Old Timers and Newbies Challenge

[Ailuros]

Pear, I can't think of anything I've done differently. This time last year we had a phone call saying my mother in law had been taken to hospital, so we rang my parents (who live closer than us, and have more room than MIL's one bedroom flat) and warned them that we might be staying the night with them. We ended up staying two months, and after seeming to improve at first, my MIL died in January (she was 87, so it wasn't an untimely death, but still hit me hard). I managed fine while we were away, but after we came home I was utterly exhausted. Just doing a minor chore would wipe me out for the day. It's gradually improved through the year, so maybe it's just another step in the recovery from that time. The last few months I've been able to do what I need to do, but haven't had any bounce or enthusiasm, and that's what seems to have put in an appearance again. The process has had its ups and downs of course, and there may well be some more (especially given the parlous state of my hormones ), but I'm glad to know I haven't lost my spark forever .

[Ailuros]

Originally Posted by Tooter

That's such good news, Ailuros!! Maybe it's everything that you have been doing and it's just take some time for your body to "Heal".
Whatever it is, I am so happy for you. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm definitely enjoying it. I was commenting to my husband over dinner that today when things went wrong I was getting annoyed rather than feeling overwhelmed - who'd have thought I'd be pleased to be feeling irritable .

As I said in my reply to Pear, there's been other stuff going on, but I'm convinced that eating well, exercising (enough but not too much), sleeping etc have been very helpful.

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Tooter

College Scholarship and Financial Aid Referencing
Local LaPorte Scholarships

This is the FAFSA thing...I fill it out every year. This is how I get my grants and student loans!!!

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by jeanran

Tooter, you explained my feelings exactly, thank you for clearing that up.

L & F, I think the frustration comes from the feelings of not being in control of your life, thus feeling trapped. That is the worst feeling, especially when you made decisions based on things promised that were not reality.

Your youngest son isn't causing you the grief that many teenagers do and sounds supportive of you. How many parents would give anything for that.

One of the most important issues right now is what anger does to us. We just want to help you through that without doing any more harm. Do you have a right to be angry, heck yes, but sometimes it stalls us! Then energy we put into anger usually gets in the way and prevents us from moving on.

I think Tooter and Pear have given great advice and if you could find a resource to assist you, both financially and emotionally, it would be a great help.

Please know that we are not denigrating your feelings, we understand.

On the positive side, look what you have accomplished with your oldest son. Wow, to be accepted into the engineering program at Purdue speaks volumes. My DH graduated from OK State and majored in mechanical engineering.

Also, the fact that the two brothers are close says a lot about the way you have raised them.

This proves that you have made many good decisions so don't beat yourself up over this. God moves in mysterious ways and does have a plan for all of you. Try to turn it over to Him and then get out of His way, relax, knowing that He will guide you in the right direction. Remember, the faith of a mustard seed can move mountains.

Sorry, didn't mean to preach but I have always told my children that if they do what they know is right (listen to the little voice in your head) things will work out. Not always what we think we want but what we really need.

With all that you have going, I have faith in you. Ambition, intelligence, great kids, healthy eating, a great support group with loving friends, wow. Don't let this bump in the road deter you. KNOW that this will work out.

Jean

Jean..."Thank-you" for the wonderful post!!! I wish that I had listened to the little voice in my head...before coming here!!! It's funny how we are "programed" this way!!!

Thanks again for all of the beautiful things that you said!!!

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by jeanran

I am touched by the positive energy that is generated here. You all are amazing. Talk about a support group!

I see guidance for making lemonade out of lemons here. You all have blessed me with your desire to reach out and assist in so many ways.

Jean

I couldn't have said this any more beauiful than you just did!!! Thanks Everyone!!!

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Tooter

Ok, I found a search engine for services in your area (I'm a stubborn old broad) lol

Community Information Resource

I went to "H" and then went to "Housing, financial assistance" and this is the page I got:


Healthy Communities of LaPorte County : Service Program Records for the Keyword Housing, Financial Assistance

I've talked with all of the Trustees...like right agter I got here!!! They are all out of funding.

I think that I am going to have to either stay here (mom and dad's)...or go back!!!

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Ailuros

I don't have much to contribute here, because I have not much idea how the housing and grant systems work over here, and none at all about the USA. But I think it's wonderful to see the help and encouragement, and the advice to get on as many lists as possible, so you keep your options open and move up the queues while you think about it sounds good. And in the meantime, come here and vent . And take encouragement from the others here who have been through hard times and made it out the other side - you will too, L&F.

Thanks, Ailuros!!!

Just knowing that you are here is helpful!!!

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Ailuros

Pear, I can't think of anything I've done differently. This time last year we had a phone call saying my mother in law had been taken to hospital, so we rang my parents (who live closer than us, and have more room than MIL's one bedroom flat) and warned them that we might be staying the night with them. We ended up staying two months, and after seeming to improve at first, my MIL died in January (she was 87, so it wasn't an untimely death, but still hit me hard). I managed fine while we were away, but after we came home I was utterly exhausted. Just doing a minor chore would wipe me out for the day. It's gradually improved through the year, so maybe it's just another step in the recovery from that time. The last few months I've been able to do what I need to do, but haven't had any bounce or enthusiasm, and that's what seems to have put in an appearance again. The process has had its ups and downs of course, and there may well be some more (especially given the parlous state of my hormones ), but I'm glad to know I haven't lost my spark forever .

Ailuros...
Dealing with the death of a loved one--no matter their age--is difficult!!! Sometimes, when our bodies require all that energy to function...we're tired!!! Sometimes depression...which is normal while dealing with death, and while going through menopause..can set in!!!!

Hang in there...your sunshine will return!!!

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by Lost and Found

I've talked with all of the Trustees...like right agter I got here!!! They are all out of funding.

I think that I am going to have to either stay here (mom and dad's)...or go back!!!

What does your "gut" tell you?

[backspace1]

Originally Posted by Erika

<snip>
I hate my scale! I have this really old scale. This scale is older than I am and I'm 35 years old! So you know the readings aren't too accurate. I have unrealistic expectations of seeing weightloss every time I step on the cursed thing. So I made up my mind that I will only weigh myself once a month. Gonna talk to hubby about getting me a Tanita.

Hope everyone here has a nice evening. Take care!

Erika - lol, my scale is old too. I went out and bought a digital and now I weigh myself on both of them and curse whichever one says I weigh the most. Very anal about it too. Every single time I go into the bathroom I have to weigh myself on each one. I asked for a new scale (at Costco) for Christmas. Now I'll have 3 to weigh myself on.

Originally Posted by Lost and Found

Yes!!!! It is very nice!!! I credit...yes my determination...but also, my success to changing my ways to all of you!!!! I'm thankful...every day to have all of you to discuss eating problems with, life's ups and downs, and to joke around with!!!! Thanks!!! Even though I haven't met any of you...I consider you all my friends!!!

Awww...back at cha girlfriend. I don't always have much to say, but I do feel like 'friends' with everyone here. I just lurk more than post.

Originally Posted by *Pear*

12 days until Christmas. I'm sure you were wondering :O)

crap! Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I haven't even started shopping yet. As much as I love the 'season', I don't enjoy the commercialism of it all.

Originally Posted by Ailuros

As I said in my reply to Pear, there's been other stuff going on, but I'm convinced that eating well, exercising (enough but not too much), sleeping etc have been very helpful.

Ailuros - I couldn't agree more. The better I treat my body, the better I feel. Such a simple concept, but oh so difficult for most to do.

Hi to everyone

Still snowing here in northern CT. Barely made it home early this afternoon. They closed the road I live on unless you had 4WD. Everyone was getting stuck trying to get up the hill. Not coming down as fast as it was earlier. I love it when it snows and everyone stays in. Nice and cozy with the wood stove blasting. Let's hope I can get out in the morning. I start work at 5am and can't call in.

Well I've lost another 1.5 lbs....after eating the CO bark yesterday. Yea for me. I'm also finally losing my appetite and boy do I have nasty a$$ breath. We had our Christmas luncheon at work today and I did so good. While everyone else ordered pasta laden italian specialties, I ordered a large chicken caesar salad. When everyone else had connolli's and Italian cookies for dessert, I didn't even want one bite. (pat pat pat - patting myself on the back ) It feels so good to not have the cravings. Keeping my fingers crossed that I feel this way every single day.

B - coffee (bad - I will do better tomorrow)
L - large chicken caesar salad no croutons - coffee
D - small piece of pork sirloin - english cuke with vinegar
eating my CO bark right now with coffee and quickly coming to the feeling.

backspace

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Tooter

What does your "gut" tell you?

My gut tells me to Apply to the Nursing program here and at my school in Minnesota, and go with that. The problem is...if I get in here...what if the sh*t hits the fan right while I'm in the middle of the most difficult part of my schooling?

[backspace1]

L&S
Have you told any of the agencies that you live in a basement with no electricity? That might get you on some of the 'lists' that are closed. You need to locate the correct department in your state. Assistance is available, you just have to know where to look and not be afraid to accept the help. Try the women's shelters, I bet they could give you some good leads.
Sorry you are going through all of this right now.

backspace

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by backspace1

Erika - lol, my scale is old too. I went out and bought a digital and now I weigh myself on both of them and curse whichever one says I weigh the most. Very anal about it too. Every single time I go into the bathroom I have to weigh myself on each one. I asked for a new scale (at Costco) for Christmas. Now I'll have 3 to weigh myself on.



Awww...back at cha girlfriend. I don't always have much to say, but I do feel like 'friends' with everyone here. I just lurk more than post.



crap! Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I haven't even started shopping yet. As much as I love the 'season', I don't enjoy the commercialism of it all.


Ailuros - I couldn't agree more. The better I treat my body, the better I feel. Such a simple concept, but oh so difficult for most to do.

Hi to everyone

Still snowing here in northern CT. Barely made it home early this afternoon. They closed the road I live on unless you had 4WD. Everyone was getting stuck trying to get up the hill. Not coming down as fast as it was earlier. I love it when it snows and everyone stays in. Nice and cozy with the wood stove blasting. Let's hope I can get out in the morning. I start work at 5am and can't call in.

Well I've lost another 1.5 lbs....after eating the CO bark yesterday. Yea for me. I'm also finally losing my appetite and boy do I have nasty a$$ breath. We had our Christmas luncheon at work today and I did so good. While everyone else ordered pasta laden italian specialties, I ordered a large chicken caesar salad. When everyone else had connolli's and Italian cookies for dessert, I didn't even want one bite. (pat pat pat - patting myself on the back ) It feels so good to not have the cravings. Keeping my fingers crossed that I feel this way every single day.

B - coffee (bad - I will do better tomorrow)
L - large chicken caesar salad no croutons - coffee
D - small piece of pork sirloin - english cuke with vinegar
eating my CO bark right now with coffee and quickly coming to the feeling.

backspace

Backspace

I'm proud of you honey!!! Keep it up!!! Doesn't it feel good to stay on track...while everyone else is filling themselves up with stuff that will turn into something like wallpaper paste once it gets to their stomach?!!!

I know what you mean about the bark...I have 4 Tbls.(one batch) a day. By the last Tblsp....!!!

You live in a very pretty part of our country too....like Tooter!!! Stay safe with all of that snow!!!

I had to promise Winslow and Tooter to quit weighing myself every day!!! So, I'm trying to only weigh once a week!!! Tomorrow will be three weeks...can't wait to peek at the numbers!!! They probably won't look as good as last week (6 pounds), but I feel smaller!!! We shall see!!! I so wanted to see Onderland by Christmas...and I haven't cheated at all...may have thought about it....but didn't!!!!

I know that you do not say much, but I sure do enjoy having you around!!!

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by backspace1

L&S
Have you told any of the agencies that you live in a basement with no electricity? That might get you on some of the 'lists' that are closed. You need to locate the correct department in your state. Assistance is available, you just have to know where to look and not be afraid to accept the help. Try the women's shelters, I bet they could give you some good leads.
Sorry you are going through all of this right now.

backspace

Thanks for all of the encouragement...and advice!!! It's so wonderful having all of you around me!!!

[Lost and Found]

Hey Tooter!!!

Did you see that I bought some Biotin? I got in 3000 mg yesterday. Today I took 3000 mg with breakfast, and will take another 2000mg with supper!!! How long did it take to notice a difference with you nails?

Also....the vanilla helped with the bark. Do you eat more than a batch a day? I could've sworn that you didn't eat any more than 4 Tblsp. I still can't get the splenda to dissolve all of the way?

[Erika]

Originally Posted by backspace1

Erika - lol, my scale is old too. I went out and bought a digital and now I weigh myself on both of them and curse whichever one says I weigh the most. Very anal about it too. Every single time I go into the bathroom I have to weigh myself on each one. I asked for a new scale (at Costco) for Christmas. Now I'll have 3 to weigh myself on.

LOL! Too funny!

Hello everybody! Hope everyone is having a good day!

To be as big as I am, I am solidly built. I didn't really jiggle a lot. But today, I am jiggling all over. When I walk, everything just shakes. I guess all that fat is starting to fall off bit by bit.

B: scrambled eggs w/ extra butter & sausage
L: hamburger and cabbage (I'm hooked on this, with the right seasonings it tastes like the filling they use for egg rolls)
D: chicken breast salad w/ bacon, 1/2 tomato, romaine & Marie's blue cheese dressing

Drinking lots of water and I did WATP 3 mile workout.

L & F, I really hope everything works out for you.
I was in the same situation as you and it wasn't easy getting out of it. I used to pray that we would win the lottery and be done with the whole lot of 'em. It really isn't easy having 2 families living under the same roof. You and your sons are in my prayers.

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Erika

LOL! Too funny!

Hello everybody! Hope everyone is having a good day!

To be a big as I am, I am solidly built. I didn't really jiggle a lot. But today, I am jiggling all over. When I walk, everything just shakes. I guess all that fat is starting to fall off bit by bit.

B: scrambled eggs w/ extra butter & sausage
L: hamburger and cabbage (I'm hooked on this, with the right seasonings it tastes like the filling they use for egg rolls)
D: chicken breast salad w/ bacon, 1/2 tomato, romaine & Marie's blue cheese dressing

Drinking lots of water and I did WATP 3 mile workout.

L & F, I really hope everything works out for you.
I was in the same situation as you and it wasn't easy getting out of it. I used to pray that we would win the lottery and be done with the whole lot of 'em. It really isn't easy having 2 families living under the same roof. You and your sons are in my prayers.

Thanks...Erika!!! I can use all of the prayers I can get!!! Yeah!!! I dream about the lottery too!!!

What is a WATP 3 mile workout?

I promise to TRY and not use up all of your day with reading about my complaints!!! Sorry, but some days.....I could just scream. Had I listened to my gut...I would've turned around somewhere in Wisconsin!!! I even asked my youngest...somewhere in Wisconsin...if we should turn around!!! All that I can hang on to right now...is that things can only get better!!! And for some odd reason...everything happens for a reason!!! I just do not know why this would be a good reason for anyone? I do not know what to expect this for? I do not understand...except that the Lord must have something so terrible in mind for me in the future...that he has to make me even stronger!!! (Like there hasn't been enough strength building in my life!!! )

Glad to hear that you're jiggly!!!! Keep it up!!!!

[Lost and Found]

Well!!! I just made salad, green bean casserole, stuffing, and a roasted pork loin roast for seven. Have the table set....must cut the roast and call everyone in for supper!!!! By the way...I'm only having some salad and meat !!!

Talk with you all after supper!!! Sooner than later...if I can't do the dishes!!!

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Lost and Found

Thanks...Erika!!! I can use all of the prayers I can get!!! Yeah!!! I dream about the lottery too!!!

What is a WATP 3 mile workout?

I promise to TRY and not use up all of your day with reading about my complaints!!! Sorry, but some days.....I could just scream. Had I listened to my gut...I would've turned around somewhere in Wisconsin!!! I even asked my youngest...somewhere in Wisconsin...if we should turn around!!! All that I can hang on to right now...is that things can only get better!!! And for some odd reason...everything happens for a reason!!! I just do not know why this would be a good