[Dulaneycat]

Hi!

Zoe, the more I think about what happened to you & your husband the more I think it absolutely bites that the company decided to make this decision this time of the year. Sadists. It's good that you already have a plan in place & we're hoping that you don't have to enact the whole plan. I think on different levels a lot of us have faced this kind of uncertainty and it's beyond uncomfortable, it's a nightmare. God bless your daughter.

Karen, I'm confused. Your packing? Did the house sell? Meant to ask, did you knit or crochet those sweaters for the girls? I'm awful at knitting but can crochet okay. Might be out of my league.

Gayle! There you are! Busy month eh? How's Madison? Has DH moved to Houston yet? How are you doing anyway?

CAT!!! Size Eight?!?!! GOAL! You can do anything! That's awesome & just in time for Christmas! So so so happy for you!

Meowee, how are the cats anyway? Good time to start any kind of indoor project I suppose. I'd love to have um.... 3 days of your weather, to put me in the holiday mood then move on to walking on surfaces that arn't slick.

Time to walk dogs. Everyone take care.

Marylynn

[meowee]

Yep . . . 64 years of living in Canada and I still haven't figured out how to make it snow only on the green places . . .

[glynne]

Meowee

LOL ~ That is how I always felt about the snow. Lived in Maine for almost 20 years and was always saying I wished it would snow only in the yard and not on the road. I didn't mind the snow, but it was a lot of work clearing it. Driving in in up in Maine was ok because they knew how to do the roads, but these other places I have lived (Missouri, NC) the people don't know how to drive in it and they don't know how to take care of the roads and that made it hard.

[ellabella]

Oh, I SO appreciate everyone’s expressions of concern - and knowing too, that so many others have survived this sort of thing, and that it’s even led to bigger and better things, so to speak. I guess that no matter what it is, life has it’s share of ups and downs, and that’s just how it is. Maybe it needs to be that way so we can learn whatever it is we need to learn. I know that one of the things that I’ve learned is how important it is for me to stay connected to my Golden Girls. I can’t begin to tell you how good it was to read each individual message of encouragement. You all are simply the BEST!

And speaking of snow, we've had a dusting, but we're supposed to be having snow and sleet sometime late tonight and throughout tomorrow. Oh, joy! You're right, Gayle - they are better about taking care of the roads here than in warmer climes, but it can be ugly driving, all the same. I know I'm definitely not looking forward to tomorrow's commute. It's almost enough to make me glad that DH isn't driving up to NH tomorrow - it's supposed to be worse up there. I've been cold to the point of shivering practically all day today - even with the thermostat pushed up to 70 degrees, which we shouldn't be doing considering the price of heat this year, and our recent dramatic reduction in income, but I've just been so cold. I can't help but think of the poor homeless folks this time of year, and how utterly terrible it must be for them. I hope, incidentally, Gayle,that things have worked out well for your DH. These danged big corporations! Bottom line is their profit, and, I suppose, those big bonuses that their executive officers like to pay themselves. And Meowee-Linda, you keep yourself warm, you hear?

Oh, Cat, you just never know, do you? People do go through hard times in life. I'm just so grateful that we have some relatively simple solutions that may serve to get us through the worst of it and until we can get back on our feet again. I'm so glad that things worked out so well for you and your family...and OMiGawd, size 8 ??????? You can be the poster girl for the Golden Girls!!!!! That's just awesome, Lady!

Thanks Debbie - you know, I'm the first one to complain about all the frivolous lawsuits these days, and I've declined to pursue many a perfectly legitimate complaint, but by the same token, firing senior workers just before retirement is just a little TOO sleazy for me to roll over and play dead. I mean, the more they can get away with, the more they WILL get away with it. Maybe if enough senior workers follow through with discrimination suits, they'll eventually be forced to behave a little more humanely. Maybe not, but you gain nothing by grinning and bearing it, either.

Oh, Karen...can I get onto that thread even though I'm not exactly a short chick? (I'll stoop if it'll get me in... )

Thanks Lynn - and Marylynn, I really, really appreciate your offer. Dh will follow up tomorrow.


Love,
Z

[akrosey49]

Hi everyone.. i have been so busy only had time to read posts sry..its frosty cold here but all the snow is gone..icy in spots tho..ellabella.. i want to say how sry i am that u are going thru this trial..its awful what they did to your dh..i know from my own experince that after the shock you will form a plan and get on with what you need to do..when my husband had to be medically disabled and counldnt do his job any more i was scared beyond scared as to how we would manage..after a bumpy ride we are now fine.. it turned out better than i thought..and i hope that its the same for you ..congrats to all the looser's and ((hugs)) for all..ttfn rosey

[Karen31]

Hi Ladies,
Just a quick pop in tonight. I did get my china and my collector plates packed away today. YAY!!! marylynn, we still haven't sold the house but I'm trying to pack up stuff that we jsut don't have to have out right now and when it does sell I wont' have so much left to do! I hope! The dog sweater is knitted but it is really pretty simple or I wouldn't be able to do it!! I went ahead and emailed the instrucitons to you.

BTW---- I've lived in Colorado for 50 years and people still don't know how to drive in the snow!! That is why I stay home and off the roads!

Zoe, Check out the misc. clubs for short chicks and I'm sure we could all use some of your good attitude over there.

Ok, Well, I'm going to make this quick for tonight so I can get the kitchen cleaned up and watch Desperate Housewifes!! Take care everyone and stay warm!!

[the slim me]

HI Golden Girls, We got a big snow here Saturday. DH and i were out shopping when it started and by the time we left the roads were bad. And like Gayle said, people don't know how to drive in it. We saw 2 accidents on the say home, just 3 miles.

ZOE, I am so sorry to hear that your husband lost his job. Of all the lousey timing! Could they pick a worse time!! At least you have a plan, and a place to live and your income while your husbands looks for another job. We've been through this too, like a lot of the others here. My husband lost his job some years ago. He was so upset and really became depressed. It took him awhile to even want to look for another job. But he did find one, is still there, and things worked out well. I agree with your plan to see a lawyer. Companies have got to stop doing this. Are they crazy? Don't they realize how valuable their experienced, older employees are?

Lynn, at least you got in a 30 min. walk. I think that is pretty good. How is the weather now?

Linda. Hope kitty is feeling ok. He's going to need a lot of cuddeling for awhile now.

Marylynn, I wish I could just let my hair go grey. I just get frosting in it too, but that blends so you can't see the grey. I wish I were on of those people who have the lovely silver hair. I'm not. I have light hair and it just look "blagh".

Karen, I'm a short chick too. I'm 5 feet. I tell eveyone i'm 5' 1"but i'm not anymore. If I ever was. I can't remember if I was or I just lied about it! ha!! Where is this short chick site?

Linda, I hope you're feeling better and the hot tea and rest helped.

Gayle, Your husband was another of the casualties of the work force huh? Not only do they take your job but have the nerve to give it to a younger person, no experience usually. They just want someone in there they don't have to pay as much.

Cat, I vote you poster child too!!! You have met your goal in time for Christmas. That is so inspiring. I hope that doesn't mean you are going to stop posting. I know, with me, I have been to goal before and regained the weight. I guess I forgot how hard it was to lose! I think maintaining is going to be my big goal!

Eveyone have a good day, Freda

[ladyinweighting]

Good Morning Everyone,

OK - I've decided that I need to do something different to shake myself off of this plateau I've been on for a month. Beginning today, more exercise & zig-zagging calorie days. Let's see if this works.

Hi Zoe, so sorry about your loss - glad your son is coming in this month. Take care of yourself during this difficult time - December + job loss - a lot to deal with!

Hi Linda (Meowee), our little 1/2 inch of snow from yesterday is melted in today's 50 degree weather.

Hi Cat - YEA!!!!!!!!!!!! You met your GOAL! FANTASTIC! So what's your next goal?

Hi Karen, according to the weatherfolks, we're supposed to get that wind today. So far, it's not happening. Sunny and warm in PA today.

Hi Gayle, last month I never did get to do personals. I got so far behind, I figured I'd just wait until December to get back to it.

Hi Marylynn, you're getting REALLY close to one-derland. Think you'll hit it before the new year?

Hi Rosey, cute little santa hat on your doggie.

Hi Freda, you wrote, "I have been to goal before and regained the weight. I guess I forgot how hard it was to lose! I think maintaining is going to be my big goal!"
I am WITH YOU on this. I know I can lose weight - have done it MANY times. However, I have NEVER kept the weight off for any length of time. This is why I've decided on the 150-pound interim goal. I want to hang out at 150 for at least 6 months to "practice" maintenance & to give my body a chance to get used to a new, lower weight. Then, when I feel like I've "mastered" maintenance, I'll start back on losing till I get to my real goal weight - around 130 pounds.

I'm going to get out & take advantage of our nice weather while it's here.

Hope we all have a Happy and Healthy day,

Lynn

[femmecreole]

Originally Posted by ladyinweighting

Hi Cat - YEA!!!!!!!!!!!! You met your GOAL! FANTASTIC! So what's your next goal?

Lynn

MIght as well go for a 6, right? But I'm content to keep where I am now. My goal is to keep eating this way for the rest of my life. (uh, I guess my goal could be to exercise more, but I really hate it) From now on, it will be an occasional "treat" at a restuarant or during the holidays, but the rest of the year, it's South Beach only. I'm really used to eating this way now and try new recipes all the time so it's not boring at all.

[ladyinweighting]

Originally Posted by femmecreole

MIght as well go for a 6, right? But I'm content to keep where I am now. My goal is to keep eating this way for the rest of my life. (uh, I guess my goal could be to exercise more, but I really hate it) From now on, it will be an occasional "treat" at a restuarant or during the holidays, but the rest of the year, it's South Beach only. I'm really used to eating this way now and try new recipes all the time so it's not boring at all.

I'm with you - I think maintaining will be the greatest challenge of all.

Lynn

[Jayjay55]

Wow how did it get to be Dec 3 and I only found you all today??? My huge apologies for being absent and so much has happened. Don't even know where to start.

Guess I have huge congrats for Marylynn FINISHING a MARATHON!!!!! and Cat for achieving your GOAL -- YAY to both of you.

ZOE - my dear darling friend I am so very very sorry to see your news. I want to charge out there and take those inhumans by the throat and explain what they are doing to a person. Back in Dec of 1994 we were in the midst of downsizing in our company - I had to apply for my job that I had been doing for several years (been at the company for 19). I was home sick on Dec 21 when my manager called to tell me I didn't get my own job -- that I was out. I thought that was the worst thing that could happen to a person. Took me a while to shake off the bad stuff and find the wonderful job that I have today -- it just sucks and I don't blame you in the least for seeking legal advice. They shouldn't be allowed to do this so frikken short of retirement. I was told that was the main reason I was let go -- my pension $$ was higher than the other person so it was cheaper to let me go at that time.

To everyone else I will be here -- I am still enjoying a renewed energy with my eating and exercise. I just posted my Day 14 on my blog of keeping my calories within range and I really look forward to my exercise classes. I am hoping today to get over to the gym after work and do a good workout. That is if our gym doesn't flood again like it did in Sept. We got quite a lot of snow over the weekend then it warmed up and we are expecting as much rain today as we usually get in a month and we usually get a lot in a month LOL.

[meowee]

Sorry I've been missing today . . . been running around doing errands almost all day (have to take advantage of the slight lull between blizzards). Number two out of three is coming tomorrow. Although they are saying it might end up just being rain tomorrow (mostly).

Got home totally exhausted and discovered that Mouse threw up a hairball (along with accompanying mess) all over my computer room. While cleaning it up, I tossed another glass of water over my printer and keyboard. Everything is more or less cleaned up now, but guess I need to go get some soda water to attack a couple of spots on the carpet and see if it will get rid of the smell. Tell me again about how these pets lower our blood pressure . . .

Anyway . . . tomorrow is another day . . . hope it is good to us all.

[ladyinweighting]

Good Morning Everyone,

Hi Joanne, it's interesting (if disheartening) to see how many of us have gone through such difficult times work-wise. Mine was a long time ago. I was working at a college on soft money. One year I brought in over a million dollars, but none of the grants covered my salary. I was let go. As with so many others, my subsequent jobs got better after this incident. However, VERY difficult time of my life. Of course, after what I've been through in the past 18 months - losing my dh; hip surgery; cancer surgery - it doesn't rate very high anymore.

Hi Linda (Meowee), I mailed your November Challenge prize yesterday. Let's see how long it takes for you to receive. CONGRATULATIONS! Especially for kicking the CW habit.

Today, I've got lots planned - new recipe to make; gift wrapping; clearing out my spare bedroom; bills to pay...

To try to shake myself off this 6-week plateau I've been on, I've decided to up my exercise & zig-zag my daily calories, but I'm not sure how to do this. My idea right now is to eat around 3,000/day on one day & then, go back to 1,000-1,200 the other days. Anyone have any information about this?

Lynn

[Karen31]

Exercise Routine Pre Christmas

You might want to take it easy at first, do it faster as you become more proficient. It may be too strenuous for some.

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program!

SCROLL DOWN...























NOW SCROLL UP..

That's enough for the first day. Great job!
Have a Chocolate.

[the slim me]

'Morning Lovely Ladies,

Karen, Thanks, i've got my exercise for the day! ha!

Lynn, Not being with the group that long, I wasn't aware of how much you have gone through in the last while. All I can say is WOW! As for mixing up the exercise and calories, have you tried weight lifting? it makes such a difference.

Cat, you have the right attitude. it's a life thing, not a diet thing. And when we all get to the maintenace stage, and we will get there, we will encourage each other to stay there!

Linda, As much trouble as they are, they keep us sane. And where else could you get so much love, often undeserved? Our pets are worth all the messes, kind of like our kids! ha!!

I just got back from the Dr. The MRI is a bit worse, but she said, more or less, that it was something i would have to get used to. LIMPING? How do you get used to that? And work? She did tell me to see a surgeon for a second oponion. I don't think i want to go that route yet, but I am going for the oponion.

Take care, Freda