Hi everyone!! I saw this thread and couldn't resist - I'm a short chick at 4'11" (sometimes 4'11" 1/2 depending on which doctor I'm at), and I definitely agree that 5 pounds on a short person looks like 15 pounds on a "normal" height person. I have always been a bit chubby and can't remember every being skinny, even when I was very very little, so I don't even have a goal of what is considered the normal for people of my height (I think someone said from 92-123 pounds or something along those lines), but my ultimate goal is 130. I was 130 a few years ago in college, and while I still didn't look skinny by any means, I liked the way I looked. I'd really just like to get more fit and get more muscle and less of this flab on my stomach, butt, and thighs. My highest weight was in April of this year at 187 pounds, and I really looked awful - I had no waist, and looked really stumpy. I'm around 147 right now (been going up and down around this the past few weeks) and I definitely feel that I look a lot better - I do have a waist again and a little less flab than at 187. Unfortunately, this last weight gain left a lot of extra flab around my midsection than I've ever had before but I'm working with cardio and some weights to get it off slowly but surely. I really know that I should probably try and get down to 120, but I felt happy at 130 before, so thats what I'm shooting for by October 2008. If I get there and don't feel happy, I might keep going but I'll just have to see.

On the clothes issue - I find it extremely hard to find clothes that really fit me. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but when I used to by petite or short pants, they used to fit me length wise fine. But lately I've been buying a lot of new pants as my sizes have gone down, and I find that the petite or short sizes are too long on me. Most are made for people up to 5'4" which is 4 inches taller than I am, so they are too long. I have basically come up with two choices for myself - once I get to my goal weight and decide to maintain, I will buy new pants for the last time and get them tailored professionaly, or I may splurge and buy my work pants from Lands End - like men's pants, you can choose what you want your inseam to be so I can actually get pants made for me are the right length. It is a bit more expensive, but is nice to have the pants fit. I usually don't care so much with jeans because I don't mind rolling up the cuff a bit, but it just doesn't look good with professional work pants.

I find it frustrating sometimes when I hear people who are 5'6" or above and they are 150-160 pounds and wearing a size 4 or 6 in pants. I'm 4'11" 147 pounds, and still wearing a size 12 (the size 12 pants are getting a little big on me but I'm not sure I'm ready for a 10 yet). It is my dream to get into a single digit pant size because I really don't remember when I was a single digit pant size since middle school. I am going to work really hard to get there by the time I reach 130.

Welcome NoVaVTFan! Although you and I are the same in height I think the way are bodies are structured are different. When I weighed 150 I could wear size 10 pants and 8's in skirts. When I was 180 I could wear size 12's. What's interesting is most of my weight is in my waist also. I definitely have a pair of jeans that I absolutely love that are petite but drag the ground a little bit. But as I said I was very fortunate to get about 7 pairs of capris from Kohl's a few years back that are actually capris on me. They range between 14, 16, and XL. The XL fit I just have make sure I wear a long shirt because they fit a bit tight across my tummy.

I'm still back and forth on my goal. Right now I will stick with 120.

Hi everyone :0 Mind if I join in? I'm on the short side too. Out of high school I weighed 110. Then I slowly started gaining weight. I was at 130 when I finished college and started teaching. Then the pounds just kept packing on with grad school and work. I feel everyones pain what the shopping. It was no problem with I was skinny and short but now being chunky and short shopping is a nightmare. I look forward to chatting everyone :)

Hi teacher1! Of course you can join in. Welcome.

Hi to Noelle and Karen!

Do we need to start a new thread? My husband was laid off in July, and hasn't gotten another job yet. This sounds like a trend. Like a friend said, it sucks canal water.

If you don't mind my asking, why are your husbands unemployed? Kent's position was eliminated - the company got caught up in the subprime lending upheaval. He hasn't gotten another job yet, we think, for several reasons: in spite of years of experience, he doesn't have a 4-year degree, and he's 55, so we think prospective employers don't want to invest too much in training "an old guy." So, in between posting resumes and following up leads, he's studying for various certifications, and has decided that once he's employed he may pursue a degree part-time.

Like I said, canal water.

Connie

Hi Connie! Tim was in the building industry and when he went in to work on April 23rd the boss called him upstairs to his office and said, "We don't need you anymore! Here is a check for your wages and the vacation pay you have coming." And that was that. He went back down to his office and packed his personal things and was back home by 10:00 in the morning! So far he has been drawing unemployment but that will be coming to an end the middle of this month. He was with that company 15 years! And like your hubby, he doesn't have a degree, some college background and lots of experience but not happenng around here for a 61 year old. That is another reason why we have our house and our 5th wheel RV up for sale and are looking forward to moving back to MO. where the cost of living is so much less. These Rocky Mountains are BEAUTIFUL but you sure can't eat them and they don't pay your bills!

I'm sort of in the same boat as Connie and Karen with husband soon to be out of work. His company told him they were eliminating his position (he is 55). He had planned to sort of take a break at this time ~ he has worked for so long ~ horrible long hours ~ he deserves a break. He talks that he might try to find something again after a break, but I wonder if that will be possible at his age. He felt bad, because after all was said and done, they had fibbed to him and hadn't eliminated his position at all, but gave it to someone else.

It will be a whole different kind of life having him around all the time now. Not sure ~ could be a good thing :?: Then again :dizzy: Time will tell.

Gayle, Karen, Noelle, and Connie
I am so sorry to hear about the job situations with your husbands. Especially because they were all loyal to their companies. It seems that everyone has plans though. What a shame.

Good morning, ladies!

I've actually enjoyed to a degree Kent being at home. He and I have never really eaten the same way, and since he discovered the Food Network, he cooks for himself. Our 18 year old son falls in the middle between his dad's meat-based diet and my very low-fat plant one, so he grazes on both our cooking and gets the benefits of both. Plus, Kent has finally had the chance to indulge his hobbies and many interests - didn't have much time before. He's worked all his life - his dad owned a produce business and Kent worked for him growing up before getting a "real" job. And he has begun taking long daily walks while listening to his favorite NPR shows, which is good for his health. I do worry about our financial situation especially with college tuition to pay, but as much as anything, I worry about Kent's self-esteem. He's such a great guy and really smart - just doesn't have the formal education. If an employer would just give him a chance, they'd be happy they did.

Anyway, thanks for letting me unload. Ya'll have a great Monday!

Connie

P.S. I'm doing my snow dance. Could someone up north please send down some winter weather to central VA? Thanks!

Connie

Hi Everyone, I read about this thread on Golden Girls and cam over here to have a look. Mind If I join in? I qualify. I'm 5 feet nothing. I did read some of the other posts. I had to laugh. I've told everyone I was 5'1" forever. I agree, it's harder for us "verticall challenged" people to find clothes. Even the petite pants are designed to fit someone 5'3". So I have to cut those extra inches off. I have found that Gap has jeans that fit me and i don't have to cut. Levi's too. If you shop around enough you can find some. I just envy those people that can walk into a store and buy anything off the rack!!

I've read a lot of the post about the job losses too. Add us to the count. My husband lost his job some years ago too. He had a hard time with it, really became depressed. But he did find another job and we are doing well. Like some of the others, he didn't have a college degree, just some classes, and lots of experience. They want those college degree in there that know nothing and have few work ethics. I hope they get exactally what they deserve!

As for retirement....not too sure i'll do well. My husband is one of those people that can't sit still, has to be doing something all the time. And he has no hobbies. So he "helps me". I can only stand so much "help". I would hate to get divorced after 43 years, or worse yet, injure him. So we'll have to see how we make out when he retires, if he ever does.

Freda

Hey Guys. I'm new around here and was hoping I could join. I think I'm qualified shortie. I'm 5'2" on a good day. I'm proud of my (lack) of height. Us shorties never halfta worry about being taller than a guy, even when wearing heels.

Like most shot people I find it hard to find clothes. I have a long torso and itty bitty little legs. When I was at my lowest weight (about 118lbs) I could shop in the kids department. GAP kids was awesome! I could buy basics (plain t's and jeans) at half the price. Now however, I visit the seamstress on a regular basis.

Gonzo walker, you can have the snow from up hear in Canada. It's really snowy and cold (it's approx -11F here with the wind chill). You're welcome too it!

Welcome the slim me & shantroy! As I've said before there are a lot of shorties on this website.

Gonzo walker--I live north of you in Arlington and I'm hoping for snow. I'm sure it is coming any time soon.

Slim me--I forgot about Levis! You're right I have a few pair of Levi's from when I was smaller that fit great.

Slim me & Shantroy--I will have to check the GAP out.

I'm wearing cropped pants I got from Dress Barn as regular pants today.

I thought it might be fun to start a don't you hate it when....I will start

Don't you hate it when....its a really sunny day but because you are so short your visor in your car does absolutely nada for you!

I like this!!!

Don't you hate it when..... the shoulder seat belt "chokes" you!!

Hi there, I am new to this site and I saw this thread, and thought "just for me". I would love to chat with you ladies. I am 5' nuttin. Right now I weigh 188. Not sure what my ultimate goal is going to be, but right now I am shooting for 123. I have always been overweight. So I have never had a skinny time in my life.
Kari

Karen--LOL! Oh so true.

Welcome skinnyvibes!

Don't you hate it when....the very thing you want at the grocery store is on the very top shelf at the back.

Hiddee, all! Thanks for the offers of snow, ya'll. Just came in from a walk and I'm froze to the bone. My thinking is, if it's gonna be this dang cold, might as well get some white stuff with it. Here's hoping.

Here's a helpful hint: wear your old quad skates while you dust. They'll add several inches to your reach, and keep the cats out from under foot. My cats totally freak when I put the skates on.

Keep warm!

Connie

Thanks for the welcome Shay. Connie~ that is funny! But just might be worth a try! :)
Kari

Ok I tried to add a ticker, I just want to see if I did it correctly.
Kari

Don't you hate it when the tallest person in the theater has the seat in front of you?

Another short teacher?
 

Hey teacher I'm a teacher too. I teach high school history and English. What about you?

Don't you hate it when people ask you how tall you are?

Good morning everyone,
Gonzo Walker--They are calling for 1-2 inches of snow on Wednesday! Not much but a start.

Counting Down--Doesn't that always happen?

Don't you hate it when....you're sitting all the way back in a chair and your feet don't touch the ground

Hi all, This may not be for everyone, but.......Don't you hate it when you choose which car to buy, by how high you sit in the seat and can see out the window?

The slim me that is funny!

How about don't you hate it when... someone (really tall) pats your head like you're a pet or something.

Good morning ladies, only 4 more days til the weekend :dizzy:

Countingdown, I wanted to comment and congratulate you on your weight loss success 48 lbs is great progress!!! :cp: I am an inch shorter than you and I remember at 173 I felt positively thin (compared to the 230s! :lol: ). Recognizing we are works in progress, it does take effort and diligence to maintain our weight losses and not gain everything back, so even if we only lose very small amounts every week or even every month, it is a step forward. You totally make sense about setting attainable goals and readjusting them when needed.

Karen, I have to say you have done wonderfully with your losses as well. I always say keeping it off is more than half the battle. Have you had any more prospective buyers come and look at the house? I can't imagine anyone not wanting to buy it, it is beautiful and has so much land. I guess it's a buyers market right now though huh? I love your dog ticker, it's so cute and fitting for you :)

Shay, I hear you on Core--the "eat until you're satisfied" part always gets a big HA! out of me. I mean, come on, if I knew when to stop, I wouldn't be at WW would I? :lol: I like Flex because yes, it does work when you work it. I think the thing that most bugs me is the food journaling, but it's a necessary evil for me. If I don't write it, I forget I ate it, then I think I have more points than I actually do, which is wrong wrong wrong...... so even if I don't want to admit that I ate something worth a gazillion points, I write it anyway. It's all about accountability right?

Well, you ladies have a great day. Hope you're having better weather than I am...it's been rain-stormy and windy with more to come. That's our Hawaii winter though. Have a good one!

Mermom-
I teach special ed K-2.
I used to hate it when I subbed in middle school and teachers would mistake me for a student. That was back in the day when I was around 120lb.

Good morning, all, and a special HOO-RAH to you teachers! I am an elementary school principal's secretary. Just want you to know that I admire and respect you all hugely, but I do not envy you! Teachers have to be all things to all people, and the pay is a joke. The only teachers I work with who don't have a second job are the married ones. And then there are the parents who believe you got into teaching so you can have the summers off!! We try to explain the concepts of mandatory staff development and relicensure, but all they can see is an empty teacher parking lot in warm weather. There's a special place in heaven for you guys. Teachers ROCK!! :carrot:

Have a good one!

Connie

Another shortie here- mind if I join? I can so relate to the problems of finding clothes that fit!
And not being able to reach things on the top shelf- especially when shopping. Does anybody else grab another item and try to "knock" things down or is it just me? I hate having to ask for help, so if I can't get what I want off the top shelf that way, I figure it wasn't meant to be.

Here's one of my pet peeve's- maybe some of you can relate. I have short legs (my inseam is 25/26 inches) and, therefore, a short stride. When I walk with taller people, I have to walk much faster to keep up or they have to slow down. I just takes more steps for me to cover the same amount of ground as taller people. Right now my main exercise regime is walking, and it takes forever to walk a mile, even when I'm pushing it.
Years ago in college I had to take a gym class. It wasn't bad; we could do whatever physical activity we wanted as long as we remained active and we had to record our activities, heart rates, etc. on sheets that we turned in at the end of class. One of my classmates and I would walk around the track, and I'm not talking a leisurely stroll. We were moving. If I would have gone any faster, I would have been jogging. Anywho, one time the teacher commented on the sheet that my distance/speed was too slow! I was so irritated! Granted, she didn't know me from Adam- all she saw was that I was walking slower than I "should" be. I seriously doubt I could walk a mile in 15 minutes or less if I was 100 pounds lighter and in peak condition. Jogging, sure, but walking? Not likely!
I guess I just chafe at being forced to fit into a mold that was never meant for me.
Okay, that's enough ranting. :)
- Erin

:welcome: Welcome Erin! I totally agree with you! I too have "short legs" and find it hard to do a mile in 15 minutes. I have also been with people that can't understand why I can't keep up with them walking. I have finally just told myself that is the way it is. My DH isn't all that tall but he has long legs and a very long stride. But a couple bouts with pnumonia and bronchitis have left his lungs in a shape where I walk faster and he gripes at me to slow down! Not a good way to walk faster than him but still the shoe is on the other foot! His health is another reason why we have our home for sale and going to move to a lower altitude.

And I hate it when the things I want are way up on the top shelf at the store! But I have to laugh --- the store manager where I shop isnt' very tall either and when he sees me trying to get something he will always say let "ME" help you--- and calls someone!!

Don't you hate it when.... you haveto pay full price for a pair of pants that you are going to have to cut "half" the legs off to hem up!!! ;)

The comment about the grocery store really made me laugh! I have been known to move things on the bottom shelf so I can step up and reach sometime on top. This doesn't always work though so often I have to ask a stranger:p
At home I use a wooden spoon with a long handle to bat things down from the top cupboard so I down have to drag a chair over. Of course then I have to catch whatever it is before it falls and breaks.

I have started to buy pants from the thrift store so that I don't feel so bad when I have to cut half the leg off. That way too if I mess up while sewing I am only out a few dollars.

The walking thing is always a challenge. I have a 25/26 inseam as well. I have had to train people to slow down if they want to walk with me although I still end up walking a few paces behind.

How about this one ---don't you hate it when you are ignored while shopping and can never get service because all those tall people are so much more visible? Or...do you ever go in stores in the mall and get lost because the displays of clothes racks are so high and so dense that you can't see where you are going? Or your friend you are shopping with loses you in the store because even though she is taller she can't see you?:dizzy:

melekalikimaka, Thank you so much for your kind words. I do feel "thin" right now. After menopause, I gained a lot of "belly fat" that I never had before - even though my weight stayed relatively the same. It has been the first fat to go, so I actually have some shape to my body again - a bit "fluffy" still, but at least a shape is emerging - LOL

I am amazed how many of us work in education. I am the technology coordinator for our school district. I have an office at the Jr-Sr High. I try to time my movements so that I am not in the hall when the students are passing, I get lost in the shuffle! Even our 6-7th grade building has many students that tower over me!

Erin:welcome2: I agree. I have a hard time walking with anyone else. I am such a slowpoke even when I am "truckin'".

I hate that I can't clean the top of my bathroom mirror without getting a step-stool. And that I have to stand on my tipee-toes to close the rear door of my husband's SUV.
And finally - what about furniture makers that can't seem to make a chair where my feet touch the floor? I don't even whant to get started on sofa makers ...

Welcome Erin!

Connie do you have snow? Its snowing here in Arlington.

I could go on & on about the grocery store. I've stepped on shelves, I've asked strangers, I've given up....

I can definitely get on board about the short stride too. That is why some speeds on the treadmill are so scary.

Hi All, I have short legs too! Seems to be a theme for a lot of us. I do walk fast though, faster than most people. My husband is always telling me to slow down. And when I'm walking with other people I have to make a effort to walk at their pace. I think it's from all the running I do in the hospital. You learn to walk fast early on.

Hope eveyone is having a good day, Freda

Hey everyone, it's been wet and wild weather for me here in Hawaii, my internet connection is a little haywire. I wanted to pop in and say hi to everyone though.

As for being able to reach for things on the top shelves? I have a "extend-a-arm" contraption in my kitchen, it's a wooden stick with a metal, rubber-tipped claw at the end which you use to grab things with. It's the best description I can give it, but it's the only way I can reach for my spices in the cupboard up above the stove without climbing up on a stool or a chair (which is dangerous!). Anyway, the things we have to put up just because we're vertically challenged :rolleyes:. You ladies have a good one.

Noelle it is a mess here in VA too. It snowed on Wednesday and now its sleeting. The snow is the fluffy pretty kind.

I want fluffy, pretty snow. I've got sunshine, but I've still got intermittent torrential downpours. Pretty weird weather! My guinea pigs and rabbit are so antsy to get outside and exercise. They've been cooped up for days!

How's everyone's day going? It's a pretty boring day at work for me. But I do have a haircut/color appointment this afternoon to make me all pretty again :lol:. I refuse to go into my weekend feeling all old and frumpy with my white hair showing.

I also wanted to share that at my WI at WW on Wednesday I got my 25 lb award--it's basically a round metal washer with a 25 lb mark on it. I'm so stoked! :strong:

We finally got some snow here in Richmond, too, on Wednesday. It didn't stick, though. By the time I left work, we just had lots of puddles. Rats.

Friday at last: yippee! Have a great evening, all!


Connie

Hmmm, I just went back to read some posts and found that I missed reading a whole slew of 'em--don't know why I never saw them before! :shrug: Just to clarify, my hubby isn't currently out of work, in fact, he's a workaholic! He and I were having those normal married-people disagreements and I was having a particularly bad day when I posted about he and I.... we work together (he's a plumber and I work in the office), but we don't see each other that often since he's on the road. I almost forget why we were arguing :rolleyes:. But anyway, I really am sorry to hear about all your hardworking hubby's being laid off from work after so many years of valuable service. It's especially hard during the holidays and I imagine it's really difficult not to want to strangle them when their at home and underfoot all the time :lol:.

Good morning ladies,
I went to a holiday party last night and I think I did pretty good making choices. I knew the menut ahead of time so that helped with some planning. This thread is starting to get long. I'm thinking of starting a weekly thread starting tomorrow. Thoughts?

I don't why I didn't see this thread before! I'm 5'1" and ten pounds in my case is a pants size... how do I know - well I successfully just lost my first #10 and I'm now in a 16 from an 18! However, back when I was at my highest (#241) I was in a size 20/22. Not to mention the fact that I looked like a butter ball turkey. I was pretty much as big around as I was tall!

I started this journey September 24th at #197.9 - and I'm now at 187.3 My BMI is at 35.4. My Ultimate goal is to get to #130 by Memorial day weekend 2008 - putting my BMI at 24.6 (in the healthy range)

I'll have little goals to meet through out - one mini-goal at a time. Right now I'm working on kissing the #180's away before the ball drops!