This group is for those dealing with the challenges of having a significant amount of weight to lose and being fit which becomes harder after age 40. If you're an old or new friend and not over 40 and feel this is the place to post, jump right in.
I want the scale down by this time next week. Not a lot, but I am so close to seeing a new number on the scale and just want it to happen!
Work wise it's a light week for me, but my goal is to have both of my courses for Winter term (which starts on Jan 2nd) prepped by Friday so I can take some guilt-free time off next week. Otherwise, I'll take the time, but worry, and then have to work the 31st and 1st...
Quick post before my first hearing shows - in person. Hate it when they come in-person. We usually do them by phone.
I got my tree up Saturday. Did shopping Sunday. Still not done. I have a nephew and the in-laws left. But I can deal with that - or push it off on my DH! After all, Wal-Mart is open 24 hours. Xmas spirit is still low. I did wrap my DS X-box, in three boxes, the last one being about 3' x 3' - He has NO idea that he got his dearest wish and it's kind of fun to watch him stare at the big box. I bet he thinks it's his TV. He'll be really surprised when he opens the TV, which is a flat panel one. I am looking forward to Xmas morning.
I still haven't sent any cards! I really intended to. I don't think there's any way I'll get it done though. Ah well, everyone who knows me well enough to get a card, knows by now not to expect a card...
I am wearing my favorite skirt today. This makes me both happy and sad. Happy because it's my favorite skirt. Sad because last spring it was too big and now it fits again. Guess those Xmas treats have done their evil work for real. I knew my new clothes were getting tight, but this kind of pounded it home. I HAVE to get back on track, start eating right and exercising. I'm quite sure I'm at 240 or so now. I will be 45 on Sept. 6th. Think I can be under 200 by then?
How are all of you lovely ladies this morning? This very cool morning! Our temps. fell with a bang this weekend. We didn't get any snow though. I am sure some of the children would love that. Me, I can live without it. Had enough of that when we were in Europe.
Bearcub, hi, it is kind of hard to stay war, but we try. Good to see you posting again.
Lilion, did you get your Christmas spirit back yet? Make some stiff eggnog, that should help You are not the only one who hasn't decorated yet. I think I will just pass this year. I don't have any small ones coming to visit, so bah humbug! Why go to all that trouble just to have to take it down again. How was your weather?
Terri, are you all right? Not snowed in or anything? Poor Ruby, I hope she will be ok. Bad dogs! My Dh almost got attacked by the neighbors dogs again this morning. We do have a leash law, but as things go in this town, it is not enforced.
Hello Val and Heather, quit lurking and come out and play. Ta for now, Ruth
Nope, I haven't decorated yet either, and I just realized that Christmas Eve is a week from TODAY! You know, if weekends were just one day longer, I could get so much more done!
Terri, all my boys are at the new barn as of Dec 1. I gave notice on the 12th and have to find somewhere else or work it out by Jan 12. Since I gave notice, things have been VERY nice at the new place, with the exception of the hay shortage, but that's a biggie. I'm leary of bringing it up because I'm pretty sure she'll just claim that he's getting more than he is, and I don't want to argue about something that's futile. I picked up 4 more bale of hay yesterday in my poor blazer. I don't think it will ever be clean and hay free again. OH, and in the process of getting it, the dogs locked me out of the car in the blizzard. Silly dogs.
BUT, there's good news - I didn't just trot a little down the side of the arena. I rode Sat & Sun, and we're now trotting any place we want, all over the arena. I suddenly am feeling SO much more at ease! Not just doing it with my heart still in my throat, but just DOing it. It's great.
I had the (horsey) boys all out in the snow storm on Saturday. I wish you all could have seen them. They had a blast. When I would slide the barn door open to push the wheelbarrow out to dump, they'd all jump and snort then stare at me, ears up and heads high, with snow on their backs and falling down all around them. It was picture perfect. I was so sorry I didn't have a camera!
On the Wake-Up-&-Look-At-the-Scales side of the coin, when we were trotting I was vividly aware of what a sack of potatoes - no, rocks - I was on my poor horse's back. Several times I felt him lift his back with that lovely big stride of his, and I moved the wrong way and banged his back with my wide butt. I felt so bad for him, and vowed to do better for him today. I got up WAY late, and the weather was bad so I missed breakfast. I rejected the notion of a fast food breakfast sandwich, remembering that I had yogurt in the fridge at work. Then coming in from the parking garage I was behind two very large young ladies wearing fitted, stretch pants that were SOOOOOOO not flattering. Naked would have been more flattering. I know that I'm probably of a similar size, but I found myself fervently hoping that I don't walk like that. They had to stop and rest at the first bench just inside the entry way. I was rather horrified both for them and for myself. And I was ashamed of my own reaction of being horrified. It was like looking in a mirror of my own backside... only nothing on this earth could make me dress like that, but regardless of not being as winded as they were, I'm really not much healthier - or more attractive.
So today when the daily round of new cookies and candies arrives at the office, as it has for a week or more, there will be no sampling. I know what it tastes like - it's nothing new. Today it would taste to me like the banging of my big butt on my lovely horse's tender back. It would taste like waddling instead of walking with pride and dignity. It would taste like desparate gulps for air when I'm only walking. It would taste of bitter, salty tears because this is not who and how I want to be, or be seen.
I want to be light when I ride Gabe. I want to be balanced and float along with his movement. That's why I started this - even more than for appearence or overall health. I want to float with that powerful animal, not just be carried and bounced painfully along. I am not a sack of rocks. I will not BE a sack of rocks.
Last edited by NoLifeWithoutHorses; 12-17-2007 at 12:56 PM.
DH had to eat crow this morning. The nephew called yesterday afternoon to come out for me to sign the deferral paper. I was mad at myself for answering the phone. DH was really mad because I didn't tell him no. Having done it myself in the past, I didn't have a really great reason to say no. You know that feeling, when everything inside you screams NO but you just can't say the word because if anything comes out of your mouth it won't be nice????
So DH called not too long ago and was having a fit. His deadbeat brother (yes the one who has gouged their mother for $28K), called because his truck had broken down and had to be towed to a repair facility. And all he has is $20. DH asked if he was supposed to come get the moron so he can go get the rest of the money, but no DH was not hearing him....all he has to his name is $20. DH had to confess to me that he called the repair facility and is having the repair charged to our credit card. The moron has said that he'll pay $100 a week. Just like he said the last time and we didn't see a dime until I left a message on his cell phone telling him was a lousy, piece of he is and that I was going to tell his mother what kind of creep he is. DH was in the exact some position as me with the nephew. What the heck are you supposed to do? Without his truck, he makes no money...he has no money to fix his truck. DH will have to tell him that the money has to be paid to us by 1/22/08 when I have to pay the discover bill.
Oh, Terry. Sounds so much like my sister. The one I haven't spoken to in, um, 10 stress free, guilt free years. You know, when I cut her off (and I was the last in the family to do so) she just moved on to other victims. My friend that lives with me was bankrupted by her ex, and when she was being evicted she was still worried about how HE would survive. SHOCKINGLY - he has still survived. Imagine that. Some people's greatest talents and efforts are, sadly, in manipulating others into paying their way. I bet LILION and some others of us can probably feel your pain. It's just impossible to say 'no' sometimes.
OH, so did I mention how every single day the department where I work gets another package of goodies, and how I was having yogurt for breakfast, a great salad for lunch, and NONE of the other stuff? Well they just presented me with a huge chocolate dipped 'gourmet caramel apple.' Just for me. It's the dangerous sort of thing that a carb-aholic could easily convince themselves was actually good for them, ya know, with the fruit in there and everything. BUT (and that's b-u-t, not b-u-t-t) I have an ornament party to go to tonight. Ahhh, skinny people to share with! The delightful evil will never cross either my doorstep - or my lips!
Rise and shine! Its a beautiful day. And Christmas is looming ahead. I'm in such a good mood this morning. I had a wonderful nights sleep. And my Christmas cards are ready to go in the mail!! This year I did a collage of doggie pictures and wrote a letter from the farm to send with the cards. Send me a PM is you want an electronic version of the collage. I'll be more than happy to share.
Lilion, Valerie, Ruth, and everyone that has gotten stiffed by family and friends over money or something of value, at least we sleep at night knowing in our hearts, that our intentions were good and honorable. We did something to help someone in need. Just because they are jacka$$es and people of no honor is their failures not ours.
Heather - Very nice - maggoty. That would pretty much stop me from eating it.
Valerie - OMG! I know every feeling and sensation that you are going through when you're riding. You're losing that fear of impending death like I did. I remember how I felt when I rode the boys in front of the trainer. When I look back, I am mortified at how I must have looked to them (as trainers) because I was all over the place and had no control of my body. Now I am so much more aware and gaining control of my body and movements. Amazingly wonderful. Oh yes, I've seen those young ladies at my work too. Do people not have mirrors? I'm also having the same wake up calls about the scale too. I realized that I have four people that I can go trail riding with next year. And I don't want to do it as a fat blob who can't hardly get on and off or bend over far enough to go under a tree.
Lilion - Yes, ma'am, you can reach that goal by your birthday. And what a fabulos present that will be. Isn't it a shame when work causes such havoc right before the holidays that we don't really get to enjoy the holidays?
Ruth - How are you doing OP? Still hanging in there?
I must get running and off to work. Have a great day and don't let the holiday goodies get the best of you.
Terri, You are SO right! We sleep at night knowing in our hearts, that our intentions were good and honorable. I can't imagine how some other people do!
Valerie, I bet you look better up on that big boy than you think you do! I'd love to see you riding Gabe. WTG not eating the apple!
Heather - maggoty? ick!
Ruth, No Christmas spirit to speak of still. But the house is as decorated as it's gonna get, gifts are slowly getting wrapped, and DH can buy his parent's and the nephews - I just don't have time to worry about it. I'll feel better once the vacation starts.
I still have to make a frilly little apron for my neice to go with her kitchen Santa is bringing her - and I have to make pies for my brother's and in-laws' houses. I think I'll do apple again. So that's not too bad. There is FOOD everywhere at the office! Awful people. So of course, I give food as gifts. I just want to not gain anymore - then I'll be good after New Years!
We have sunshine! It is cold though, brrrr! I am not a winter loving person.
Terri, I am still trying my best to stay as op as possible this time of year. I did make the mistake of baking a chocolate loaf this past week. It attacked me Sat. Bam! It jumped right in my mouth when I wasn't expecting it. Darn sneaky thing! Really took me by surprise. Then I had to fight the urge to just jump right in there and swallow the whole thing. Love Chocolate! My solution was to give most of it to my daughter when she visited. The rest went in the freezer to give to some other poor unsupecting victim.
Lilion, I know you are ready for the vaction. Maybe a little R and R will make your spirits brighter, hope so. My one and only goal right now is to lose those next five lbs. Something always seems to trip me up. (it must be me!) Ah well, easy come the devil to get rid of.
Val, well at least your apple didn't sneak attack you! Good for you. Christmas is the hardest time to be op. I know when I worked in the Drs. office it seemed that every one of his patients brought goodies by for Christmas. Hard to resist.
Heather, I am trying my best not to think of those maggots now! I could have used that visual Sat. though. EWWW!
Success. Not only did I NOT touch the apple, but every one else at the party loved it. Sharing is fun. Also, there were many wonderful things to eat, and I was thrilled to see how much of it was OP. I still ate a bit much, but I had a wonderful time and didn't eat a single sweet.
I'm staying pretty OP today, too. Although I have to fess up to a single piece of candy this morning. I've been up since 3am (it seemed like a good idea at the time) and about 9am I thought I was going to fall asleep at my desk. Unfortunately, that bit of sugar did the trick and I felt better for the rest of the morning. Unfortunate because I was positively reinforced for eating the wrong thing. But coffee just was Not cutting it.
RUTH - Chocolate LOAF? I've no idea what that is, but I gained a pound and a half just thinking about it. Heavens! I could never let such a thing in the house!
HEATHER - Effective. Very effective. I was mid-bite of my chicken wrap when I read your post with the 'M' word, and I almost tossed my lunch right then! That's a pretty strong image, and a violent deterent for me. I'll have to pull up the vision next time I'm tempted. Maybe I'll even go stare at the nearest pile of chocolate & imagine it covered with... you know... just for the practice.
Ummmm. maybe not.
LILION, I envy your talent with a sewing machine. I'm sure your niece will be adorable and thrilled, wearing her new apron in her new kitchen. I asked for an apron for Christmas a couple years ago & my step-mom made me one. Problem was, it was WHITE with cute little horses on the pockets, and I couldn't bring myself to wear it for fear of ruining it. I mean, I need an apron in the kitchen for a REASON!
TERRI, it's such an emotionally multi-sided thing, to ride. It's a wonderful joy, tremendously thrilling, and yet I feel so guilty for being such an unbalanced burden banging around up there. Then there's the terror of falling, but at least that's only with Gabe, and it's fading fast. I just want SO MUCH to be good at it, better than before even. I'll just have to keep Heather's mmmm, mmmmag, you know - those gross little things (shivers) in mind when just WANTING to be thinner isn't quite enough protection from the goodies.
I really do need to get some pics of the big guy. I'd like to measure him again, too. He was 16 hands 2 years ago as a 3yo. He'll be 6 this spring, and I really think he's gotten taller. His withers sure seem way above my head when I stand next to him. If I can just remember my camera & have someone snap us together, you guys could be the judges. (Yup, all o' ya, not just Lilion. )
300+ and Gettin' Fit after 40 #137
Xmas spirit is still low. I did wrap my DS X-box, in three boxes, the last one being about 3' x 3' - He has NO idea that he got his dearest wish and it's kind of fun to watch him stare at the big box. I bet he thinks it's his TV. He'll be really surprised when he opens the TV, which is a flat panel one. I am looking forward to Xmas morning.
I don't think there's any way I'll get it done though. Ah well, everyone who knows me well enough to get a card, knows by now not to expect a card... 
Dropping in!
TODAY! You know, if weekends were just one day longer, I could get so much more done!
he is and that I was going to tell his mother what kind of creep he is. DH was in the exact some position as me with the nephew. What the heck are you supposed to do? Without his truck, he makes no money...he has no money to fix his truck. DH will have to tell him that the money has to be paid to us by 1/22/08 when I have to pay the discover bill.
Ahhh, skinny people to share with! The delightful evil will never cross either my doorstep - or my lips!
This year I did a collage of doggie pictures and wrote a letter from the farm to send with the cards. Send me a PM is you want an electronic version of the collage. I'll be more than happy to share.
to all!
