Hello Everyone! Thank You for all the welcomes. I had a great eating day yesterday, but struggleing getting enough walking in. It just seems to be a slow start.

I love the list, thank you for sharing.

deb

Evening....just had to tell Bobbie....count yourself and the dog. There you got3! karen3

Crabby Maxine makes me smile everyday, I have her new desktop daily joke calendar. I already ripped todays off and can't remember the joke but tomorrow she say," Always keep a song in your heart...mine is "Beat It." She's pictured with cymbals and her faithful dog is playing the guitar with cool sunglasses on.
Karen...good one, Charlie (the dog) has a happy face on when we let him out to play in the snow. I think he'd like to dine with Dash since you cook turkey legs for him, how spoiled is he?

Hi! Everybody. Another NC newbie checking in (actually I'm originally from FL, but I've been living up here for over 25 yrs.). Thanks for all the welcomes, & I really like that there are quite a few cat lovers here.

Freda, I don't know how good I'll be about posting, but I've already been checking on the G.G. 's almost every day for several months, because I have to see how you all are doing. I even worry about what happened to Isabella, & I've never even read a single one of her posts!

Zoe, I'm glad y'all don't subtract points for slow typing, cause I'd score really low, & I'd hate that.

Karen in FL, I love reading your posts because it almost feels like I'm visiting home. Sometimes I get a little homesick (especially by the end of Feb.!), but usually I love living here. You said something about sometimes you can't believe you're you, well I've been having that feeling a lot lately. I've always been an emotional eater like others have talked about. Any emotion - happy, sad, bored, depressed, stressed, etc., I'd reach for food. Now, I just grab a glass of water or a cup of coffee. I also drink lots of water, something new for me. (I talked about that in another thread). I keep thinking "who is this person?!" & "will the old me just pop back up one of these days?" Gosh, I sure hope not!

Wow, this has been a long post (I'm getting to type without my kitty lap warmer - some kind of little bug flew by & he went off to chase it). Before I go, I've got a question. I've noticed y'all refer to your husbands as DH (I'm assuming that means dear husband, though maybe sometimes a "D" word that's a little less affectionate?). Anyway, I'm not married, but my boyfriend (just doesn't sound right to call him that at my age) & I have been living together for over 14 yrs. So, is he my SO (significant other) or my DP (domestic partner) or what? Any ideas?

Nancy

Hi everyone, thanks for the welcome.

Time to introduce myself, I live in Juneau Alaska with my hubby and adult disabled son. I work as program manager of the family support area of a large non-profit social service organization. Hubby is retired, son works very part time.

Love to hear all the cat chat. We lost our 11 year old Tuxedo kitty to kidney failure just before Thanksgiving, and as we are not sure why, the vet recommends 6 months before we get another cat. All of the humans and our 120 lb Malamute are missing our Zackitty.

Between my hubby and I we have four grown sons, 2 live far away (Anchorage,and Washington state)and two live here in Juneau. Lucky me I get to see my 2yo granddaughter almost daily as we baby sit while son and daughter in law take some night courses.

I have 2 grown foster daughters in the lower 48 whom we still claim as family as well.

While I have always struggled with 15 pounds or so of excess weight, I gained over 100 pounds after my 40th birthday. (1994-1999) Looking for causes, there were a few. Job change-(8 hours on my feet job to desk job), moved to Alaska, quit smoking, son became disabled and I became caregiver, I became a stress eater and didn't exercise regularly. Also, switched from eating limited carb fresh food to lots of canned, frozen and higher carb food. The big difference, looking back, is that instead of eating less when I went to no activity, I ate the same, or more, and made unwise choices. I activated my carb addiction and have been struggling ever since. I am currently doing online weight watchers and limiting processed foods and simple carbs and starches.

I am doing limited walking, (awaiting knee surgery for a torn meniscus) daily stretching and making sure I get my water and sleep. I am so glad I found you, there is alot of positive support here, and I love all of the fun and sage advise I have seen while lurking.

BTW, Love the handbook for 2011, Gayle.

Good Morning Girls!
Thanks for the bio's newbie gals, a group hug to you all:
Zoe...I've been in denial the past few years about my shrinking height. I was 5.4" in high school but no more. I measured myself after seeing those aweful photos of dumpy me at the doc's office. I tell you this with a bitter taste in my mouth, I've shrunk to 63 inches (a hair under 5'3") I have a small frame and since I'm a tall 5'2" and a short 5'3" I should be 108-121 for 5'2" and 111-124 for 5'3". It's no wonder I look dumpy, I'm 128.5 this morning and clearly need to drop a few more pounds. So yes, I'm sure and thanks for caring.
I need to get a whole chicken in the oven, DH is going to work today and won't be home for supper so we'll eat our big meal at noon. I think I'd like to always eat our large meal at noon, what was that quote about eating like a king at breakfast, a prince at noon and a beggar at supper? Be back later for personals...bye for now

Good Morning all,

Cooler here, but still pretty nice out. Waiting for the anvil to fall and the bad weather to begain. Because we know it will. It's Michigan! Not much going on around here. Had to work the weekend, and yesterday we started taking down the wall paper in the kitchen. Been thinking about it for awhile and finally just bit the bullet and started. WHAT a mess. But it so needed it. Found out yesterday that my 13 year old nieces heart is out of rhythm. She has that heart problem you see occasionally where an athalet will just drop dead of a heat attack while exercising or playing a strenious game, like basketball. Has to see the cardiologist today. Prayers please. She is way too young for this. Also hear yesterday that a childhood friends husband dropped dead of a heart attack (they think). My age. Also way too young.

Deb, just take it easy. Don't try to do too much at once and burn out. Set goals and try to increase exercise every week. If you remember Isabellas posts the first time she walked she made it to the end of the block.

Bobbi, Hope you're feeling well today. Lose more weight? How much do want to weigh? How tall are you?

Emaline, Looking forward to getting to know you and the other new ladies. The "tea" sounds fun. What does a proper tea consist of? Is that like a lunchen or tea and biscuits?

Nancy, Most of us are cat, or animal, lovers. I've had cats but right now I have a dog. A real sweety that I rescued. He's 13. when we got him he had no idea how to cuddle and really wouldn't come around us. it too some time for him to trust us. he wasn't mistreated, I don't think, just cage raised. How awful for anything! Don't know how anyone could do that to an aimal. No one forces you to buy one.

Hi Bunti, We have another member who lives in Alaska. I'd love to see it sometime. On my "todo" list. I babysit for my grandkids (2) also, two days a week. They are 11 and 7 now and i've had them since they were 3 months old. I cherish every moment with them and consider it a privilage to be able to do that. And while you are waiting for sugery, just do what you can. I actually lost weight while my foot was broken. I just watched what I ate and lifted weights. There is always something you can do.

Z, I so agree with you. Most of us older ladies just do not look good in tons of make up. I Never was much for it anyway, and have stopped most of it. Some mascara, since my eye lashes are so colorless and some lipgloss and i'm good to go. I love your ability to wear outrageous clothes. I'm too timid for that, but admire it. Just a classic person here. Maybe i'll get more bold and be able to be outragious later? I doubt it though. I'd guess you were always that way? right? LOVE your taste in music! Feel better.

The rest of our "bunch", have a good day.

Freda

I feel like screaming, so I'll try posting here instead & see if that helps!

First some background: my SO (I guess I'm going to go with significant other for my boyfriend) has been the only bread-winner in our household for about 10 years now. We own 2 rental mobile homes that were purchased with money I inherited, so I feel like I do contribute some financially. On Oct. 30, SO injured his shoulder, turned out to be torn rotator cuff requiring surgery. He's been off work since it happened, & since it's a factory job that requires heavy lifting, they won't let him return to work until the Dr. releases him, probably another 5 months. Also the injury was not work related, so no workman's comp., only a very small short-term disability check that will run out in mid Jan. Anyway, seems like handling all this falls on me, & as of Jan. 1, his company changed insurance companies & also changed to a different company for the short-term disability. I've been trying all morning to call & find out which companies will be handling his claims, & also set-up payments with the hospital, & I haven't found out anything! The actual people I've talked to don't know anything, & I can only get voice mail for the ones that are supposed to know something!

The one good thing in all this, is that I haven't used eating for comfort. I sort of think maybe that's because it's at least one thing in my life right now that I have control over!

Well, sorry for dumping all this on all of you when you barely know me, but as I said before, I've been hanging around here for so long I feel like I know you. I think it's Mary that was dealing with a husband wanting to do too much after surgery, I'm definitely finding out how that is: SO thinks he knows more about what he should be able to do than the Dr. or physical therapists. And Freda, I guess you know first-hand about torn rotator cuffs. How about your son? Is that what he has?

What do you know, I do feel somewhat better. At least I no longer have that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach (I think that was from frustration at not being able to find out ANYTHING). Thanks! Venting does help!

Nancy

Hi again.
Now that I'm done with my venting, I have to chime in on the makeup thing. I've been thinking for a long time that makeup used to be (for me anyway) about trying to look good. Then, as I got older, it was about trying to look better. Now, sadly, it's just about trying not to be too scary looking!

Nancy

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow we leave for FL and my DD’s marathon – she runs on Sunday. I probably won’t be online for a while – I am not taking my laptop. I will have my Nook, but I am not sure whether or not I will be able to use it to post – we’ll see.

Have a good week everyone.

Lynn

Hi Emaline,
How did it happen that you had lost track of your niece & how did your daughter find her? My sister and I got back in touch with cousins several years ago. We had lost track when our mother died. They found us doing genealogy research.
I LOVE England. Never quite sure when to use “UK” and when to use England – can you help with this? My DD & SIL and I visited England a couple of years ago. We went to London, York, Bath, the Cottswolds, Beachy Head (among other places), but did NOT get to Norfolk.

Hi Nancy,
WELCOME! We LOVE to get new members of our family. I have a DF who lives in Carrboro, NC. I LOVE that area. I also have a cousin who lives near Asheville another great NC area.
Not too long ago, I had a stressful day & got into my car and drove to my gym to “work it out.” I didn’t even think about eating. The next day, I realized what I had done. It is GREAT to make these changes in our lives.
I think SO sounds good – however, if you two have been together for 14 years, you should feel free to use DH.
Hi Gayle,
My DD and SIL LOVE Alaska – especially in the winter! They have a vacation planned to visit your state in February.
What kind of organization do you work for? My DD and I have recently gotten involved with the LLS – Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. It is a REALLY great organization & I LOVE the folks who work there.
I am sorry that you lost your dear kitty. My 14-year-old Princess Di died a couple of years ago. I waited a while & found out that I REALLY needed the company. I adopted 2 siblings – Harry and Hermione.
Many of us on this thread limit our carbs. From my experience, weight loss is all about calories and exercise, however, carbs trigger my appetite. Also, I have diabetes & try to stay away from simple carbs.
My SIL recently had knee surgery for a torn maniscus. He healed VERY quickly.

Hi Zoe,
I have ABSOLUTELY changed my eating habits. Although I still enjoy occasional sweets, I no longer have trouble with white stuff – pasta/rice/potatoes/bread. Also, my portions are MUCH smaller. If I eat out, I rarely eat more than ½ of my meal. If I am with my DF, we share something and each get a salad.
I never wore much makeup – when I was young, I used eye makeup and lipstick. Now I don’t use anything.

Hi Freda,
I am SO SORRY to hear about your niece. My best wishes for her. Also sorry to hear about your friend’s husband.
My DD wants to adopt a cat from our local Pet Smart store. It has been in a cage for a LONG time – it is kind of wild. She fostered it for a month & it never came out of her spare bedroom – didn’t attack anyone, just hid.
Donna,
CHEER UP!!!!!!! We love you and your pithy posts. I would say “Your ARE worth shooting.” But, somehow, that just doesn’t come out right.

Hi Nancy,
I am sorry to hear about your SO’s shoulder. That is a VERY painful injury. About the insurance company – have you tried to work things out with the workplace Human Resources office? When I had back surgery, the insurance company tried to reject the payment to the doctor. I found out that it was actually my company that made the decision – NOT the insurance company.

Hi you all....Why'd you send the clouds without the rain? Dreary day so I killed myself in that troll infected closet. Now have all my winter clothes sorted and handy. Problem down here need summerish stuff on alternating days. Have hugh bag of old shirts haven't worn in years and will have to stuff a second bag in on top or get the old why are you throw this out! Used to be able to make sneak runs to dumps before he retired....I believe if you haven't looked at let alone worn in it a year TOSS IT!

Now mind you I donated bags when first lost the biggest weight....and so how did the darn troll snuke it in back in.

Nancy....have to giggle. You moved from Fl to NC. I know that the snowbirds when they go North for the summer are called halfwayers so are you a reverse halfwayer? See see see we told you use the posting to get your head together and it will help. Good job not junk eating.

Freda...put your niece in my prayers.

Donna....not only do the cracks look ugly with foundation, but my eye lashes disappeared. Think they fell in the cracks and eye liner looks funny on bald lids.

Bunti....another Alaska chick how great. You joined just in time to watch our Alaska Rosie turn into a hot chick!

Zoe.....seems to me you had this stuff not so long ago. Tea with lemon. Lots of fluids and to bed early tonight.

Bobbie....I love having main meal early afternoon. but Dh has to have dinner no later than 5ish....or he's up all night with indigestion. I try it and next thing his BS crashes....old age old habits blah

Baked a crustless apple tart for Dh...house smells good. Baked pork chop and cauliflower supper coming up. hugs,karen3

Debbie…You retired at 60, just tired of work or for health reason? My feet gave out on me so I retired at age 53 and never missed the money. I used to spend it all on clothes and frivolous ‘stuff’ anyway. You said you feel like we are your new blessing, thanks. It’s great to share our struggles and triumphs with gals our own age and I’m sure you’ll be a blessing to us as well.
KareFla…What’s in the air? Now we all can concentrate on good nutrition instead of holiday junk foods. I think it feels great to get back on track. I made a whole chicken for lunch today and we will get a few more meals off it. I de-boned it after lunch, put all the bones and fat into a stock pot with bay leaves, chopped carrots and 1 onion. After it simmers for awhile, I’ll refrigerate it and by tomorrow all the fat can be lifted off the top for some delicious fat free chicken broth. The last meal I make will be chicken soup which we’ll get a couple more meals off of. Just a fly by....we better check the air cause there is something getting to the Golden Girls...everyone is cooking up a storm. I made chicken for 2 meals and pot of vegies for the week. A meat loaf for Dh and turkey thighs for Dash.

Rosie….are your quilts completely hand stitched or machine? I made a baby quilt for our DD years ago and it was quite fun. Then about 2 years ago I made a huge quilt to fit a king size bed. It was too big for us so I sold it on eBay. I made matching Pillow shams too. I think if I had my sewing machine upstairs, I’d sew more. It’s down in the basement where I can’t see out. I purchased a couple of kits over Christmas for felt ornaments, all hand sewn. I just loved working on them at night when the tv is on.


Nancy...I have a great suggestion for you, all of us at one time or another have written a long post only to have the crash fairy delete it before we get it posted. I can’t remember who suggested this, (Lynn maybe?) to write it on your word processor. You haven't crashed any post that I know of but writing on your word processor might help with your slow typing. If you write on word when you have time, save it and come back to it later to add on to before copy/paste onto the Golden Girls thread. The word speller works great for misspelled words and you won’t have to sit so long a time at the keyboard. I can’t help you with the one handed typing with a cat in your lap. Sometimes my English Setter will put his big ole head on my lap when I’m on the computer but it’s because he wants attention or needs to go potty. Did you see the picture of the cat stroller? Too funny! Congrats on the 80 pound weight loss, good job Nancy. With the new problems with your boyfriends shoulder, I’m so happy you haven’t used food to comfort yourself.
I guess it's time I finally said Hi! to all you Golden Girls. I've been reading your posts for so long (maybe since mid August?), I kinda feel like I know you. I've been reluctant to post because I'm such a slow typist & have a hard time figuring out how to express what I want to say
Freda...good advice to the newbies about all us stopping and starting again on 3 FC's. I was gone for quite a few months and quickly gained back the weight. Being accountable to someone daily sure keeps me OP.I'm proud of you too for not eating a singe treat.Emaline…Yes, what kind of a tradition is tea? In some novels I’ve read, tea can be lunch. But I think it’s like going to my dads in the afternoon for coffee and cookies only in your case tea and cookies?
I love the shows on the BBC, especially “Keeping up Appearances” with Hyacinth, Daisy, Rose, Violet ? Do you watch that show across the pond?
Bunti…and I thought I had a big dog! Charlie is 60 some pounds but you have a bigger baby to feed, 120lbs. Malamute, such pretty dogs. I can’t remember, do they have a curl in their tail and blue eyes? How fun for you to babysit the 2 year old, that bonding between you last forever. I did the same with both my grandsons since DD had to work. Treasured memories.
I looked into online Weight Watchers at one time, how’s that working for you?







Zoe...I think you're still a flower child, just a classier version and quite eccentric. That's what we love about you.

Went from being a flower child with whitish lips to nude lips and have tried on a lipstick from time to time, but never found one I really felt comfortable with. Experimented with eye shadow for a time
fredaBobbi, Hope you're feeling well today. Lose more weight? How much do want to weigh? How tall are you?
Donna...I still wear make-up, eye liner, eye shadow, mascara and lipstick. I also paint my fingernails bright red. I've never applied it heavy as you can see by my photo. I think the reason I've always worn it is because I can hide behind it. I'm so much bolder and positive when I have taken the time to 'doll up and yes, spackle my face to fill in the cracks!

Quote:
Ever since I've been here, I've cackled whenever Bobbi says she's off to spackle her face or to fill in the cracks. I have such a visual! The points are well taken that we need to moderate, not amplify, the makeup as we become Crones!

DH just left for work, he has a 5-9 shift tonight...He'll be done working until next fall and he's happy about that. Driving on icy roads and the cost of gas is going up. He drives a 4 wheel drive jeep and it's costly to drive that far out of town. (30 minute drive one way)....Yes I can hear you Zoe....nothing to you compared to your long drive. I've got the night to myself and the new Biggest Losers starts a new show tonight. I'm gonna make a large bowl of popcorn and pig out on it. (I have plenty of calories left over for this)
Have a great day.