Geriatric MM Warriors!

[momtozac]

Hey, guys! I wanted to tell you how we got my Mom to quit smoking easily after 45 years! She was about a 2+ pack a dayer - maybe even 3. We had heard of an acupucnturist near here - Dad had a couple friends go once and never smoke again. But, it took us about 2 years to get Mom to make the call. They had a cancellation the next morning (they usually had a long wait, so Mom thought she could smoke for a couple more months, lol!). I went with her. They put tiny needles in her ears and she had to come back once a week to have them adjusted. I think it was 3 weeks?? Anyway, she never smoked again! That was several years ago. The acupuncture taps into the serratonin levels in the brain and makes you feel content and calm. Now, there is a laser treatment that is just like the acupuncture, but without the needles. The only bad thing for Mom was not sleeping on her ear for a few weeks. I would check it out!

wow--acupuncture for your serotonin?? maybe thats what I need for my low levels-will google that now!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Beverly, I like our site so much better. That new one hurts my eyes and the smileys are boring!

 

[Daniele]

Oh, gag me! They have the new Diane site divided into Step 1 and Step 2.

I started a thread about Thanksgiving! All on my own!

 

[momtozac]

It's defiantly needed Natalie.

I decided that I'm going to print out my fasfa results (the federal student aid) and go up to that college this week and make sure that it will still be 0 contribution if I pursue going to their school because they are private. If it is I will be a nurse, helping others and able to be paying off any student loans in less than two years!

I definitely need to get my mind busy and off of myself!

thats awesome Nell--you'd make a wonderful nurse, you are so caring

 

[Barb F.]

Hey, guys! I wanted to tell you how we got my Mom to quit smoking easily after 45 years! She was about a 2+ pack a dayer - maybe even 3. We had heard of an acupucnturist near here - Dad had a couple friends go once and never smoke again. But, it took us about 2 years to get Mom to make the call. They had a cancellation the next morning (they usually had a long wait, so Mom thought she could smoke for a couple more months, lol!). I went with her. They put tiny needles in her ears and she had to come back once a week to have them adjusted. I think it was 3 weeks?? Anyway, she never smoked again! That was several years ago. The acupuncture taps into the serratonin levels in the brain and makes you feel content and calm. Now, there is a laser treatment that is just like the acupuncture, but without the needles. The only bad thing for Mom was not sleeping on her ear for a few weeks. I would check it out!

Thanks Lisa. When I'm ready I know I'll need help. I'll look into this too.

 

[momtozac]

The needles are teeny, tiny and they don't hurt. OK, I will only say this once, and in advance, I love you to death, but you will breathe fire into your lungs but not have tiny needles in your ears? OK, all done. I will mind my business now.

HA! Pony they are teeny tiny needles and don't hurt--just the smallest little prick. police officers are not supposed to be afraid of needles!!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi guys. So glad to be home. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there, and we talked to Michael for a couple hours. We took his clothes down with us. He will be going to a half way house. I can only hope and pray this helps him. He made the comment he knows the illegal drugs and narcotics, etc aren't good for him. But still swears up and down that Robitussin won't hurt you. So frustrating. But we had a very nice visit with him. The hardest thing Mike said about this whole thing was when he took the house key off Michael's key chain before we left. It is hard, but I know it's the best thing for him. Mike now knows that too. We can only do so much for him. What we have been doing isn't working.
Ok, enough babbling about that.
Robin, Barb, when you smoke a cigarette, the nicotine attaches to your dopamine (feel good chemical in the brain). After a while, your brain will crave more feel good, but is unable to "make" dopamine, so it craves the nicotine that has replaced it. So, as soon as you extinguish that cigarette, your body is already starting it's downward "spiral" and craves more nicotine. Also, the withdrawl isn't as bad as everyone says. If you think about it, when you go to sleep, you're not smoking. All night your body is in withdrawl, but the "symptoms" aren't that bad, or you'd wake up.
If you can get over the mental part of the addiction, you have most of the battle won. The only other part is the habit.
I smoked off and on since I was 15. I am now 42. I smoked on a good day, 1 pack. A bad day, 2 packs. If we went out to a bar and I drank, I would easily go through 3 packs or more. When you decide to quit, stay positive. I CAN quit, I WILL quit.
I just want to share a quick story. I was 2 weeks into my quit and was upstairs helping Mike with something. I came running down the steps and thought, I'm going to have a cigarette. In the next split second I said, I don't smoke anymore. That was that. Just take smoking off the table.
Ok, sorry this is so long. Quitting smoking is something that is very close to my heart, and if I know someone is thinking of quitting, I want to help as much as I can. Been there/ Done that

 

[Daniele]

I started a thread about Thanksgiving! All on my own!

I feel like a criminal! A rebel! A witch! An exposer of elephants!

 

[gettinhealthy]

OOOOH! Forgot to share this!! We got home and I was talking to Carrie. She looked at me and said "Boy are you losing a lot of weight Mom!" She knew I was watching what I ate, but I never told her much about it or anything. She made my night. Love my kids!!

 

[Simpleone]

Good evening everyone!

I just registered over on Dianes forum. I hope you all do the same. I love the idea of Diane watching over it. How does she do so many things at once!? She must "have people". lol I can't wait to see it up and running even just to see if it takes off well. I hope it helps others to find support more easily.

I've decided to do a "ten day'er" on Step I starting tomorrow. Not being exactly on plan is starting to cause me a bit of anxiety.

Nell, that is some very good thoughts on the foods! The only problem with the beans?...the steaming hot fresh tortillas!! lol I knew I could count on someone here to build my confidence. Thanks Nell!

Lisa it's about 12 hours southwest of Laredo, in the dessert, in the state of Zacatecaz. It's in a slight mountainous region and it is gorgeous! It's so old world Mexico, the real deal so to speak.

 

[Daniele]

Hi guys. So glad to be home. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there, and we talked to Michael for a couple hours. We took his clothes down with us. He will be going to a half way house. I can only hope and pray this helps him. He made the comment he knows the illegal drugs and narcotics, etc aren't good for him. But still swears up and down that Robitussin won't hurt you. So frustrating. But we had a very nice visit with him. The hardest thing Mike said about this whole thing was when he took the house key off Michael's key chain before we left. It is hard, but I know it's the best thing for him. Mike now knows that too. We can only do so much for him. What we have been doing isn't working.
Ok, enough babbling about that.
Robin, Barb, when you smoke a cigarette, the nicotine attaches to your dopamine (feel good chemical in the brain). After a while, your brain will crave more feel good, but is unable to "make" dopamine, so it craves the nicotine that has replaced it. So, as soon as you extinguish that cigarette, your body is already starting it's downward "spiral" and craves more nicotine. Also, the withdrawl isn't as bad as everyone says. If you think about it, when you go to sleep, you're not smoking. All night your body is in withdrawl, but the "symptoms" aren't that bad, or you'd wake up.
If you can get over the mental part of the addiction, you have most of the battle won. The only other part is the habit.
I smoked off and on since I was 15. I am now 42. I smoked on a good day, 1 pack. A bad day, 2 packs. If we went out to a bar and I drank, I would easily go through 3 packs or more. When you decide to quit, stay positive. I CAN quit, I WILL quit.
I just want to share a quick story. I was 2 weeks into my quit and was upstairs helping Mike with something. I came running down the steps and thought, I'm going to have a cigarette. In the next split second I said, I don't smoke anymore. That was that. Just take smoking off the table.
Ok, sorry this is so long. Quitting smoking is something that is very close to my heart, and if I know someone is thinking of quitting, I want to help as much as I can. Been there/ Done that

Ok, here's a wacky off the beat herbalist type thing you can do in quitting smoking. There is an herb called Lobelia, also known as Indian Tobacco or Puke Weed, that attaches to the nicotine receptors and calms cravings for cigarettes. It can be used as a tobacco for the worst cigarette cravings, but in moderation and weaning off. It stops the craving altogether, but is only safe for the lay person to use as a tobacco. It is not safe to use as a tea unless the dose is sized by a natropath or experienced herbalist.

http://www.naturalopinion.com/nmp/nmp5/Lobelia.htm

 

[Seabreezes]

Robin, will you save that Diane response somewhere? You know we'll be wanting to remember that at some point. Thanks for the info. I'm really anxious now to get a chili recipe going using those black soybeans.

I am so excited. I kept telling people about the black soy beans and then wondered if I was wrong since they are beans - but I don't think they are considered legumes. And it is FREE!!

I just got the rest of my frozen ones out of the freezer and am off to get some more meat to make up another batch of the taco mix we love. You do have to simmer the things made with them for a while for them to take on the seasoning. I put what ever I am making in the crock pot all day whether it is the chili or the taco mixture. Bev put my seasoning recipe in the recipes.

For chili I used a small can of crushed tomato, the beans and meat, garlic, onion, a bag of frozen mixed peppers ( I would use fresh red and green if I wasn't here cooked with the meat before adding to the crock pot) and lots of chili powder.

They would also make good black bean soup for people who like soup. We love soup, but it is just a bit too warm here most of the time to really enjoy. We eat salad with something else every night.

Several hours later….

I went for my swim and then read in the shade for a while. Lovely

Went to the store and have the crock-pot full of taco meat mixture. I freeze it in serving sizes for the 2 of us so will have several dinners all set to go.

I went over to LCF and saw the link to Diane’s new site – I don’t understand it – they have started a lot of threads that no one will be able to follow. I registered, but under a name that is not associated with me!!! Why they didn’t just start posting on Diane’s thread is beyond me, but you know who had to get into it and probably messed it royally!!

I think we should just stay here. We really won’t be able to help newbies, but there will be people out there who can. We all seem to need a lot of help ourselves for one reason or another!!!!

Maybe when Natalie sees her in person at the end of the month she can tell her about this site and how it came about. Did you notice that Diane said one person should e-mail her all the questions – I have a feeling she is overwhelmed with some of them. I think she has a special spot for Robin and Lisa and that is great.

Nell - hope your day started to get better – it sounded as if it did. I think that is wonderful you want to be a nurse – best of luck in all the processes it will take to get there.

I think I have saved all the posts from Diane, too, on my computer. I made a word file and copied them into it. They are still on LCF so anyone can access them.

Did you have a lot of lookers today for your open house, Lisa? It sounds as the real estate market has picked up a bit by the closings you are having.


It is still early here so I’ll check back later. Have pleasant dreams for those getting ready to call it a day!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

I also registered at the new site. Just so I can stay in the loop of what Diane has to say. But I'll be posting here. I may post there a few times a week, but not much. My heart is here with all of you (and the smilies LOL)

 

[momtozac]

Natalie, I love how much more your sharing with us now that we are over here. Must be the wonderful company!

Nell--funny you should say that, I've been thinking about how I have trust issues and it takes me soooo long to be comfortable with people to open up about my 'stuff'--its still alittle hard when I type it BUT I know you guys are so caring that you'll respond with something wonderful and it makes it easier to do (OK--now I'm really opening up)

 

[momtozac]

Good Afternoon!

I don't see a cooking smilie?! I've been cooking all day. I made a really good banana nut type muffin bread this morning using the Dessert Protein shake mix and almond flour. Made a casserole for lunches with some leftover turkey. Next I'm making the pumpkin/sausage soup I posted on the other site because DH actually asked for it.
I'm going to avoid going to the other site because I can't help the urge to help out. I feel bad for the newbies but don't want to get caught up in the whole negative vibe over there. What a pleasure it is to come here and not have to worry about undercover crap.
I weigh tomorrow for step2, 1 month My waist has gone down 1" since starting step2 so that's a good sign.

Catch ya later

congrats on the 1"

 

[momtozac]

I'm kind of down today and I want a lot of food to eat. I'm not sure what's up with me. Anyway, I'm not eating a lot of food and I'm drinking water and writing here instead.

sorry to hear you're down--so glad you came here instead of eating. feel better

 

[Barb F.]

OOOOH! Forgot to share this!! We got home and I was talking to Carrie. She looked at me and said "Boy are you losing a lot of weight Mom!" She knew I was watching what I ate, but I never told her much about it or anything. She made my night. Love my kids!!

I'll bet that made your day!

 

[momtozac]

I'm blue too Nell...not sure why, but it's probably from not being able to do what I want on the weekends. I'm doing my week of detox and surprisingly, I'm not hungry, but I miss my decaf coffee in the a.m. Replaced with green tea. Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday!

good luck with the detox--that is tough to do. take extra care of yourself this week

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

NELL!! You REBEL YOU!! Way to go posting that new thread! hee hee
BTW - on the Baileys that Barb and I are going to be enjoying, someone over there had posted a low carb Bailey's recipe! so Barb and I are going to enjoy 3g Baileys in our DECAF while smogging up the neighborhood breathing FIRE down our throats!!

Lisa - I am officially now nicknaming myself " FLUFF the MAGIC FIREBREATHING DRAGON" !!!!! OMG, no dragon smilies...DARN!!

Natalie - I am not afraid of needles!! Just dont want to quit yet!! When I decide that I DO want to, its not hard for me to do...

Pam - FYI, Diane has said she is not going to be monitoring the new forum, she only set itup because GL was telling her about the troubles at LCF with the admin. I think the only "monitor" is going to be "The Dictator" herself!

Jocelyn - I am so happy about the beans too...I am planning some of that chili too for next week...yummy for this cooler weather!!

Nell - Almost forgot...that would be sooo cool to see you do the nursing thing...you will be AWESOME...when my smoking lands me in the hospital you can be my nurse!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Nell--funny you should say that, I've been thinking about how I have trust issues and it takes me soooo long to be comfortable with people to open up about my 'stuff'--its still alittle hard when I type it BUT I know you guys are so caring that you'll respond with something wonderful and it makes it easier to do (OK--now I'm really opening up)

In my "3D" life, I tend to keep people at arm's length. But when I met all of you here, it's just like all the walls came crashing down. It's really hard to explain. I know I can tell you all anything, and it will be ok. You won't judge me. You all have no idea how great it feels to be able to trust people. I am a pretty private person. I always have that happy face on. I could be torn up inside, but no one would know it. You all have helped me learn it's ok to open up to others. As I have said many times before, there aren't enough words to thank you all. Ok, I'm done being mushy LOL