Posts: 1,573
7/9/06 9:53 P

Hi Josie,
Glad you were able to meet Laurie. She is such a delightful lady and so upbeat all the time. She has a sister that is also a member of Spark People and they are Methodist so we talk a lots on that message board too. I am much older than you all are but I am a caregiver too. My youngest child, Brandon, is handicapped. He lives in a nursing home and attends a school for the mentally and physically disabled. He will be 40 in September and he is such a joy to everyone that knows him. There are some pictures of Brandon and my daughters in my photo gallery as well some of Tom's family. Check it out. I know you will enjoy SP and all it has to offer. Let's stay in touch. Jackie

current weight: 168.0

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Posts: 1,662
7/9/06 1:08 A

Hello Jackie,

Thank you for the welcome. I lurked around on the message board for a couple of days and one of Smurfette's posts got my attention. I e-mailed Smurfette/Laurie and told her we had several things in common. Other then that we are both here to lose weight to keep up with our grandsons, we are the same age and our daughters were both 25 years old.
My husband and I feel very blessed that we are able to raise our grandson. He is a real joy. He keeps me going all day long and I am very glad I can care for him.

Josie

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Posts: 1,573
7/8/06 8:45 P

Hi Josie,
Welcome to the 50+ group. So sorry about the loss of your daughter. Your grandson is so precious. I know he will be a joy to you and your husband. We have another lady that is raising her grandson as she too lost her daughter about a year ago. Maybe you two can meet on the message boards. Her id name is Smurfette. She is 50+ also. May God Bless you and keep you healthy for your family. We will help you in any way we can. Jackie

current weight: 168.0

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Posts: 1,573
7/8/06 8:37 P

Hello Sue,
Welcome to the 50+ group. Sounds like you have the right attitude about losing weight. It is harder, the older we get but it can be done with the help and support here at Spark People. 50 is young from my point of view. My oldest is 48. Good luck on your journey to a slimmer healthier you. Jackie

current weight: 168.0

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SparkPoints: (0)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 11
7/6/06 11:34 P

Hi,

My name is Sue, from MN. I'm 52, have four grown children (one still home) and in one month will be a grandma for the first time! I've been with Sparkpeople for two months now. I've always been very weight conscious and have never really been all that sucessful in losing that extra 15. Now that I'm over 50, it's turned into that extra 30 lbs! In talking to my husband, I realized that it's okay to "always try to be an appropriate weight" -- as long as it's done in a healthy way, like with Sparkpeople and their methods. I am really liking this plan, even though I still struggle a lot with wanting to pig out on fat and sugar. I'm losing quite slowly, but it's not unbearable at all. So hope to get to know you all. The age thing is for sure an extra barrier, but it's possible to get around it. God's blessings to you all...

SparkPoints: (43,809)
Fitness Minutes: (13,165)
Posts: 2,762
7/5/06 11:48 A

I'm turning 54 next month and I live in Albuquerque, NM. So sorry to hear about your daughter. Sounds like your grandchild will keep you going. You're right, though, exercise is the real key. I remember spending summers working out 2-3 hours a day when I was really fit. That was 10 years ago and I wonder why I'm heavier. I have only been walking 30 minutes or so 3 times a week. I have to gear it up.

Posts: 1,662
7/5/06 2:48 A

My name is Josie and I am 54 years old and live in, Santa Rosa, California.
I joined SparkPeople with my husband and oldest daughter just a few days ago so I am still learning the ropes of this program.
My goal is to loose 10-15 pounds. Though I need to loose more, I am setting small goals at a time.

After raising two daughters and a son we are now parenting grandparents of our grandson. His Mom, our youngest daugther passed away this past October due to non-smokers lung cancer 4 1/2 months after she was diagnosed. Her story can be found at: http://lauriannes-hope.blogspot.com/

Our 13 month old grandson keeps us very busy and though we need to stay in good health for ourselves, we also need to stay in good health for him. Though I feel like I am getting my exercise by chasing him, crawling on the floor with him, laying flat on my stomach to get his toys from under the couch etc, I know I am not getting enough exercise and like many, that is the hardest part. My goal for this week is to take him for a walk at least 3 times this week.
I did take him for a walk this early evening but he was not happy so I had to cut it short. I also need to start walking more to prepare for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life-Santa Rosa which will be held in September.

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