Word 4 of 20 Words that can change your life
 

Word 5 of 20 Words to change your life
 

Where Has Everybody Gone??????
 

Hi all,

No, I don't scare that easily Debby! :lol:

Congrats on your plan. What kind of plan will you be following? I had a bad eating day yesterday. :mad: I have been doing really well but once in a while I go off my plan. I will just go right back on today. No worries.

You are right though, this thread is getting awfully quiet. LA??? I think summer has something to do with it as another thread that I joined has gotten quiet also.

Well, everyone have a great weekend. Debby, keep us updated on your progress and :goodluck:

Lynn

Diet Plan
 

I am new to this website...also recently divorced(Feb 04)...also even more recently just had my 5th baby(May 20 04). I was 125lbs before I started having kids and I hit 215 pregnant with this last one and am stuck at 180 now...my goal is to make it to 150. I need all the support I can get.

My ex-husband was very abusive to me and our children both verbally and physically. I was not allowed to have any friends so now I feel all alone. To make matters worse when I filed for a divorce he threatened to kill our children so I called Childrens Protective Srvices and they took them all from me. So now I am divorced, just gave birth and all alone. They will not even let me see the baby because they claim I neglected the older kids by not asking for help sooner. It is a very complicated mess that I got into trying to get out of a dangerous one. Anyway I am just looking for some new friends and hopefully some support.

Is anyone still single out there and need support? I am single and could definitely use all the support I can get. I'm ready to give it to though. I look forward to this thread starting up again.

Hello all, I'm still single, unfortunately, the last single in the known universe and thus unlikely to change my status. I'm sitting here thinking about exercizing...except it's hot outside...and I'm sick...any support/encouragement for me here?! Today is an exceedingly whiny day for me.

Hello,

I'd like to join this thread too. I'm single and have one child (single parents are "singles" too! ;)) and one dog - no cats! lol, nothing against cats but I am waiting until my little one is old enough to choose the cat we will have.

I am 25 years old and have escaped marriage by the skin of my teeth a couple of times...lol Someday I hope to find the RIGHT partner and make a life with them. I'd like to partner with someone fit and healthy so I feel that I need to BE fit and healthy first. I'm also a Vegetarian in The Land of Beef™ and that certainly cuts the pool!!! :lol:

I'm already on the "race to 199" thread so I may have seen some of you there already! :wave:

Hi Kamitwi - you are not alone. I am 33 (34 on July 20) and sure that I will be alone forever and that is definitely not what I want. I know there are a lot of excuses out there as I have used most of them, but if you can just pick one little thing to do today I promise you will feel a lot better about yourself. Last night I was extremely tired but pushed myself go to my track workout (my running club ' forces' me to go). It was really difficult but I was so glad that I did. Good exercise and I felt like I had accomplished something. I didn't end the day feeling like a 'loser', which I do so often. Whine away, but I'd love to hear that you were able to get some exercise. Can you go for a walk around the block or even just down the street?

I forgot to mention that I have two cats - Noah and Peanut. :D

Welcome Elizabeth2! I'd like to find a partner that will actually talk to me. I am in a relationship now that is not going as I would like it but I don't have the courage to get out. He' fit (runs and lifts weight), does that get him points? :D

I wanted to bring this thread to the top. It would be great to start this thread up again. Let's keep it going!

I'm here trying to stay motivated with my healthy lifestyle quest and the quest to find a good man. I'm turning 34 in a couple of weeks and the clock is ticking. Want to share a little about yourself?

I'm new to this thread. I am in my mid-40s, no children, divorced, one cat. I only married once (over 15 years ago), after one year he filed for divorce; we are still seeing each other (but NOT living together). I have steadily been gaining weight until last year when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I have been trying to be careful with carbs and re-joined Weight Watchers in May this year. I have lost at least 49 lbs (don't know what my highest weight was).

I would like to make a comment to you ladies - please don't lose weight just to find a man. You should lose weight for your HEALTH and FOR YOUR SELF-ESTEEM. A man is not the answer to our problems. I have seen so many women hurt emotionally and physically by men, especially women I thought were in "perfect" relationships. I have seen abuse of women in my family. I have lived alone for a long time. I like my independence. I cannot let a man take that away from me.

I hope you all have a good week.

Hi Connie,

I'm happy to see someone else post. Welcome. I have two cats and live alone too. Although losing weight would give me more confidence, which would inevitably help me meet people, I would like to believe that I am trying to lose weight for myself and not a man. I know that I have problems losing weight because emotions run deep with me and I tend to eat when I am feelling 'bad'. So, until I get myself under control I will not conquer my weight issues. It is a vicious cycle that I am trying to break.

Your situation with your ex-husband sounds interesting. Do you feel that it is healthy for you? Are you happy with it?

It sounds like your health motivated you to want to lose weight. Is this a correct inference? Congratulations on your weight loss. 49 pounds is amazing in two months and maybe too much. Do you like WW? I was thinking about doing it but am not sure I have the discipline to check the numbers of everything. Are you exercising at all?

Ang

Monday 7/19
 

Hi Ang - I am an emotional eater also, but am working on getting this under control. I try to remember that the food does not make the problem go away. I also realize that we will always have up an down days - life is not perfect - and we have to learn better ways to deal with the bad times. This is not easy living alone I know, cause we don't have anyone to talk to about stuff. I find that sometimes it helps if I just get in the car and drive around awhile. Sometimes I find something while I'm riding that gets my mind off of things - like yesterday, I had an awful morning emotionally. So when my ex left in the afternoon I headed to another town that has a state park and I took a walk on a hiking trail there. Well I went a little to far on the walk and had to go up a steep hill to get back to my car (I need to point out that I have never walked this trail before). So when I got to the car I had forgotten about my bad day (mainly 'cause I was trying to get over the walk) and did a little shopping at Wal-Mart. My intent in going to this town was because they have a Dairy Queen and I was going to pig out on a peanut buster parfait. Of course I forgot about that too after the walk and today I had a 2 lbs loss for the past week.

I also need to clarify - I lost 49 lbs over the past year, I didn't lose it in two months; I have lost 25 lbs in the past two months on W. Watcher; I lost the other 25 lbs on my own by reducing carbs and sugars due to the diabetes.

My situation with my ex - well it doesn't bother me. I have friend and co-workers in worse situations. I think me and him have matured as we have gotten older. We married in our 20s, but we never should have married; I wanted to get married so bad and he didn't want to but he did it because I told him to either marry me or I was through with him. Not a good idea to give a guy an ultimatum. We get along better now and we are friends. I just don't want to marry again. I guess my upbringing has a lot to do with it - my mother, grandmother and aunts never encouraged us girls to get a husband -they would tell us we were better off being young and single. I guess cause they all married young and never got to do much; they didn't learn to drive, they never traveled, they just basically kept house and raised children.

I hope you have a good day. See ya.

Hi there - I'm 30, I'm female, I'm very very very single (sigh) and I have 3 rabbits (apartment sized dogs). I've got about 80 pounds to lose, though right now I'd be happy just losing 40. I'm pretty good about exercise, mediocre about eating and the weight just isn't coming off as fast as I want it to!! Yeah yeah, I know we have to be patient, but it's just so frustrating!! A lot of me thinks that since I'm single and live alone, I'm on my own schedule and make my own choices so this should be easy, but it's not and I still feel swamped like I don't have time to take the proper care I need to lose the weight. But, until I start taking the time, I don't think I'm going to be changing my single status. I need to re-prioritize my time, and I could really use some support while I do it (and some shaking fingers when I don't).

I'd also be very interested in direct emailing a buddy for sorta closer tabs on progress if you're interested.

Just as a side note: I went to a party this weekend where I was basically the only single there. My friends are wonderful and love me and paid me lots of attention, but I couldn't help but feel incredibly alone - especially as I was leaving. Actually cried myself to sleep about it. I don't know if I'm single because of my weight, but I know it's certainly not helping and I'm tired of this... this has GOT to change!

Connie - it really sounds like you have a handle on things. I realize that we have to live our lives the way that makes us happy and you seem to be doing that. Good for you. I think for me I realize that I am eating to feel better but have not come up with any other good ways of feeling better without food yet. I am working on this but in the mean time if I really want to eat I do because I can't handle being stressed and upset all of the time. At least after I eat I have a different reason to be upset. :dizzy: Your idea of driving is a good one. Distraction is sometimes the best cure for the "munchies". I ate tonight and it was late - not really a good time to go out driving since I have work tomorrow, another time though.

Congratulations on the weight loss however you did it. May I ask why you decided to do WW when it seems you were doing well all by yourself? I'm still debating about trying WW.

sillymonkey - I can relate to a lot of what you are saying and would love to chat privately if you want. I'm pretty new to this site, but if you send me a private message then I should be able to send you my e-mail address without it being public or we can chat using the PM, whatever is easiest for you. I apologize for my ignorance about PM on this site, I just haven't ever used it before.

I need to prioritize my time. I find that being alone is the worst thing for me. When/If I have to worry about someone else I tend to put more effort into cooking or getting out to exercise. Unfortunately I haven't had too much success finding exercise or eating buddies. I recently moved and am still trying to make friends. It gets kind of lonely. Also, I moved into a town full of families. As a single person this means that I know exactly how you feel about being single at a party or function. I am turning 34 in 36 minutes and really want a family of my own, but at this point I am not holding my breath.

I hope you continue posting here for support and I hope to hear from you privately.

Hi Singles
 

Hi, I just found this thread (again). I had posted earlier, and then fell off the weight loss bandwagon for a few weeks (months). Well Monday I stepped on the scale and I'm at or near my all time high. I'm so frustrated with this extra weight, heavy thighs in the summer is not pleasant. Anyway, yes, I'm still single. At this point in my life (37), I don't expect to change that status. I don't have the first clue how to actually look for someone. I've tried internet dating, but right now, I'm not happy with the way I look and feel about myself. I don't need my self esteem brought down even more by meeting someone who can't look past the weight. So ... for now I'm happy with my cat and dog, they're great company.

Since Monday I've started doing weight watchers, with a combination of South Beach. So far so good, although I'm having a hard time controlling the night time eating. I used up all my flex points in two days. Who knew nuts where so high in points? Anyway, I plan to be good for the rest of the week and cross my fingers for a good weigh in.

Wed 7/21

Hi Ang, Janet and Silly Monkey. Hope you all are having a great hump day.

I also have problems prioritizing my time. I know it sounds strange to marrieds that singles have problems with time, but we have a life too! One thing that takes up my time is television. It's an excuse to lie down and do nothing. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed because there isn't enough time to do what I need to do. I have tried writing my self a to-do list for the day which worked good, then I quit doing that. I've also tried designating a day for vacuuming, a day for laundry, a day for paying bills, etc. Then I think how depressing it is that all I seem to do is housework and go to work every day. I live in a small town where there is nothing entertaining to do, but I work in a town that has plenty to do if I would just get off my duff. I used to be outgoing when I was younger, but now I just stay home when I'm not at work.

I know what Silly Monkey means about parties; I feel left out when I'm with marrieds. Not just at parties - also at church and work. I can't call my married friends and say "hey let's go shopping today", they have things to do with their family or things to do at home.

I want to wish "Shyangel" a belated happy birthday!!! Hope you had a good one.

Also new, also single...
 

27 (Forever? Please?) Single, no cats no dogs. I live with family still - stupid high cost apts. in my area - and no reasonable roomates either. I'd LIKE a dog though, so hopefully someday.

Need to lose about 50-60lbs. Horridly bad at sticking with something, and the coworkers at my office choose the 'let's pick on her lack of follow through' attempt at encouraging me. It only makes me mad and I grab a candy or something else to snack on just to piss them off. Or tell them to piss off, or something. I do better with the encouraging kind of encouragement, thus I am here.

SW-188 CW-183 GW-130

Hi Everyone.

Welcome Janett and lilwolfe. After just turning 34 I can relate Janett. I really want a family but don't think I can get past finding the right guy. My problem is I keep looking but let my low self esteem keep me in bad relationships. You are probably doing the right thing by getting happy with yourself before you look for someone else. I wish I could say that I thought men would be different, but I'm afraid almost all want model types, whether they will admit it or not. So frustrating.

South Beach and WW - keep us updated. I find it hard to combine programs. Nuts are your friend in moderation - you almost need to use the saturated fat grams for the WW points calculation (just a thought).

Connie - why did you stop the to do list if it was working? I recently bought a house, so I can relate with being overwhelmed. Maybe try to make really small goals for now. If I'm home I try to do at least one house chore a night. It's not much but at least I feel like I am trying and making some progress. You could do the same with getting out - pick one day during the week and plan something fun, even if it is only for an hour.

You hit the nail on the head about marrieds. Friends are never top priority (not that they should be when you have a family). People keep telling me about all these great things I do and places to see (new to my area) and I think it's wonderful except that I am not going to go alone. There's no fun in that for me. I have accrued tons of vacation time because I don't want to take a vacation alone and don't have other single friends to go with me.

btw - my birthday was actually not bad. I worked, kept busy and spent the evening with friends. Could have been a lot worse. :)

lilwolfe - I think you'll get all the encouragement you need here, or at least a good start. Is there something you are trying right now that you need help sticking with (e.g. eating habit, exercising)?

Have a great night everyone - glad to see the thread active. Ang

So far WW and SB is going good. I can't do a diet where its all you can eat, because I go crazy. I love cheese and if there's no restriction, I'll eat too much. Its day 4 and so far I'm down. I weight myself every day, I know you're not supposed to, but its a hard habit to break.

I totally agree with feeling overwhelmed and not having enough time. I really don't know how working mothers do it. They work, take care of the home and their children and probably their husband. I have to give them a lot of credit.

During the week I don't do much, I go to the gym at night, by the time I fix supper and clean up, its late and I just want to crash in front of the tv. I end up doing most of my housework on the weekends. I suppose if I had a life, I'd resent that, but I don't have much of a social life, so it fills the weekends.

Hey, thanks for the welcome aboard. I played a wicked mean softball game last night in weather that was meant to boil noodles! It was 85 degrees with a humidity of 91% :stress: *drip drip*

shyangel - I don't know what to try really, as far as food stuff goes. I was all set to give South Beach a try, but there is absolutely nothing I can eat for breakfast, because I strongly dislike eggs! :p Exercise, I have a gym membership, I think I just need go force myself to go enough that I start feeling the rewards of my going... ugh.

So, it's 9am, I didn't (never do) eat breakfast at home, and all that is here is Poptarts. Eat them anyway, so I have -something- in my tummy? Or wait until lunch and risk binging?? :?:

Here's to hoping for a good day! :D

Hi there girls,
I am a single mum in Delahey, Melb, Australia. My son is 11 y.o. and I work 2 part time jobs as well as take care of house, dog, 2 cats and b/f when i see him. I'm not terribly overweight but I still get depressed about it. And I can totally relate to not feeling like you have enough time to do what you want to do, and ironically when you have some spare time it gets wasted because you are too tired. Doh!! Anyway I hope that its ok to talk in here. I only need to lose about 6 to 7 kilos. Please don't groan, I know its not much. I get glares from my sisters in law, the look that says what have you got to worry about. I just wanted anyone who looks at women who don't have much to lose in that way that it is all about whats going on mentally and obsess in my own way just like girls who have more to lose than me. So ok thats enough of being serious and all, lets do lunch....lol. We can virtual eat and never get fat..hehehe. If only that would work. Anyway it is 1.05am in the morning here and I am sitting up because I like having time to myself. Can anyone relate???

Welcome kimby - sounds like you have a lot of responsibility. No wonder you are too tired to do fun stuff. Don't worry that you don't have too much weight to loss. It is all the same in the head - 5 or 50 pounds. I don't feel any better about myself today than I did 2 years ago and an additional 40 pounds.

lilwolfe - if you hate the gym so much why don't you try something else? I love getting outdoors much better than being in a gym. Since I like it I tend to try and make time. Have you thought of Weight Watchers for a 'diet'? It is pretty flexible if you are picky about food you like. Do you have specific eating habits that are not 'good'? Sometimes small changes to an existing diet works well.

Ang

shyangel - Hmm, well. My biggest collapse comes between noon and 5pm at work. I eat mostly because I get bored, or stressed. Unfortunately, being at work it's not like I can so, 'oh I have a craving, let me get up and go do something else'. Hee. It's very frustrating and would take a mountain of willpower to just sit my butt there and NOT grab something to appease the boredom snacking.

When I have time to stop for groceries, I usually get a healthy cereal (Kix is my favorite lately) and some skim milk - keep that at work and eat it around 9am. Lunch comes around, and rather than stay in and eat healthy, I am so bored from work, that I am in 'escape mode' - and finding healthy things to eat in an area of town that is all industrial sectoring, is tough to say the least.

Another thing I might note, is that just this past year, in an attempt to 'get my life on track' I finally, (after years of avoiding it) got braces. So a lot of things become a pain to eat. i.e. snack veggies, fruits, sandwiches on firm breads -etc etc. Everything needs to be cut up. And well, having to put even more effort into eating is just really annoying. :p

I do love doing stuff outside, but I am a person with a pack mentality, like, I hate doing things alone. Bike riding, walking, I'd even like to try to work up into jogging outside, - but I don't have the courage or confidence to go out and doing it all by myself, (which, I suppose is not so awful, there is safety in numbers I guess.)

So the gym is a little more likely to get me going, only because I am not alone. I just wish I -liked- it more.

Hi shyangel,

Thanks for the welcome, I have just been reading through all of the posts and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have just started seeing a psychologist and am hoping that I can put this weight issue to bed. Its not the main reason I am going but I have had poor self esteem for so long and a lot of bad things happen that I need to come to terms with. I cannot remember a time when I have not worried about my weight. I started drinking tab at age 14 and having an apple and tab for lunch. My weight has fluctuated from 46 kilos (almost anorexic and bordering on eating disorder) to 74 kilos and depressed after my son was born).

I am now 62 kilos but the weight I feel most comfortable at is 55 - 56 kilos. I am only 5'3" and I don't look bad but when I look at myself naked I cringe. Cellulite and being unfit makes me depressed. Even when I am down to regular weight the cellulite thing bothers me immensely. Does anyone else feel this way. I would rather be the weight I am now with no cellulite or look toned etc than be slimmer and have this horrible cellulite.

Anyway on the positive side I cooked up a batch of meals in advance from book weigh less naturally and although I had fish n chips tonite....lol I feel a little better knowing that I am starting to head in the right direction. Would really like some motivation in the exercise dpt. I have handweights & a small weight bench thingy, a bike and a fit ball and still I cant motivate myself to either get started, or when I have to stick to it.

I would love an online exercise buddy to make a commitment to so that I would feel more motivated. Anyone interested???????

Hi Kimby:)

Wow...cellulite...I don't remember having cellulite exactly but I did have wobbly legs...and I DO MEAN WOBBLY. I use either my bike, treadmill or just take a walk 30 minutes a day. I've been doing this about 1 year now...well...the first 6 months or so it was only every other day with great results. Now, I have muscles in my legs and when I stop walking my legs stop with me. It is so worth it to do something, anything for at least 30 minutes every other day. I find it much easier if I do it in the morning and it is done with. The rewards are FANTASTIC. At first, it seems like there will never be a change...but before you know it...you will start to see things transform.

I think the cooking meals in batches like you have is wonderful....I've never tried that...maybe I will :coffee:

lilwofle - I can relate about work. When I am stuck behind my desk I have to consciously try not to eat but it does not always work. Have you tried drinking tons of water and/or chewing sugarless gum? Can you bring a lunch and then escape and eat it outside? I joined a running club to get outside and get the group mentality thing. I definitely get out more because I know I am meeting people.


kimby - congratulations on getting started with the eating. One step at a time. Although I am by no means perfect, I have a better handle on exercise than eating, which I terrible at. I would be happy to chat privately with you about exercise. Send me a private message if you want to and we can exchange e-mail addresses. Pick one thing about exercise that you want to start and work on that. Tell us and pick one small goal. If you let us know then we can hold you accountable. :)

Ang

Saturday 7/24
 

Hello everyone. Nice to see new "faces" since my last post.

I get bored at work too. I work an evening schedule and am the only employee in my department that works evenings. The departments are scattered throughout the building and right now I have a section of the building all to myself. I work in transcription and I have to listen to dictation and then type the dictation so I really can't spend a lot of time talking and visiting. So I miss out on a lot of the "camaraderie" the other employees have. But it is nice and quiet in my work area.

I have had a good week so far with food. What has worked for me is limiting carbs and fat. I re-joined Weight Watchers in May. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year and it was the kick in the a$$ I needed to shape up. My dr sent me to a diabetic educator. She advised me to limit carbs to 60 grams at each meal and 30 grams for a snack. She also told me that I should be more careful with carbs, not just sugar. I decided that I do not want to go blind, lose my legs, or go into kidney failure. I do not want diabetes to destroy me. So I am working hard to keep my blood sugars normal and my cholesterol and triglycerides. I am at the age where weight loss is for my health and not for how I look. I am nearly 45 and know that I will have not a tight toned body like Brittney Spears. I have cellulite, stretch marks, veins. But I can have a nice healthy 45 year old body. I really don't give a $H-t what a man thinks about the way I look.

I would also like to say that I understand about not wanting to do things alone, but you cannot let life pass you by while you sit home alone. I have gone to the Smoky Mtns and to Chattanooga Tennessee by myself and had a wonderful time. I enjoy the freedom of coming and going when I please and doing what I want to do.

I hope you all have a good weekend.

Connie - you seem to have a great and realistic attitude about your health and body. I am 34 and know I will never be 'perfect' but in the back of my mind I want it. I guess for now I should be happy to get on the right track and lose 1 pound. I keep looking for the track but it keeps eluding me.

I can't say your job sounds very exciting. No wonder you get bored. At least it seems like the type of job where you have to pay attention. Do you have problems with snacking at work?

I know you are right about getting out alone but it just isn't as much fun for me. I am determined to go somewhere this fall even if it is by myself.

Today was a partial bust for me. No running because of rain and really did not get much productive stuff done. Oh well. I hope everyone else had a better first half of the weekend. Any good stories out there?

Ang

Just checking in on everyone. I had a so-so weekend on the eating, but did a lot of work. My volunteer work on Sat. kept me moving and I put in 5 miles of walking just from working in the pastures!! The party Sat. night was of course, not so hot on keeping my calories counted, but ah well - a little fun and splurging is alright. Real tired from the activities of the past three days, and looking forward to a good week starting tomorrow.

Can anyone suggest a place I can get some info on running? I have exercise induced asthma, but as long as I don't go all out, it usually doesn't bother me. (All out being in a highly competitive situation, where despite my body suggesting I cool off a bit, I keep pushing for the sake of the win.) Heehee. Anyway, I'd like to get into it, but have -no- clue how one would start?

hi lilwolfe (and everyone) -

What kind of volunteer work do you do? You mentioned working in the pastures. I have been working my garden/farm and afraid that I am not getting enough exercise doing it. I don't really do that much walking, more bending over and weeding. Sounds like you had a busy weekend. It's good to have some fun and relax on the calorie counting once in a while - that's living. How is your week going so far?

You can get a lot of info on running at coolrunning.com. They have lots of different information and a forum full of people with advice (not always good but always good intentioned). I run also and can help you out as much as possible if you let me know what info you are looking for. I started the runners thread on this site that you could join too.

The most important things about starting to run are getting a good pair of running shoes. Go to a running store and have them do an analysis of your running style so you get the proper shoes. This is so important. When you get out on the 'road' what you do will be determined by your fitness level now and ability to run. Most people who have never run (me included) start with a program of walking and running (alternating). coolrunning has a c25k program that helps with this but there are other similar programs out there.

Before I ramble too much, let me know if there is something in particular I could help you with. You can PM me if you would rather.

How is everyone else doing out there? I've been stressing about life (what else is new) and at a crossroads with my bf. I wish I could just be happy by myself. Happy Tuesday.

Ang

Hello everyone. I am single and 51, living in the suburbs of Washington, DC. I am 4'6" tall and was about 80 pounds overweight early last year. Last summer, I started eating healthy and exercising regularly with the goal of reducing my cholesterol and losing weight. It's been really slow going, but I've lost 35 pounds, reduced my cholesterol almost 70 points, and improved my blood pressure enough for the doctor to allow me to step my meds down from 7 days a week to 3 or 4 days a week.

I haven't used any particular system or program to lose weight. Just good ol' healthy eating and lots of sweat. I exercise 6 days a week, twice at the gym and four days at home. At the gym, I do an aerobics class or cardio machines and weight training. At home, I do one of several Walk Away the Pounds walkaerobics workouts or Tamilee Webb's I Want That Body toning workout (and occasionally a balance ball workout which is toning/relaxation).

I have about another 35 pounds to lose, though I don't really know what my goal weight is/will be because I have never (naturally) been thin in my adult life. I was thin for a short time at age 19 due to an extremely low calorie diet but being that I'm now 51, I don't think of the weight I was at 19 after starving myself is a good weight to use as a goal. I don't ever expect to be a size 5 again, but would be deliriously happy with a size 8 or even a 10.

Hi SheriaVa - welcome to our thread. Congratulations on losing 35 pounds already and by yourself no less. It sounds like you have great will power and determination. Are you still losing with some regularity?

I too have never been thin so don't know what my goal weight should be. I just hope that there will be a point in my life where that is my biggest worry. :lol: Hopefully when you get to your optimal weight you'll know or you'll listen to your body tell you.

You said you were single. Are you dating, in a relationship, looking? Glad to have you here.

Ang

Thank you for the welcome!

Yep. In fact, I've lost more in the past 2 months than in the several months before that. I still lose VERY VERY slowly though, compared to most people. I think that's a combination of being over 50 and having hypothyroidism.

I am not in a relationship nor dating. This has been one of the longest periods in my life where I haven't dated anyone--about 6 years. It took me a long while to move past my feelings for the last guy I dated because we have stayed in regular touch ever since he left the area.

Additionally, it has just been a period when there wasn't a lot of interest from men (at least not from men *I* was interested in dating), so the two combined have kept me single and unattached for 6 years.

As for whether I'm looking, I'm on the fence about that. In an ideal world, I would adore having a healthy committed relationship with a wonderful man. However, I must admit that I have enjoyed not dealing with the "BS" of dating these past 6 years. It has actually been quite freeing!

Compared to me you lose at an incredible speed since I don't lose at all. Slow and steady is good. You're more likely to keep it off. Keep up the good work.

If you are happy being single then more power to you. I think if you have a fulfilling life and friends it is not so hard to be 'alone'. If you're like me and new to your area and have very few friends it is hard. If you decide to date people will be able to tell by your attitude and you'll find someone. The BS is BS though and I could definitely do without it. :?: Why can't men just talk so we don't have to guess what they are thinking. I try to have the attitude that this is who I am, take it or leave it. I don't see myself as a typical woman and won't change for any man.

Enjoy the weekend!

I don't see myself as the typical woman either. I have spent much more of my life alone than I've spent attached, and that has provided me the opportunity to grow a lot as a person and to really know what it is I want and what I don't want (in a relationship, in a man, and otherwise).

I have a REALLY low tolerance for BS and I'm a very independent person. I am also quite old-fashioned in regard to sex (in terms of not wanting to have sex with strangers) and absolutely positively will not budge on that issue.

A lot of guys SAY they want a strong woman but, when it comes down to brass tacks, they really don't. They want a woman who won't smother them and can do some things for herself, but will still do what he wants. When they come face to face with someone who will not bend to their will, they get pretty unhappy. I've seen it time and again.

So I plan to be single until I can find someone who really and truly can handle a woman who has a mind of her own. :)

Good for you, SheriaVa. :smug: You shouldn't put up with anything, especially since you know what you want. I know what I want but for some reason accept less, but that's a whole different post. I have been on my own a lot and have a career, doctorate, and just bought my own house. My present bf (I think he still is at least) says it doesn't bother him but I think it hurts his ego to know that I am independent and don't NEED him. he doesn't make nearly as much money and isn't quite as 'stable' with his life as I 'appear' to be. I wish he would just realize that money and things don't matter and the fact that I WANT him should be all that counts. Men and their pride. :mad:

I am trying to make friends in a new town. Does anyone have any suggestions for good activities to meet people? As you can tell, it is Friday night and I am home alone on the computer. Pretty sad but it's this or clean the house and that's not happening on a Friday night. :lol:

Ang