[lynard21]

Ahh... just ate my lunch of 1/2 cup of vegie soup, green salad with a little feta cheese and a few crackers. now it's time to either walk outside (it's in the 60s so maybe I should) or go to the gym. I'm procrastinating, can you tell?

Had a little bit of a rough time yesterday afternoon...my DD2 called to say that she went to the college bursar's office to inquire about her bill and they told her she still owed over 5K for the next semester. I thought that the federal aid she had applied for was going to cover the tuition, room and board so I was shocked and dismayed. My immediate reaction was to tell her we would loan her the money. Well, my DH vehemently disagreed and we had quite an emotional argument...(he wants her to learn to be self-sufficient - she's 24 - and I tend to run to want to rescue her). Well, he went with her to the college today and it turns out she has a 2K Grant plus a 4K loan so she IS covered. Thank God. I really want her to get this degree - she only has 3 semesters left. So I'm feeling relieved and life is peaceful again.

Well, off to the gym or canal path...still not sure which it will be.

Lyn

[Dulaneycat]

Flying by quicky, then back to work.

Hi everyone & welcome to the newcomers who are probably right at home here since I've not posted in a long time! Always good to have more & looking forward to getting to know you better.

Debbie to add to the menopause stories, for about 3 years I developed an ugly allergy to peanut products (wheezing & rashes). Now I can tolerate it in small dosages but never really interested in pushing my luck again. Menopause is just fun isn't it? We get to helplessly watch ourselves morph while our loved ones think we need to be committed... anywhere. Like everyone else, it stole my metabolism.

Lynn to compliment your comments about fat in the diet, Prevention Magazine (Feb 2008 issue, pg 153) has an article which highlights the benefits of monusaturated fats in a weight loss diet. I've bumped up my avocado, pesto & almonds & can report that hunger does not seem to be the same issue it once was. Since I have a certified lumberjack appetite, that's significant.

Zoe your life must be nuts trying to work, remodel & move. I wish we could somehow help. If you saw how Rik helped with a move, you'd thank me for leaving him home. Currently he & my son are running around mumbling stuff about dotnet & sequel. Happy for them.

Still training at the gym & running a ridicliously slow pace outdoors when weather permits. In the gym, naturally new people have joined & my attitude is the more the merrier! I like company when I'm suffering! Just a couple of thoughts for anyone joining to keep you from looking new while you're there. When I'm doing all of that time on the treadmill, it gives me a chance to look around & take notes of what people are actually doing.

1. Leave the velour jogging suit at home. It's best for post workout cozy time. Find something that you plan to saturate with sweat & is baggy enough that you don't worry about other people watching you. They're NOT watching you but I get self conscious & bet everyone else does too.
2. Ignore your hair & makeup. I was changing in the locker room for another sweatathon & there was a young woman in her thirties actually primping with makeup & hairspray. I thought she was finished with her workout until later I saw her targeting a man working out & trying to make conversation with him. Kinda got the feeling that fitness wasn't her priority. The serious people really arn't looking at your hair & don't care about your makeup.
3. If you don't know how something works it's cool to ask one of the people that work there. The only thing that looks silly is when someone pretends to know what they're doing and they go on and on doing something wrong. Every now & then one of the trainers will approach me with advice on how to do a particular move & frankly I'm grateful. Why waste a workout doing something wrong?
4. Bring water & a small hand towel to mop your face. No need to bring a large frappuchino (yup I've seen this), a high calorie sports drink or a huge glass of iced tea (yes & yes I've seen that too). Leave the novel by your bed (yup) & soon you can get back home to focus on your reading. Not a lot of people put in a decent workout if they're reading while they're working out.
5. Good shoes. Crocs are fun but they're not workout worthy. (sigh, saw that too)

Sorry, that's my soapbox & I don't want any of my friends looking like newbies!

Back to work for me. Tis golf shoe season! Everyone take care & consider yourself hugged.

Marylynn

[the slim me]

Good Morning GG's, Any one else getting these rain storms? It has melted all the snow and now it just looks nasty and dirty outside. I'm lucky, we still have power, but a lot of people are still without electricity. That storm that came through really did a lot of damage here.

Deb, Congrats on the 1/2 lb. Every loss is a loss!!! Did you join the gym? I know they have more equipment, trainers, lots of other benefits, but I really just never liked going. I do fine and home, loved my treadmill and weights, but never wanted to go to the gym. Excuses? I could always come up with something! Maybe it was the fact that I couldn't always keep up in the exercise classes and did think that everyone was looking at me. Now, I know most people don't care what you look like or if you're doing it the way you should, it was just me.

Lynn, Not long ago someone made the comment that they couldn't wait untill their children were older so it wouldn't be so hard. I couldn't help myself, I laughed! I'm sure all of us are aware that you never stop worrying, you just worry about different things. and then along comes the grankids and you have more to worry about. Glad everything worked out well for you and your daughter!

Hey Merylynn, good to see you posting again. You gotta stay around, ya know, to be a good example. Like you and Lynn, i've added more good fat to my diet. That is always the first thing we cut when we start on a diet, forgetting that the body requires some fat. I love nuts and the magazines change which ones are the most beneficial, so I eat a small amount of them all. Love walnuts. And don't forget peanut butter.

Everyone have a good day. I miss all of you who are not posting right now, and hope you're back soon. Freda

[lynard21]

Hmm...Marilyn...I love to read while I do the eliptical...is it really that bad? It still says I've burned over 400 calories by the end of my time on there.

[Jayjay55]

Hi GOLDEN GIRLS busy getting everything cleared up before I leave for vacation. So nice to see the posts and Marylynn thanks for the gym pointers. I think a few of the things you mentioned were the reason I avoided the gym for years. I remember the times I was there (as a new young mom) and feeling like it was more of a meat market than a place to work out. I couldn't stand the "posers" and at that time there seemed to be more posers than honest people working out. As I have mentioned before the gym we have here at work is phenomenal -- the staff and students are always there in force so there is always a great mix of people. Only thing I disagree is that I have to read or something -- on the treadmill or bike or elliptical otherwise I am bored. Music doesn't keep me occupied - very rarely enjoy what they have on the tv's so I need a magazine or book to help the boredom factor.

LOL that said I went to my first class of the new year -- all us "regulars" and about 20+ "new comers". I am almost glad I am away next week -- we are hoping they will be gone -- there just isn't enough room and equipment for 50 people. Today's class should be better - the early class could be busy but the second one I am going to should be much quieter -- I hope. Not that I want to deny anyone to get fit but I just wish they came regularly all year long rather than just a couple of times at the beginning of the new year.

Still waiting to get my little hand held counter -- although typing that up I realized I bet it will get held up at the border and I will have to pay duty and taxes so I most likely won't get it until after I get back -- crap.

Well onto another day

[meowee]

Another little fly-by for me -- hope this 'working while retired' garbage is soon done and I can get back to the imprtant stuff.

Later . . .

[Dulaneycat]

Happy Wednesday!

Lyn, 400 calories during an eliptical workout is wonderful! I agree w/ you & Joanne that some of the machines are mind numbing but have noticed that when people (or me for that matter) are reading on a machine, they seem to be less focused on putting out their absolute best effort. Maybe that's only my experience. That said, can't imagine doing it without my MP3 for my music. Never seem to enjoy the gym music & not into what they have on television. For myself, if I'm going into the gym to get this thing done, I want every ounce of benefit I can get from that workout. Would like to drop another oh... 2 or 3 pounds before Easter. Talk about a slow go!

Fun day on the ranch over here, calculating quarterly sales taxes, yippee! Everyone have a wonderful day & consider yourself hugged.

Marylynn

[Jayjay55]

You are totally rocking it Marylynn and I am just wanting so badly to be where you are with that much determination -- I want to grow up to be you!!!!

Don't change and don't leave us I need your inspiration!!!!!!!!!!

[akrosey49]

Hi everyone.. sry i have been mia.. lots going on in my life all stressful.. my mom is 86 and recovering from radiation for cancer is now back in the hospital..we had 3 family members passaway in the last week..and my dh injured himself in his shop and had to go to the er for treatment..he cut his finger,getting a nerve and tendon..hes all stitched up and home but in alot of pain..and i want to go in to a closet and go blub blu b blub but the picture of that is enuff to keep me sane..this to will pass i know; and the one good thing about it is im not a stress eater so maybe a loss of wt would be the one good thing out of it all..we had 10+ inches of new snow and its still coming down but so beautiful out..congrats to all who are sticking to their programs and the exercising is great..its one thing that i have not adopted into my daily routine..i did go to curves for awhile..when i first went i wanted to walk out the door..to public..didnt want anyone seeing me bouce around(not a pretty sight) but then i realized i was there for a reason and got over it..to bad i couldnt afford to go again cuz i got so i liked it..my dd went with me and some machines she would have to pull my big butt out of we still laugh about it.. anyways i admire folks that do the exercise and ok what is my excuse i dont have one..hoping u all have a good day (((hugs))) rosey

[Karen31]

Hello Everyone! Just a quick fly by here also--- I just got home from having a bone density test (never had one before) and the good news it is all in the normal range! YAY!!! The bad news ---- I always thought that I was 5' tall but now I'm 4'11" short!!

When we left here about 11:30 this morning it was nice ouside, blue skies and sunshine. Coming back up the mountain 2 hours later we were traveling in a blizzard!! Always glad to get back home when it is snowing so much!

Anyway, need to get some supper started and just kick back for a little while. Take care.

[the slim me]

Good Morning GG's, It's still warmer than usual out. Ok by me if it stays that way for awhile. Nice to get out without wearing coat, gloves, hat and still freezing! I am still doing well with the diet. WISH I could exercise. I miss it so much. I am still doing the weights every other day.

Rosie, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, your husband and the other family members. My Goodness girl, if any one ever had a reason to go into a closet and blubber for awhile, you do!!! I hope Mom and husband are doing ok. Prayers for you and your family.

Karen, Glad you got home before the weather got too bad there. And congratulations on the bone density test. Always nice to know that things are ok. I know what you mean about the heigth. I used to be 5'1" but i'm down to just 5 now. I guess time is taking it's tole.

WHEN i walked on the treadmill i always watched TV. It was a ritual. I could only watch a certain program if I was on the treadmill. It got me there every day and kept me on there for the length of the program. Maybe it would have been better if I hadn't watched TV, but I probably wouldn't have exercised as often or as long.

Everyone have a good day, Freda

[meowee]

Oh My Goodness . . . will you just look at this . . . I actually got to drop in to 3FC two days in a row. Not that I haven't still got some work-stuff that needs doing; but it is starting to slow down a little.

I just put in my second load of laundry and took advantage of the mild weather to scrape the last of the pools of ice off the driveway (at least I got some exercise). My driveway is on the north side of the house and up near the garage, no sun every gets to it, so it takes a long time for stuff to melt. We are supposed to have another above freezing day today but then we are heading back down to 'normal' again and they are predicting freezing rain for tomorrow -- at least I'll be starting from plain asphalt again.

Well, guess I'd better scoot around to a few more places before I buckle down to the pension calcs again. Have a great day, gang, and I'll see you later . . .

[Dulaneycat]

Pretty danged exciting here in northern Mississippi, lots of storms & a few tornados. Reminds me of Texas. Mighty nice of these guys to give a homesick lady a taste of home. On the serious side, here's hoping there are no injuries & everyone can keep their hands on their insurance policies.

Rosie I'm so very sorry! Here's hoping your mother recovers, your husband's injuries heal quickly & you can get some brighter days! You're in our thoughts & prayers. PS. If you want to blubber & just 'lose it' you're in great company, I like that closet from time to time myself. At least it's time I get alone without someone needing SOMETHING.

Karen I completely understand about the losing an inch thing. Congratulations on high marks on your bone density tests! That's wonderful! All of my life I had always wanted to be shorter & hugged the nurse when she measured me & I came in an inch shorter a couple of years ago. They're blaming it on my back injuries, etc. In my mind it was always more acceptable to be short & overweight than tall & overweight. When you're already tall then overweight, the word monster always came to my mind. Tough thoughts to overcome.

I think it's safe to comment that if we find something to do that keeps us on a machine, (treadmill, eliptical, whatever) then we should pat ourselves on our backs for being on the thing in the first place. When my dh first started working out with me he'd put on his flip flops, light a cigarette (I'm NOT kidding) & grab a novel then set the thing to go at 1.5 mph. I bit my tongue & congratulated him for not falling off. Now he's working on his tempo's, inclines & distances because he noticed that by bumping up the effort the old guy dropped 6 pounds. While I'm happy for him, I've already warned him that it's a bad idea to lose weight faster than I do. I don't think he's paying much attention.

We've been nominated to host next year's Christmas Eve party for about 50 relatives. I thought it would be a good idea to start planning now. So far, we've agreed to clear all the furniture from the living room & set it up as a Country & Western dance club with little tables, chairs, candles & an open bar. (His family functions so much better with the open bar) with my BIL as the disc jockey. That song about hiring a wino to decorate my house seems to be coming into play. If anyone has any ideas, shoot 'em over.

Everyone have a great day & consider yourself hugged! I'm going to toss the animals back into the 'safe place' (my bathroom) & go check more weather.

Marylynn

[ladyinweighting]

Hi Everyone,

I REALLY hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew with taking a course at the same time I'm teaching one.

Spent lots of hours online with my students - hopefully, it's just because it's the first week of class. Went to gym this morning & went scrapping today. Ready to sit in front of tv & veg out.

Hope everyone is doing well,

Lynn

[Karen31]

Well, we didn't get all that much snow afterall.. Just about 2 inches. But my goodness it was coming down so fast while were driving up the pass that I thought we were really going to have a major storm.

Marylynn, you are doing so good! WOW! I've been trying to get more time in on the Gazelle but so far I've just managed 15 minutes at a time. But I really like it and can feel it in my legs and stomach. I'm hoping I can get to where I can do a full hour on it--- that is my goal anyway.
I weigh in tomorrow so hope I can move my ticker downward again!

Freda, our temp got up to about 24 degrees today. But it was another sunny day for the chamber of commerce! It looked so nice outside with the blueskies and bright sunshine--- but it was cold! I hope I don't lose anymore Height inches!! 4'11" is short enough!

Well, just wanted to touch base tonight-- I need to get caught up with all the post again. But until then Just a big Hello to everyone.