About me……

I am a 58 year old female…entering her last stage in life….I have had so many up and downs with my weight that I thought I would blog to myself…somewhere I could put it into words and see if it makes a difference…I have a loving family that surrounds me with love and support and have all my life…to  love and be loved unconditionally is a gift in its self, I am a very lucky mother and woman…so here I go into unchartered water. trying  to be the best I can at the last opportunity given to me….

61 thoughts on “About me……”

  2. Kathy, good luck with your weight loss challenge. Losing weight seems to be a bit like renovating the house. We have been needing to renovate our kitchen but a greater need has been to move the dishwasher from our laundry into our kitchen. HOwever, we needed to move the cupboards we use most with all the mugs and glasses first and so we needed to build new cupboards up high to have w\somewhere for them and have since ripped up the vinyl and polished the floorboards, which desperately needed doing but the dishwasher remains in the laundry where it’s been for 14 years…but we are getting closer every day.
    Being able to lose weight seems similar in that you need to exercise. Reassess your cooking and eating out habits and it’s a lot more complicated than just eating less and exercising more.
    Since high school, I have had weight issues. Or, most of the time my parents had issues with my weight and I switched off. I was being bullied at school and then the usually bust ups with boys came along. Mum signed me up for Jenny Craig but I ultimatelty ended up eating her food and home food so gained weight instead.
    A few years ago, I found out that my auto-immune disease had started attacking my lungs causing fibrosis. My kids were only 7 and 5 and of course, the lung specialist mentioned weight loss and exercise to look after my lungs. However, given my desperate situation, I was now on a mission, despite being on prednisone…the fat drug. I cut out sugar for a few months and lost 10 kilos very quickly. Also had fruit smoothies for lunch instead of sandwiches. I do love peanut butter. I kept the weight off for awhile but somehow put it back on again but am back down again.
    I should also add that at the same time I got my news, my husband was diagnosed with a cholesterol problem and was put on a 3 month diet to see if he could avoid medication. That meant we were also cutting down on fat…especially cheese.
    Not to be outdone on the weight stakes, the dog got in on the act. He went off to the vet for his anual check up about the same week that Geoff and I went off. He’s a Border Collie and he was weighing 38 kilos. The vet asked me what he was eating and that’s when it suddenly twigged that he was getting all the kids leftovers. This meant he was getting leftover breakfast, lunch and dinners because my children bare ate. Indeed, my daughter has been seriously underweight and is currently on a weight gain program. Even after the long Summer holidays, the dog knew what a school lunchbox was.
    All his snacks were cut out and he really wasn’t happy. Looked like he felt very unloved. This didn’t seem to make much on an impact on his waistline and we were struggling to get him walked regularly but since we got the second dog and he’s been getting regular walks, he’s lost a lot of weight. She on the other hand, has gained.
    Well, sorry I’ve written more of a post in my comment but I thought you’d appreciate the humour of weight management in our household.
    All the best with your mission!
    xx Rowena

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    • I love that you always see the humor in life…yes when you put it as you have, it is quite humorous…my husband had high cholesterol…he choose the “pill” over diet !!! Ha Ha Ha he wasn’t about to give up his favorite meats….I have tried to help him change his diet…but it isn’t working so I have thrown my hand up in the air and have given up…LOL He is a stubborn German and more resistance than I want to fight…LOL we have an old Border Collie, (12yrs) and she too is on a diet for arthritis in her front legs, not real happy with her dry meals….I have been cooking carrots and rice for her and substituting a scoop of dry with rice/carrot mix…shes a little happier…we also have been adding a tsp of olive oil to her morning mix, helps with joints, skin and makes it a little more tastier I am sure…she went to the vet and he put her on tramadol pain pills for her arthritis and she is way better, but he said getting her weight down would be a huge help….unfortunately she can’t walk to far as she was born with hip dysplasia and it isn’t possible….I enjoy knowing that I am not alone in my weight loss journey…keep up the good work….Namaste…..

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      • Myu mother’s family had German origins so I get the stubborness and need for routine. Good to meet another Border Collie owner. We have a Lassie Collie down at the beach with hip issues. He’s 8 and has had some injections.
        My Border Collie is very fussy with his dry food and will only eat Coles brand chicken I think it is. He sounds a bit like your husband…set in his ways.
        How is your BC with other dogs? Bilbo is fairly introverted and mostly keeps to himself or with Lady, our other dog. I apologetically explain to people that he’s like that guy standing by himself in the corner at the pub and being quite content.
        You are definitely not alone in your weight struggles. I have long thought that I’d make millions if I wrote a diet book.

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      • Chika, my collie is wonderful with other female dogs….male dogs don’t even need to bother to stop by….our neighbor has a young male dog and she lays and growls at him…but when I moved in my husband he had a male sheltie….a little on the neurotic side but a sweet dog….she got along with him, he really didn’t like her…LOL he would be growling at her all the time and she ignored him…she was the alpha…..
        I have often thought about writing a book regarding the ups and downs of weight loss with some humor as if you don’t laugh during it you would pull your hair out……maybe we should do one together…LOL

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      • I’m afraid the story of my weight is heading the wrong direction. My daughter made cakes before school this morning and I’m halfway through my second one. She made them from scracth and I mean really from scratch…no recipe at all. I was growling inside as I didn’t need any extra mess on a Monday morning and I spent hours yesterday on her room. She was actually making biscuits but the mixture was too runny and I suggested cakes and she added some sugar and used a siilicon mold with cupcake sized houses in it and we put them in the oven. When they came out I told her they were like scones, which was my way of saying they were like rocks in a nice way. HOwever, once I tipped them out, and sat down with my coffee, they were quite nice. I must confess that I addedd a bit of jam and cream. Shouldn’t have gone back for no. 2 as I’m now feeling sick. I never seem to learn!

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      • Bilbo was gtetting quite immobile last year and I’m not really sure what happened but we got Lady, we started walking more and he lost a lot of weight. Over 10 kilos. I haven’t been walking much lately with the chest infection and now I’m seizing up as well. I was advised by friends to give Bilbo sardines to perk up his coat. A tin is really cheap. I’ve been using Cortic on his skin and it has improved but then he finds a new place to scratch. Dogs!
        My Mum’s family is of German descent and they stick to their thing which can be good but not so good when you’re trying to shift them. My grandfather used to say “German trains always run on time!” Of course, when I eventuially make it to Germany as a 21 year old, there was a train strike. Trains barely operating at all.
        By the way, diet books seem to be a hit. I’ve always thought that if I wrote a diet book, I’d have an instant best seller. Trouble is that it’s just not my thing. I’m good most of the time but I’m hopeless and keeping track of things or being consistent. I’m a bit too Wacko Jacko! I really admire how you’re sticking with it and getting such good results. Well done!xx Rowena

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  4. I am absolutely humbled to find you following my blog. I just read your ‘About Me’ introduction and it is written with such directness, such powerful simplicity you have me hooked. I hope I won’t let you down and I am now following you (not in a stalking kind of way I hasten to add) and I very much look forward to the journey 🙂

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  6. I am almost 57 years old and I feel like my life is just beginning – after many illnesses and other challenges I am at a point where this is the beginning, not the last chapter. I hope that through your blogging and checking out other blogs, that you will see that too. I look forward to reading about your life journey!

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    • I am hoping that this is the best part of my journey…sound selfish as I have children and wouldn’t give those years for nothing….but well said…I am just beginning to live for me…no one else but my husband to consider, the kids grown and married living there life’s for themselves….so yes in a way I can believe I am starting to live for the first time….however I am a realist and this is my last journey…..I am hoping it last many long years ahead….thanks for stopping by, I look forward to reading your post…

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  8. Hi Kathy, I found your blog through Sultanabun and I am so glad. I thought I was the only person with that rebel voice. I’ve never been good at following the rules, or the crowd come to that.
    I have a dodgy knee too and my weight is an issue. Some days I wake and wonder where the bus that ran me over has gone! I too have a lovely family so I really don’t have anyone to blame for the state I’m in. I am going to spend a bit of time catching up with your story and I am looking forward to following your journey. Getting fit? Now there’s a thought, perhaps your example will motivate me to get off my behind and do what I know I should!
    Julie x.

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    • Hello Julie….I think I have finally grown up and figured it out that no one else is going to do this for me and that there is no frigin magic pill to take…LOL I have to date lost 49#’s and I can’t believe how much better my knee is, the pain I normally had with any daily activity is cut over 1/2….and I am walking way better…bending over is easier, hell cutting my toes nails just got easier…LOL come join me and move more eat less and get rid of the excess you….I hate to exercise…I love to eat…not a good combo….but I count every calorie I put in my mouth and am accountable for it all….look forward to following you too….I started saying out loud to my self…Hello I am Kathy and I am a foodahoice….LOL

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  9. Can you imagine what that pill would be worth! You are right, the only person that can do this is me and you have inspired me to give it one more try. Even with the meds I have had so much trouble just keeping my weight stable since my thyroid decided to go on strike that I didn’t imagine it was possible to lose weight of any consequence. Seeing you keep going day after day and manage to lose like you have has given me the push I needed. Thank you.
    Julie x.

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    • I have a bad thyroid….I had half of it taken out in 2004 and take medication everyday for ever now….I had to drop my calories down to 1000 a day, well lets day a 1000 is ideal, 1200 is ok and 1500 is the tops I go….this gives me a good range to play with and depending on whats going on I generally stay around 1000 to 1100cal and have yet to ever feel hungry…of course I can eat all the time, that’s what got me into this mess…and my rebel friend….so I just eat less, move more….however its amazing how much food you can have if you stay away from carbs, sugars, I eat a lot of fresh vegies and generally have a fruit salad for dinner….I use the app Fat Secret on my phone to help monitor weight and count calories….I had to get my rebel off my back and realize no one is telling me no, I can do and go and say any thing I want to do…the rebel years were a long time ago…so with my attitude adjustment I am on my way……glad I can be of help…I gave you my e mail on anther reply…feel free to drop me a line….glad to be a support person for you…Kathy

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  11. I never had to really worry about weight gain until 2 years ago when I gained 50 literally overnight. It came on so quickly, I didn’t notice it at first other than thinking I was extremely BLOATED. Then I split my pants bending over one day. I cried. I gained a huge stomach about that time as well. I’d never had a stomach before.
    A large butt but at least my stomach was flat.
    Not any more.
    I feel the stares when I go anywhere any more. As if all I do is eat and watch TV.
    Sadly, I often don’t eat enough. And I seldom watch TV….
    Although this computer is about the same.
    I’ve been stuck in bed or a chair for most of the last few months…
    So I understand a bit of your struggles.
    If you can’t exercise you don’t lose weight. They need to come up with something for when WE can’t exercise.
    I’ve spoken more about my weight than I normally do and to an almost stranger. May be together we can help each other.
    HUGS

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    • its funny I don’t ever this of all of us as stranger, even though we are, I feel this site has so many loving, caring, people on it and I have yet to feel that anyone is less than sincere about what they are writing…..you know even if you are in a chair you can some arm exercises, a couple cans of soup work, at least you will be getting strength in your arms and try some breathing exercises….it will also help build some stamina and oxyegenate your body to help recovery….remember every little bit you move is still movement, don’t wear yourself out…but start genteelly…and not to sound like a nag….the sugars in the diet drinks actually make you fatter as they act like for no better word, heroine, they keep your body asking for more, and more, not just diet pepsi..try to get back to the real basics in food….if you can’t read the ingredients then don’t eat or drink it, and I have been trying to only eat foods with 3 or less ingredients, no processed or white flour products at all….you will feel better……

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  12. 58 is the new 38… You’re not old! I’m 54 and besides needing to lose weight, I think in my head I’m 34! Also in my 40s & 50s… my weight has fluxuated from one extreme to the other but we can do this with support from family, friends and ONLINE FRIENDS. LOL. ~Brïdgêtté

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  13. Hi Kathy,
    Do you have an email address which I could contact you on?
    I work for an Arthritis charity and we’re looking for bloggers just like you to be a part of an upcoming campaign.
    Best wishes, Emily

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