I had a wonderful time with some great women. Got to spend the night in a hotel in the city. Missed DH and Lucy but only a little.
Went for a wonderful 50 minute walk into the Royal Botanical Gardens. Lots of runners, wonderful harbour salty smells, beautiful gardens, an amazing number of people at Mrs Macquarie's chair waiting with cameras for that wonderful picture of sunset behind the opera house and harbour bridge. God, I love this city so much. Nearly got locked in the park for the night which would have been hysterical as I had left my mobile phone at home and would not have been able to ring the emergency number. Talking to DH tonight I told him that I would have probably been able to climb around the fence down near the sea wall and all he said was "tomorrows headline - woman found floating in the harbour".
Ate too much over the last two day but feel rejunervated and looking forward to reinventing my work wardrobe after I saw all the smartly dressed women working in the city.
Off to bed - sweet dreams. Looking forward to catching up with you all soon.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
I’m a buzzin’
Should be a cute picture of a bee here
but having trouble and dont have time.
Please visualise!
I’ve lasted 5 days. No not lasted that’s too harsh.
I’ve drank 2 litres of water each day
I’ve done some sort of exercise most days
I’ve stayed within my 18 points most days
DD has moved out, sort of. This could take a while.
She is happy and I am happy. Her house is interesting and nice and she is busy furnishing it (there have been several trips to IKEA already). I bought a plunger and big pack of ground coffee as a house warming present as she only had instant.
Off to a conference in the city for the next two days. Staying overnight and there is a dinner as well. Tracking will be hard (I know it will) but I will enjoy I, not stress out and I will pack my joggers so that I can try to get in a walk in the afternoon between end of Day 1 and the dinner. I think the Domain is nearby but if not I will just walk through the city.
but having trouble and dont have time.
Please visualise!
I’ve lasted 5 days. No not lasted that’s too harsh.
I’ve drank 2 litres of water each day
I’ve done some sort of exercise most days
I’ve stayed within my 18 points most days
DD has moved out, sort of. This could take a while.
She is happy and I am happy. Her house is interesting and nice and she is busy furnishing it (there have been several trips to IKEA already). I bought a plunger and big pack of ground coffee as a house warming present as she only had instant.
Off to a conference in the city for the next two days. Staying overnight and there is a dinner as well. Tracking will be hard (I know it will) but I will enjoy I, not stress out and I will pack my joggers so that I can try to get in a walk in the afternoon between end of Day 1 and the dinner. I think the Domain is nearby but if not I will just walk through the city.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
In a nutshell
Food not good - exercise kind of okay. Swelling is going down I think and pain not so much.
DH's birthday tonight and I have arranged to meet a group of friends at a local (within walking distance) restaurant for dinner. He is suspicious and Im sure will wonder why I have a huge cake with me but what the heck. Hope the weather holds off and we dont drown walking to and from.
DS now has an international phone card like we do so we get to talk more often. He mentioned that he will be home in two months.... Woohoo!!! Thank goodness for the job here that he wants to come back too.
DD is moving out finally. Only a suburb away so we will still be in close contact just not quite as close as it has been. My things will become my own again - yay! She and her boyfriend have taken a six month lease on a house so it will be interesting to watch how it unfolds. Everyone is excited (well she is and I am).
Renovations will start again and I will get my guest room back.
New rugby comp has started here and we drove up to the Central Coast on the weekend with friends to watch a game. It was so nice that the players came and talked to the crowd after the game. Reminded me of the old days of club rugby when there always was that mingling after the game.
Yoga and tai chi still going well. Yoga DVD is really good for gentle stretching in the mornings and nights when I can get out of bed or havent collapsed into bed straight after dinner. Actually, touch wood, am feeling less tired in the last couple of days. A wet Sunday helped.
My nutshell was a bit longer than I thought it would be. Oh well, I am a chatterbox sometimes. Have a great week everybody.
DH's birthday tonight and I have arranged to meet a group of friends at a local (within walking distance) restaurant for dinner. He is suspicious and Im sure will wonder why I have a huge cake with me but what the heck. Hope the weather holds off and we dont drown walking to and from.
DS now has an international phone card like we do so we get to talk more often. He mentioned that he will be home in two months.... Woohoo!!! Thank goodness for the job here that he wants to come back too.
DD is moving out finally. Only a suburb away so we will still be in close contact just not quite as close as it has been. My things will become my own again - yay! She and her boyfriend have taken a six month lease on a house so it will be interesting to watch how it unfolds. Everyone is excited (well she is and I am).
Renovations will start again and I will get my guest room back.
New rugby comp has started here and we drove up to the Central Coast on the weekend with friends to watch a game. It was so nice that the players came and talked to the crowd after the game. Reminded me of the old days of club rugby when there always was that mingling after the game.
Yoga and tai chi still going well. Yoga DVD is really good for gentle stretching in the mornings and nights when I can get out of bed or havent collapsed into bed straight after dinner. Actually, touch wood, am feeling less tired in the last couple of days. A wet Sunday helped.
My nutshell was a bit longer than I thought it would be. Oh well, I am a chatterbox sometimes. Have a great week everybody.
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Last Long Post
Well it has been a roller coaster ride lately, mainly going down but I am looking forward to the going up – I’m sure it will be coming around again soon.
Today’s news broadcasts and papers had items regarding the recalling of the painkiller “Prexige” due to a number of deaths, which may be attributed to its use. Guess what medication I was changed over to prior to my getting sick two weeks ago? It is going to be an interesting appointment with my rheumatologist tomorrow morning.
I guess I was lucky, I knew that something was seriously wrong with my body and after first thinking maybe it was just the flu, realised that it was probably the medication and changed back to my old medication. I’m still not good – bits of me are swollen but I am nowhere near as bad as I was two weeks ago.
I was part of the Field of Women at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night. I am now the very proud owner of a bright pink poncho. It was a moving, uplifting (so many emotions) experience. I was nervous because I suddenly realised that I was alone and everyone else was in groups but I found another women there by herself and we stayed together. Sometimes it is hard to step outside my comfort zone but when I do it is always rewarding. Our husbands were both there but in the stands and unfortunately on different sides of the field otherwise we could have directed them towards each other while we were on the field, waiting to get on the field etc etc. The singing of the rewritten song “Up there Cazaly” which Mike Brady had changed to “Up there Pink Lady” was a hoot.
The game was good. The first Swans game I have gone to but very interesting and despite the seemingly lack of rules very entertaining. The crowd was so vocal and passionate – makes a change from the rugby.
I have put on a kilo a week for the last six weeks. I start each Monday fully intending to control my eating but by late afternoon on sometimes day 1 or usually day 2 I have lost the plot again. I know I haven’t been well but this is not helping either. I don’t need the extra strain on my joints at the moment. When Catherine rang last week I had just finished eating this giant muffin I had bought for Mark for his morning tea, all the leftover baked potatoes, three-quarters a packet of rice crackers and it wasn’t even six p.m. and I had to go to yoga which is not good on a full stomach. How pathetic.
I haven’t been to the gym to exercise (cardio and/or weights) for nearly two weeks. I went on Saturday to do Pilates but got talked into a “pilates” fitball class because the pilates teacher was away sick. It really wasn’t pilates and I was pissed off by the end of it. If I wanted to do aerobics I would do aerobics. Anyway you live and learn and I will not fall for that one again.
Tai chi is good. We are learning “wind” (no jokes please) and Wednesday night yoga is still wonderful.
I have been walking with Lucy more and I have about 30 set walks that I have been doing for around 15 years (probably more). Don’t laugh but I keep records and what they show me is that I am slowing down. In 1994 I walked a lot quicker than I do now. Over the last couple of years I had settled into around 6 kmph but shock horror this is now dropping too. So, I am making a conscious effort to pick up my walking pace again.
I went into Borders and bought a DVD on Kundalini Yoga. Not that I know anything about this type of yoga but it has morning and evening yoga relaxation exercises. I couldn’t find the ones Mary mentions in her blog. I have finally got around to watching it today on my computer at work and I should be able to do them except maybe the very first morning one. It has modifications too for a lot of the stretches which is good. I will have to get up earlier, probably around 5 a.m. so that I can fit it in and I don’t think I will be able to do the waking routines as I think it involves too much moving around in bed and I can see myself getting evicted from the bedroom. I will try to get to bed earlier to compensate for the early rising time but I know I will find that hard too.
Rethinking exercise program as a result of all of the above. Have asked one of the personal trainers at the gym to help me which might happen within the next couple of weeks. Otherwise I will seriously rethink my gym membership. This is a major step for me as I have been going for 7 years and have made some great friends – the Saturday morning gym breakfasts are so much fun.
Gareth has moved into a flat near where he is working in London. The Club supplies him with three meals a day on the days that he works which must be a saving. He is planning on doing weekend trips to Ireland, Portugal, Poland and maybe Germany for Oktoberfest. One of his work mates just flew to Portugal for 2 p return (taxes included). His problem is that he doesn’t have computer access all the time so he can’t check out the cheap flight offers.
I bought a pair of gardening boots this week – Blundstones. They are great and I don’t have to wear my sneakers in the garden anymore. So impressed with them. I feel like I am a serious gardener now.
Have started a new folkart project. There will be a picture of the Christmas elf posted soon. I am so lazy about downloading pictures but I will get better at it I promise.
Spring is on the way and I am looking forward to it so much. A little bit of rain would be nice but I am not complaining. The warm days are a blessing and never fail to enthuse me into getting out into the garden on Sundays.
By the way, congratulations to Jodie on news of her pregnancy. A playmate for Zoe!
I will try to confine myself to short posts in the future as I know time is of an essence and if you have lasted to the end thanks for listening it has been strangely cleansing to put a lot (but not all) of thoughts in writing.
Today’s news broadcasts and papers had items regarding the recalling of the painkiller “Prexige” due to a number of deaths, which may be attributed to its use. Guess what medication I was changed over to prior to my getting sick two weeks ago? It is going to be an interesting appointment with my rheumatologist tomorrow morning.
I guess I was lucky, I knew that something was seriously wrong with my body and after first thinking maybe it was just the flu, realised that it was probably the medication and changed back to my old medication. I’m still not good – bits of me are swollen but I am nowhere near as bad as I was two weeks ago.
I was part of the Field of Women at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night. I am now the very proud owner of a bright pink poncho. It was a moving, uplifting (so many emotions) experience. I was nervous because I suddenly realised that I was alone and everyone else was in groups but I found another women there by herself and we stayed together. Sometimes it is hard to step outside my comfort zone but when I do it is always rewarding. Our husbands were both there but in the stands and unfortunately on different sides of the field otherwise we could have directed them towards each other while we were on the field, waiting to get on the field etc etc. The singing of the rewritten song “Up there Cazaly” which Mike Brady had changed to “Up there Pink Lady” was a hoot.
The game was good. The first Swans game I have gone to but very interesting and despite the seemingly lack of rules very entertaining. The crowd was so vocal and passionate – makes a change from the rugby.
I have put on a kilo a week for the last six weeks. I start each Monday fully intending to control my eating but by late afternoon on sometimes day 1 or usually day 2 I have lost the plot again. I know I haven’t been well but this is not helping either. I don’t need the extra strain on my joints at the moment. When Catherine rang last week I had just finished eating this giant muffin I had bought for Mark for his morning tea, all the leftover baked potatoes, three-quarters a packet of rice crackers and it wasn’t even six p.m. and I had to go to yoga which is not good on a full stomach. How pathetic.
I haven’t been to the gym to exercise (cardio and/or weights) for nearly two weeks. I went on Saturday to do Pilates but got talked into a “pilates” fitball class because the pilates teacher was away sick. It really wasn’t pilates and I was pissed off by the end of it. If I wanted to do aerobics I would do aerobics. Anyway you live and learn and I will not fall for that one again.
Tai chi is good. We are learning “wind” (no jokes please) and Wednesday night yoga is still wonderful.
I have been walking with Lucy more and I have about 30 set walks that I have been doing for around 15 years (probably more). Don’t laugh but I keep records and what they show me is that I am slowing down. In 1994 I walked a lot quicker than I do now. Over the last couple of years I had settled into around 6 kmph but shock horror this is now dropping too. So, I am making a conscious effort to pick up my walking pace again.
I went into Borders and bought a DVD on Kundalini Yoga. Not that I know anything about this type of yoga but it has morning and evening yoga relaxation exercises. I couldn’t find the ones Mary mentions in her blog. I have finally got around to watching it today on my computer at work and I should be able to do them except maybe the very first morning one. It has modifications too for a lot of the stretches which is good. I will have to get up earlier, probably around 5 a.m. so that I can fit it in and I don’t think I will be able to do the waking routines as I think it involves too much moving around in bed and I can see myself getting evicted from the bedroom. I will try to get to bed earlier to compensate for the early rising time but I know I will find that hard too.
Rethinking exercise program as a result of all of the above. Have asked one of the personal trainers at the gym to help me which might happen within the next couple of weeks. Otherwise I will seriously rethink my gym membership. This is a major step for me as I have been going for 7 years and have made some great friends – the Saturday morning gym breakfasts are so much fun.
Gareth has moved into a flat near where he is working in London. The Club supplies him with three meals a day on the days that he works which must be a saving. He is planning on doing weekend trips to Ireland, Portugal, Poland and maybe Germany for Oktoberfest. One of his work mates just flew to Portugal for 2 p return (taxes included). His problem is that he doesn’t have computer access all the time so he can’t check out the cheap flight offers.
I bought a pair of gardening boots this week – Blundstones. They are great and I don’t have to wear my sneakers in the garden anymore. So impressed with them. I feel like I am a serious gardener now.
Have started a new folkart project. There will be a picture of the Christmas elf posted soon. I am so lazy about downloading pictures but I will get better at it I promise.
Spring is on the way and I am looking forward to it so much. A little bit of rain would be nice but I am not complaining. The warm days are a blessing and never fail to enthuse me into getting out into the garden on Sundays.
By the way, congratulations to Jodie on news of her pregnancy. A playmate for Zoe!
I will try to confine myself to short posts in the future as I know time is of an essence and if you have lasted to the end thanks for listening it has been strangely cleansing to put a lot (but not all) of thoughts in writing.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Rest time
Things not going well. Am confined to bed for the moment. Poor old body has seized up again. Every joint is aching. Thought it might be the dreaded flu but have revised that diagnosis. Think it might be a mixture of things. Have changed my arthritis medication and maybe not working as well as the other poison I was taking. And/or I dont think that this extra weight I am carrying at the moment is helping. My body really cant take any extra weight (poor old thing). Anyway, sitting in bed catching up with everyone and waiting for the rheumatologists to open. No matter what I think I will go back onto my old medication as from tonight and just try to be very careful how I take it. Hope I can make yoga tonight.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
An Age Appropriate Waist
I read a newspaper article a couple of weeks ago about Martha Stewart and whoever wrote it said that she had “an age appropriate waist”. It really annoyed me. When have you ever heard a successful or infamous man (whichever way you want to look at her) described as having an age appropriate paunch. A small rant.
Well this week that has gone saw an improvement in my exercise regime. Not quite back to warm weather levels but a hell of a lot better than it was.
I started C25K again, running a different week every second day and am nearly up to where I was when it all went pear shaped.
Drinking water is still a struggle.
The amount of food I was eating didn’t really diminish unfortunately and I put on another kilo. It is so annoying that it takes so long to get off but comes back on so easily.
I made Suzy's egg and bacon pies (or a version of them) in my Sunbeam pie maker which I have had for years and never used. I had the last one today for lunch and it was delicious. I have downloaded some more recipes from her recipe site to use in my slow cooker which might help my “fright night” on Wednesdays. If anyone has anymore slow cooker recipes please feel free to email them to me or the name of a good recipe book.
I heard from Gareth last Saturday morning. We had a chat for a while and then when I turned my computer on and hopped back into bed he was on MSN so got to chat a little bit more. He sent me his site for photographs of his trip so far. There were 175. He sure was impressed with the British Museum and the Tower. Lots and lots of photos of those two places, inside and out. I don’t think he can get over how old everything is. The club house at the golf course where he has been working was built in 1780. In all those photos there were only two of him. One slightly out of focus and the other one okay. Taken by a “random” jogger for him on a bridge with the Tower Bridge glistening in the background.
I’m over half way through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Enjoying it although the middle bit has slowed down a bit.
Very quiet today at work or maybe I am just a bit apathetic at the moment. Just want to go home and be apathetic there in the warmth but the gym calls.
Tai chi on Saturday. Looking forward to going but not to getting out of bed early on a Saturday morning again.
The weather is beautiful sunny winter days (23 degs C today) and cool nights. Maybe some rain tomorrow night.
Sorry if I have been whingey.
Well this week that has gone saw an improvement in my exercise regime. Not quite back to warm weather levels but a hell of a lot better than it was.
I started C25K again, running a different week every second day and am nearly up to where I was when it all went pear shaped.
Drinking water is still a struggle.
The amount of food I was eating didn’t really diminish unfortunately and I put on another kilo. It is so annoying that it takes so long to get off but comes back on so easily.
I made Suzy's egg and bacon pies (or a version of them) in my Sunbeam pie maker which I have had for years and never used. I had the last one today for lunch and it was delicious. I have downloaded some more recipes from her recipe site to use in my slow cooker which might help my “fright night” on Wednesdays. If anyone has anymore slow cooker recipes please feel free to email them to me or the name of a good recipe book.
I heard from Gareth last Saturday morning. We had a chat for a while and then when I turned my computer on and hopped back into bed he was on MSN so got to chat a little bit more. He sent me his site for photographs of his trip so far. There were 175. He sure was impressed with the British Museum and the Tower. Lots and lots of photos of those two places, inside and out. I don’t think he can get over how old everything is. The club house at the golf course where he has been working was built in 1780. In all those photos there were only two of him. One slightly out of focus and the other one okay. Taken by a “random” jogger for him on a bridge with the Tower Bridge glistening in the background.
I’m over half way through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Enjoying it although the middle bit has slowed down a bit.
Very quiet today at work or maybe I am just a bit apathetic at the moment. Just want to go home and be apathetic there in the warmth but the gym calls.
Tai chi on Saturday. Looking forward to going but not to getting out of bed early on a Saturday morning again.
The weather is beautiful sunny winter days (23 degs C today) and cool nights. Maybe some rain tomorrow night.
Sorry if I have been whingey.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Week 1 Term 3
Ive been a bit busy lately what with finally having to return to work. The good life could not last forever.
Well in two weeks I have put on 2 kgs (probably more now). I virtually stopped exercising – from seven days a week to zilch. Amazing isn’t it how quickly it all goes pearshaped.
Every time the holidays come around I am amazed at how disorganised I become.
I realise why – something to do with not having the time to be disorganised when I have to go to work. I tend to put things off when I have stacks of time. Weird!
Since I stopped running and stacked on some weight, I have gone back to the beginning of C25K and I am doing one week every time I run until I get back up to where I was before torpidity and a hectic social life occurred.
It is funny with this weight business. I know I can do it but I just cant maintain it. I love eating all the wrong things, I overcompensate for sad, cold etc. I feel a bit like the person who says "it's easy to quit smoking, I've done it dozens of times".
It has been so cold here lately. I know, I know, it is winter but for a number of years we have had very mild winters and now seemed to have returned to the winters of old. Yesterday was the coldest morning in 20 years. Today while not as cold, has a wind chill factor. It is getting hard to get out of bed and I will open the next electricity and gas bills with great trepidation.
I’ve been watching a TV show on Fox for a while called “Fixing Dinner” with a Canadian, Sandi Richard. She is a mother of 7 and has turned into a professional meal planner since she sorted out her meal problems. I get a lot of handy tips from this show and quite a few short cuts in meal prep. To such an extent that I have ordered some of her books. I think they must be coming by slow boat as delivery is quoted at approx 12 weeks but I cant wait till they arrive and I can see if I can implement them. She has a night she always calls “fright night” and mine is probably Wednesday at the moment so I am looking for meals I can prepare ahead that will be waiting when I get home usually after 8 pm.
Talking about fright night – Yoga starts again tonight. Yah! A girlfriend is coming too. I will wear lots of clothes to keep warm.
I had my hair cut during the school holidays. It was cut as I asked but it still didn’t look quite right. Well last night, I cut some more off on the premise that “there is only a week in between a good haircut and a bad haircut”. I think I am a hairdresser’s nightmare – I know they say come back if it is not right but I just cant be bothered hence the hair cutting frenzy in the bathroom last night. Oh well, it will grow back I’m sure.
Have rebooked for tai chi but it doesn’t start until Saturday week for some reason. This will be my return after the back op and ankle problems last year. I’m a bit nervous.
My pilates teacher has finally given in (she is having a baby in a couple of weeks time) and last Saturday we had a new teacher. Whoo boy – what a difference but a change is supposed to be good for you.
Things I will try to achieve from now on:
· I have to work out how I can survive the cold weather and not turn into the Michelin man. (Salads and water are not appetizing at the moment.)
· I will try to remember not to complain about the heat in summer and just enjoy the warmth.
· I will try to get some sun each day so that I don’t suffer from S.A.D.
· I will try not to eat as much (oh I said that before).
Well in two weeks I have put on 2 kgs (probably more now). I virtually stopped exercising – from seven days a week to zilch. Amazing isn’t it how quickly it all goes pearshaped.
Every time the holidays come around I am amazed at how disorganised I become.
I realise why – something to do with not having the time to be disorganised when I have to go to work. I tend to put things off when I have stacks of time. Weird!
Since I stopped running and stacked on some weight, I have gone back to the beginning of C25K and I am doing one week every time I run until I get back up to where I was before torpidity and a hectic social life occurred.
It is funny with this weight business. I know I can do it but I just cant maintain it. I love eating all the wrong things, I overcompensate for sad, cold etc. I feel a bit like the person who says "it's easy to quit smoking, I've done it dozens of times".
It has been so cold here lately. I know, I know, it is winter but for a number of years we have had very mild winters and now seemed to have returned to the winters of old. Yesterday was the coldest morning in 20 years. Today while not as cold, has a wind chill factor. It is getting hard to get out of bed and I will open the next electricity and gas bills with great trepidation.
I’ve been watching a TV show on Fox for a while called “Fixing Dinner” with a Canadian, Sandi Richard. She is a mother of 7 and has turned into a professional meal planner since she sorted out her meal problems. I get a lot of handy tips from this show and quite a few short cuts in meal prep. To such an extent that I have ordered some of her books. I think they must be coming by slow boat as delivery is quoted at approx 12 weeks but I cant wait till they arrive and I can see if I can implement them. She has a night she always calls “fright night” and mine is probably Wednesday at the moment so I am looking for meals I can prepare ahead that will be waiting when I get home usually after 8 pm.
Talking about fright night – Yoga starts again tonight. Yah! A girlfriend is coming too. I will wear lots of clothes to keep warm.
I had my hair cut during the school holidays. It was cut as I asked but it still didn’t look quite right. Well last night, I cut some more off on the premise that “there is only a week in between a good haircut and a bad haircut”. I think I am a hairdresser’s nightmare – I know they say come back if it is not right but I just cant be bothered hence the hair cutting frenzy in the bathroom last night. Oh well, it will grow back I’m sure.
Have rebooked for tai chi but it doesn’t start until Saturday week for some reason. This will be my return after the back op and ankle problems last year. I’m a bit nervous.
My pilates teacher has finally given in (she is having a baby in a couple of weeks time) and last Saturday we had a new teacher. Whoo boy – what a difference but a change is supposed to be good for you.
Things I will try to achieve from now on:
· I have to work out how I can survive the cold weather and not turn into the Michelin man. (Salads and water are not appetizing at the moment.)
· I will try to remember not to complain about the heat in summer and just enjoy the warmth.
· I will try to get some sun each day so that I don’t suffer from S.A.D.
· I will try not to eat as much (oh I said that before).
Monday, July 09, 2007
With some trepidation...
Am back today from 4 days at the Hunter and will with some trepidation weigh myself tomorrow morning. You may, or may not, hear about the results of this.
I had a wonderful time but I dont think that I can remember eating and drinking so much food and wine and although I took my runners with me they didnt see the light of day. I actually feel like I need a good detox.
Will recommence C25K tomorrow. I didnt complete Week 5 last week because of above so will do it again this week.
Have accessed googlereader and have added all my favourite people to it but I dont think I quite understand how it works (how unusual). May actually have to read the instructions tomorrow.
It is raining fairly heavily yet again and I am glad to be home and heading towards my own bed again with the beautiful little Lucy in constant attention. I think she thinks I will leave her again. Bonus is that it's "Brothers and Sisters" night. Woohoo, snug in bed watching a great show. It only goes to show it really doesnt take much to please me.
Have a great week everyone and take care.
I had a wonderful time but I dont think that I can remember eating and drinking so much food and wine and although I took my runners with me they didnt see the light of day. I actually feel like I need a good detox.
Will recommence C25K tomorrow. I didnt complete Week 5 last week because of above so will do it again this week.
Have accessed googlereader and have added all my favourite people to it but I dont think I quite understand how it works (how unusual). May actually have to read the instructions tomorrow.
It is raining fairly heavily yet again and I am glad to be home and heading towards my own bed again with the beautiful little Lucy in constant attention. I think she thinks I will leave her again. Bonus is that it's "Brothers and Sisters" night. Woohoo, snug in bed watching a great show. It only goes to show it really doesnt take much to please me.
Have a great week everyone and take care.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Unexplainable
Hopped on scales this morning and have lost a kilo. Have not been watching what I eat, have done very little exercise lately so I cant explain it why this has happened.
DS has gone and seems to be having a whale of a time in London although the security alerts are worrying (probably only to me and other mothers whose children are in UK - definitely not the children themselves).
DD is having a rocky time with romance. Know what I would like to tell her but have to be careful. It breaks my heart to see her so sad.
I am on 2 weeks holiday and am off to the theatre, a couple of lunches, coffee dates and of course our annual four days in the Hunter. The last day of work on Friday was spent with no electricity due to a transformer exploding across the creek so I will have to go down and finish up the reports but I dont mind doing that.
The weather is glorious winter weather again. The rain seems to have gone for the time being and it is crisp and sunny. Lucy and I will be walking to rid her of some puppy pounds.
The Wallabies won on Saturday night! Woohoo!
For my first day of holidays I have a very long list of things to do like Medicare etc and then I will be free to paint, read, do crosswords etc.
Have a good week. I am going to spend time catching up with everyones blogs and answering emails etc etc. It is so nice to have some time to do things.
Have a good week.
DS has gone and seems to be having a whale of a time in London although the security alerts are worrying (probably only to me and other mothers whose children are in UK - definitely not the children themselves).
DD is having a rocky time with romance. Know what I would like to tell her but have to be careful. It breaks my heart to see her so sad.
I am on 2 weeks holiday and am off to the theatre, a couple of lunches, coffee dates and of course our annual four days in the Hunter. The last day of work on Friday was spent with no electricity due to a transformer exploding across the creek so I will have to go down and finish up the reports but I dont mind doing that.
The weather is glorious winter weather again. The rain seems to have gone for the time being and it is crisp and sunny. Lucy and I will be walking to rid her of some puppy pounds.
The Wallabies won on Saturday night! Woohoo!
For my first day of holidays I have a very long list of things to do like Medicare etc and then I will be free to paint, read, do crosswords etc.
Have a good week. I am going to spend time catching up with everyones blogs and answering emails etc etc. It is so nice to have some time to do things.
Have a good week.
Friday, June 22, 2007
I surrender but I will survive to fight again
Well it has been a bit of a stressful week.
I finally succumbed on Monday to that tummy bug that is going around and even though I wasn't as sick as some people have been, after 3 weeks of feeling offcolour, I gave up and stayed in bed. I’ve still got it, it seems to linger, but at least the nauseousness has gone for the moment.
Of course, new car was arriving on Monday so DH had to pick up but they needed a copy of my licence so they could register it. DD found her printer and photocopied it for me and then I had to go over to the post office and fax it to the dealer. Not exactly what I wanted to do.
So I said goodbye my little white car which was kind of sad. I have had it for over 13 years and it has been wonderful. I taught both kids to drive (dents to prove it) in it and it has taken me lots of places. It was zippy and cute. Oh well, a girlfriends 26 year old daughter bought it for the price the dealer was going to give us as a trade in which was a bargain as it has nearly 12 months rego on it and it has been a very well maintained little car.
Anyway, new car is nice and I am getting used to it.
Had a farewell sausage sizzle for DS on Sunday night with a group of friends who are known as “the rellies”. It was a fun night with lots of reminiscing and laughter.
I have also surrendered the following this week:
What I eat
House cleaning
Exercise
I have two adult children operating out of the one bedroom (remember I turned DS bedroom into my study when he moved out last year) and it is like when they were younger. Each of them comes to me with complaints about the other. I guess they never grow out of it or else mine don’t seem to have. Finally on Wednesday, I got sick of it and ventured into the said bedroom and starting at the door, sorted clothes – dirty clean, folded, picked up rubbish until I made it around to the windows. Now as an extra job each morning before I go to work I go in there and do the same thing again but on a smaller scale just to keep the peace between two extremely messy and not a little bit lazy people. I can hear you now - yes it is my fault I guess, I lost the plot somewhere because they were not like this when they were younger.
Because of the extra work with having these two at home I have not exercised this week. It is like the bad old days when they were younger and I didn’t have a life of my own – it was just an extension of my familys. I have worked hard at reclaiming my life back to focus on me and it amazed me how quickly I lost that ground.
Except for yoga – nothing will make me miss yoga. Not even coming home all relaxed to find a family stressed out because dinner wasn’t ready when they got home and heaven help him, DH had to cook it. ##!@@@%%%!!!! OK, deep breathing, focus, relax.
Mentioned to DH that maybe he needs to get his hearing checked. After eons of working with aircraft I know he has a hearing problem but I feel it is getting worse and he tends to snap and accuse everyone of mumbling. I know it must be frustrating for him but it is really frustrating for me too, either having to repeat everything two or three times or getting no response at all. Anyway I suggested he might like to get his hearing tested with a view of maybe some sort of hearing aid and the answer was just a flat no. He was never going to have a hearing aid. I can see myself strangling him in the near future.
Been to rheumatologist today and he has upped my meds again. Yay! The joint swelling and soreness might subside a bit. He agreed that winter was probably not the best time to reduce meds and that that experiment hadn’t work. I think I may have forgotten to go and get my blood test done lately as he only had a result from March and I thought I had gone in May. Obviously another senior moment and I have gotten my Ms mixed up.
OK DS leaves next Thursday finally. Oh how my tune has changed over the last month. He is really good company and we get on exceptionally well but he is a bit of a nightmare to live with. I had forgotten, but I will still be very sad that he is not near to talk to and for hugs.
One more week of work before the next school holidays. Yay!! It is the Winter Solstice today which means .. ta da… the days are going to start getting longer again.
Busy weekend ahead yet again. I hope everyone has a good one.
I finally succumbed on Monday to that tummy bug that is going around and even though I wasn't as sick as some people have been, after 3 weeks of feeling offcolour, I gave up and stayed in bed. I’ve still got it, it seems to linger, but at least the nauseousness has gone for the moment.
Of course, new car was arriving on Monday so DH had to pick up but they needed a copy of my licence so they could register it. DD found her printer and photocopied it for me and then I had to go over to the post office and fax it to the dealer. Not exactly what I wanted to do.
So I said goodbye my little white car which was kind of sad. I have had it for over 13 years and it has been wonderful. I taught both kids to drive (dents to prove it) in it and it has taken me lots of places. It was zippy and cute. Oh well, a girlfriends 26 year old daughter bought it for the price the dealer was going to give us as a trade in which was a bargain as it has nearly 12 months rego on it and it has been a very well maintained little car.
Anyway, new car is nice and I am getting used to it.
Had a farewell sausage sizzle for DS on Sunday night with a group of friends who are known as “the rellies”. It was a fun night with lots of reminiscing and laughter.
I have also surrendered the following this week:
What I eat
House cleaning
Exercise
I have two adult children operating out of the one bedroom (remember I turned DS bedroom into my study when he moved out last year) and it is like when they were younger. Each of them comes to me with complaints about the other. I guess they never grow out of it or else mine don’t seem to have. Finally on Wednesday, I got sick of it and ventured into the said bedroom and starting at the door, sorted clothes – dirty clean, folded, picked up rubbish until I made it around to the windows. Now as an extra job each morning before I go to work I go in there and do the same thing again but on a smaller scale just to keep the peace between two extremely messy and not a little bit lazy people. I can hear you now - yes it is my fault I guess, I lost the plot somewhere because they were not like this when they were younger.
Because of the extra work with having these two at home I have not exercised this week. It is like the bad old days when they were younger and I didn’t have a life of my own – it was just an extension of my familys. I have worked hard at reclaiming my life back to focus on me and it amazed me how quickly I lost that ground.
Except for yoga – nothing will make me miss yoga. Not even coming home all relaxed to find a family stressed out because dinner wasn’t ready when they got home and heaven help him, DH had to cook it. ##!@@@%%%!!!! OK, deep breathing, focus, relax.
Mentioned to DH that maybe he needs to get his hearing checked. After eons of working with aircraft I know he has a hearing problem but I feel it is getting worse and he tends to snap and accuse everyone of mumbling. I know it must be frustrating for him but it is really frustrating for me too, either having to repeat everything two or three times or getting no response at all. Anyway I suggested he might like to get his hearing tested with a view of maybe some sort of hearing aid and the answer was just a flat no. He was never going to have a hearing aid. I can see myself strangling him in the near future.
Been to rheumatologist today and he has upped my meds again. Yay! The joint swelling and soreness might subside a bit. He agreed that winter was probably not the best time to reduce meds and that that experiment hadn’t work. I think I may have forgotten to go and get my blood test done lately as he only had a result from March and I thought I had gone in May. Obviously another senior moment and I have gotten my Ms mixed up.
OK DS leaves next Thursday finally. Oh how my tune has changed over the last month. He is really good company and we get on exceptionally well but he is a bit of a nightmare to live with. I had forgotten, but I will still be very sad that he is not near to talk to and for hugs.
One more week of work before the next school holidays. Yay!! It is the Winter Solstice today which means .. ta da… the days are going to start getting longer again.
Busy weekend ahead yet again. I hope everyone has a good one.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Some new rules
Have instigated a new regime. Made a list (another one!) of 10 things that I would like to happen most days as follows:
No. 1: Restrict alcohol to nights that I don’t have to go to work. Effectively means that during term time only on Friday and Saturday nights.
No. 2: Drink more water
No. 3: Exercise everyday if possible, doesn’t have to be strenuous just keep moving.
No. 4: No snacking between breakfast and lunch and by snacking I mean no biscuits, toast or cake.
No. 5: No snacking between lunch and dinner (same as above). This is a really hard one.
No. 6: No snacking after dinner.
No. 7: No cups of tea
No. 8: More herbal tea
No. 9: More fruit
No. 10: 1 cup of coffee per day.
I have also being weighing myself each morning to see how either keeping to the above or not keeping to the above effects my weight.
The reason for this was Mary’s post about running and how she has put C25K on hold. She mentioned ideal running weight so I googled it and found a website and worked it out that I was a few kilos over my ideal running weight. I know a few kilos doesn’t sound much but with my dodgy joints a few kilos is a “mountain” and looking back on my running the easiest week was the one when I was at my lightest, still not at “ideal” but closer. So that is what I am aiming at.
It is getting harder to motivate myself with exercise because of the cold and wet but except for the slight hiccup last week have managed to maintain my exercise schedule.
Water or the lack of it has also been a problem. Since it has cooled down I haven’t been drinking much, if any, water. So now have a little bottle which I fill with water and try to drink lots of each day.
Minus 5 Bar last week was fun but cold. They give you coats, gloves and ugg boots if you want them, but after about 20 mins the cold begins to seep into your bones. It was actually -15 deg. The cocktails were yummy but don’t ask me what was in them other than Absolut. One was called “snowball” and the other was “frisky penguin”. We were the only “oldies” in the group and had a great night. After leaving that bar we went down to the Lenin bar for a few more drinks and then DH and I left the younguns to party and we went and had a light meal at City Extra before heading home. A fun night.
My new car was ordered on Sunday. A Subaru impreza hatchback. Should be here in a week or two. A bit sad to be losing my 121 (I do get attached to things) but a new car is always exciting. I’m looking forward to having an all wheel drive car again especially driving to work down a windy narrow road everyday. The 121 is fine in the dry but the wet is scary and I have to drive very slowly because it tends to slide on the corners.
(Edit: New car arrives tomorrow - instead of trading in Mazda have sold it to a friends daughter for what they were going to give me for a trade-in. She has promised I can visit.)
DS moved back home last night and you cannot move in my loungeroom or study because of the number of bags etc that are there. Hopefully they will not stay there too long. His job has fallen through or been delayed in the UK but he says he is still going but is putting the departure date back a week.
(He has now booked to fly out on the 28th. Damn him - I am going to the airport. He cant ban me - I'm his mother! I promise not to sook too much.)
Have rebooked my yoga for next term plus have managed to get back into my tai chi class. My new blanket and mat made this weeks yoga class snuggley warm.
Another wet weekend in Sydney. A bit of stress from having two grownup children living at home, masses of washing, a stressful message from my mother on the answering machine when I got home Friday night (not going there) etc etc. Sunday night feeling better, had drinks and dinner with the rellies tonight (rellies are close friends and kind of neighbours that we have known since our children were little and hunted in a tribe together (the children not the adults). Gareths farewell from them, a fun night of reminising(?) etc - our history goes back around 20 years.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
No. 1: Restrict alcohol to nights that I don’t have to go to work. Effectively means that during term time only on Friday and Saturday nights.
No. 2: Drink more water
No. 3: Exercise everyday if possible, doesn’t have to be strenuous just keep moving.
No. 4: No snacking between breakfast and lunch and by snacking I mean no biscuits, toast or cake.
No. 5: No snacking between lunch and dinner (same as above). This is a really hard one.
No. 6: No snacking after dinner.
No. 7: No cups of tea
No. 8: More herbal tea
No. 9: More fruit
No. 10: 1 cup of coffee per day.
I have also being weighing myself each morning to see how either keeping to the above or not keeping to the above effects my weight.
The reason for this was Mary’s post about running and how she has put C25K on hold. She mentioned ideal running weight so I googled it and found a website and worked it out that I was a few kilos over my ideal running weight. I know a few kilos doesn’t sound much but with my dodgy joints a few kilos is a “mountain” and looking back on my running the easiest week was the one when I was at my lightest, still not at “ideal” but closer. So that is what I am aiming at.
It is getting harder to motivate myself with exercise because of the cold and wet but except for the slight hiccup last week have managed to maintain my exercise schedule.
Water or the lack of it has also been a problem. Since it has cooled down I haven’t been drinking much, if any, water. So now have a little bottle which I fill with water and try to drink lots of each day.
Minus 5 Bar last week was fun but cold. They give you coats, gloves and ugg boots if you want them, but after about 20 mins the cold begins to seep into your bones. It was actually -15 deg. The cocktails were yummy but don’t ask me what was in them other than Absolut. One was called “snowball” and the other was “frisky penguin”. We were the only “oldies” in the group and had a great night. After leaving that bar we went down to the Lenin bar for a few more drinks and then DH and I left the younguns to party and we went and had a light meal at City Extra before heading home. A fun night.
My new car was ordered on Sunday. A Subaru impreza hatchback. Should be here in a week or two. A bit sad to be losing my 121 (I do get attached to things) but a new car is always exciting. I’m looking forward to having an all wheel drive car again especially driving to work down a windy narrow road everyday. The 121 is fine in the dry but the wet is scary and I have to drive very slowly because it tends to slide on the corners.
(Edit: New car arrives tomorrow - instead of trading in Mazda have sold it to a friends daughter for what they were going to give me for a trade-in. She has promised I can visit.)
DS moved back home last night and you cannot move in my loungeroom or study because of the number of bags etc that are there. Hopefully they will not stay there too long. His job has fallen through or been delayed in the UK but he says he is still going but is putting the departure date back a week.
(He has now booked to fly out on the 28th. Damn him - I am going to the airport. He cant ban me - I'm his mother! I promise not to sook too much.)
Have rebooked my yoga for next term plus have managed to get back into my tai chi class. My new blanket and mat made this weeks yoga class snuggley warm.
Another wet weekend in Sydney. A bit of stress from having two grownup children living at home, masses of washing, a stressful message from my mother on the answering machine when I got home Friday night (not going there) etc etc. Sunday night feeling better, had drinks and dinner with the rellies tonight (rellies are close friends and kind of neighbours that we have known since our children were little and hunted in a tribe together (the children not the adults). Gareths farewell from them, a fun night of reminising(?) etc - our history goes back around 20 years.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
It's raining
Friday 8 June 2007
My next statements are going to make me sound like a terrible mother so let me insert a disclaimer now, I love my children unconditionally and would do anything for them BUT
My house is a mess and those of you who ‘know’ me will know what this is doing to my phsyce. Mess makes me unhappy. I cant help it. DS has dumped all his stuff in my lounge room and filled up my beautiful study with junk – I can hardly move in there and I cant see that he is going to take it all with him when he leaves for overseas if he still goes as his job offer has semi fallen through. DD lives in a continuous mess which is gradually spreading throughout the house despite my best efforts.
Anyway, enough of this – yogic breathing and peaceful mind.
We have had two days (so far) of beautiful rain. I can hear the garden groaning in thanks after my meagre efforts to keep in moist. It is the kind of weather that invites a “doona” day but I have resisted so far. I am trying to get through another term without any sick days.
Have booked “Menopause the Musical” for Sept 15. Turned out that with fathers day, APEC conference and one friend not returning from overseas until beginning September that this was the only weekend in its short season we could make it. The plan is we go to the matinee and then the guys meet us afterwards for drinks and dinner. Yes Zanna and Suzy, I wish you were here too, so that we could go together but you know if you are ever passing through let me know and we will work something out.
My thicker yoga mat, blanket and wedge has arrived! Ordered it on Monday and it arrived on Thursday. How’s that for service. Looking forward to using them next week.
Arrived at work on Tuesday and opened my curtains to find this on my window sill.
I don’t know how they got him out there as they would have had to take the window screens apart but he is there keeping an eye on me. The things that my work colleagues get up to after I get home.
The grass trees are all in bloom and I cant say that I’ve ever noticed them before but it is probably because the bushfires have cleared the bush and I can see them now.
Went to the soccer (oops sorry football) on Saturday night. Was looking forward to a vocal football crowd but honestly, they were as boring as batshit. Similar to an Australian rugby crowd. The game was less than riveting and I actually think I nodded off towards the end. A bit of a disappointment but luckily we were guests so it didn’t cost us anything.
Weight is yo-yoing at the moment like my eating. Have been off colour this week and I think we, as a family, are sharing a stomach wog around between us. Such a sharing caring bunch.
Did Week 4 C25K again and didn’t do it as well as I did it the week before. Am all aches and pains which I think is due to reduced rheumatism medication. Very tempted to up my medication again but will wait for two more weeks until I see rheumatologist.
Finished eatpraylove and will probably buy myself a copy for reference. So many good things in it. Am now reading Bellydancing for Beginners which has drawn a lot of funny comments. I think my family thinks I’m having a second childhood or second teenagehood. Quite funny actually but me bellydancing is not a mental image I want to imagine.
Tonight (Friday) we are off to the city to meet DS’s friends for a surprise farewell party (is he still going?) at the Minus 5 bar at the Quay. We will get attired in warm clothes (hopefully) have a cocktail or two and stay for 30 minutes. Then they are moving on to other bars probably so I don’t know whether we will go with them or just go and have dinner.
Quick update:
Beautiful rain turned into horrific storms with loss of life and much destruction. Remember the lines from Dorothea Mackellar's poem, "My Country":
I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!
Kind of sums it up.
Due to weather and other things exercise has gone out the window this weekend.
My next statements are going to make me sound like a terrible mother so let me insert a disclaimer now, I love my children unconditionally and would do anything for them BUT
My house is a mess and those of you who ‘know’ me will know what this is doing to my phsyce. Mess makes me unhappy. I cant help it. DS has dumped all his stuff in my lounge room and filled up my beautiful study with junk – I can hardly move in there and I cant see that he is going to take it all with him when he leaves for overseas if he still goes as his job offer has semi fallen through. DD lives in a continuous mess which is gradually spreading throughout the house despite my best efforts.
Anyway, enough of this – yogic breathing and peaceful mind.
We have had two days (so far) of beautiful rain. I can hear the garden groaning in thanks after my meagre efforts to keep in moist. It is the kind of weather that invites a “doona” day but I have resisted so far. I am trying to get through another term without any sick days.
Have booked “Menopause the Musical” for Sept 15. Turned out that with fathers day, APEC conference and one friend not returning from overseas until beginning September that this was the only weekend in its short season we could make it. The plan is we go to the matinee and then the guys meet us afterwards for drinks and dinner. Yes Zanna and Suzy, I wish you were here too, so that we could go together but you know if you are ever passing through let me know and we will work something out.
My thicker yoga mat, blanket and wedge has arrived! Ordered it on Monday and it arrived on Thursday. How’s that for service. Looking forward to using them next week.
Arrived at work on Tuesday and opened my curtains to find this on my window sill.
I don’t know how they got him out there as they would have had to take the window screens apart but he is there keeping an eye on me. The things that my work colleagues get up to after I get home.
The grass trees are all in bloom and I cant say that I’ve ever noticed them before but it is probably because the bushfires have cleared the bush and I can see them now.
Went to the soccer (oops sorry football) on Saturday night. Was looking forward to a vocal football crowd but honestly, they were as boring as batshit. Similar to an Australian rugby crowd. The game was less than riveting and I actually think I nodded off towards the end. A bit of a disappointment but luckily we were guests so it didn’t cost us anything.
Weight is yo-yoing at the moment like my eating. Have been off colour this week and I think we, as a family, are sharing a stomach wog around between us. Such a sharing caring bunch.
Did Week 4 C25K again and didn’t do it as well as I did it the week before. Am all aches and pains which I think is due to reduced rheumatism medication. Very tempted to up my medication again but will wait for two more weeks until I see rheumatologist.
Finished eatpraylove and will probably buy myself a copy for reference. So many good things in it. Am now reading Bellydancing for Beginners which has drawn a lot of funny comments. I think my family thinks I’m having a second childhood or second teenagehood. Quite funny actually but me bellydancing is not a mental image I want to imagine.
Tonight (Friday) we are off to the city to meet DS’s friends for a surprise farewell party (is he still going?) at the Minus 5 bar at the Quay. We will get attired in warm clothes (hopefully) have a cocktail or two and stay for 30 minutes. Then they are moving on to other bars probably so I don’t know whether we will go with them or just go and have dinner.
Quick update:
Beautiful rain turned into horrific storms with loss of life and much destruction. Remember the lines from Dorothea Mackellar's poem, "My Country":
I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!
Kind of sums it up.
Due to weather and other things exercise has gone out the window this weekend.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Winter
“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
Percy Bysshe Shelley
First day of winter today. Clear crisp days, cold nights. No rain in sight. Getting out the coats, gloves, scarves and all manner of warm things. Prying Lucy reluctantly out of the house in the mornings when all she wants to do is stay inside. Drinking red wine more now rather than the light summer whites. Hauling out the cookbooks and contemplating stews, casseroles and thick hearty soups. Snuggling in bed in the morning and wishing I didn’t have to get up.
Woohoo! Last Saturday I finally moved on to Week 4 C25K and it was not as hard as I thought it would be. Kept it slow, even though Robert was urging me on with peppy music in the second half I resisted him. Might repeat it again so that I can pick up a bit of speed this week. On the treadmill at the gym for day 2 and 3 put a slight gradient so I pushed myself a little bit more.
Lunch in Chinatown on Sunday was fun. There were so many people around; it was so bustling and vibrant. So many little shops I wanted to peek inside. I loved it. DH hated it. Hence our retirement problems. Lovely meal though and good company. Put the finishing touches to planning our long weekend away to the Hunter in July.
When I was driving to work on Tuesday there was a beautiful cloud formation with early morning sunlight behind it but being on a narrow road there really wasn’t the opportunity to stop so I thought I would take a picture down the bottom in the valley if I can. Well as drove down I hit a bank of fog and by the time I got to the bottom I couldn’t even see the sky, talk about seizing the opportunity.
On Wednesday, the sky to the west just before sunrise was the most beautiful blue. A greeny turquoise colour that filled me with elation (that’s the best I can do to explain what I felt).
Something I realised this week is that it doesn’t hurt me to be slightly hungry. I don’t have to eat something when I first get hungry. Now I just have act on this thought.
Back to eatpraylove : I read the “plumbers from New Zealand’s” instructions for freedom to Liz and the basic instruction was “let go”. This has been my mantra for some time when some action or thought is gnawing at my mind and making me unhappy. “Let it go – don’t worry about it”. Nothing is achieved by worrying about something that I can’t change through worrying or stewing over some imagined or real slight. This personnel mantra has stood me well over many difficult periods of my life. It has allowed me to move forward rather than dwell (and I am a dweller).
DS received his visas this week so it’s all plans full steam ahead! Suddenly the refrain I am hearing is ”so much to do so little time”.
Have registered to be one of the Field of Women on 11 August. Darling DH refuses to wear a pink poncho but agreed to come as my guest. The only problem with the 11 August is that it is the city to surf the next day and come hell or high water I am going to do it this year.
My repaying this favour is having to go and see Darryl Braithwaite at the local club in a couple of weeks. Not that I dislike Darryl Braithwaite, I did like Sherbert when I was much much younger, much much younger, but I have moved on. Still it will probably be a fun night full of nostalgia and much alcohol with other likeminded people.
Wore more clothes to yoga this week. The room has been made smaller, heaters are on but the floor is wooden and it is still a large space. Looked at one of the sites Mary sent me earlier this year, iyogaprops and I will go back and buy a thicker mat and maybe a blanket. I actually have remembered some of the sequences from this week and will endeavour to do them every day. Must remember to rebook for next term as this is a very popular class and I know I would miss it if I couldn’t go. Also have to book early for tai chi as it got booked out this term too and I miss Jorge and the sweet older ladies who go. I guess I have been away from tai chi for a year nearly.
“Menopause the musical” is coming back to Sydney and I am probably the only one in Sydney not to have seen it so I am canvassing friends to see if there is anyone else who would like to go. I usually don’t mind going by myself but I think this seems like something to be shared with friends (not the long suffering DH).
Highlights:
Trivia tonight with friends
Soccer – Australia vs Uruguay (thought I had gracefully sidestepped going to this)
Exercise:
Today: Gym program
Saturday: C25K run & pilates
Sunday: Lucy Walk & Swimming
Monday: Gym program
Tuesday: C25K run
Wednesday: Walk Lucy & Yoga
Thursday: C25K
(Still in the top 50 @ Walking with Attitude)
Edit: I have been trying to post this since yesterday but have had inexplicable problems with links.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
First day of winter today. Clear crisp days, cold nights. No rain in sight. Getting out the coats, gloves, scarves and all manner of warm things. Prying Lucy reluctantly out of the house in the mornings when all she wants to do is stay inside. Drinking red wine more now rather than the light summer whites. Hauling out the cookbooks and contemplating stews, casseroles and thick hearty soups. Snuggling in bed in the morning and wishing I didn’t have to get up.
Woohoo! Last Saturday I finally moved on to Week 4 C25K and it was not as hard as I thought it would be. Kept it slow, even though Robert was urging me on with peppy music in the second half I resisted him. Might repeat it again so that I can pick up a bit of speed this week. On the treadmill at the gym for day 2 and 3 put a slight gradient so I pushed myself a little bit more.
Lunch in Chinatown on Sunday was fun. There were so many people around; it was so bustling and vibrant. So many little shops I wanted to peek inside. I loved it. DH hated it. Hence our retirement problems. Lovely meal though and good company. Put the finishing touches to planning our long weekend away to the Hunter in July.
When I was driving to work on Tuesday there was a beautiful cloud formation with early morning sunlight behind it but being on a narrow road there really wasn’t the opportunity to stop so I thought I would take a picture down the bottom in the valley if I can. Well as drove down I hit a bank of fog and by the time I got to the bottom I couldn’t even see the sky, talk about seizing the opportunity.
On Wednesday, the sky to the west just before sunrise was the most beautiful blue. A greeny turquoise colour that filled me with elation (that’s the best I can do to explain what I felt).
Something I realised this week is that it doesn’t hurt me to be slightly hungry. I don’t have to eat something when I first get hungry. Now I just have act on this thought.
Back to eatpraylove : I read the “plumbers from New Zealand’s” instructions for freedom to Liz and the basic instruction was “let go”. This has been my mantra for some time when some action or thought is gnawing at my mind and making me unhappy. “Let it go – don’t worry about it”. Nothing is achieved by worrying about something that I can’t change through worrying or stewing over some imagined or real slight. This personnel mantra has stood me well over many difficult periods of my life. It has allowed me to move forward rather than dwell (and I am a dweller).
DS received his visas this week so it’s all plans full steam ahead! Suddenly the refrain I am hearing is ”so much to do so little time”.
Have registered to be one of the Field of Women on 11 August. Darling DH refuses to wear a pink poncho but agreed to come as my guest. The only problem with the 11 August is that it is the city to surf the next day and come hell or high water I am going to do it this year.
My repaying this favour is having to go and see Darryl Braithwaite at the local club in a couple of weeks. Not that I dislike Darryl Braithwaite, I did like Sherbert when I was much much younger, much much younger, but I have moved on. Still it will probably be a fun night full of nostalgia and much alcohol with other likeminded people.
Wore more clothes to yoga this week. The room has been made smaller, heaters are on but the floor is wooden and it is still a large space. Looked at one of the sites Mary sent me earlier this year, iyogaprops and I will go back and buy a thicker mat and maybe a blanket. I actually have remembered some of the sequences from this week and will endeavour to do them every day. Must remember to rebook for next term as this is a very popular class and I know I would miss it if I couldn’t go. Also have to book early for tai chi as it got booked out this term too and I miss Jorge and the sweet older ladies who go. I guess I have been away from tai chi for a year nearly.
“Menopause the musical” is coming back to Sydney and I am probably the only one in Sydney not to have seen it so I am canvassing friends to see if there is anyone else who would like to go. I usually don’t mind going by myself but I think this seems like something to be shared with friends (not the long suffering DH).
Highlights:
Trivia tonight with friends
Soccer – Australia vs Uruguay (thought I had gracefully sidestepped going to this)
Exercise:
Today: Gym program
Saturday: C25K run & pilates
Sunday: Lucy Walk & Swimming
Monday: Gym program
Tuesday: C25K run
Wednesday: Walk Lucy & Yoga
Thursday: C25K
(Still in the top 50 @ Walking with Attitude)
Edit: I have been trying to post this since yesterday but have had inexplicable problems with links.
Friday, May 25, 2007
A nice week all up
Have been feeling oddly enthusiastic this week. Willpower has returned again maybe not as strong as earlier this year but building nicely.
Weight has returned to what is was a couple of weeks ago mainly because I sat down and did a menu plan for the week and so have got back on track. This plan is not set in stone and when I am hungry I have been snacking on dates or mandarins rather than cream biscuits etc. I feel that my personal “black dog” has retuned to its kennel for the time being. I know he will be back but I am finding new ways to counteract him.
The weather has turned colder in Sydney. Beautiful clear days but cold nonetheless especially where I work. It is so cold down here in the valley and I wear so much clothing that I look like the Michelin man.
C25K – chicken little rides again. Have done week 3 again. Last Saturday morning after the usual argument as to whether I should get out of bed (I surely deserve a sleep-in) the next debate was whether to go on to Week 4 or redo Week 3. I chose Week 3 again and while it was still challenging it wasn’t as bad as it has been previously. The cold air in the morning is like champagne and certainly helps. Mary talks about her yogic breathing helping her, I find the Lemaze childbirth breathing technique helps me but probably doesn’t sound as good. Her reference to dragon breathing sounds like it could be closer.
Wedding at Wentworth Falls last Saturday was lovely. It was blowing a gale so they could not have it outside on the lawns but it was a clear bright day and the house was beautiful. At the end of the lawns we could see all this water spray and it turns out this was actually Wentworth Falls. Incredible views.
As mentioned earlier, am having interesting arguments with myself lately.
Will I go for my run early Saturday morning or have a sleep-in?
Eventually got up and went for a run and thought to myself, I love early in the morning so what’s with the arguments.
Will I take Lucy for a walk on Sunday morning or again, stay in bed longer?
Late again, I procrastinated but we did walk and it once again felt good.
Might give swimming a miss. Ive got so much to do at home.
Am so glad I went. Feel I had a breakthrough with freestyle. First 3 laps hopeless, next three slowed myself right down and it help a lot. I think my breathing problems have something to do with the gag reflex problem. I just have to swallow sometimes and that puts my breathing off.
(Sorry about the red printing but I cant seem to change it at the moment - hope you can read it.)
Once again, I love the book I am reading Eat Pray Love. I am thankful to Philippa for mentioning it and piquing my interest (I also have a list of other things she has mentioned). M says she wrote a blog on it a while ago which I must have missed or maybe I just wasn ‘t ready to read it. I will try to find it if I can still log onto her old blog. It is hitting a point in my inner place – almost happy certainly contented.
Re the above –had a funny experience at the gym this week. Things were conspiring against me for my Day 2 run this week but instead of throwing my towel in and going home I powered on through. Forgot my socks – will I go and buy some? No just wear my work socks – looked daggy and were not cushioned but they did. Got on my ‘special treadmil’ iPod didn’t work – flat battery!! What will I do? Come on, stupid question - this is my third week at Week 3 I know this program so I just did it listening to the gym music and pushed myself harder. Got home – no beef strips. That’s okay can slice up a piece of steak – at least I think it is steak, could be lamb. Oh well, it will do. These probably seem like little things but to me they aren’t. I’m a control freak and I like things to be exactly right. Maybe, hopefully, I am slowly learning to let go and not be so pedantic.
I also won the argument against chocolate biscuits at folk art.
I tried to meditate before yoga this week but couldn’t quieten my mind. It was racing off at all tangents . Talk about “monkey chatter”. My class is in a church hall and even with the heaters on it was cold this week. So, more clothes next week and maybe an extra padded mat might help.
Am carrying my notebook and camera with me. I am writing down feelings, things I want to remember anything actually and it is proving to be a bonus. I have taken a few photos lately whenever I see something that interests me (interesting light etc) as photos have been requested but at the moment my garden is a bit bare but am looking for inspiration. Will see if I can get any decent photos of my folk art.
Had dinner with DS last Monday night as DH had gone to Melbourne for meetings. Finally got to see his apartment. Close to the train station and city. You can see that two young men live there. Took me on a tour of his fridge and freezer both stocked with alcohol and not much else. Actually it was quite an impressive array of alcohol and I guess it will all be consumed in one last farewell party before he goes. We went to a local pub for dinner and I only got teary once when he talked about leaving. BUT he has said that he will only be away for the summer (theirs not ours). His job is being held for him here to return to so unless he truly loves it he will be back. I am happier now. I am trying not to be a clingy mother and have helped him every step of the way so far and I am excited for him but I will miss him immensely. Nobody gives me hugs like my 6’2” DS.
Highlights this week:
Am having a night at home tonight – DH is going to rugby tonight and while I was invited other wife not going so I was able to dip out letting them have a boys night. Am looking forward to catching up with stuff (including the boring stuff like ironing).
Breakfast at gym tomorrow, shopping for new rug, a Saturday night at home (you know you are getting old when you look forward to a Saturday night at home).
Lunch with Hunter Valley holiday friends on Sunday in China town. Catching train in so we will be able to imbibe.
DD is looking at a house on Saturday morning so keep your fingers cross that it is okay but I don’t hold high hopes.
Middle sister returns from holidays tomorrow. So glad have missed her and she is hopeless with her mobile phone.
Folk Art – the Christmas elf is getting closer to being finished (I am so over it) and there will be a picture
Yoga – Week 4.
And tah dah – am finally moving on to Week 4 in C25K. God knows how long I will be at this level but am really enjoying it and it has made me reassess my gym program and walks with Lucy. I think I tend to slack off and get comfortable (read in a rut) but I am now pushing myself a bit harder. It can only be a good thing.
Enjoy your week.
Weight has returned to what is was a couple of weeks ago mainly because I sat down and did a menu plan for the week and so have got back on track. This plan is not set in stone and when I am hungry I have been snacking on dates or mandarins rather than cream biscuits etc. I feel that my personal “black dog” has retuned to its kennel for the time being. I know he will be back but I am finding new ways to counteract him.
The weather has turned colder in Sydney. Beautiful clear days but cold nonetheless especially where I work. It is so cold down here in the valley and I wear so much clothing that I look like the Michelin man.
C25K – chicken little rides again. Have done week 3 again. Last Saturday morning after the usual argument as to whether I should get out of bed (I surely deserve a sleep-in) the next debate was whether to go on to Week 4 or redo Week 3. I chose Week 3 again and while it was still challenging it wasn’t as bad as it has been previously. The cold air in the morning is like champagne and certainly helps. Mary talks about her yogic breathing helping her, I find the Lemaze childbirth breathing technique helps me but probably doesn’t sound as good. Her reference to dragon breathing sounds like it could be closer.
Wedding at Wentworth Falls last Saturday was lovely. It was blowing a gale so they could not have it outside on the lawns but it was a clear bright day and the house was beautiful. At the end of the lawns we could see all this water spray and it turns out this was actually Wentworth Falls. Incredible views.
As mentioned earlier, am having interesting arguments with myself lately.
Will I go for my run early Saturday morning or have a sleep-in?
Eventually got up and went for a run and thought to myself, I love early in the morning so what’s with the arguments.
Will I take Lucy for a walk on Sunday morning or again, stay in bed longer?
Late again, I procrastinated but we did walk and it once again felt good.
Might give swimming a miss. Ive got so much to do at home.
Am so glad I went. Feel I had a breakthrough with freestyle. First 3 laps hopeless, next three slowed myself right down and it help a lot. I think my breathing problems have something to do with the gag reflex problem. I just have to swallow sometimes and that puts my breathing off.
(Sorry about the red printing but I cant seem to change it at the moment - hope you can read it.)
Once again, I love the book I am reading Eat Pray Love. I am thankful to Philippa for mentioning it and piquing my interest (I also have a list of other things she has mentioned). M says she wrote a blog on it a while ago which I must have missed or maybe I just wasn ‘t ready to read it. I will try to find it if I can still log onto her old blog. It is hitting a point in my inner place – almost happy certainly contented.
Re the above –had a funny experience at the gym this week. Things were conspiring against me for my Day 2 run this week but instead of throwing my towel in and going home I powered on through. Forgot my socks – will I go and buy some? No just wear my work socks – looked daggy and were not cushioned but they did. Got on my ‘special treadmil’ iPod didn’t work – flat battery!! What will I do? Come on, stupid question - this is my third week at Week 3 I know this program so I just did it listening to the gym music and pushed myself harder. Got home – no beef strips. That’s okay can slice up a piece of steak – at least I think it is steak, could be lamb. Oh well, it will do. These probably seem like little things but to me they aren’t. I’m a control freak and I like things to be exactly right. Maybe, hopefully, I am slowly learning to let go and not be so pedantic.
I also won the argument against chocolate biscuits at folk art.
I tried to meditate before yoga this week but couldn’t quieten my mind. It was racing off at all tangents . Talk about “monkey chatter”. My class is in a church hall and even with the heaters on it was cold this week. So, more clothes next week and maybe an extra padded mat might help.
Am carrying my notebook and camera with me. I am writing down feelings, things I want to remember anything actually and it is proving to be a bonus. I have taken a few photos lately whenever I see something that interests me (interesting light etc) as photos have been requested but at the moment my garden is a bit bare but am looking for inspiration. Will see if I can get any decent photos of my folk art.
Had dinner with DS last Monday night as DH had gone to Melbourne for meetings. Finally got to see his apartment. Close to the train station and city. You can see that two young men live there. Took me on a tour of his fridge and freezer both stocked with alcohol and not much else. Actually it was quite an impressive array of alcohol and I guess it will all be consumed in one last farewell party before he goes. We went to a local pub for dinner and I only got teary once when he talked about leaving. BUT he has said that he will only be away for the summer (theirs not ours). His job is being held for him here to return to so unless he truly loves it he will be back. I am happier now. I am trying not to be a clingy mother and have helped him every step of the way so far and I am excited for him but I will miss him immensely. Nobody gives me hugs like my 6’2” DS.
Highlights this week:
Am having a night at home tonight – DH is going to rugby tonight and while I was invited other wife not going so I was able to dip out letting them have a boys night. Am looking forward to catching up with stuff (including the boring stuff like ironing).
Breakfast at gym tomorrow, shopping for new rug, a Saturday night at home (you know you are getting old when you look forward to a Saturday night at home).
Lunch with Hunter Valley holiday friends on Sunday in China town. Catching train in so we will be able to imbibe.
DD is looking at a house on Saturday morning so keep your fingers cross that it is okay but I don’t hold high hopes.
Middle sister returns from holidays tomorrow. So glad have missed her and she is hopeless with her mobile phone.
Folk Art – the Christmas elf is getting closer to being finished (I am so over it) and there will be a picture
Yoga – Week 4.
And tah dah – am finally moving on to Week 4 in C25K. God knows how long I will be at this level but am really enjoying it and it has made me reassess my gym program and walks with Lucy. I think I tend to slack off and get comfortable (read in a rut) but I am now pushing myself a bit harder. It can only be a good thing.
Enjoy your week.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Food Addiction and other things
I have began reading two books (more really but two in particular) this month recommended reading, to find one http://www.lizbyrski.com.au/reviews/gangof4.html had read already and http://www.eatpraylove.com/eatpraylove.htm I must have read an extract in a magazine because when I began reading it I thought this is familiar but I haven’t read it all, at least I don’t think I have.
Went out to dinner on last Saturday night to a favourite restaurant, http://thebuddhabelly.com.au at Terrey Hills and while we had a lovely meal nearly died when the wine bill came for $180 (3 bottles). We had left the ordering up to one person and he obviously is wealthy or trying to impress. Two points to remember in future
1. Don’t go there for dinner again
2. Don’t trust one person to order the drinks
This was the first time we had been to this restaurant for dinner, we usually lunch there, and it will probably be the last time we go there.
What is it with restaurants and their wine mark-ups!
Am investigating food addiction at the moment but the server is down. I seriously think that there is something wrong with me when it comes to food. I cant recall ever being deprived of food to the extent that I think that if I don’t eat what is on offer I will miss out but that is exactly what I do. I am even considering seeing someone about it.
Sounds drastic doesn’t it but it isn’t meant to be, I’m just curious.
Feeling lethagic and vaguely unhappy and I am taking no prisoners in the food department. BUT these feelings havent affected my exercise which is probably saving me from massive gains at the moment.
Yoga is still going well. Series of gentle movements and stretches which is just what I need to ease me in to this. The only problems being no balance at all, trouble sitting on my legs (kneeling?) and something else hurts to but I cant remember what.
Running Week 3 again this week has been okay. Ran outside early on Saturday morning and the cold definitely helps. Got half through program and was flagging so took off sweatshirt (reminder to self to wear jacket next time as it is nearly impossible to keep moving and take off sweatshirt without losing iPod and/or stopping) and when the cold hit me, it revived me and I was able to complete it.
When I was leaving the park, a little old lady rode in on a pushbike with a helmet, obviously going for a ride around the walking/bike path that skirts the park. I thought how cute and told DH when I got back. His response? “She probably thought, how cute. That little old lady has been for a run”. They sure know how to bring you back to reality don’t they LOL.
Other running this week has been at the gym because I can only go in the afternoons during the week as the idea of running in the dark doesn’t appeal to me. Luckily someone pointed out to me a treadmill that lets you run for longer than the normal 20 minutes the others are all programmed for so I try to snaffle that one otherwise I have to stop iPod, reset treadmill under the slightly disapproving gazes of others, and start again and I lose my statistics. Oh so many hurdles (minor but hurdles nonetheless).
DS has sent his passport this week to Canberra to get his visa. Plans to be in UK by end of June.
Mothers day was lovely. DD came home at 7:30 am from work, made me breakfast in bed and then went to bed. DS arrived straight from work too with atlantic salmon and oysters. I went and did a Body Balance class which I really enjoyed. We woke DD about 2 pm for lunch on the deck. All in all it was a lovely relaxing day. Much better than spending a fortune at a restaurant. My deck is one of my favourite places to sit and relax with good food and good company and good wine. Plus I got to do some gardening as well. Rang my mum and wished her a happy mothers day. That was another bonus – not having to put up with the normal unpleasantness that she usually generates on mothers day – my eldest sister has to. (Mum’s first mothers day in Queensland and true to form came to dinner, ignored my sister completely, not even a thankyou or a goodbye.)
Am thinking about registering for http://www.fieldofwomen.org.au/ on August 11. The only thing stopping me is that it is the day before the City to Surf.
Highlights for the coming week:
Friday afternoon (just because there is no work for two days – boy am I over working)
Pilates on Saturday morning if I have time
A wedding in the blue mountains on Saturday afternoon (I want it to rain but not then)
Gardening and swimming on Sunday
More running (C25K) don’t know whether I will move up to week 4 or stay at week 3 for another week
Folk Art (the Christmas elf is progressing)
Yoga
Things I must do:
Carry my camera with me at all times
Reactivate my written journal and carry it with me to jot things down in - reminders, inspirational things etc
PS: DD and I have just spent time going through my wardrobe trying to find something to wear to this wedding. How disheartening. She found some things she likes including a cardigan I knitted eons ago which she wont take off. Finally settled on a variation of the little black dress after trying on skirts and tops and more skirts and tops but it still doesnt feel right. I feel lumpy.
Went out to dinner on last Saturday night to a favourite restaurant, http://thebuddhabelly.com.au at Terrey Hills and while we had a lovely meal nearly died when the wine bill came for $180 (3 bottles). We had left the ordering up to one person and he obviously is wealthy or trying to impress. Two points to remember in future
1. Don’t go there for dinner again
2. Don’t trust one person to order the drinks
This was the first time we had been to this restaurant for dinner, we usually lunch there, and it will probably be the last time we go there.
What is it with restaurants and their wine mark-ups!
Am investigating food addiction at the moment but the server is down. I seriously think that there is something wrong with me when it comes to food. I cant recall ever being deprived of food to the extent that I think that if I don’t eat what is on offer I will miss out but that is exactly what I do. I am even considering seeing someone about it.
Sounds drastic doesn’t it but it isn’t meant to be, I’m just curious.
Feeling lethagic and vaguely unhappy and I am taking no prisoners in the food department. BUT these feelings havent affected my exercise which is probably saving me from massive gains at the moment.
Yoga is still going well. Series of gentle movements and stretches which is just what I need to ease me in to this. The only problems being no balance at all, trouble sitting on my legs (kneeling?) and something else hurts to but I cant remember what.
Running Week 3 again this week has been okay. Ran outside early on Saturday morning and the cold definitely helps. Got half through program and was flagging so took off sweatshirt (reminder to self to wear jacket next time as it is nearly impossible to keep moving and take off sweatshirt without losing iPod and/or stopping) and when the cold hit me, it revived me and I was able to complete it.
When I was leaving the park, a little old lady rode in on a pushbike with a helmet, obviously going for a ride around the walking/bike path that skirts the park. I thought how cute and told DH when I got back. His response? “She probably thought, how cute. That little old lady has been for a run”. They sure know how to bring you back to reality don’t they LOL.
Other running this week has been at the gym because I can only go in the afternoons during the week as the idea of running in the dark doesn’t appeal to me. Luckily someone pointed out to me a treadmill that lets you run for longer than the normal 20 minutes the others are all programmed for so I try to snaffle that one otherwise I have to stop iPod, reset treadmill under the slightly disapproving gazes of others, and start again and I lose my statistics. Oh so many hurdles (minor but hurdles nonetheless).
DS has sent his passport this week to Canberra to get his visa. Plans to be in UK by end of June.
Mothers day was lovely. DD came home at 7:30 am from work, made me breakfast in bed and then went to bed. DS arrived straight from work too with atlantic salmon and oysters. I went and did a Body Balance class which I really enjoyed. We woke DD about 2 pm for lunch on the deck. All in all it was a lovely relaxing day. Much better than spending a fortune at a restaurant. My deck is one of my favourite places to sit and relax with good food and good company and good wine. Plus I got to do some gardening as well. Rang my mum and wished her a happy mothers day. That was another bonus – not having to put up with the normal unpleasantness that she usually generates on mothers day – my eldest sister has to. (Mum’s first mothers day in Queensland and true to form came to dinner, ignored my sister completely, not even a thankyou or a goodbye.)
Am thinking about registering for http://www.fieldofwomen.org.au/ on August 11. The only thing stopping me is that it is the day before the City to Surf.
Highlights for the coming week:
Friday afternoon (just because there is no work for two days – boy am I over working)
Pilates on Saturday morning if I have time
A wedding in the blue mountains on Saturday afternoon (I want it to rain but not then)
Gardening and swimming on Sunday
More running (C25K) don’t know whether I will move up to week 4 or stay at week 3 for another week
Folk Art (the Christmas elf is progressing)
Yoga
Things I must do:
Carry my camera with me at all times
Reactivate my written journal and carry it with me to jot things down in - reminders, inspirational things etc
PS: DD and I have just spent time going through my wardrobe trying to find something to wear to this wedding. How disheartening. She found some things she likes including a cardigan I knitted eons ago which she wont take off. Finally settled on a variation of the little black dress after trying on skirts and tops and more skirts and tops but it still doesnt feel right. I feel lumpy.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Last week's post
This post has been sitting in my draft box for over a week.
Last week: Running going well. It is still a struggle but the endorphins that seem to be released are wonderful.
This week: Failure. Tuesday's run was a failure. Just couldnt do it. After "talking" it over with Zanna (my guru) have decided to run indoors on the treadmill until I can get my stamina up. Did that this afternoon at the gym and it was hard but made it. Because of Tuesday's hiccup I am going to do Week 3 again, running early Saturday morning outside and the other two days at the gym on the treadmill. I am also going to change my gym program and concentrate on building myself up. Blood tests show iron levels down so have bought some iron tablets (which apparently wont give me other problems) and will try to eat more red meat (at least more than I eat now which is practically zilch).
Shortsightedness: I am shortsighted and it really is a blessing sometimes because when I look in the mirror at me in the distance I dont look too bad. Up close is another story of course. Not worried though. Love this time of my life just wish I had more time to enjoy it more.
Have let the cleaner go. It was irking me that I was paying for 2 hours and she was never here anywhere near that long and she seemed to be cutting more and more corners. Have decided the money I was paying her will now go to my super in readiness for retirement and I will just factor in cleaning the house into my week.
Last week: The Super 14's Waratahs home rugby games are over for another year. One more match to play but I dont think they have much of a chance of making the semis - oh all right not a snowflakes chance in hell. Weekends are ours again.
This week: They won their last game and our beloved barney rubble, phil waugh, was back. Solid as ever.
Swimming was great but am having the same stamina problems that I am having in running. Any ideas on how to increase stamina would be appreciated.
Last week: First yoga class was good. Teacher is very nice. Seemed fairly easy but that was probably because it was the first class.
This week: Second class was just as good. Remembered the blanket this time as it gets cool during the relax at the end. Must get a small pillow too (sounds like I am bedding down for the winter doesnt it). Seemed a bit harder this time but years of pilates, body balance and dabbling in yoga at the gym have prepared me for a lot of it. The 90 minutes flies by.
Last week: DS talking about moving to Europe after he finishes TAFE in June. Sad.
This week: Sad isnt really the word - devastated it more the word. Looks like it will be around the 20 June. He has lined up a job at a golf course in England (may southwest London).
Have finished reading Salvation Creek by Susan Duncan. Couldnt put it down. Recommended reading.
Walking with attitude challenge: Am walking around New Zealand but havent really been tracking my checkpoints. Every afternoon I check my pedometer and if it doesnt look like I am going to reach 10000 steps I grab Lucy and we go for a walk. I dont think I have left the top 50 standings since I started. Am finding the pedometer a wonderful incentive to achieve those 10000 steps a day.
Highlights:
Yoga
Hopefully body balance on Sunday morning before Mothers Day kicks in
Dinner at favourite Thai restaurant at Terrey Hills
More gardening, more hedging
Hairdressers (maybe more blonde highlights)
Last week: Running going well. It is still a struggle but the endorphins that seem to be released are wonderful.
This week: Failure. Tuesday's run was a failure. Just couldnt do it. After "talking" it over with Zanna (my guru) have decided to run indoors on the treadmill until I can get my stamina up. Did that this afternoon at the gym and it was hard but made it. Because of Tuesday's hiccup I am going to do Week 3 again, running early Saturday morning outside and the other two days at the gym on the treadmill. I am also going to change my gym program and concentrate on building myself up. Blood tests show iron levels down so have bought some iron tablets (which apparently wont give me other problems) and will try to eat more red meat (at least more than I eat now which is practically zilch).
Shortsightedness: I am shortsighted and it really is a blessing sometimes because when I look in the mirror at me in the distance I dont look too bad. Up close is another story of course. Not worried though. Love this time of my life just wish I had more time to enjoy it more.
Have let the cleaner go. It was irking me that I was paying for 2 hours and she was never here anywhere near that long and she seemed to be cutting more and more corners. Have decided the money I was paying her will now go to my super in readiness for retirement and I will just factor in cleaning the house into my week.
Last week: The Super 14's Waratahs home rugby games are over for another year. One more match to play but I dont think they have much of a chance of making the semis - oh all right not a snowflakes chance in hell. Weekends are ours again.
This week: They won their last game and our beloved barney rubble, phil waugh, was back. Solid as ever.
Swimming was great but am having the same stamina problems that I am having in running. Any ideas on how to increase stamina would be appreciated.
Last week: First yoga class was good. Teacher is very nice. Seemed fairly easy but that was probably because it was the first class.
This week: Second class was just as good. Remembered the blanket this time as it gets cool during the relax at the end. Must get a small pillow too (sounds like I am bedding down for the winter doesnt it). Seemed a bit harder this time but years of pilates, body balance and dabbling in yoga at the gym have prepared me for a lot of it. The 90 minutes flies by.
Last week: DS talking about moving to Europe after he finishes TAFE in June. Sad.
This week: Sad isnt really the word - devastated it more the word. Looks like it will be around the 20 June. He has lined up a job at a golf course in England (may southwest London).
Have finished reading Salvation Creek by Susan Duncan. Couldnt put it down. Recommended reading.
Walking with attitude challenge: Am walking around New Zealand but havent really been tracking my checkpoints. Every afternoon I check my pedometer and if it doesnt look like I am going to reach 10000 steps I grab Lucy and we go for a walk. I dont think I have left the top 50 standings since I started. Am finding the pedometer a wonderful incentive to achieve those 10000 steps a day.
Highlights:
Yoga
Hopefully body balance on Sunday morning before Mothers Day kicks in
Dinner at favourite Thai restaurant at Terrey Hills
More gardening, more hedging
Hairdressers (maybe more blonde highlights)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Strange week
It has been a strange week. Have finally decided that I am not going to obsess too much about my weight and just try to eat well. Still following WW when I can but have had a couple of days when I have gotten the munchies around late afternoon but strangely it hasn't bothered me and even registered another small loss.
Have completed Week 1 of C25K. Had to do one of the sessions at gym on treadmill because of the weather but my running guru has assured me that it is okay and I agree Zanna, it is probably better for my knees although it still doesnt really feel like running unless I am outside. My heart rate goes through the ceiling but that could be a good thing????
DD's new car is gorgeous and IKEA was fun. She also took me out to lunch which was nice.
Parramatta Girls with Catherine and Sarah was wonderful. I really really enjoyed it. The seats were great, the actual show was incredible -laughing one minute crying the next and of course the company was wonderful.
The rugby was interesting. DH left me there at half time as he couldnt watch it anymore. Silly bugger missed the best part of the game. Luckily we were with other friends who made sure I got home safely. I was cross but I got over it.
The ballet was lovely too. My first time. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to going again.
Work has been incredibly busy. I am doing my job and just working the hours I have to. After last terms revelations I am not going to put myself out again.
Have just heard that a friend has ovarian cancer - quite extensive. Has been operated on and they will find out more today. The news knocked me a bit. DD is definitely going to have the vaccination when it becomes available for her age group.
A friends son was savagely beaten over Easter by a group of 13-14 year olds 5 minutes away from where I live. I have always believed that my suburb was fairly safe so this has brought me up short and am now a bit hesitant about walking home from the station at night alone.
Have terminated (does that sound better than fired) my cleaner. It was a hard thing to do but I had to do it. Thank goodness I am not a person who has to hire and fire people. I dont think I could do it.
Highlights for this week:
Dinner on Saturday night at a favourite Italian restaurant at Glebe with friends
Week 2 C25K (my mind is telling me to do Week 1 again but onwards and upwards)
Rugby (last home game)
Will start swimming again this Sunday
Have completed Week 1 of C25K. Had to do one of the sessions at gym on treadmill because of the weather but my running guru has assured me that it is okay and I agree Zanna, it is probably better for my knees although it still doesnt really feel like running unless I am outside. My heart rate goes through the ceiling but that could be a good thing????
DD's new car is gorgeous and IKEA was fun. She also took me out to lunch which was nice.
Parramatta Girls with Catherine and Sarah was wonderful. I really really enjoyed it. The seats were great, the actual show was incredible -laughing one minute crying the next and of course the company was wonderful.
The rugby was interesting. DH left me there at half time as he couldnt watch it anymore. Silly bugger missed the best part of the game. Luckily we were with other friends who made sure I got home safely. I was cross but I got over it.
The ballet was lovely too. My first time. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to going again.
Work has been incredibly busy. I am doing my job and just working the hours I have to. After last terms revelations I am not going to put myself out again.
Have just heard that a friend has ovarian cancer - quite extensive. Has been operated on and they will find out more today. The news knocked me a bit. DD is definitely going to have the vaccination when it becomes available for her age group.
A friends son was savagely beaten over Easter by a group of 13-14 year olds 5 minutes away from where I live. I have always believed that my suburb was fairly safe so this has brought me up short and am now a bit hesitant about walking home from the station at night alone.
Have terminated (does that sound better than fired) my cleaner. It was a hard thing to do but I had to do it. Thank goodness I am not a person who has to hire and fire people. I dont think I could do it.
Highlights for this week:
Dinner on Saturday night at a favourite Italian restaurant at Glebe with friends
Week 2 C25K (my mind is telling me to do Week 1 again but onwards and upwards)
Rugby (last home game)
Will start swimming again this Sunday
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Changes
Times seem to be changing. I have been brought up short by other people's observations this week. Blogs disappearing, people moving on. Sad but inevitable.
I like to live by lists. But, they can be counter productive too because it opens you up to failure if you dont achieve everything you want to do in a day. So, have scrapped lists yet again and am just trying to find some sort of natural routine which leaves me open to changes.
I have managed to tidy, hedge, weed, prune two gardens in the front yard so far but have run out of green bin space. Have rung the council and asked if it is possible to have two bins and the answer was yes so I have ordered it and it should arrive next week. Ive still got lots to do but nowhere to put green waste. The compost is full (happy little worms), the worm farm is full, the green bin is full, the weeding bins are full and I wont get them empty until tomorrow so I am kind of stymied.
Have also had a massive cleanout of the family room and a rearrangement, bought some new indoor plants, rehoused the canary and am generally feeling happier with that room too.
Have been a bit off with my eating for the last couple of days (read... eating all the biscuits). A bit bored really with being at home. I guess I do like being frantically busy and cramming as much into the day as I can. This does not augur well for retirement does it?
Have discovered custard apples. They are rich and creamy and so so sweet. Love them. Also have been having smoothies for breakfast with raspberries I bought when they were cheap and froze. Such an incredible colour and the taste sensation is wonderful.
Highlights for the next week:
DD picking up new car today and we are going to IKEA for some retail therapy
I will finish my book and be able to start another one
Rugby (not really a highlight but the social side is okay)
Parramatta Girls
The Ballet and dinner with friends
Back to work (a four day week)
Plan to start my C25K running program - podcasts loaded on nano and ready to go (thanks Zanna)
I like to live by lists. But, they can be counter productive too because it opens you up to failure if you dont achieve everything you want to do in a day. So, have scrapped lists yet again and am just trying to find some sort of natural routine which leaves me open to changes.
I have managed to tidy, hedge, weed, prune two gardens in the front yard so far but have run out of green bin space. Have rung the council and asked if it is possible to have two bins and the answer was yes so I have ordered it and it should arrive next week. Ive still got lots to do but nowhere to put green waste. The compost is full (happy little worms), the worm farm is full, the green bin is full, the weeding bins are full and I wont get them empty until tomorrow so I am kind of stymied.
Have also had a massive cleanout of the family room and a rearrangement, bought some new indoor plants, rehoused the canary and am generally feeling happier with that room too.
Have been a bit off with my eating for the last couple of days (read... eating all the biscuits). A bit bored really with being at home. I guess I do like being frantically busy and cramming as much into the day as I can. This does not augur well for retirement does it?
Have discovered custard apples. They are rich and creamy and so so sweet. Love them. Also have been having smoothies for breakfast with raspberries I bought when they were cheap and froze. Such an incredible colour and the taste sensation is wonderful.
Highlights for the next week:
DD picking up new car today and we are going to IKEA for some retail therapy
I will finish my book and be able to start another one
Rugby (not really a highlight but the social side is okay)
Parramatta Girls
The Ballet and dinner with friends
Back to work (a four day week)
Plan to start my C25K running program - podcasts loaded on nano and ready to go (thanks Zanna)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Not Happy (with myself only)
A gain this week. Expected after Easter I know especially by me but it has hit home this morning that I will never be able to relax in my eating which is going to make for a very dull life in some ways especially with the amount of socialising and entertaining we do. Looks like I am going to be the designated driver for the rest of my life.
I am moaning, arent I?
Stop it - there are millions of people worse off then me. Little problems really. Back on the horse/bike (or whatever I have fallen off) and off I go again.
No gardening done this week but I have cleaned two rooms of my house (excluding blinds, windows and curtains), rearranged furniture (with hopefully minimal scratching of the floor), taken a heap of stuff to Lifeline and managed to keep those two rooms tidy (can be a nearly impossible task with DD and DH and his piles of papers).
Lunch today with a sister, lunch tomorrow with friends. Engagement party tomorrow night and of course the rugby on Saturday night for another dose of disappointment.
Here's to a better week next week
I am moaning, arent I?
Stop it - there are millions of people worse off then me. Little problems really. Back on the horse/bike (or whatever I have fallen off) and off I go again.
No gardening done this week but I have cleaned two rooms of my house (excluding blinds, windows and curtains), rearranged furniture (with hopefully minimal scratching of the floor), taken a heap of stuff to Lifeline and managed to keep those two rooms tidy (can be a nearly impossible task with DD and DH and his piles of papers).
Lunch today with a sister, lunch tomorrow with friends. Engagement party tomorrow night and of course the rugby on Saturday night for another dose of disappointment.
Here's to a better week next week
Thursday, April 05, 2007
A tiny loss but still a loss
Well the weigh in went okay. I lost 300g this week and I know a loss is a loss.
I exercised every day. I stayed within my points (I think - not sure about Saturday night when we ate out but did my best - grilled barramundi and salad but had 2 wines). Which brings to a total of four wines in the past four weeks - this is some sort of record for me.
Have bought everyone easter eggs and a tiny chocolate penguin from DJs for me. I mos well have something really really nice if I am only going to have anything. Also there is a packet of hot cross buns in the kitchen but I will probably give it to DD who is going camping this weekend.
DH has gone fishing with DS, one of his brothers and a posse of nephews tonight. Oh and a neighbour. They go every Easter (and have done for as long as I have known DH) and usually catch enough fish for everyone to have for dinner tomorrow. Mind you they used to go all night and come home tomorrow but as they are getting older they like their bed, as we all do, so I expect them home sometime late tonight. Usually it is a wild and woolly night but fingers crossed it doesnt seem too bad out there tonight.
I have go a stack of DVDs from the shop to watch over the weekend. Starting with the Lakehouse tonight when I get back from dinner with a girlfriend and DD.
Term 1 has now officially ended and I am on holidays! Yippee. It has been a tough term and I am glad it is over. Looking forward to catching up with people, gardening and giving my house a damn good clean. Plus I have a new book from the library to read - a chick-flick type book - nothing heavy and a new crossword book. Bliss.
I have downloaded the C25K podcasts as instructed by Zanna and am going to start them. I realise I cant run with Lucy. It is like dragging an 8kg weight behind me (someone is very unfit and I dont mean me). So I will have to add another exercise time to my day during the next two weeks. Also want to do some classes at the gym during the day. So many things, so little time.
Now I just have to survive dinner tonight, dinner tomorrow night, the chocolate penguin and the hot cross buns and I hopefully will not put on any weight this week. Once again, a loss, even a small loss would be okay.
Hope you all have a wonderful Easter break
Take care
I exercised every day. I stayed within my points (I think - not sure about Saturday night when we ate out but did my best - grilled barramundi and salad but had 2 wines). Which brings to a total of four wines in the past four weeks - this is some sort of record for me.
Have bought everyone easter eggs and a tiny chocolate penguin from DJs for me. I mos well have something really really nice if I am only going to have anything. Also there is a packet of hot cross buns in the kitchen but I will probably give it to DD who is going camping this weekend.
DH has gone fishing with DS, one of his brothers and a posse of nephews tonight. Oh and a neighbour. They go every Easter (and have done for as long as I have known DH) and usually catch enough fish for everyone to have for dinner tomorrow. Mind you they used to go all night and come home tomorrow but as they are getting older they like their bed, as we all do, so I expect them home sometime late tonight. Usually it is a wild and woolly night but fingers crossed it doesnt seem too bad out there tonight.
I have go a stack of DVDs from the shop to watch over the weekend. Starting with the Lakehouse tonight when I get back from dinner with a girlfriend and DD.
Term 1 has now officially ended and I am on holidays! Yippee. It has been a tough term and I am glad it is over. Looking forward to catching up with people, gardening and giving my house a damn good clean. Plus I have a new book from the library to read - a chick-flick type book - nothing heavy and a new crossword book. Bliss.
I have downloaded the C25K podcasts as instructed by Zanna and am going to start them. I realise I cant run with Lucy. It is like dragging an 8kg weight behind me (someone is very unfit and I dont mean me). So I will have to add another exercise time to my day during the next two weeks. Also want to do some classes at the gym during the day. So many things, so little time.
Now I just have to survive dinner tonight, dinner tomorrow night, the chocolate penguin and the hot cross buns and I hopefully will not put on any weight this week. Once again, a loss, even a small loss would be okay.
Hope you all have a wonderful Easter break
Take care
Thursday, March 29, 2007
New Look
Have gone for a new look to go with the new me. Ive got a bit of a green thing going lately. But have lost a few things off my sidebar so will have to try to work out how to put them back in the holidays. I am such a luddite but I am trying hard.
Weigh in today and have lost 600g this week. That puts me back into the 65s and I am aiming to be in the 64s by Easter (and then maybe I might go up again just a little).
Raining this afternoon so Lucy gets out of her walk. I may get the tramp out and bounce around for a bit. I havent really used it since I got it last mothers day because of all the problems I had last year. DH thinks it is just another useless acquisition but I will surprise him.
Starting to plan our trip to Europe next year. At the moment am thinking Italy, France and the Greek Islands with a short stop in London to visit friends. If anyone has any good websites that might be of interest in planning accomodation or places of interest feel free to let me know. Heard about a place called Cinque Terre from one of the guys at work. He has just been there, so that is on the list of places to investigate.
My MS has just found out she has an enlarged liver with lots of fat around it. Her cholesterol and blood pressure are quite high and she is carrying a lot of excess weight. So, no alcohol anymore which may be a challenge. She cant get in to see the specialist for two months but I think she will put that two months to good use by watching her diet etc. I wish I was closer so I could bully her (did I say that out loud).
Am going great guns with my walking with attitude. Am walking around New Zealand at the moment and have even reached an all time high of 14 in the standings. Woohoo! It is so nice to be able to walk again.
School holidays start next week and aside from the dentist and doctor visits I have a few lunches and dinners to contend with. Plus I am planning a major assault on the gardens. All this rain we have been having has made everything grow so quicklyand lushly including the weeds. So I am going to divide the gardens up into segments and do a bit each day (my new job) plus visits to nurseries at Galston, Ikea and Officeworks. So many things planned, so little time.
Went out to lunch last Monday and actually had a salad sandwich with no butter on brown and a skim flat white. Surprised myself. Then went to a network meeting and took my own green teabag and didnt eat the biscuits. Surprised myself again. Actually I am continually surprising myself lately. In the last three weeks have only had 2 glasses of wine and exercised daily and watched what I have eaten. Please all join hands and pray that this keeps up. I am like a woman possessed!
My ES wants to meet me in Melbourne in late May for her granddaughters 18th. I think I will, it will be a rush as I will have to leave work and head for the airport to get there in time but why not. DH hasnt committed yet to going but I am going with or without him. May even only fly down the Friday and fly home on Saturday depending on other commitments.
Anyway hope everyone is having a good week.
This week I am going to:
Exercise as much as possible
Eat well but sensiblely
Not remind my DD that it is time she moved out
Be more patient (need lots of help with this)
Weigh in today and have lost 600g this week. That puts me back into the 65s and I am aiming to be in the 64s by Easter (and then maybe I might go up again just a little).
Raining this afternoon so Lucy gets out of her walk. I may get the tramp out and bounce around for a bit. I havent really used it since I got it last mothers day because of all the problems I had last year. DH thinks it is just another useless acquisition but I will surprise him.
Starting to plan our trip to Europe next year. At the moment am thinking Italy, France and the Greek Islands with a short stop in London to visit friends. If anyone has any good websites that might be of interest in planning accomodation or places of interest feel free to let me know. Heard about a place called Cinque Terre from one of the guys at work. He has just been there, so that is on the list of places to investigate.
My MS has just found out she has an enlarged liver with lots of fat around it. Her cholesterol and blood pressure are quite high and she is carrying a lot of excess weight. So, no alcohol anymore which may be a challenge. She cant get in to see the specialist for two months but I think she will put that two months to good use by watching her diet etc. I wish I was closer so I could bully her (did I say that out loud).
Am going great guns with my walking with attitude. Am walking around New Zealand at the moment and have even reached an all time high of 14 in the standings. Woohoo! It is so nice to be able to walk again.
School holidays start next week and aside from the dentist and doctor visits I have a few lunches and dinners to contend with. Plus I am planning a major assault on the gardens. All this rain we have been having has made everything grow so quicklyand lushly including the weeds. So I am going to divide the gardens up into segments and do a bit each day (my new job) plus visits to nurseries at Galston, Ikea and Officeworks. So many things planned, so little time.
Went out to lunch last Monday and actually had a salad sandwich with no butter on brown and a skim flat white. Surprised myself. Then went to a network meeting and took my own green teabag and didnt eat the biscuits. Surprised myself again. Actually I am continually surprising myself lately. In the last three weeks have only had 2 glasses of wine and exercised daily and watched what I have eaten. Please all join hands and pray that this keeps up. I am like a woman possessed!
My ES wants to meet me in Melbourne in late May for her granddaughters 18th. I think I will, it will be a rush as I will have to leave work and head for the airport to get there in time but why not. DH hasnt committed yet to going but I am going with or without him. May even only fly down the Friday and fly home on Saturday depending on other commitments.
Anyway hope everyone is having a good week.
This week I am going to:
Exercise as much as possible
Eat well but sensiblely
Not remind my DD that it is time she moved out
Be more patient (need lots of help with this)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Me again
Im sort of back on track. You'll have to excuse any typing mistakes. Im wireless now so I can watch the rugby and sit in front of the TV and type.
Am back at Weight Watchers again and in the first week back lost a whopping 2.3kg but last week only managed 100g although I followed the plan again. The only explanation I can think of is that my body has gone into shock and is now squirrelling away any food that comes its way. Well I have news for it - its gonna have to give it up sooner or later.
Am exercising nearly everyday - either a gym session, a class, swimming or walking with Lucy. Even if it is only 30 minutes we do it everyday. Actually ran a little bit yesterday but it was a bit hard trying to run and dragging a very reluctant 8kg dog with me. She actually sat down at one stage and refused to move.
Am going to only go to pilates once every two weeks now as the class is being shared by two teachers and while I like both of them one takes our class straight after she has finished teaching a pump class and I think she is actually deviating away from pilates and more into balance and just plain exercising. Anyway, so I've decided to switch between pilates and body balance. Am also going back to tai chi next term.
DH has just come back from a 3 day golfing holiday with mates to the Sunshine Coast. Apparently he is planning another one in September to the Murray - 7 days 7 golf courses. I wondered why he was collecting allthose brochurs when we were down at
Rutherglen!
DD and I went to see "Music and Lyrics" or is it the other way around. Hugh Grant may be old (look who's talking) but he is still gorgeous and I enjoyed it in a very relaxed sort of way. It was a great brain drain.
One of my sisters has found out that she has an enlarged liver with lots of fat around it. Have googled it and it sounds very worrying. She cant get in to see the gastro guy until June but she is talking about modifying her diet and giving up alcohol now so that is good.
That's about it for the moment. Am still having problems at work, I cant remember whether I have mentioned anything but I am feeling very undervalued and looking forward to the Easter holidays.
Rugby not going well - DH is getting more and more upset. He wouldnt come with me a couple of weeks ago he is so disillusioned with the Waratahs. DS had to come with me which was a nice mother and son outing. But I doubt whether he will come with me again. I'll probably be the last Waratah fan at Aussie stadium and I promise to turn out the lights.
Am back at Weight Watchers again and in the first week back lost a whopping 2.3kg but last week only managed 100g although I followed the plan again. The only explanation I can think of is that my body has gone into shock and is now squirrelling away any food that comes its way. Well I have news for it - its gonna have to give it up sooner or later.
Am exercising nearly everyday - either a gym session, a class, swimming or walking with Lucy. Even if it is only 30 minutes we do it everyday. Actually ran a little bit yesterday but it was a bit hard trying to run and dragging a very reluctant 8kg dog with me. She actually sat down at one stage and refused to move.
Am going to only go to pilates once every two weeks now as the class is being shared by two teachers and while I like both of them one takes our class straight after she has finished teaching a pump class and I think she is actually deviating away from pilates and more into balance and just plain exercising. Anyway, so I've decided to switch between pilates and body balance. Am also going back to tai chi next term.
DH has just come back from a 3 day golfing holiday with mates to the Sunshine Coast. Apparently he is planning another one in September to the Murray - 7 days 7 golf courses. I wondered why he was collecting allthose brochurs when we were down at
Rutherglen!
DD and I went to see "Music and Lyrics" or is it the other way around. Hugh Grant may be old (look who's talking) but he is still gorgeous and I enjoyed it in a very relaxed sort of way. It was a great brain drain.
One of my sisters has found out that she has an enlarged liver with lots of fat around it. Have googled it and it sounds very worrying. She cant get in to see the gastro guy until June but she is talking about modifying her diet and giving up alcohol now so that is good.
That's about it for the moment. Am still having problems at work, I cant remember whether I have mentioned anything but I am feeling very undervalued and looking forward to the Easter holidays.
Rugby not going well - DH is getting more and more upset. He wouldnt come with me a couple of weeks ago he is so disillusioned with the Waratahs. DS had to come with me which was a nice mother and son outing. But I doubt whether he will come with me again. I'll probably be the last Waratah fan at Aussie stadium and I promise to turn out the lights.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
So sorry
If I knew how to turn off comments I would. I really dont want people to comment on this post.
I dont know how to verbalize my feelings at the moment but I know I havent checked in for a couple of weeks or read blogs or answered emails.
I am in a bad place at the moment regarding food. I am eating too much, but I have put a plan into motion to hopefully help me get over this problem.
I cant seem to say no to food - it is like an addiction. It makes me ill, literally. I cant eat this stuff but I also cant stop it. It has happened before and I know it will probably pass but I am filled with self-loathing at the moment.
Hey, how's this for a depressing post!
Had bad experience at work. You think you know people but you dont really, ever.
Im tired, overweight but still exercising slowly (a small positive).
Im a sad mess. Please dont worry about me, I am being self indulgent and I will move on. I need that switch to be triggered.
Here's hoping............................
I dont know how to verbalize my feelings at the moment but I know I havent checked in for a couple of weeks or read blogs or answered emails.
I am in a bad place at the moment regarding food. I am eating too much, but I have put a plan into motion to hopefully help me get over this problem.
I cant seem to say no to food - it is like an addiction. It makes me ill, literally. I cant eat this stuff but I also cant stop it. It has happened before and I know it will probably pass but I am filled with self-loathing at the moment.
Hey, how's this for a depressing post!
Had bad experience at work. You think you know people but you dont really, ever.
Im tired, overweight but still exercising slowly (a small positive).
Im a sad mess. Please dont worry about me, I am being self indulgent and I will move on. I need that switch to be triggered.
Here's hoping............................
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Another week another kilo (not a good one)
A gain this week - bah humbug. All my fault. Have been following the "see food" diet and the scales show it. Zanna is putting me to shame - 6 weeks of no alcohol and good eating, she is soooo motivating and I am sooooo envious of her resolve.
On the positive side - am slowly getting back into exercise
Sunday - swimming
Monday - gym
Tuesday - walk Lucy
Wednesday - walk Lucy and small yoga stretch session
Thursday - walk Lucy
Friday - gym
Saturday - walk Lucy and pilates
These arent long walks or full gym sessions but am working my way back towards being fully mobile again.
(Lucy has to lose weight too. My two months of inactivity have meant that she has also been fairly inactive and needs to lose around a kilo. I got roused on at the vets when I took her for her yearly shots and check up.)
Got my new sneakers yesterday. After talking to my podiatrist last week, got runners rather than cross trainers. My new orthotics should be ready this week and he will fit them into the new shoes. Went for custom made orthotics this time which was an interesting experience especially the mold imprinting. He suggested that I get runners because they are lighter and the orthotics willgive me all the support I need. Picked Rykas because I liked the fact that they only make shoes for women but virtually had to arm wrestle the nice child in footlocker to get them. He was polite and pleasant and I am old and fiesty but I dont appreciate being lectured to about what shoes I should buy. I didnt get exactly what I wanted as apparently they were last years style - this years style was pink. Oh well - they look all new and sparkly.
DS is back from Thailand safe and sound. Have had yet another heart to heart with DD and hopefully things will get better here at home.
Off to Officeworks this morning with DH. Love stationery stores.
Have a great week everyone and will really try this week - I promise.
On the positive side - am slowly getting back into exercise
Sunday - swimming
Monday - gym
Tuesday - walk Lucy
Wednesday - walk Lucy and small yoga stretch session
Thursday - walk Lucy
Friday - gym
Saturday - walk Lucy and pilates
These arent long walks or full gym sessions but am working my way back towards being fully mobile again.
(Lucy has to lose weight too. My two months of inactivity have meant that she has also been fairly inactive and needs to lose around a kilo. I got roused on at the vets when I took her for her yearly shots and check up.)
Got my new sneakers yesterday. After talking to my podiatrist last week, got runners rather than cross trainers. My new orthotics should be ready this week and he will fit them into the new shoes. Went for custom made orthotics this time which was an interesting experience especially the mold imprinting. He suggested that I get runners because they are lighter and the orthotics willgive me all the support I need. Picked Rykas because I liked the fact that they only make shoes for women but virtually had to arm wrestle the nice child in footlocker to get them. He was polite and pleasant and I am old and fiesty but I dont appreciate being lectured to about what shoes I should buy. I didnt get exactly what I wanted as apparently they were last years style - this years style was pink. Oh well - they look all new and sparkly.
DS is back from Thailand safe and sound. Have had yet another heart to heart with DD and hopefully things will get better here at home.
Off to Officeworks this morning with DH. Love stationery stores.
Have a great week everyone and will really try this week - I promise.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
It's hard sometimes
To succeed at what we have decided to do we have to become selfish.
Putting ourselves and our needs first.
This can be a very hard thing for women (sorry if there are any guys who read this). There are so many things and people pulling us every whichway that sometimes it is just easy to say, "damn it, it's all too hard, pass the chocolate".
Well, someone once said "life wasnt meant to be easy"! Its not easy, its not fair but we do have choices. And most of us are making good ones most (but not all) of the time. We are not perfect, we stumble, get up, trip, get up, run, skip, stumble again - this goes on and on - this is life.
I read your blogs - your wonderful inspirational blogs - that have kept me going when times and circumstances seem so overwhelming.
I know you all struggle at some time, we all do, but we keep coming back to this place and saying help, give me your knowledge, support and do you know what, it always arrives.
This week:
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Putting ourselves and our needs first.
This can be a very hard thing for women (sorry if there are any guys who read this). There are so many things and people pulling us every whichway that sometimes it is just easy to say, "damn it, it's all too hard, pass the chocolate".
Well, someone once said "life wasnt meant to be easy"! Its not easy, its not fair but we do have choices. And most of us are making good ones most (but not all) of the time. We are not perfect, we stumble, get up, trip, get up, run, skip, stumble again - this goes on and on - this is life.
I read your blogs - your wonderful inspirational blogs - that have kept me going when times and circumstances seem so overwhelming.
I know you all struggle at some time, we all do, but we keep coming back to this place and saying help, give me your knowledge, support and do you know what, it always arrives.
This week:
- I am having my first day back at the gym tomorrow after an absence of over 2 months and I have worked out a program so that I can start slowly and hopefully build up to the levels I was at pre every thing going pear shaped last year.
- I went swimming today and improved on what I did last week and felt more comfortable doing it.
- I am going to take Lucy walking this week two or more times building up the distance each time.
- I am getting rid of my picture on my blog (when I can remember how to) because I look like a toothless old hag - my god whatever possessed me to put one up.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Good and Bad
So much for trying to be good over the weekend. I know I'm not alone in this - when confronted with food I eat, when stressed I eat, when drinking alcohol I eat, when unhappy I eat, when bored I eat.....you all get the picture. I think I may have had one or at the most two days since I last posted when I can say I stayed within the points. Bugger!!! My fault completely. Oh well Im have to start again.
Good news - aircast is off foot. Ankle is still sore and I think my calf muscle has wasted (apparently only takes two weeks) but doctor says break has healed well and I can start walking, swimming, cycling again. But start slowly and build up to it. I think I have forgotten how to walk and stairs are giving me a bit of a problem but I will try. Might even go swimming this Sunday.
Only my little finger is still in a splint. Apparently healing quite well. Back to surgeon in 4 weeks for another xray and evaluation. Seem to have forgotten how to type and my writing looks like a 5 year old but these too can be relearnt. I am mobile again and can drive myself.
DD graduated on Tuesday. I dont think I could have been any prouder and when the 799 marched onto the parade ground I got all teary. I know I wasnt the only one. Her graduation photos are beautiful. She has started work already and tonight is her first night shift.
DS sounds like he is having a ball in Thailand. I think a lot of alcohol is involved. Will be glad when he is home again. Im such a mother!
First week back at work and everything seems to be going well. Better than I expected. Everyone will be away next week at conference so I am looking forward to the peace and quiet to get some of those things I keep putting off done.
Hope you all had a better week than me food wise and your weekends are relaxing.
Good news - aircast is off foot. Ankle is still sore and I think my calf muscle has wasted (apparently only takes two weeks) but doctor says break has healed well and I can start walking, swimming, cycling again. But start slowly and build up to it. I think I have forgotten how to walk and stairs are giving me a bit of a problem but I will try. Might even go swimming this Sunday.
Only my little finger is still in a splint. Apparently healing quite well. Back to surgeon in 4 weeks for another xray and evaluation. Seem to have forgotten how to type and my writing looks like a 5 year old but these too can be relearnt. I am mobile again and can drive myself.
DD graduated on Tuesday. I dont think I could have been any prouder and when the 799 marched onto the parade ground I got all teary. I know I wasnt the only one. Her graduation photos are beautiful. She has started work already and tonight is her first night shift.
DS sounds like he is having a ball in Thailand. I think a lot of alcohol is involved. Will be glad when he is home again. Im such a mother!
First week back at work and everything seems to be going well. Better than I expected. Everyone will be away next week at conference so I am looking forward to the peace and quiet to get some of those things I keep putting off done.
Hope you all had a better week than me food wise and your weekends are relaxing.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Naughty
I am weighing myself everyday which I know is not ideal and I shouldnt do it because I know it can be very disheartening, and I will STOP this Saturday but because I am not exercising I have been interested in seeing that if I can keep within my daily calorie intake whether I can lose the weight I have put on over the last 5 weeks.
I have been tracking religously except when I eat out (too hard to guestimate but I do try to be sensible). I am trying to keep within allowance although most days I find I just go over.
I have been drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day.
I have a little book to write everything down.
I have been wearing my pedometer again even though I cant get over 5000 steps per day.
I am surprised at the amount of carbs in fruit (are there such things as good carbs?).
I mostly have confined myself to one glass of wine a day, when DH gets home from work, but am aiming for every other day.
It is raining today and the bushfires are receding. We were okay here at home because the wind was always on our side but I was worried about work. Although over 900 hectares of my beloved park has been burned no properties or people were destroyed.
DS had his own fire to fight on Monday at work. They think kids started it as two were seen running from the area just prior to it going up. He arrived home for his weekly baked dinner covered in black soot and smelling like he had been smoked and extremely abuzz. Elvis was there too and apparently amazing to watch in action close up. The course staff concentrated on put out the spot fires that had jumped two fairways and were heading towards houses and left the main fire to the regular firies and of course the magnificant Elvis and friends. I gave him some of his fathers clothes, he went for a swim and I washed his clothes. So proud of him, he is growing into a magnificent man.
DD has her roster now and starts next week. She is understandably nervous and is not a person I would recommend talking to at the moment as she is a bit depressed or as I've come to classify these people "sunshine suckers". I know this probably seems harsh but she does not like new things or change, never has, from her first job at a fast food call centre at 15 when I had to drive her to work for her first shift after training and force her out of the car (she worked there 5 years). I dont think I can do that this time, after all she is an adult and armed and certainly does have attitude.
DS off to Thailand on Friday (I know he will be fine but he enjoys stirring me up by talking about skydiving etc).
Rugby season is nearly upon us again and I have just signed up for a tipping competition for the Super14s. I really have no idea, and DH will tell me so, but it will be really interesting to see how I do as opposed to those who "know" what they are talking about. Teehee. I have great aspirations.
A big weekend ahead - at least two long lunches (there goes the tracking again) but I will try. Early start tomorrow as we have to pick up DDs furniture and bring it back to Sydney and of course we have to fit in with DDs plans ie a hairdressing appointment in Sydney at 1:30 pm. Some things never change. I am just there for company as I am still classified as disabled, and once I am fully wake up will plug in my iPod and sing to DH to keep him alert. Nobody could not be alert at the sound that I make.Hope all you Aussies have a great Australia Day. Make good choices and enjoy. Have a good week too.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A tag game....
I have accepted Zanna's tag and have probably done it the wrong way - there was probably an easier way to do this but I copied and pasted.
Things you may not have known.....
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Mail sorter
2. Secretary
3. School Assistant
4. School Admin Manager
B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Sleepless in Seattle
2. Casablanca
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's
4. Under a Tuscan Sun
C) Four places I have lived
1. Putney
2. Gladesville
3. Gordon (very briefly)
4. Asquith
D) Four favourite T.V. shows
1. West Wing
2. Biggest Loser
3. Buffy the vampire slayer
4. Midsommer Murders
E) Four of my favourite foods:
1. Any starchy carbohydrate
2. Nibblies (cheese,dips, sundried tomatoes - you get the picture)
3. Thai
4. Freshly fried chips and spicy tomato sauce
(Now you can see why I am constantly battling my weight)
F) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Actually quite happy here at home but .....
2. Work (I know but I am bored)
3. Having lunch with girlfriends
4. France
G) Four friends I think will respond: (sorry blog mates I know you have probably all done this before)
1. Caramelkitkat
2. Linda
3. Sue
4. Michelle
Things you may not have known.....
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Mail sorter
2. Secretary
3. School Assistant
4. School Admin Manager
B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Sleepless in Seattle
2. Casablanca
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's
4. Under a Tuscan Sun
C) Four places I have lived
1. Putney
2. Gladesville
3. Gordon (very briefly)
4. Asquith
D) Four favourite T.V. shows
1. West Wing
2. Biggest Loser
3. Buffy the vampire slayer
4. Midsommer Murders
E) Four of my favourite foods:
1. Any starchy carbohydrate
2. Nibblies (cheese,dips, sundried tomatoes - you get the picture)
3. Thai
4. Freshly fried chips and spicy tomato sauce
(Now you can see why I am constantly battling my weight)
F) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Actually quite happy here at home but .....
2. Work (I know but I am bored)
3. Having lunch with girlfriends
4. France
G) Four friends I think will respond: (sorry blog mates I know you have probably all done this before)
1. Caramelkitkat
2. Linda
3. Sue
4. Michelle
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Two weeks.....
Two weeks to go -
Removal of the "pretend ski boot" for the broken ankle and the finger splints. Yahoo! I will be able to walk, drive a car, use my credit card, fill out forms, be independent again.
Back to work - DH is taking some time off, working from home and driving me for the first couple of days because I may not be quite there by the time I have to go back.
DD is graduating and going to be a real policeperson (a probationary one but nonetheless real).
DS is going to Thailand and I will be extremely tense until he returns safe and sound.
Now the bad news -
Have put on over 4 kilos since I have been immobile. Am bored, frustrated and prbably trying to do too much.
DD has been home on leave and has wiped out my internet usage for the month so everything is extremely slow and I cant see everyones photos as they take too long to come through if at all.
Good news:
Our holiday to Rutherglen was successful. Captured many bottles of wine which will be treated kindly and shared with friends. It was hot - 39 degrees most days but air conditioning makes it all bearable. They are in drought, as is most of Australia, at the moment. The grass broke when you walked on it! Hopefully the drought will break in 2007.
DS came up on his way home from work on Sunday and put a wetting agent on DHs lawn. I know lawns arent good things to have in droughts but DH is a lawn freak and usually has it looking like a bowling green.
Have actually used my time to catch up with filing and bill paying in my study. Will try to keep on top of it this year. Still have more to do but it is getting there.
French is progressing slowly. I see there are french classes starting in May at local TAFE so I will have to check that out. LOL - have been reading the french instructions on skincare products and trying to decipher.
Well DH is looking after everything - cooking, cleaning up and the big one - ironing! Friends think he is making an early run for "husband of the year". He apparently won the 2006 title due to having to organise another Christmas by himself. I say - since he is so good at it he might get the job permanently - hehe, no I wouldnt be that mean, he really is a treasure,
Off now to liberate a bottle of the captured wine while I wait for him home from work. He will be late so I may even try to make something for dinner otherwise we will be eating at midnight. Did I mention how frustrating it is to be incapacitated. Oh I did - sorry, will stop whinging immediately.
Removal of the "pretend ski boot" for the broken ankle and the finger splints. Yahoo! I will be able to walk, drive a car, use my credit card, fill out forms, be independent again.
Back to work - DH is taking some time off, working from home and driving me for the first couple of days because I may not be quite there by the time I have to go back.
DD is graduating and going to be a real policeperson (a probationary one but nonetheless real).
DS is going to Thailand and I will be extremely tense until he returns safe and sound.
Now the bad news -
Have put on over 4 kilos since I have been immobile. Am bored, frustrated and prbably trying to do too much.
DD has been home on leave and has wiped out my internet usage for the month so everything is extremely slow and I cant see everyones photos as they take too long to come through if at all.
Good news:
Our holiday to Rutherglen was successful. Captured many bottles of wine which will be treated kindly and shared with friends. It was hot - 39 degrees most days but air conditioning makes it all bearable. They are in drought, as is most of Australia, at the moment. The grass broke when you walked on it! Hopefully the drought will break in 2007.
DS came up on his way home from work on Sunday and put a wetting agent on DHs lawn. I know lawns arent good things to have in droughts but DH is a lawn freak and usually has it looking like a bowling green.
Have actually used my time to catch up with filing and bill paying in my study. Will try to keep on top of it this year. Still have more to do but it is getting there.
French is progressing slowly. I see there are french classes starting in May at local TAFE so I will have to check that out. LOL - have been reading the french instructions on skincare products and trying to decipher.
Well DH is looking after everything - cooking, cleaning up and the big one - ironing! Friends think he is making an early run for "husband of the year". He apparently won the 2006 title due to having to organise another Christmas by himself. I say - since he is so good at it he might get the job permanently - hehe, no I wouldnt be that mean, he really is a treasure,
Off now to liberate a bottle of the captured wine while I wait for him home from work. He will be late so I may even try to make something for dinner otherwise we will be eating at midnight. Did I mention how frustrating it is to be incapacitated. Oh I did - sorry, will stop whinging immediately.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
If at first you don't suceed.......
OK here I go again. Hopefully this will work this time as Im finding typing tedious and extremely hard.
I had my hand operation on 21st December. Pins inserted into the thumb, index and little finger on my right hand to fuse the first joint. The plaster came off yesterday and I now have individual splints held on with hot pink velco and exercises and pshysio for the next 4 weeks. My joints were so badly affected by the arthritis I had to have a bone graft (taken from my wrist). I cant work out which has been the most painful.
You would think that is enough wouldnt you but oh no
Last September I slipped over in the city and I thought I had just badly sprained my ankle. Guess the healing process meandered on because I wasnt doing much while I was awaiting my back operation in October but once I was over that I was off and running literally. Couldnt do weights but concentrated on cardio. Mid December lower leg blew up and I hobbled back to GP (who has now instigated a care plan for me) had it xrayed and guess what, old break (probably Sept fall) had shifted and of course all the ligaments I had damaged werent helping so off to foot surgeon the next day and now have one of those big boots because I couldnt have plaster or crutches as I was going into hospital the next day for my hand.
So here I am, yet again virtually housebound for another school holidays. Oh well the rest will do me good.
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION: No hospitals for me in 2007 (pray the ankle heals well and I wont need surgery).
DD is home at the moment from college and she has been driving me to drs appts. She goes back next Friday week and then it is only a couple of weeks to graduation.
DS is off to Bali in a couple of weeks. My opinion that he should not go was ignored as usual but he did ask me.
DH and I are driving down to Rutherglen next week using the time DD is in Sydney to mind Lucy so we can take the car for a spin.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. I have caught up with most of the blogs.
Sharon I love your new hair cut. It looks amazing.
Zanna, the poem "Twas the month after Christmas" is winging its way to some of my friends who I know will relate to it.
Jodie, congratulations on the new teeth milestone.
Have read two books -
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy and The Dreamkeepers Daughter by Kim Edwards. Both completely different but both really enjoyable.
Enjoying listening to my Edith Piaf CD (Chrissie present from DD)
Have started my french lessons so hopefully by next year, if and when, we go to Europe I will be able to at least understand it and maybe speak it.
Am slowly working my way back to my sensible eating plan (notice the absence of the word diet). Exercise is a pipedream at the moment so I will have to rely on eating better and drinking less (perhaps another pipedream).
Take care and enjoy 2007 - I intend to.
I had my hand operation on 21st December. Pins inserted into the thumb, index and little finger on my right hand to fuse the first joint. The plaster came off yesterday and I now have individual splints held on with hot pink velco and exercises and pshysio for the next 4 weeks. My joints were so badly affected by the arthritis I had to have a bone graft (taken from my wrist). I cant work out which has been the most painful.
You would think that is enough wouldnt you but oh no
Last September I slipped over in the city and I thought I had just badly sprained my ankle. Guess the healing process meandered on because I wasnt doing much while I was awaiting my back operation in October but once I was over that I was off and running literally. Couldnt do weights but concentrated on cardio. Mid December lower leg blew up and I hobbled back to GP (who has now instigated a care plan for me) had it xrayed and guess what, old break (probably Sept fall) had shifted and of course all the ligaments I had damaged werent helping so off to foot surgeon the next day and now have one of those big boots because I couldnt have plaster or crutches as I was going into hospital the next day for my hand.
So here I am, yet again virtually housebound for another school holidays. Oh well the rest will do me good.
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION: No hospitals for me in 2007 (pray the ankle heals well and I wont need surgery).
DD is home at the moment from college and she has been driving me to drs appts. She goes back next Friday week and then it is only a couple of weeks to graduation.
DS is off to Bali in a couple of weeks. My opinion that he should not go was ignored as usual but he did ask me.
DH and I are driving down to Rutherglen next week using the time DD is in Sydney to mind Lucy so we can take the car for a spin.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. I have caught up with most of the blogs.
Sharon I love your new hair cut. It looks amazing.
Zanna, the poem "Twas the month after Christmas" is winging its way to some of my friends who I know will relate to it.
Jodie, congratulations on the new teeth milestone.
Have read two books -
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy and The Dreamkeepers Daughter by Kim Edwards. Both completely different but both really enjoyable.
Enjoying listening to my Edith Piaf CD (Chrissie present from DD)
Have started my french lessons so hopefully by next year, if and when, we go to Europe I will be able to at least understand it and maybe speak it.
Am slowly working my way back to my sensible eating plan (notice the absence of the word diet). Exercise is a pipedream at the moment so I will have to rely on eating better and drinking less (perhaps another pipedream).
Take care and enjoy 2007 - I intend to.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Update and sign out
Heaven knows what happened to this post. Thanks Michelle for alerting me. Will try again tomorrow as I only have one hand working at the moment and it takes forever to type.
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