Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[Wisteria1956]

Yikes about Mike, Diane and Robin on the job front. Sounds like we all need to continue to pull for them to find a better place soon!

I need support having just restarted Step 1 yesterday - finally! It wasn't a good day healthwise, but I don't think it had anything to do with Step 1. I had a meeting at work and couldn't eat lunch on time so I had a bunch of almonds. That should have held me over. In the meeting, I got really hot, clammy, nauseated and dizzy. I felt really faint so I thought I needed to get cooled off and go home for a proper lunch. I tried sitting with my ac on full blast in the car, but I got worse and worse until I knew I couldn't drive. Luckily, they just put in a walk in clinic next to my office. I have Blue Cross so I can go where I want. By the time I got in there my hands were numb and it was going up my arm. I actually had an episode of very low blood pressure 111/60. They did an EKG and kept me there for an hour. I still don't feel quite over the headache you get when you almost faint. I guess it's because I have vericose veins and I take a diuretic to keep the swelling down in my legs, especially when it's hot. That isn't good for my blood pressure since I tend to run on the low side. The doctor said to cut my sodium in half and to continue to work on weight so my veins will cause me less trouble and to not take the diueritics ever again. I've been drinking a lot of water today and doing Step 1 again to improve as quickly as I can. I seem to be less happy with the choices, but I'll manage. Any support from Step 1er's is welcome!

Hugs to all!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Day 2 was easier. Where is everyone?

 

[Seabreezes]

Glad you are feeling better, Lisa.

Our poor group seems to have gone by the wayside.

Are you following Diane's Facebook page where she answers questions to get inspiration for going back to step 1?

Have company for dinner tonight and was out all day yesterday so have to get busy cooking - roast pork, spinach casserole, roasted red potatoes and yams for the carb lovers and maybe coleslaw for salad.

Have a lovely day everyone and I hope the job finding fairy shows up soon for all who need him/her!!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Jocelyn: If I leave now, I can just about make it to your place by dinnertime! Yum! Have fun with your friends. I'll have to reconnect with Diane on FB. I'm technically connected, just haven't been reading her lately.

 

[Seabreezes]

Dinner was great - all the potatoes went home with one of the guests who loves them so we are not tempted. The roast and spinach will be great for the next couple of days.

It is too bad we are so far away Lisa - would love to have you for dinner and any others who would like to come, however that big pond separating us is a bit BIG!!!

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Hugs

 

[gettinhealthy]

Lisa, I am so sorry you had such a frightening experience!! I hope you're feeling better today. I also have low blood pressure, so I know how scary it is when it drops lower. Maybe keeping a bit of celery with peanut butter in your purse to snack on before a meeting may help. I'm glad day 2 was a little better. Just be sure to take care of yourself!!

Thank you all for the well wishes for Mike. We pretty much have the attitude whatever happens, happens. Nothing we can do to change it. We have been looking in the paper for jobs he will be able to apply for. I know whatever happens, it's in God's hands, so there is no sense in worrying about it. Easier said than done sometimes LOL.

I'll catch up with you all later. Have a great day!!

 

[Simpleone]

Hi everyone!! I thought everyone had just gotten busy with summer, I haven't bailed! Promise!

Diane, chin up girlfriend, you're right and the perfect opportunities will come. How's the walking/hiking going? We've either had storms or blasted hot and humid weather, it's too miserable get out to do anything. Leslie Sanson and my Biggest Loser DVD's are my new best friends, once again.

Jocelyn, I can't imagine living where you are. I bet it is the most beautiful, enjoyable place there is. Everytime you tell what you're doing I try so hard to visualize it..even the foods!

I'm so happy for Robin and her new male friend, I wish she'd get back and share some. I'm still waiting for biker and vacation pics on facebook!

Lisa, I'm here on Step I with you, once again. I can take about two weeks of it then I fall somewhere between what I imagine would be Step II and III. I've gained 12 lbs!! ...and my size 12's are getting a wee bit too tight. I've bought all my new clothes in 10's and 12's and there's no way I can go out a re-buy everything again. I started this morning and will continue until we leave for Mexico the first of August, I sure hope it's enough to get me back on track. When I first started reading your discription of your low BP episode, I thought for sure you were having a panic attack, my symptoms are exactly as you descibe when I've had them. (thank you menopause) And since it was your first day back on Step I, could low blood sugars have brought that on? Please be careful, even if you have to ease back into Step I a little bit slower. So glad you were able to get help quickly!

I'll check back in with you all over my morning coffee tomorrow. I, like Lisa, think I'm going to be needing some extra support staying on track until vacation time. The facebook MM is very helpful and I like reading it, but it's not as effective as our group right here!

See you in the morning!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Good morning everyone. A very hot humid day in store for us today again. This weather is sooo hard on me!!
Had such a nice time last night. We went to Kittanning, and they had a summer concert by the Allegheny River. It was such a nice time!! I posted some pics on FB. There were easily over a 1000 people there. It was hot and humid until the sun went down. There were huge house boats there on the river, and I imagine many of them came down the river from Pittsburgh. Some of them were huge! Like you'd see on TV. Saw a friend from high school. Haven't seen her in 25 years!!
Well, got to go to Walmart and get sweeper bags. In a house cleaning mood, so need to get there before the mood leaves me LOL.
I'll try to get back later.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Hi girls!

I got Jocelyn's email and thought I would check back in.

I had been working a modified Step 2 and started to gain weight back, and then I went off track completely and gained more weight.

So as of yesterday I have gone back to Step 1. Other than missing fruit and milk, I feel better on Step 1 and need to get back to a good place. Of course yesterday I had the crabbies, so my family won't be thrilled to know I am back on Step 1.

We leave on our cruise in one month and I am really concerned about making that work, but all I can do is try.

It has been really hot and humid and rainy here, so my exercise has been non-existent.

I guess I am saying that I have been a very bad girl in every part of my diet life, but I am back, and plan to stay here!

I'm sorry I have missed out on everyone's life. That was my favorite part of being here (that and losing weight). Lisa, sorry that you didn't feel well. I can also attest to the idea that it sounds like a panic attack. I have missed most of Pony's updated life. I saw on FB that she had a new bike, and it sounds like a new man as well.

I will add prayers for all those who are looking for jobs.

Well, I am going to fix some bacon for b-fast, so have a great day everyone!

 

[Diane W.]

Hi Pam! I am still walking the trail everyday for an hour or more. It's wooded and I go at 6pm, so it's cooler. The only thing is the deer - either I startle them or they startle me! They're not afraid at all, they just keep munching and stare at me. If it's not too hot, after I walk on the trail I go on the 'road' to the barn which cuts through 2 fields. The rail fence has bluebird boxes on it and now that the babies have hatched some of the moms/dads feel the need to dive-bomb my head! Sometimes I swirl my keys over my head and other times I run. It's only one bird at a time, not a whole flock!

Lisa - That must have been scary for you. I'm happy you're feeling better!

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday!

 

[Simpleone]

Good day everybodies!

It's so good to see you Bev! It looks like we're going to be taking off on our vacations around the same time! So it's been you sending all this tropical weather over here to Indiana!? Miserable isn't it? I can handle anything around the 80's but once is slides into the 90's with high humidity, I want to be anywhere but here! Next week is calling for much less rain and lower temps, I can't wait, we need a break!

Okay, so we have myself, Bev and Lisa rededicated to Step I, once again...anyone else? Lisa, I bet you'd do fine with just a one month (or even less) clean up. You always did so well on Step II didn't you? Step II for me is a killer, I must be a real carb junkie, after just a week or so on it I'm all carbs or nothing. I enjoy the food choices but then I just seem to slide back into too many. Hate that!

Wracking my brain last night for some self motivation, it hit me that when I stay truly busy, even with the most mundane of tasks, I've always been more successful on Step I. This week should be very easy, we've made last minute plans to have the July 4th party here. Now if I can just get past that one day with all the food temptations! Hubby finally started building our picnic shelter, I can't say it will be finished by then, but am hoping!

Yay for your continued walking Diane! I did laugh about the birds dive bombing you though. When we first moved out here, I would be out mowing and half a dozen barn swallows would start, what I thought, was bombing me. Freaked me out gave me the creeps so bad! It took me a while but then realized it wasn't me they were after, it was the bugs I was stirring up as I mowed. I had three with me this morning as I was mowing our back two acres. Now I consider it feeding the birds.

Kathy, what a lovely evening you had! I envy you!

My foods were good yesterday and so far today, but I've stayed super busy working out in the yard. It's started to rain so I'll go in and polish the hardwoods or something, anything...but eat!

You all have a pleasant rest of your weekend. I'll see you all tomorrow!

 

[Simpleone]

:::Is that crickets I hear::: Hi everyone! Where y'all gone off to? Maybe I just know how to clear a thread and just don't know it yet?

Day three of Step I and my energy and good mood has returned, headache, grumpies, hungries, and cravings have all gone! I think this is a record for me, it's usually not until the fourth or fifth day that I get detox relief. I love it when I get to the point where I have to remind myself to watch the clock to make sure I eat, that's when I know I'm good!

Ah! We've also finally gotten some relief from the unbearable heat, sunny, breezy and low humidity, my kind of weather! I'm now actually looking for things to do outside for a change. I have several things thawed for the grill tonight so I'll even be able to be out on the deck while getting dinner. Love it!

I just had the best laugh with my DD26. She called wanting to know if I'd go to Indy with her on Wednesday, take the grandkids and meet DD29 and her two sons and go swimming for the day. My only response was to laugh. Me? In a swimming suit with my all over my body farmers tan? Not a chance..not on your life..not in a million!! ..I offered to go sit in the car and watch..or to drop them off and take myself shopping! She said, no deal! lol

Lisa, are you feeling better? I just saw your request for a reflexologist<sp> was that it, on facebook. Yikes! Is that for yourself or Tom? Every single person on my side of the family (except me) has issues with reflex or gallbladders being removed or something going on all the time and are just miserable with problems. (I'm knocking on wood here) My brother and his wife both have been checked recently for esophagus cancer. They were telling me that it's the end result of cronic reflex for a lot of people. They both got the all clear but have to be checked regularly. I hope all is well with you!

Bev, how's Step I going for you? Starting over it such a pain, come and yell, stomp and hollar at us if you need to!

Off to putter once again, everyone have a nice afternoon!

 

[Simpleone]

Lisa! You said reflexologist..and as you probably guessed.. my mind went right to gastric reflux disorders!! I thought the "me in a swimming suit" was my laugh for the day... now I really can't quit chuckling!

 

[Diane W.]

Hi Everyone!
Lisa - How do I post a photo on here? I thought I could just paste it in, but that doesn't work. I finally got my photos loaded on this new netbook and thought I would share one.

We are expecting thunderstorms tonight. The humidity is terrible today.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Bev: What a relief to see you back! I was just thinking of you yesterday! I thought I’d click on our page just to see if anyone was there to support me and my rebirth to Step 1. I’m doing fine, too. I really miss my fruit, but it’s manageable. I had done great on Step 2 for many months, but had a few off things like frozen yogurt twice, popcorn and a hamburger so I’m going back on Step 1 before I do any more damage. I gained maybe 2 lbs. That said, I need to lose a lot more. Lack of exercise has been a big problem since I got injured. I’m able to walk again, but not with any incline yet.

What really happened to me was that I take diuretics because my legs swell from varicose veins. Since I usually have low blood pressure anyway I found out someone like me should never take diuretics because it can crash your blood pressure. I was afraid the opposite was happening – a heart episode. Thank goodness it wasn’t. I’m researching herbs and looking for a reflexologist, which is what my research tells me I need to try.

Pam: You are so funny with the bird feeding! That’s a creative way to look at it, lol! Stay strong! I did a bunch of yard work, too, and kept the munchies at bay. My problem is that I was on my feet too long in the heat and without my pills my lower legs are swollen. The ankle I sprained gets huge. So today I put them up on an exercise ball when I noticed signs of swelling. Better, but how long can you stay on the ground, lol??

I just saw your newest post. My birth father had esophageal cancer. It was horrible. He had to have a huge surgery and have his stomach moved up to take the place of most of his esophagus. I have found no acid reflux when I am on MM. You might want to tell them about the program. It’s a change in diet they need, not prevacid, etc. I want the reflexologist to target areas in my feet silly! To get rid of the swelling.

Diane: I went to photobucket, uploaded the photo and pasted the link here. It's pretty easy.

Stick around everyone! We're getting close to our anniversary together and we need each other!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi again everyone! So good to see everyone returning!! I hope this helps me get motivated to get the heck on step 1 again!! I have a high school reunion coming up in a month and I'd love to lose more weight for it. I have gained and bloated, but still in my 14's. My best friend's daughter is getting married in Sept. and I'd like to be in a 12 at the least for that. If all goes well, maybe a 10.

This adrenal fatigue has me going crazy. Had such a great "up" weekend, and even got the downstairs dusted and cleaned well yesterday. Today I could barely get out of bed. I know I need to get this eating under control.

So, I am here once again asking for help. I need a lot of support this time I think. I need to get my head around this WOE as I know my health really does depend on it. My body can't heal itself with lots of carbs and sugar. I have taken a vacation from taking care of myself, and it's showing it. I need to get off this dang pity party I'm having. My heart palpitations are back, nausea, and headaches, and shakiness. And that's not counting the mood swings. This is mostly the AF and I need to realize it in my head that low carb and s/f is the only thing that will help. I think I'm trying to convince myself and not all of you

So, starting tomorrow, I am going to start again. I am not going to view this as a failure. It is a learning process. I know our group is smaller than it used to be, but that's ok with me. I still love you all as much as ever
Ok, getting mushy isn't a good thing right now

I am a bit tired this evening, so I am going to bed now. Have sweet dreams everyone, and tomorrow will be a new day with a wonderful new beginning.

Sorry for the rambling and the rant. I'll be back in the morning.

 

[Diane W.]

Thanks Lisa for the instructions. Let's see if I did it right.
This should be some photos of the place where I go walking every day.
They are pictures of the beginning of the trail, a bird ready to dive-bomb at my head and the 'road' I take to walk to the barn and back.
Let me know if this works.

 

[Seabreezes]

So nice to see some posters again. We had broccoli and enchilada casserole with left over pork roast tonight. Came out fairly well.

I went to physical therapy today and they gave me some stretches and exercises I had not been given before. She said my hip area needs strengthening. We will see if they will help. I have been seeing a scoliosis specialist and he is quite pro active so hope this all helps.

Of course, getting rid of excess weight is also very important so I am not carrying it around!!

I was looking for an article I saw on veggies and how some of them have more goodies in them than fruits, but I can't find it right now. I did find the following though and thought it was good to share.


I start over every day.

Every day is a NEW opportunity. Every day is another clean slate. Every day! I have NOT been perfect with this way of eating... HEY I HAVEN'T BEEN PERFECT AT LIFE EITHER!! But I'm still living.. and I'm still trying.

I have binged. I have stalled. I have whined. I have pushed. I have cheered. I have cried. I have jumped for joy.

I have had some awesome perfect days. I have had some "squeaky" barely get by days. I've had some REBELLIOUS days! 

I AM NOT ASHAMED TO ADMIT THAT I HAVE STARTED TOTALLY OVER MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT ON BOTH HANDS. That is the key. I REFUSE to give up. I REFUSE to think about what I did yesterday or last weekend. I try very hard to keep looking forward.

AND....

The "weak" days are getting fewer and fewer AND ... farther and farther between them. Would you beat your child for not walking perfectly within the first months of learning how to take their first step? Would you use as harsh a language with a beginner "reader" as you would for yourself for not doing it perfectly? Would you toss out your child for not brushing their teeth because you have told them at least a dozen times what to do? I THINK NOT! Give yourself a break!!!

If you struggle with "perfection" -- determine to be ONE OF "THOSE" PEOPLE ....... start over every morning. I love a new day!



New day = new chance to get it right.

See, we just have to think of each day as new and go from there. Good Luck!

Hugs

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: Your pictures are so gorgeous! I had to chuckle over the bird.

Kathy: It's ok to have a two minute pity party. I hope you're feeling better today because the negative feelings will only make you want to eat poorly. Is it possible for you to see carbs and sugar as poison? They really are for us MM'ers. I told Tom I needed his help to keep me healthy and mentally strong so he's helping me not to give in to temptation instead of being the one that would indulge me. He loves me so much that previously if I craved ice cream, he'd grab the car keys, lol! Could you tell your family to help you also? Try it.

Jocelyn: I'm glad you are seeing the physical therapist. A good one is worth their weight in gold. I loved the quote you shared! I'm sure it's what Kathy and all of us needed to hear today.

I've lost the extra pounds already, but wanting to make a lot more progress so thanks to all of you for being here. I got new natural supplements yesterday for my adema (swelling) and seem to be back to normal today. We'll see how I hold up with 100 degrees again. Showing a house at the hottest part of the day today...

 

[mmponygirl]

Well, I see I need to get myself back here and catch y'all up on my life! LOL, such a nosy bunch we all are...can't let anyone get away from us for too long without someone checking in and dragging us back here! I seriously have just not had the extra time lately...no excuse, I know I know...

First and foremost, I am not on any particular plan, just watching the carbs, and trying to avail myself of the summer veggies in the garden and farmers market and getting into the gym a couple times a week...lost a couple more, but nothing huge, and for right now, I guess I am just going to keep trying to stay healthy and not freak about the scale...and here's why...

Jim doesnt care one bit how much I weigh, and says if I want to lose some for MY benefit, then go for it, but if I want to lose it for any other reason, he couldn't care less! He isnt the healthiest eater in the world, in that he eats at irregular times like I do, and is likely to cave in and have a pizza or a dish of ice cream now and again, but for the most part he eats pretty normal, doesnt like junk food, and is all about salads and the grill, so that makes it easy to stay on track most of the time. He is back from his 2 month motorcycle trip across 29 states, so its been great having him closer. He lives over the West Virginia border, about 90 minute drive, so he has been putting on some more miles coming back and forth to the farm to stay a few days here and there when I have time off. He is the GREATEST and all my friends and family adore him...and of course NOW THEY TELL ME, that they never liked Ken and thought he was kind of uppity and that he was just trying to throw money and numbers around to impress me...LOL, I told them if they have honest opinions about Jim, I need to hear them NOW, not later! I mean seriously, what good does it do me to hear this all after the fact! I actually heard from Ken a couple weeks ago, just checking in and wondering if there was a possibility of him coming over to talk...I told him NO and was so proud of myself for sticking to my guns...I had doubts and reservations myself all during that time...he just always seemed to be trying to impress me with his job and his money...then of course the whole thing about disappearing to foreign countries half the year...I think I was being a bit naive about him!

Jim bought me the motorcycle as I have been riding all my life, but havent been able to afford one since moving down here...he is an avid regular rider, and was thrilled to find out that I rode too...we are so excited to be able to ride together, and are planning several long trips in the future. We are going to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway here in Virginia right to the end in NOrth Carolina this coming 4th of July holiday week, as I am off that whole week on vacation. and YES MOMS, we always wear our helmets!

My job has turned into somewhat of a nightmare, due to the company putting new CEO in place several months ago, and all the new directives and changes in policy have just really thrown all the tenured employees into a tailspin...they are now messing with our money, our health care, our schedules...its just ugly and dumb stuff that sometimes happens when a company transitions to new upper management...Jim would love to have me out of here and into something more "normal" as far as hours and stress levels, so Im now interviewing with a couple of local agencies, so I could stay licensed as an agent, but get out of the call center environment.

OK Nosy ones! All caught up? LOL I love you guys so much and dont mean to be missing in action and out of touch with whats happening with you...I promise to be better about my communications from now on! I dont have time to catch up with whats going on with you guys, but will try to get some back post reading done in the next day or two...month end is upon us here and thats always a crazy time...

I have spoken with Kate recently, hopfully she will get here soon to catch up too!