago either!! I guess I just need to make myself get in there and play with it and learn more about it. I have the instruction manual and everything.. So there really is no excuse!

Well, I guess I should go and get my walk done this morning. Gotta love the WATP's !! It is to gray and drizzly outside to walk.

Bobbi --Thanks again so much for all the hard work that you did to get us Golden Girls up and running!!

Have a good day. Karen

Hi Karen, I enjoyed your family photo. How did you get that there?:dunno:

Hi Paula, What's the Mother's Day Challenge?:dunno:

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.:cofdate:

Hi Bobbi, Thank you for putting this together. I'm really needing the support from this group.:grouphug:

Hi Ella, Happy Birthday.:woo: Mine is 4-11 (I just turned 62) - What's yours?

Hi Theresa, have you thought about working at home? ABC news recently had a show about that. Here's the website they have on this topic http://abcnews.go.com:80/GMA/TakeCon...3014899&page=1

Hi Phyllis, I'm glad that you found us such a nice group. Thanks for thinking of me.:thanks:

Hi Joanne, I LOVE Vancouver. Hope your weather is better than ours in northeast PA.:rain:

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.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Lynn

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

Good morning back atcha, Karen! :coffee2:

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 :tape: 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??? :lol:
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!!!

TTFN,

Ellabella :D

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 :hug:

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!!!!

Happy belated birthday, Lynn! :balloons:

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...

Okay. Enough rambling.

TTFN,

Ella :D

Good Morning Girls

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. http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/ad/rose.gif
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. http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/greet003.gif
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??? :lol: ""

Now Ella, its coming much faster than I can keep up with. :dizzy:



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..
http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/ad/cheer.gif
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.

Bobbi :joker:

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!

Bobbi

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!

Catch you all later. Karen

Virginia Tech sadness
 

Hi Everyone!

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.

Good afternoon all you Golden Girls!!!

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!!!

Phyllis

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

Hi openheart!

Welcome! Good to have you here!

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!

Post often! Glad to get to know ya!

Cheryl

Hi Karen, Thank you for the short course in posting photos. I'm trying it here. It's working. You are an excellent teacher!

Hi Ella, I just finished Jodi Picault's new book - 19 Minutes. It's about a school shooting. A VERY interesting book. Happy Birthday to YOU

Hi Joanne, I know what you mean about hearing your child talk about moving & hoping it never happens. My DD is always talking about retiring, selling the B&B, and moving away. Gives me VERY sad feelings.

Hi Theresa, I'm glad I could still find the link for you. Maybe you could teach us how to sell on EBay. I've often thought about it, but only bought, never sold.

Hi Bobbi, I actually spent quite a bit of time in MN when I worked for a testing company - ETS. I was working with the Dept of Ed on a new teacher mentor program. I got to know about "Minnesota Nice." What's Flat Out pizza?

Hi Cheryl, Where did you teach college English? I taught at a Community College in Lincroft, NJ and at Glassboro State College in Glassboro, NJ and at Cumberland County College in Vineland, NJ. I've taught at several other colleges, but those were my English Teacher jobs.

Hi Phyllis, I wish I were in your sunny state. We have yet another cold miserable day here in the northeast.

Hi Openheart, Nice to meet you.

I went to a nearby school to observe a prospective teacher today. She is EXCELLENT! What a joy to see someone who really knows their stuff entering the profession.

Now I need to get into my online course and start correcting papers. I always give the students an opportunity to post a draft paper and get my feedback before they have to submit a final paper for a grade. I have double the work, but I really enjoy teaching, so it doesn't bother me (at least not until the end of the course:-))

I'm following Karen's directions - take a look at photos of my DD and SIL and my SIL's 2 grandsons, me in France with a French tourguide, and my cat - Princess Di.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Lynn

I promise to sit down and read everyone's posts properly but first I have to get this rant out of the way -- WARNING RANT AHEAD!!!!

OK first and foremost my calories for 04/18 1775 another good day -- a terrific workout but before the workout I found myself wanting to jump on the :mad: :devil: :?: scale. I am up another frikken 2.5 pounds!!! I cannot understand this no matter how many people explain the difference between muscle and fat - I have even seen a picture of 5 pounds of fat and 5 pounds of muscle - more than half the size. I don't give a rip -- I know this month hasn't been stellar - I looked back on my "net" calories since April 1 (yep fool that I am). There were only 6 days that I didn't record my calories - -I know from my eating habits I am basically unable to eat more than 3000 in a day -- the days when I hit 2200 I feel full and uncomfortable - so 3000 would be a stretch no matter what. All of my other days have been on the average of a -300 calorie range -- so that is most likely 6 days of going over by 300 - 400 calories and 13 days of being -300 -- so a net of about -1500 calories. Do I show a maintain?? NOOOOOOO its a frikken frakken fargen GAIN -- of 2.5 pounds.

ITS NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!

I AM SO ANGRY WITH THE SCALE AND EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. BUT I WILL NOT GIVE UP!!!! For a few minutes this morning I thought seriously about going on one of those stupid dumb idiotic crash diets just to get my weigh moving down. But I calmed down and decided to just ignore the bloody scale. I did great last year only weighing myself once a month. I don't think I had any upsets at all so to **** with these damn "weigh in once a week" challenges. I am going to keep eating right -- keep going to my classes and revel in the fact that my clothes are loose.

There rant over -- and it feels good to get that out

Back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Hi
Openheart, Nice to meet you :wave:


Phyllis
I live about 1 hr. east of Toledo. Little fishing town. Its nice here. Just a little chilly. But… Its not snowing!



Cheryl
You were talking about height and weight.
I am about the same weight as you. But… I am less than 5 ft!
I bet you look good at your height.
Tell me, How did you loose all your weight?
I need some input on this new way of life.
And this week I am feeling like nothing is moving on the scale.
I want so much for this weight to start coming off.
All help will be gratefully accepted!!!


Lynn
I have been doing the Ebay thing for about 1 yr.
I found it so easy. I just followed the instructions. The hardest part is finding an item someone else wants, and guessing what price to start at.



Joanne
I understand how you feel…
“”ITS NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!! “”
That’s how I feel a little too. Although I realize I put me here. its still hard to wait.

I never knew I was so impatient ;)


“”I am going to keep eating right -- keep going to my classes and revel in the fact that my clothes are loose.””

I am going to do the same. Wish my clothes were getting loose!



Nice pics everyone. Love them I am looking for some I can share. We are Not pic people.

Hi Everyone!
First I want to thank Karen for informing me about Golden Girls, and second to congradulate Bobbi on a job well done. This seems to be such a nice place. Thank you again for the invite.
My name is Mary Ann and I live in Northern New Jersey. I am 57 yr. old who married her high school sweetheart in 1974. We have two children, Johnny 31 and Jennifer 28. My son is still single and I do beleive has dated every girl in New Jersey. My daughter has alittle boy Mikey 2 and just had another little girl on Sat, Abrieanna Rose. That make me a Grandmother and I love it! I am a retired kindergarden teacher and now I help my huband in the family business when I'm not busy with my grandchildren. This has to be the best thing that happened to me since I turned into my 50's..being a Grandmother.
The next thing is to focus on being healthy so I can stay around and watch them grow. I need to loose alot of weight, and just started last Mon. on low carb.. Weighed in yesterday and down 10 lbs. I hope to cont.
I really need to do this for me. I don't have any health issues so before I do I need to knock off this weight!
Well I hope to get to know you girls better. Bye


Big Momma

Hi everyone! I'm STILL <sigh> at work, but peeped in and saw Jay's rant :o and just HAD to say something. Jay, I have been feeling exactly the same way. Why is it so darned easy to GAIN weight - I mean, we work so hard FOR SO LONG to get it off, and then if we let down our guard in the SLIGHTEST, we've gained it all back and more, besides, in about 15 bloody minutes! And sometimes we gain WITHOUT any good reason at all!!! :(

I've been having a very challenging week for some reason. I haven't eaten OFF PLAN, but I sure have wanted to! And, I'm feeling very sullen about the whole thing - not gung-ho-ish at all. No enthusiasm. I'm eating properly, but very grudgingly.

The sun DID come out today, so maybe all this has been a result of seasonal affective disorder, and I'll start being my cheerful self again ;)

But no, Jay, it absolutely is NOT fair!!!!! :tantrum:

I wish I could offer some magic tip that would solve these stupid glitches, but I guess there just isn't one. We have to just keep on plodding along. I DO think that we're probably better off weighing ourselves less, though. Maybe. :^:

TTFN,

Ella :dizzy:

Hello Girls!
Well, today has been a pretty good day for me. I got my 6 miles walking done with the WATP's this morning and then got some housework done. I am wanting to get out in the yard and do some raking but think I will wait another few days and let it warm up a bit more. Right now we have about 55 degrees and the sun is out but there is a cold wind blowing.

Phyllis, my hubby likes popcorn too! Sometimes I will make it just plain for me and have some but Thanks to Bobbi I discovered Fiber One cereal and it is just good even plain and actually satisfies the desire for something sweet and crunchy!! THANKS BOBBI!! I even made the Haystacks that you mentioned on another thread and they are really good!! You might want to share that here too.

Openheart--- Nice to meet you!! Your little Yorkie sounds so cute! And Chewy is such a cute name!! I posted a couple pictures here the one is Ginger in her pet pocket. This is what she was in when the wolf was following us!! I also have a red "snuggli" for them too. But I didn't have Sissy then so this year I bought the stroller! If you look close they are both in the stroller. That way I can walk and they don't get tired before I do!! I haven't ran across the picture of the snuggli yet but when I do I'll post it. I figured if I can think of a way to use 2 snugglis, then I would be carrying about 12 extra pounds when I walk!! That should do something!! I'm hoping that they start the walking group back up in town this year and I want to join them! They are both pretty spoiled!

Hi Cheryl, you sound like you are kind of like us here--- wondering if we are done with snow yet!! I'm hoping so but we could still get more and probably will!

Lynn--- Loved the photos.. You look like you were having a good time in France. I've never been out of this country except once I went to Canada when I was young. My Dad sold mining machinery and went up there. So one year he took the whole family with him for a vacation. Most of the time right now we spend our vacations visiting my Dad,and family and his Dad and family. All my family live in MO. and his lives in PA.

Jayjay--- sorry you are having a hard time right now. I know it gets frustrating but we are so worth the effort!! I find soemthing that helps me when I just want to eat all day--- is to grab a piece of sugar free gum. At least it keeps me cheing on something for a couple hours and helps me through that feeling. I used to drink a lot of Diet Pepsi but changes that over to Diet Rite Pure Zero. I couldn't give up my soda all together! Anyway, just keep plugging along and things will start changing.

Theresa, I hope things get better for you too. We have to try to remember that we didn't put this weight on overnight and can't expect it to come off overnight. It would be nice but just doesn't happen that way. Keep the walking going and you will see changes. Keep smiling!!

Hi Mary Ann --- Welcome to our group. I know you will love it here like the rest of us do! Keep coming back and posting lots!!

Hi Ella, Good to hear from you... I'm hoping that the weather here stays nice now. I really would like to get more outside time in. And both my "girls" love it outside. They have some real nice hiking trails around here and I'm hoping to take advantage of those before too long.

I hope everyone has a good evening and anybody I may have missed I didn't do it on purpose!! I'll check back later this evening. Karen

Hello Everyone!
Happy Birthday Ella, are you doing anything special tonight to celebrate? :woo:
Phyllis... DH and I have popcorn every night and the 100 calories bags are just perfect. Are you sure you can't work 100 calories in?
:wel3fc: Hi Openheart and Big Mama, glad to have imput from our age group.
Lynn... Thanks for the pictures but does your DD or Sil have a grisly beard? :rofl: You better check out the picture you sent of them.
Flat Outs are a wrap that I couldn't live without. I'm big on staying full on fiber and these big puppies have 9 grams of fiber and 90 calories. They are quite large (oval shaped) and I buy them at Super Walmart stores. ( On a low rack under the deli windows.) You can use them like a regular sandwich wrap with meats, cheeses, lettuce, etc. Sometimes I'll scramble up egg whites with veggies, etc. and roll up in them for breakfast.
But 90% of the time I pop them in the toaster oven to crisp up then top with:
(They have 3 or 4 kinds, be sure to buy the "Light" original for sweet treats.)

• Applesauce & FF/SF Cool whip & Cinnamon
• FF Cream Cheese, slices of pineapple or strawberries, blue berries, etc.
• SF/FF puddings and FF/SF Cool Whip I like to mix in a little unsweetened coconut in the vanilla. Chocolate is really good on these too.
• Pumpkin mixed with spices/Splenda is good with C.Whip on top of the crisp Flat Outs. Sort of like up-side-down crisp pie crust.
• You can spray them with ICBINB and sprinkle with cinnamon and Splenda for a sweet treat.
• I purchase the Italian "Light" Flat Outs for pizza, toast them until crisp and top with pizza sauce, turkey pepperoni and FF mozarella cheese slice. You can add any kind of veggies ingredients too, just pop back into the oven or toaster oven until cheese melts.

JayJay.... I'm confused, are you gaining weight on 1500 calories? You're talking about 3000 and 2200 calories and I'm not sure what your averaging. If its over 2000 I'd say Whoa! Too many! Without knowing how active you are it's hard to say how many calories you should be eating. I'm not as tall as you but I lost at a steady pace on 1200 calories and was never, ever hungry. Of course I eats lots of foods with high fiber and that certainly helps keep you full.
What kind of a program are you on? Let us know and between us we'll try to pin point your gains.

Quote:

I looked back on my "net" calories since April 1 (yep fool that I am). There were only 6 days that I didn't record my calories - -I know from my eating habits I am basically unable to eat more than 3000 in a day -- the days when I hit 2200 I feel full and uncomfortable - so 3000 would be a stretch no matter what. All of my other days have been on the average of a -300 calorie range -- so that is most likely 6 days of going over by 300 - 400 calories and 13 days of being -300 -- so a net of about -1500 calories. Do I show a maintain?? NOOOOOOO its a frikken frakken fargen GAIN -- of 2.5 pounds.

:bday2you: Ella!! I almost forgot that oooops sorry! I rememberd it this morning and then just totally forgot it when I was posting!! Have a GREAT DAY!! :woo:

Hi I am back -- and got caught up on everything.

Bobbi - I will answer you first -- I know I threw a lot of numbers out there. Bottom line is I am trying to keep my calories between 1600 - 1800. I am quite active -- my job has me running most of the day and I take exercise classes at noon three days a week (soon to be four YAY!!). I keep my calories and extra exercise online and when I added up my total net calories from Apr 1 it showed I was just barely in the negative (roughly -1500 total for the 18 days). To me that would mean I maintained -- my daily calorie intake (for no weigh loss) is supposed to be 2100 and since April 1 I barely went over 2000 a day. Once again my rant wasn't that I lost -- I didn't expect a loss -- but I certainly never expected a gain.

So that's behind me LOL I sure appreciated all the support it means a lot and is part of why my loss last year was a success, counting calories, drinking all my water, getting lots of exercise and journalling online -- it will work again I just know it.

Karen - your pictures are awesome. You live in a gorgeous state. What a scary episode with the wolf -- yikes!!! We used to run into bears all the time up the mountain - but my golden was more annoying to the bears than the bears were scary to us.

Phyllis - I agree with the others -- the 100 calorie popcorn bags are great - satisfying and a good snack to help the popcorn craving - just NO butter!!

Openheart - Welcome -- I look forward to getting to know you.

Cheryl -- you have done awesome no matter the time taken. At least you kept going down. You will continue to drop I just know it.

Lynn -- lovely pictures and you got to go to France -- I can only dream about that. I have been lucky enough to do a lot of travelling but never Europe.

Theresa -- yes our lovely impatience for this journey to end. At least with it taking this long I am getting more and more used to eating the "proper" amount of calories and my binging days are getting further and further apart.

Big Momma - welcome -- I look forward to getting to know you too.

Ella -- Thanks and yes keep looking for that magic cure. Until it comes I will be weighing myself less -- its what works for me. And before I forget

:bday2:

Tomorrow is another day and soon enough this rant will be a distant memory.

I just need some more :dust: