Geriatric mm warriors (12/30/09)

[Wisteria1956]

That is such a great story about Olivia and your sister! Chloe is having a lot of fun deciding where to go, what to do. Yesterday she asked - did you know that Amsterdam is only 3 hours from Paris by train? I traveled around Europe by myself when I was 21 or 22. I was there for about 6 weeks. It was fun but I think it would have been better if I had been there with a friend. I have been back several times since then and loved each experience. The last time we were there was 6 or 7 years ago. My mom took the girls and me, her bf and Toby (my adopted brother). We started in Paris and stayed there for 4 days and then we rented a huge van and made our way to Florence & Venice, back to Paris via Nice. Lots of fun, lots of laughs. The girls have been to Greece three times since then with their dad (he is Greek and they have lots of relatives there). Alex and I were married for 17 years and he never wanted to travel - I had to drag him along when we went anywhere (he never went to Europe with me). We get divorced and he goes to Greece 3 times! What is up with that? Anyway, enough rambling....

I want to go to Greece and Italy in the worst way! It's really high on my list of things to do while I'm still young enough to enjoy it. We hoped to go for our 30th, but then Tom got sick and J-P was graduating so it wasn't a good time. Maybe next year? I think there is nothing like travel to broaden a young person's perspective. J-P's going to Whistler, BC (where the Olympics just were) to the art show for Travis Rice's website on April 6. I'm so happy he gets to do that. It's only 7 hours from Portland.

 

[Wisteria1956]

I'm still praying for Kristi. Bless her heart. Thanks for sharing the updates, Kate. I'm sure it's a roller coaster. She is young and resilient and will come back 100%; I just know it!

 

[Wisteria1956]

I just saw something on KQED (our local public TV station) with Dr. Amen. He has written a number of books on our brains. The most recent is called Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. I bought the book but haven't time to read it. He talks about the power of our brains. It is really quite amazing.

Speaking of amazing, I am so glad that we went to the King Tut exhibit - it will be leaving at the end of the month (I think it has been here since last June?). The artifacts are just incredible. Absolutely beautiful. What is hard for me to fathom is how old they are. The detail on the sculpture and the jewelry is amazing. I can't imagine doing that kind of work now let alone 3,200 years ago. Chloe and I were trying to envision what life was like?

That book sounds like the next step for us! If you get into it before I pick it up, give us your opinion. I have been lazy about seeing King Tut. We should go! A spring trip to the city would be really nice. Have you been to Filoli? The wisteria should be blooming now. I love it so much there; I cried the first time I went just after pulling into the parking lot, but you know I'm a bit touched in the head!

 

[Cindycin]

I'm still praying for Kristi. Bless her heart. Thanks for sharing the updates, Kate. I'm sure it's a roller coaster. She is young and resilient and will come back 100%; I just know it!

You've got my prayers too Kate!!

 

[Daniele]

Kate, I think I'm going to start imagining myself a normal weight. Great suggestion. I'm glad that you have a chance to do things with your daughter. Going anywhere in Europe sounds fantastic! What an incentive. Saving money is great, but everything is balance. You can't take it with you in the end. I will say a prayer for Kristi right now.

Lisa, I'm glad you have time with J-P also and that he is doing well. I can understand not wanting to print a lot on the home printer. The ink refills cost a lot.

Thank you Diane. I'm glad that my insight can be helpful sometimes. I have no idea what god's plan for me is, but somehow the way I word things seems to be wrapped up in it.

Can you all believe I've never been to a Japanese or an Indian restaurant? I have however been to a Korean restaurant, which isn't too common.

Well, today I am doing ok and prepared to start working on my homework. I'm not a good organizer, and have to figure out which assignment to do first when they all need to be done now. I'll be really grateful when this semester is over and I can get started on what I really feel pushed to do. Although, learning a little philosophy, geography etc. is not going to hurt me, lol.

I have been having a lot of torn emotions, all over the place. I want to try to stay in peace today and accomplish what I need to. I need a time out from the emotional roller coaster. Meditation last night was wonderful. It's guided visualizations, and she guided us to a crystal palace, but of course I followed and ended up in an Indian wig wam with an ancient elder. Can never to the norm, lol. Then after a car pulled up in front on the meditation place with men in it and a lit up sign on top that said repent sinners. They started screaming at us that we were going to hell. They were so angry. Me and another woman who is an RN got protective and walked halfway to the car telling them to leave. You see, a lot of people who go to meditation are in an emotionally vulnerable state and are trying to go there to deal with nervous conditions. Because it's held at a metaphysical store in the back room, some people believe it is an occult place, or I don't know what, maybe they think we sacrifice animals or something. I didn't like the feel of that car of men though. My instincts were telling me that it was a mob mentality. I wonder what happened to thou shall not judge. The funny thing is that everyone outside they were screaming at was a Christian. Kind of bizarre.

Well, I'm going to get to the work and try not to think too much. I hope everyone has a lovely day. Blessings out all around!

 

[kater]

Well, today I am doing ok and prepared to start working on my homework. I'm not a good organizer, and have to figure out which assignment to do first when they all need to be done now. I'll be really grateful when this semester is over and I can get started on what I really feel pushed to do. Although, learning a little philosophy, geography etc. is not going to hurt me, lol.

Nell - I am just jumping in for a sec. Do you have any ADD issues? Dr. Amen (the brain doctor) also has a book on the brain and ADD. Demi has ADD and takes medication for it. I found the book on Half.Com (really cheap) and ordered it. I don't have it yet....

I absolutely believe that we can obtain whatever what we want. However, we have to believe in it. I mean, really believe in it. And, that means changing how we think about ourselves. So, try to focus on that vision of who/what you want to be!

 

[Simpleone]

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is having some wonderful spring like weather! We finally are, but snow is predicted this weekend! Ugh!

Nell it's so good to see you posting again! One thing at a time will get you through. How about listing your assignments in order of due dates and times and go from there. Be as determined as you are overwhelmed. Don't let up on each one until it is completely finished. I hope you're so very proud of yourself for going back to school. My youngest daughter is taking a couple of classes online because of over crowding and I've heard her say, "This is due by 10:52 tonight!" Huh? lol

Kate, I agree so much with what you're saying, tapping into the calm part of our brain that enables us to become what we envision. http://www.oprah.com/health/Diet-Advice-Martha-Becks-5-Step-Plan-to-Lose-Weight/2
This is so ironic, I saved this to my favorites a while back and revisited it a few weeks ago. And here we are basically talking about what Martha Beck is trying to get us to understand. I personally think it's an age thing, be we young or old, there comes a time when we just know to tap into our brain/thoughts/core/resolve to give us that extra something we need to reach our goals. I remember my ninth grade science teacher telling us that if we could envision something for ourselves, we can accomplish it. Decades later, I finally get it! I'm cycling now, something I've always dreamed of doing. But something I never really actually imagined doing. It was my inner secret dream that I never told. The vision held and viola, I'm doing it. The oddest thing about this for me is how excited and cool my family thinks it is. I was actually embarrassed to tell them!

Lisa, I hope you had a perfectly wonderful time with JP this week. Your pride in him shows in every word you speak. You're a wonderful mother, I can tell all the way across country. lol

Where's that Ponygal, I want to hear about her new way of eating!

BTW, I dropped three more pounds on Sunday morning's weigh in! There has to be something right about switching things up. I'll probably end up back on Step I again, but for now I'm doing what I'm doing and riding my bike!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Well, heck, Im imagining my belly gone, my flab restored to its original muscle and my ****s returned to their original location! LOL probably get that one blanked out here,oops! Off to a 2 hour sales rally...being Nationwide cheerleader for the afternoon doesnt have too much appeal today...Im tired and need a vacation!

Kate- OMG so awful Kristi is having so much trouble, prayers and hugs from here! Sounds like this whole thing is going to quite trying for her and her family for awhile to come...

Nell - what in the world? Stay away from crazy people like that...they could seriously be dangerous...if it happens again I would call the cops and let them escort them away...whatever happened to live and let live? Im so sorry you are going through this trying emotional time...remember we all love you and you have my number if you need to talk...Im always up late!

Lisa - laughing about your touched in the head comment! I believe we ALL are and you would HAVe to be to put up with me here!

Gotta run, catch up later I hope!

 

[Wisteria1956]

OMG, I switched it up big time today and I'm kind of sorry, but it will be a long time comin' again! I had my annual (yeah, that kind) of check up today. Trigger! Mom used to take me for burgers after the doctor, even when he said I was too big for my age, LOL! Tom and J-P met me for lunch after the appt. at the best burger place, where I usually have a salad. I caved! Good at the time and I felt like crap afterward. Oh, well. Couldn't hurt too much once a year, right? I'm on the wagon for a month until the burrito in Tucson. I don't think I've done any damage playing with Step 2 as far as eating less and not fretting about the clock. I haven't eaten off the food chart til today. The best news is that my injuries are some better so I can walk more. Still getting very swollen and those stirrups scared me to death today! I had the nurse all ready to hold my knee, if need be, no pun intended.

Nell, Robin beat me to it, but I was going to say don't run out in the street. Those crazy people could have guns! I wish they could put their energy into a loving, productive place. Sad. Be careful!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Just checking in to tell you I am imagining my chest getting bigger...(not working yet), I am imagining my belly to be gone (not working yet), Im imagining I drove home yesterday and you were all there partying with the ponies (not working either)..... have to admit I am more than a little disappointed with this program! Liking Jorge so far, trying to get in 25 g fiber isnt too easy though! Things I thought would have alot of fiber dont...so its beans beans beans! Might even try some berries tomorrow, since they are high fiber and I like them! Using the Arnold whole grain rounds for a sammy...blood sugar maintaining...so far so good...doing Meatless Monday, red meat only once a week, might even try for a Meatless Thursday too...especially since veggies are going to be more available soon...almost time to plant the garden! Getting out of here in a few, so have a good nite y'all!

 

[Diane W.]

I love this weather! I've needed this sunshine so much.
I walked for 2 miles around the track today.

Nell : I agree that if that happens again you should call the cops. I can't get over how much energy people can put into acting so badly. Hopefully they'll find something else to take up their time.

Robin: Are you and Jorge making beautiful music together? (too many beans?)

I have a vision board that I made a year ago. You put pictures and words that represent your dreams/goals. I have removed somethings that have happened and added some new things (a job!). I read about it on crazysexylife.com Kris Carr wrote a book and had a documentary on PBS called Crazy, Sexy Cancer. A lot of inspirational stuff.

Lisa - A burger won't do any harm once in a blue moon. You have been so on track, I don't think it will matter. I remember on weight watchers there was a Wendy Plan that people talked about. The premise was to vary your points from low, on target, and high. It was supposed to make it so your metabolism never got used to one thing. You might have shocked yours with a burger and it will release some pounds.

Time for bed. I'm meeting a friend tomorrow for an early lunch, then I'm going to do laundry, the gym and then the track (walking kind, not the horsey kind )

 

[Wisteria1956]

Just checking in to tell you I am imagining my chest getting bigger...(not working yet), I am imagining my belly to be gone (not working yet), Im imagining I drove home yesterday and you were all there partying with the ponies (not working either)..... have to admit I am more than a little disappointed with this program! Liking Jorge so far, trying to get in 25 g fiber isnt too easy though! Things I thought would have alot of fiber dont...so its beans beans beans! Might even try some berries tomorrow, since they are high fiber and I like them! Using the Arnold whole grain rounds for a sammy...blood sugar maintaining...so far so good...doing Meatless Monday, red meat only once a week, might even try for a Meatless Thursday too...especially since veggies are going to be more available soon...almost time to plant the garden! Getting out of here in a few, so have a good nite y'all!

Very inspired by your post today, Robin! Good job!!!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: Thanks for the encouraging words. You are doing amazingly with the exercise and you sound so cheeful. How awesome! I had to laugh about you at the track, LOL!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi guys. I'm not MIA so to speak. I have been reading, but not enough to post. It has be so beautiful this week, spending as much time as I can outside in the sunshine.
Feeling a bit better. I am actually sort of waking up out of my funk. With the exception of last night, been sleeping like a log and waking up feeling good. Still doing the coffee thing. It has been amazing to me how much better I feel.
Been a little lazy in the eating lately, so I am going to revamp my step 1 for a bit. Still playing with the same 3-5# but haven't gone above 169! I am more or less holding at 166-167. I still want to lose at least 30# to be happy. So, laying off the pieces of breakfast whole grain bread, and I've had a few more nachos, and just plain being lazy. I may stick with the oatmeal in the morning, but make sure I do it 1/2 c. water to 1/4 c. oatmeal. It is the old fashioned oatmeal. Can't stand the instant stuff. Tastes like paste and I know the old fashioned is better too.
Nell, thank goodness you were with your friend. People are just plain crazy. Please call the cops if it were to happen again. I used to work evenings at times at my one job. It was within walking distance to my house. It was in my hometown (that I moved from to come to Indiana) and about a 10 minute leisure walk. I'd get off work around 10 pm. I smoked at that time, so I always made sure I had a cigarette lit and my hand was always on my lighter. I figured if someone tried to attack me, I could burn them with the cigarette and catch their hair on fire with the lighter. Thankfully the town was almost like Mayberry of Andy Griffith LOL.
Robin, good to see you. Really miss you here. Love the sarcasm.

I am in the process of reading a book (actually 2 now with the adrenal fatigue one) that deals with the very thing about the power of suggestion of the mind. Our minds are very powerful. I have always believed that if you think it enough, you will become it.
This is the book I am reading:
http://www.amazon.com/Law-Attractio...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269000336&sr=8-1
I believe I got it when The Secret was out. I am going to do a different version of the dream board. I am going to go to the Dollar Store and buy a couple of those little photo albums and fill it with pictures. That way it will be portable.
Ok, got to get going. Much to do before I go to work. Catch up with you all later. Have a great day!!

 

[Wisteria1956]

I had so much fun with my vision board. I used magazines for a lot of the pictures. Also went through them and chose words that jumped out, leaving my mind open without much expectation at first. It's amazing how it all came together once I started making the collage. I used words like Success, Connect with Family, Relax, Fitness, Green Home, Be Yourself. Some of them are placed on top of pictures to emphasize the meaning. I also looked online for places I wanted to visit. I have my board out in my office where I can see it often. Some of the things are coming true!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

I need a vision board! Mine would have to be a vision billboard though! lol, still not excited about having my picture taken...too much left to lose, but Im thinking I need those before pictures so I can look at them and go YUK...

Diane - lol, beans dont seem to adversely affect me so far... I think my digestive track is pretty much iron clad...never had problems there so maybe thats what is holding onto the belly fat! hopefully upping the fiber will clear it all out! LOL, my super told me to try putting some ground pysllium in water and drinking it ...yuk...but Jorge has that recommendation too along with probiotic caps, so maybe I will have to try it! Seems like something I might want to try when I know I will be at home for the day though ! LOL

Lisa - I like the meatless monday thing, so might even work up to 3-4 meatless days a week and see how that works...going to add a bunch of extra veggies to the garden this year since my grocery stores have such awful produce!

Kate - answered your FB message!

Kathy - I hate the oatmeal too, jus the texture that grosses me out...but I have always had good results when I forced myself to have it for breakfast every morning...going back to it myself...adding a bit of fruit, and some cinnamon makes it a little better...

 

[gettinhealthy]

Kathy - I hate the oatmeal too, just the texture that grosses me out...but I have always had good results when I forced myself to have it for breakfast every morning...going back to it myself...adding a bit of fruit, and some cinnamon makes it a little better...

I love old fashioned oats. Just not the quick cook or instant kinds. I could eat a ton of the old fashioned ones with the truvia and vanilla on it with just a splash of milk too.

Off to take Tyson for a walk in a bit. He's sleeping right now. He played hard with his doberman friend last night. They had so much fun. We have another "play date" for them after dinner tonight too. Sage is the one friend he has that he is able to play rough with. Sage is 125# and Tyson is able to walk under him!! But Sage is such a sweetie and a big baby too LOL.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Robin: You can buy psycillim (sp) caps, but I just use ground flax seed. You can put it in oatmeal, salads, smoothies, meatloaf, soups, you get the drift...It adds plenty of fiber and you won't notice a thing. I put a huge , heaping tablespoon in my shake every morning.

My poor child was denied PPO health coverage and had to go with the one HMO that would take him. It's awful to be discriminated against because you had one injury four years ago. He hasn't been to the doctor except for the flu once in 6 years. Even if we get reform, it won't take effect for 4 years. I feel sorry for people that are sicker than we are...

 

[gettinhealthy]

My poor child was denied PPO health coverage and had to go with the one HMO that would take him. It's awful to be discriminated against because you had one injury four years ago. He hasn't been to the doctor except for the flu once in 6 years. Even if we get reform, it won't take effect for 4 years. I feel sorry for people that are sicker than we are...

Lisa, I'm sorry J-P was denied. Tris' boss was going to get other health insurance for the employees (all 2 of them LOL) but when Tris looked into it, she would be denied because of her asthma. It is because she keeps refilling her albuterol inhaler in case she has an attack and needs it. She hasn't had an attack for almost 4 years now. So they are keeping the company they have with the higher premiums and co pays

 

[Wisteria1956]

Lisa, I'm sorry J-P was denied. Tris' boss was going to get other health insurance for the employees (all 2 of them LOL) but when Tris looked into it, she would be denied because of her asthma. It is because she keeps refilling her albuterol inhaler in case she has an attack and needs it. She hasn't had an attack for almost 4 years now. So they are keeping the company they have with the higher premiums and co pays

That's the exact example I used in my discussion with Tom last night - asthma. You know what this has done to me? I found myself not wanting to document any ailments when I saw my doctor this week. Too afraid to underscore any conditions in case I ever lose my insurance. This is a sad state of affairs.