Another week gone

Well today is the last day of the holidays for me. Back to work on Monday and I am actually looking forward to it - being inactive is driving me stir crazy. This holiday has virtually been visits to the physio (and let me say here traction feels wonderful).

Shock last night when I got on the scales at weight watchers. Have been struggling all week to keep within points allowance and had estimated that I was over 20 points for the week. Got on the scales and the weight loss was 1.1 kgs for the week. I made them weigh me on the other set of scales too as I thought something wasnt right. The only thing I can put it down to is that I overestimated the dining out meals points (but I know I didnt count everything I ate as it all became too tedious). Anyway a loss is a loss.

The lovely thing (in my mind anyway) is when the physio straps me into the traction belts she tells me everytime how little I am as the belt goes around my hips and has to be tucked under again! LOL.

I am so glad Wal and Adro won last night and didnt they look great. Jess and I were a little disappointed with some of the others. On the US show when they all came back they seemed to have lost more and toned more then the Aussies. DH watched it for virtually the first time and was amazed that some had lost quite a lot of weight and still looked large. Maybe the timeframe was different. Id like to see them all again in 6 months at perhaps another reunion just to see how they are going. Adro surely must be an inspiration to his family. Jess was telling me that apparently he was seen jogging in the next suburb recently as when he jogs where he lives he gets mobbed. Dont know whether this is true or not but it couldnt happen to a nicer guy.


I am trying to change my mindset about losing weight. This time my journey has been different from any other time. Before I have followed the WW menus religously which in hindsight was not a good thing to do. I thought it suit my regimented style (a life of lists) but in reality it set me up for failure once I reached my goal as I went straight back to eating anything and everything. This time Ive done it myself, tracking as best I could, but eating meals I devised myself.



Alcohol still remains a problem and have decided that I wont imbibe at all during the week as that one little glass usually led to two. Not enough water being drunk daily which is an ongoing problem at home but no so much at work. Have started to slowly change my family's eating patterns (as regards to what they eat). I dont care how slim they are though I do tend to nag about eating the chicken skin etc.


Not much movement happening. Cant go to gym and am not allowed back at pilates this week. Physio wants me to wait another week before I try it again. Walked up to letterbox at top of the street the other day and I swear, if Id had my phone with me, I would have rung Mark and asked him to come and get me. Leg really started to ache. Tai Chi starts again on the 6th so hopefully I am well enough to stand by then. If not I will sit and try to do some of the exercises that way. Am thinking of trying swimming again but will have to check with physio first. I WANT TO GET BETTER!

Another question (thanks to everyone who gave me answers last time)
Have decided to get a mini tramp and duly circled one in the Rebel Sports catalogue for around $80 and gave to son and said this is what I want for Mothers Day, maybe you and your sister can go halves. Have seen a rebounder in the KMart catalogue and wonder what the difference is. Can anybody tell me?

Things I have achieved this week:
1. New kitchen installed in 1999. Coating on doors peeling off where heat affected. Also doors (white) have yellowed. Have been doggedly chasing kitchen company since last November and they have been fobbing me off quite well but someone came yesterday and they will replace all the doors and drawers free of charge.

2. Sent my first grocery order in online for delivery tomorrow. Took me a long time to do but got there eventually and have now set it up so next time will not be so arduous.

3. Foxtel arriving today for a 2 month free trial. I will be able to watch the rugby to my hearts content for 2 months.

Busy weekend ahead - going into the city to watch rugby with Mark and then off to have dinner in Surry Hills with friends from Queensland. Housewarming tomorrow night at Arncliffe (another trip across the harbour for us). Sunday rest and prepare for work on Monday.

Cleaning lady starting next Wednesday. Yay!

Have a good weekend everyone, catch up during the week with you all.

A Gain and I'm Having a Moan

I had a gain this week of 200g. I know this is not much but it is something I am having difficulty with at the moment.

Without eating any chocolate whatsoever this week I was 29 points over. We have been out a lot and I am finding it extremely difficult to monitor what I eat and drink when we go out. No the drinking usually isnt too bad and I try to go for the best dish I can find on the menu - yesterday went with Mum to RSL for lunch (not my choice) and had the vegetarian fettucine in nap sauce which looked the best of a bad lot and a diet coke. My problem is that we went out again last night to friends for dinner and I couldnt exactly order from a menu and it was pasta again. Mark said to ask them for a really small serving (this was after they had served) but I felt it was rude to do that - stupid I know! The dinner was for their eldest son who is off to Iraq in a couple of weeks for 6 to 9 months so I felt my dietary problems didnt really amount to much at that particular moment.

Here I am again roughly 13 points over for the day and I will spend the rest of the week trying to peg that back.

Good news is we are entertaining tomorrow night at home and I am in control of the menu so I will be able to pick things that suit me like marinated atlantic salmon, new potatoes and a salad. There will be a tart for dessert but not for me.

Note to self: get mineral water to make spritzers.

Problems:
How to go out as much as we do and stay within my points.

Goal:
To learn how to eat only, say half, of a "bad" meal when I am out.

Question:
1. Need new shoes - thinking about Rykas (?)from Athletes Foot. Does anybody have these shoes and are they any good?
2. Want to buy a mini trampoline to exercise on. Does anybody have one and are they beneficial?

I missed my dentist appointment this morning by 45 minutes. Unbelievable! My mind is going on me. It was written in my diary correctly but infused into my mind wrong. Oh well there is always next school holidays.

Cleaning lady is coming this afternoon to talk about cleaning house for me. Now dont laugh but I have to go and clean my house before she comes.

Oh also made a meatloaf which I got off a WW forum for dinner last night (still fed the children)and it got the thumbs up from the kids especially Jess who normally doesnt like meatloaf. Its estimated points value per serving was 5.5 and it was really yummy and easy to make.

From the kitchen of LEANORA_96
Servings 4

Ingredients:
500g extra lean ground beef
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup grated low-fat tasty cheese
1/2 cup fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1 small onion chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbs parsley
2 tsp Italian Herbs
1 tbs tomato sauce
1 tbs worcestershire steak sauce (I used just plain worcestershire sauce)
salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 180C and lightly grease a loaf pan
2. Place all ingredients in a large bowl andmix thoroughly
3. Press mixture in prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour

There was a special note - wheat bran is a good substitute for breadcrumbs.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

City to surf

Made a decision this morning. Am going to enter the City2Surf this year. I havent done it since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arithritis but except for the back am feeling really good at the moment. Registration is in June so have a bit of time up my sleeve to drop the final 3 or 4 kilos to my own goal weight, build up my strength and get prepared to start the 10 week training program. It will only be the Fun program and I will probably walk the course rather than run it but all going well I will be there.

My back is feeling better after 3 physio visits and am now doing stretching and strengthening exercises one to two times a day. Taking it slowly with no gym, pilates, tai chi, yoga or balance.

Have cleaned out under my bed of the bags of clothes (they are now all in the family room)and boxes of teddy bears. Have made the difficult decision to send my teddy bears to Lifeline or somewhere. They are just taking up room at the moment and I am sure that there are small children out there who would love them as much as I do. The clothes are even harder. I didnt realise I have so many tops. The throw out pile is small, the charity pile is small and the stay pile is growing daily. Am going to go through it again today to try to be a bit more ruthless.

Had vacuumed under our bed as best I could and when Mark came home from work he and Gareth actually moved the bed and vacuumed where I could not reach for which I am really thankful.

Ironing lady's husband came last night and picked up the excess ironing which was once again a great relief and I am going to try to contact someone today about helping me clean the house. This should give me more time out in the garden (where I want to be on the weekends we are home).

Hope everyone is enjoying their short week. The weather is glorious.

Goal reached!

Funny thing happened this week. I got back into the range for my Weight Watchers gola weight. I lost 1.2 kgs this week.

Now how I lost it I will have not idea. My points were way over, I have not exercised at all because of my back being so sore (am back at physio again so hopefully that will get better soon but it is a slow process). Admittedly I did try to reign in the point overload during the last 3 days.

Anyway my WW weight is 63kgs - I would like it to be a little less but the good news is that if I keep it under 64 kgs I dont have to pay. So that should be another incentive.

So far Easter has been horrendous points wise and I have even got to Easter Sunday yet!

On the home front, Mum has announced she is moving to Queensland to be near my eldest sister which should be good for her. Whether it actually happens or not only time will tell. She rang to tell me on Thursday all excited and then rang back yesterday stressed out. I think that this may be one of her "tyre kicking" exercises (she used to drag us around looking at houses she had no intention of buying, for something to do) that has now progressed too far, or further than she intended it to progress, and she cant back out of it without looking foolish. ES will be good for her as, while ES is very active, she will be able to monitor Mum herself and not have to rely on us. Hopefully Mum will settle down and behave when she gets up there. If not ES will know first hand what we have been going through. Seems to be happening really quickly. Should know on Tuesday if house offer has been accepted and then Mum will send up cheque and the legal things will be completed and Mum will be off.

Keep your fingers and toes crossed that all goes to plan.
:o)

Soppy Stuff

Just a short one, hear me Julie, a short one.

I read everything that comes my way - the newsletters from Weight Watchers in both Australia and USA, magazines, newspaper articles etc etc. Looking for that slight edge that will help me make sense of what I am trying to achieve.

But really, the most help comes from fellow bloggers. You are not experts but ordinary people (and I mean that in the nicest possible way) who are trying to achieve the same things that I am trying to achieve.

You all inspire me, I would miss you if you werent there anymore. You provide so many wonderful ideas, recipes and of course the all important motivation to keep going. Any problems - you help solve them, questions - the answer is usually there next time I look

I cant believe how lucky I was to find this medium to correspond with some really remarkable women (thanks M, you were the first one I found and it has grown from there).

I know some of you are talking about taking a break and I know that you are entitled to do this but please do not underestimate the impact that you have on others.

In other words, you guys really rock and my world would be less without you and no matter how many articles I read or television shows I watch nothing could possibly replace you.
:o)

Autumn

Wasnt all doom and gloom last night. Lost 100g which was better than staying the same (only just) or gaining (definitely).

Want to get back in the 63kgs because I then wont have to pay WW anymore as I will be in my goal weight range for Weight Watchers although not in my personal goal weight range which is a bit lower.

Big weekend coming up - may go to pub tonight to watch rugby but it starts at 5:30pm so may not make it on time and I really need to catch up with paperwork at home. I actually think that there are a few bills that I have not paid due to lack of time (I know that is not an excuse). I remember when I was younger that pay day was a big thing but I suppose that is one of the bonuses of growing older and having less money hassles, paydays come and go now virtually unremembered. This of course will change once we become pensioners and need to worry about money again.

Saturday is the last tai chi lesson for the term. This terms form has been rain and it has been a short sequence of movements but a bit tricky with lots of turning. When I practise the children think I'm cute (I think they are humouring me). The movements still dont come naturally and are a bit stilted as I have to think what I am doing but grace will come eventually I hope.

After tai chi may go into gym to have breakfast with Saturday morning ladies. I only know their first names and have known them for about six months, but I really enjoy their company between tai chi and pilates when we have breakfast.

No pilates this week as I am off the see Dusty at the Star City Casino (at least I think that is where it is at). Some girlfriends organised it and we are going to the matinee and then afterwards catching a ferry from Darling Harbour around to the Quay to meet the menfolk for dinner. They opted not to come to Dusty - a move that they may come to regret as I am sure that we will not be able to get the songs out of our minds and will be singing them for weeks to come.

Planning on getting stuck into the garden again on Sunday plus a trip out to Swanes at Dural, if I have time, to buy a few more plants to replace the ones that didnt survive summer. I love garden centres - they make me all enthused and this is a really big one.

Autumn is here in Sydney. The humidity is gone, the nights are cool. Daylight saving has ended and my body clock has gone back to normal - all's right with the world.

Hope everyone is enjoying this magic time of year - my favourite (just in case you didnt realise it).

Only four more working days (after today) before school holidays start and I get to sleep in (kind of) for two whole weeks. Big cleaning out plans afoot concentrating on my bedroom and getting rid of clothes that no longer fit me or I havent worn for a while. Hopefully I can talk DH into repainting that room too. If not I think it is time to call in the painters. Ive never known a man to procrastinate as much as he does - we are in the beginning of buying a new TV and DVD recorder but this will take months of research. Not me, I would have bought it last weekend when we visited the Sony shop.

Oh, have worked out my problems with my blog. Just cleared the cache and it is all good now. Thank goodness for blogger help.

O-oh spoke to soon. I have had to save this as a word document as it seems to be trying to disconnect me (or it might be those government nerds).

Have a great weekend
:o)

Duh!!!

Or should I say durr.

Took my measurements the other night and realised that the measurements I showed in my side bar were for inches not cms. Think I have converted and corrected. People must have thought I had the measurements of Minnie Mouse. Or, if nobody noticed disregards the above confession.

Secondly, thought I would activate plan manager in etools and took the quiz. It has automatically lowered my points to 18 a day rather than the 20 I was claiming. I actually knew that I should only be having 18 but I was working on the tried and true formula that if nobody else knew then it didnt count.

I think that this week may be a baaaad week, weigh-in wise. I was over to start with so heaven knows what the end result is going to be.

I dont seem to be able to check my blog at work anymore. I have a feeling we have gone over to "secure internet" whatever that is and my blog is not showing any updates since 17 March at work but at home it is okay. I also cant read recent comments. Curse you government nerds. As a result I am having trouble keeping up to date with the ya yas but I will soldier on grabbing any spare seconds I have a home to check up on you all.

Hope everyone is having a good week. Back after weigh-in.
:o)

This weeks rambling

Well, I have to rethink last weeks no loss/no gain - maybe it wasnt a plateau, maybe it was a lovely long lunch with friends on the Sunday which I tried to be good at but went over my points (by quite a lot) and spent the rest of the week playing catch up with points.

This week I lost a kilo! Cant say anything much was different. I thought that last Sunday (bbq lunch with Mum and Sunday night drinks) might have done me in again but no. Im not complaining but I dont really understand.

It looks like Jess will be in the June intake into the police. She is soooo excited and I am soooo apprehensive. I will miss her as she has been so happy lately. She has met up again with the girl she was a buddy with in Year 5 (the peer support scheme). This girl is a lovely girl but has a few problems and Jess has taken on the task of being her mentor again as this girl has cried out for help (sort of a big sister).

DS dislocated his shoulder again at soccer training just running so it was off to the sports doctor on Tuesday and he is booked in for a MRI on next Tuesday and probably a shoulder reconstruction.

DH has had to have his pancreas checked out via a blood test this week and will get results tomorrow. Could just be something to do with eating too much (dont care how skinny or how fast your metabolism is - overeating will get you in the end). He actually didnt eat all the fat from the lamb chops last night which despite my constant nagging would be the first time ever.

As for me, in this house of crocks, all okay with foot. Bone has regrown again. Plate will stay in foot. Have to wait 3 or 4 months for new orthotics as foot is still swollen and it will take 6 to 12 months for the swelling to go down. Strenuous walking or beloved running will have to wait a bit longer I think - damn.

Finished walking France a while ago and have joined the 10,000 steps a day.

Have given up trying to resolve family problems. They wont discuss it together and it just degenerates into "she said, no she said, etc etc". When Mum was trying to tell eldest sister about latest argument with other sister, she just kept saying "I dont want to know". I am going to adopt that attitude too. They can fight among themselves but I am not going to listen anymore - it is not my problem and they are missing out on each other. Am ringing middle sister today as I have not spoken to her since she hung up on me last week although she has sent me a lot of long emails justifying her position. (Am going to enact one of the four agreements about not fuelling gossip.)

Off to the rugby tonight and then a normal weekend of tai chi, pilates, walking Lucy, grocery shopping etc etc.

Have just received my notifications for the renewal of Oprah and Notebook. While I love both these magazines might give them a rest for 6 months as I am having trouble finding the time to read them. I know this should come into me time but there are quite a few books I want to read too and there are just not enough hours in the day.

Did anyone see Biggest Loser on Monday night (what a silly question). Isnt Wal a spunk. Cant wait for when they all come back at the end to see how far they have progressed. I reckon if either Shane or Adro fall beneath the yellow line tonight they are gone. The girls have formed a strong alliance and I feel that they will be the final three - the guys have let themselves become outnumbered and therefore left themselves open for elimination. Kristy has immunity, Fiona has a 1kg advantage and they are very protective of Ruth. Cant wait to see their weights this week although someone has put on weight this week (I think I saw that in the promo).

Made Mary's Tomato and Basil pasta on Wednesday night as a side dish and it was well received. Nice change from noodles, potato or rice as the carb part of their meals.

Have a great weekend everyone. Hopefullying this post will publish. Something strange is happening to my blog lately but it may only be on my end.
:o)

Frustrated

No not really. There was no loss and importantly no gain this week and it has been a busy week. Mark thought it was good that I hadnt put on weight after last Sunday when we had 6 friends for lunch. Anyway I know I also havent been as careful as I was previously so I will have to try to get back on track.

One of the couples who came to lunch have just bought a motorbike. They are not novices as bike riding and the reaction of their children was hysterical. They got quite a lot of lectures and have been told they are not to ride it in the rain. I had a ride around the streets (pillion only of course) and it brought back a flood of memories and I felt 18 again. Although I did have a bit of a problem getting on and off the bloody thing LOL.

Family problems bubbling along and they have just about worn me out. Had one sister hang up on me the other day although she had sent me a number of emails since.

Dont know whether I mentioned it last week but Jess has passed her physical for the police force and now is just awaiting placement in CSU I think. She is so excited and I must admit, a pleasure to live with at the moment.

Lovely autumn weather in Sydney at the moment. The nights are getting cooler making it easier to sleep.

One thing, the post prior to this one is no longer showing the number of comments. The comments are still there but not being shown on the post page. Does anyone have any idea why?

We are off to the rugby tonight at Aussie stadium. Meeting Mark at the pub for dinner before. Keep your fingers crossed that I make good choices. I always have good intentions. I have been hungry lately but dont know whether that is to do with the cooler weather.

Also a bit fed up with the fact that most of the weight I have lost has seemed to come off my top half which is fine except now people are saying I look a bit gaunt with only a little coming off the bottom half. Its a pity we cant pick the spot where we would like to lose weight from - it would make it a lot easier.


Have a good weekend everyone. :o)

Another weigh-in down

What an incredible morning it has been. A soft, slightly cool, autumn morning but the sun is now rising above the hills and its probably going to get humid again but it was a nice preview of what is to come - hopefully soon. I'm so over the humidity.

Anyway - I have lost another 700gms this week. I am nearly in the 65s. Woohoo - I havent been there for yonks. You never know I may even fit into my jeans again comfortably. I fit now but there is a lot of muffining going on above the waistband which isnt a pretty sight LOL.

Had a slight disagreement with the WW meeting last night. I mentioned that I live in a house with three people who dont really have to watch what they eat - (a) because their metabolism works really well and (b) because they are not gluttons like me. It was suggested that since I am the primary food buyer that I dont buy food that I shouldnt eat thereby removing temptation from my life. Yeah right. My argument was that my family shouldnt have to miss out on the things that they like just because of me and it is something that I am going to have to, and am, confronting every day wherever I go so why not start learning about control at home and working at distractions like taking packets of WW nibblies to drinks on Sunday night so I dont feel that I am missing out.

The other good news is that my gym has got all new cardio equipment ie bikes, treadmills, steppers, crosstrainers, rowers each with individual TV screens. Mind you we will all have to be taught how to use them again but it looks really good.

Anyway must get back to work - have a good weekend everyone.
:o)

Calmed down

Had a long talk to oldest sister. Told Mum to stop fuelling the feud between sisters. Other sister has gone away for the week so will catch up with her on the weekend when she gets back - luckily I have calmed down somewhat. Thanks for all your kind thoughts.

Had a moment today - yesterday while lifting potting mix out of trolley into boot of car I pulled the muscles in my lower back yet again (will I never learn). Pain pretty much immediate. Midway through last night thought I would take some digesics so that I could get some sleep and got up, took two and went back to bed. When alarm went off, hadnt been asleep much but felt okay, got up had shower and then it hit me. Dizziness and nausea. Would lie down for a minute and feel okay and get up and the same feeling would wash over me.

Could drive so couldnt go to work so rang and said I may be in later. I felt really strange. Around 11 a.m. worked it out - I had taken two really really strong pain killers instead of the digesics and I guess that was where the reaction was coming from.

Ended up driving to work because they were having problems but within ten minutes felt dreadful again and somehow managed to drive home again and went to bed and straight to sleep. Feel okay now although back is starting to ache again.

The interesting thing was when I felt sick I wanted to eat all the bad foods and six weeks ago I probably would have even though I know it doesnt really help but today I made a conscious decision not too. I am so surprised with myself - this would be a first.

Off to have my hair cut again tomorrow as a little reward/distraction for my achievement. It is getting a bit curly (read boofy) on top and I liked it really short so may have to have a trim every 4 weeks to keep it in check.

Anyway off to bed to read for a bit. Hope everyone's week is going well. Will try to catch up with blogs tomorrow at work.

Thanks again, your ongoing advice and support is so appreciated. Reminds me of the YaYa Sisterhood. Take care....
:o)

Pissed Off

An extra post - Ive just gotten home and found evilness permeating my home. A telephone message from my mother (and I use that term loosely) about not coming to my sisters 60th birthday weekend as it had all "gotten out of hand" and then an email from my eldest sister filled with utter crap. I am so angry at this moment. I have emailed both sisters and said that I am going to sort this out one way or the other and I will deal with Mum tomorrow.

I am past caring about their feelings and am just glad that Dad isnt alive to see this all.

What in the hell is wrong with my family. Thank God for Mark and the kids - they help keep me sane.
:o(

Still on track

Was a bit worried last night when I went to weigh in. I have, as mentioned earlier this week, been fighting the demons in my head this week.

They have been telling me the reason why I am tired is that I am not eating enough (couldnt have anything to do with working hard sleeping little).

We talked about it last night at WW. About distracting yourself and I guess I have been trying to do that this week - semi successfully. I need to drink more water because it really does get my mind of the "hunger" and it makes my skin so much better.

Anyway, I managed to lose 700g this week which was a little better than what I was aiming for and I was so relieved. I cant remember the last time I have been under 67kgs - certainly over 2 years ago and this weight it fully clothed with sneakers at 6.30 at night so I guess my morning after shower weight is a little less.

Am trying really hard not to weigh myself at home yet as I know if I know that I have lost weight during the week I will give in to the little extras as I did last night when I got home from the meeting.

The other problem is that bloody foot again. It has been quite sore this week, so much so, that Jess made me sit the other afternoon and iced it for me and made me a cup of tea so I must have looked bad. I think I may have pushed myself a bit too hard on the treadmill at the gym so I am scaling back the cardio as of today.

Am going to do a little bit of warm up on the bike and then weights and exercises and that's all.

My cardio for the next couple of weeks until I go back to the doctors will just be walking Lucy which I wont mind because it is such a lovely time of year (a bit hot today). Anyway, that's the plan.

Am trying to organise a weekend away for my sister's 60th birthday later this year. Other sister has already emailed me that she will not be coming as they are still not communicating. So I sent her a reply stating "build a bridge and get over it" but I hope I said it nicely. What is wrong with people!

Busy day again today at work and off to the rugby at Aussie stadium tonight. Meeting Mark at pub at Central around 6 and then bliss - a weekend where we actually have nothing else on except of course Sunday night drinks. I have a day of gardening planned for Sunday which I am so looking forward to reclaiming my own private piece of jungle.

Have a great weekend.
:o)

6 Week Crash and Burn

Was reading the other night about the 6 weeks crash and burn syndrome and it wasnt really sinking in until I gave it a bit of thought. Hey, that is where I am! That is what is happening to me.

Still tracking but the sneaky sampling has snuck in. A jatz here and taste there, it is all adding up.

I think I feel that I deserve it because I have been doing so well. But if I dont keep doing well I wont feel good. I actually think, no I know, it is just my mind trying to sabotage me.

I'm a little off colour, work is hectic etc etc etc. So many reasons and none really valid to warrant giving in to my demons.

This is a lifestyle change and it will not have to be this rigourous forever but I need to get some control back into my eating.

I want my waist back
I want my rear to disappear
I want my tummy flatter (this one may be a lost cause)
I want the tops of my thighs to stop rubbing together

So many wants and there is only one way to get there (at least for me) - track, watch what I eat and drink water.

My questions from weight watchers last week were:

Q: What would I like to see when I step on the scale next week?
A: Another 500g gone.

Q: Can I do it?
A: Yes.

Q. Am I willing to commit to my weight loss effort?
A: Yes - I have to.

Q: What steps do I need to take to help me achieve next week's desired outcome?
A: Dont give in to the little mean voices in my head who tell me it is okay to just have one taste - for me its not okay. I need to track honestly, drink as much water as I can and move more.

I didnt realise that I had such a sedentary job but since wearing my pedometer every day I see I hardly move at work at all. So I will have to incorporate some more movement into my day at work even if it is just a walk around the building every hour starting tomorrow.

Foot has been playing up a bit but I will sort that out in a couple of weeks when I have it xrayed again and go back to the surgeon.

Anyway I hope you all are having a great week. Weigh in tomorrow night.
:o)

Weigh-In No 5

After a really hectic week (anniversary and 4 days away in Kiama socialising) I somehow managed to come in at the end of the week only slightly over in points and when I weighed in last night had still managed to lose 500g. Was happy with that because that is what I am aiming at every week.

Am a bit frustrated that I havent been able to catch up with everyone due to work and housework commitments.

I used to post at work (probably not ethical I know) but find because it is still chaotic here (though getting better - except for me spilling a full cup of coffee all over my desk on Tuesday MAJOR STRESS OUT) but I havent had time and I really miss catching up with everyone in blogland.

Mary - bought the book "The four agreements" - probably tenets I need to apply to my life.

Am enjoying reading AJ Rochester's books.
Interesting point, which I have read a lot lately, about it taking 21 times to create a new habit but she also points out it takes 42(?) times to break a bad one.

Everyone home now although Gareth does not seem well. I think his asthma may be playing up but being a typical male wont go to the doctor to renew his medication.

Jess has not heard from the police force yet but should know yay or nay within the next 10 days.

Off to the rugby on Saturday afternoon to watch the Waratahs play the Sharks. It is an early afternoon match so that, heaven forbid, the rugby crowd doesnt get caught up in the Mardi Gras.

Mums' birthday on Sunday. Middle sister already stressing out about having to spend time with Mum so probably will not be a terribly enjoyable day because of tension.

Anyway I hope to catch up with you guys soon. Must update my stats and take some new measurements. Am well along on my walking tour of France but need to pick up the step count a bit.

Have a great weekend.

Weigh in No. 4

I feel really good. I've lost another 700g this week and I feel so much better.

Mind you, this week is going to be playing catch-up as dinner last night put me over the days points allocation and I still have the weekend ahead of me to look forward to. Bought some WW Nibblies so that I can have something that I can track easily when we have sundowners. So many challenges ahead and believe it or not I am looking forward to them. Bring them on - I'm ready.

Mark liked my really short hair cut which was a relief as he always says when I go to the hairdressers dont get it cut too short and this time I did.

My computer problem is Microsoft Works on PC. Not the Mac it always performs well. I must have been unclear. I hate cumbersome computer programs.

Have joined Walking with Attitude now that I can and am currently walking around France. Have to do a bit of research on the places that I am walking through.

Oh well, I am off to pack for Kiama. Hope the weather is kind. Talk to you all on Monday. Have a great weekend.
:o)

PS: Sue, the Tahs have a secret weapon. Mark keeps tipping against them in the tipping competition and they keep winning. He doesnt think its funny but we do.

Quiet week

Have a fairly quiet week with Mark away and therefore have managed to stay well within my points for the week. Now we all know who the bad influence is - no, not really. As mentioned before he has been very supportive of this weight loss effort lately which is making it a lot easier. I'm afraid the bad influence was me. (Note I said WAS.)

Bought a pair of pants from Sussans yesterday in anticipation that we might go out tomorrow night (after weigh-in) for our anniversary. Couldnt believe it but they were a size 12 and fitted really well. They maybe a bit long but the short size looked too short even with my flatties on so opted for the slightly longer ones.

Still stressful at work. Maybe someone could give me some advice. We use Macs at work and I love them but I also use a PC at home and for some things at work (I have two computers in my office). For years I have been using Microsoft Works and find it very easy to use for database and merging using the word processor but Microsoft in their wisdom no longer support Microsoft Works for Macs. So I have installed virtual PC on my Mac and am using Works 8 but it is nowhere near as easy as when I used it on the Mac and now I have to keep going back to my old eMac to do the invoicing etc until such time as I figure out what is going on. Anyway if anyone can help me with an alternative database/word processing package for Macs let me know. Have had a look at Appleworks but it seems as cumbersome as Works 8 is proving to be. Email/comment or carrier pigeon would be most welcome.

Enough about work.

Mark is home tomorrow (haven't had word that he has been offloaded anywhere so assume he is winging his way towards me as I type). Trouble is he will probably make it home after I go to work but that just gives me something to look forward to all day.

Have signed up for the Mikibo exercise program and am slowly implementing it into my day. Even took Lucy for a short walk yesterday. Luckily I didnt have to carry the fat little podge back home. Did a 15 min walk on treadmill at gym today. That is the most I have walked on the treadmill in eons. Still cant walk very fast but have made a start. Foot not too sore so it all looks good.

Couldnt believe they voted David off BL but doesnt he look good. His family seemed so nice (arent Mums wonderful - mine not included in that comment).

Speaking of Mum went to visit her on Sunday and came away depressed. BUT for the first time staved off the lamingtons, breadrolls etc. Couldnt get away from the cold fried chicken and creamy pasta but had small amount only and said no to seconds. Had black coffee because no skim milk (which I didnt mind) and my water bottle. She is a very negative person who has continual sly digs at you (in the nicest possible voice) and a visit (especially without Mark) is always very draining. Her 84th birthday is in 10 days time so another visit is on the cards but Mark will be with me so it should go well. She doesnt muck up as much when he is around.

Anyway I will try to record tomorrow nights weight in before we go to Kiama.

This weekend is going to be tough WW-wise because it is a continual non-stop party, catching up with friends we haven't seen for a year. Suzy we used to all camp in a big circle with the cooking and socialising area in the middle and it was a really fun weekend (for a camping weekend) but the camping ground has slowly changed to cabins and onsite vans so we all now stay in cabins with spas and I cant say I was sorry to say goodbye to the tent although your sites with ensuites did sound appealing.
Hope everyone is having a great week.
:o)

Weigh-in

Woohoo - another 600gms gone!

After weighing in last week my leader asked me what I had done differently to get the weight loss.

Not being good at answering questions off the cuff I answered I had tracked and drank more water. She didnt sound impressed or convinced and asked me was I going to be able to keep losing. Now both of these facts were true to some extent but afterwards when I was thinking about it I realised they were not completely true.

I had tracked (in a fashion) before and I had also drank water before in the many times (at least three when I had reached goal weight) - maintained for six weeks and then gone my merry way usually back to the bad old habits I had before.

But this time is different - I feel different.

When I followed weight watchers before I got the weekly menus and followed them fairly religously because I felt that the regimentation suited me. Of course, it is really hard to follow them completely. I really wasnt learning anything either.

This time using the e-tools, I am working my own menus out to fit in with my life and my family. I know how many points I have left at any given time each day (it's only a keystroke away) and I am finding it so easy.

An example, by boss gave me a mini Mars bar the other day. I looked it up and it is worth 2.5 points. I decided that I would rather spend that 2.5 points on wine so it is sitting on my bedside table. I will give it to Gareth when he comes home. I feel I am in control (at the moment). I know that this feeling could change at any time but I am no longer worried. I know slip ups or whatever they are called are fleeting and I just have to climb back on the wagon and set off forward again.

On that thought I will sign off.
A week until Mark returns from France in time for our anniversary and yearly visit to Kiama for the rugby 7s.
Just over a week until Gareth returns from Canada.
Jess off to Goulburn tonight to attempt the physical test for the police force.
Me to Tai Chi and hopefully a pump class in the afternoon on Saturday and driving up to the Central Coast to visit Mum on Sunday and buy a new birdcage for the boys (Spike and Rosso Canary).
Hope you all have a good one.
:o)

Reach Out and Connect

Just a quick post.

Got my new copy of "Notebook" today and in the editors letter she talks about a woman whose son died posting a cry for help in their online forum and finding support in the replies from other Notebook readers.

This is why this forum and you people are so good. There is always someone there (wherever there may be) for me to share my thoughts, triumphs and downfalls with. And yes the day to day drudgery that we all come up against.

My life has been enriched by the kind, funny, witty and just plain commensense advice I have received. I have managed to connect with people who think along the same lines as I do (not about everything - that would be too boring) but who always seem to be there when I need a lift, a kick in the pants or even just a cyberhug.

Guys, in the words of my children - you rock!!
(keep chanting short post, short post short post)
:o)

A perfume by any other name would smell the same - not!

Mark rang this morning to let me know he had arrived okay. Sounded so tired. Cant find the perfume I want and tried to get me to agree to another one without having ever smelt it. At least this time he asked - he sometimes just buys it for me - often with dire consequences. Not to worry anyway, I will order it from Singapore. It will work out just as cheap.

After a disasterous but fun weekend I am back and tracking hard to try to get my points down. It is a bit cooler today and I was a bit hungry but instead of getting stuck into the bikky barrel at morning tea I went to my food cupboard (a new idea) and got out a WW bar and had that.

What did you all think of "The Biggest Loser"? Is it my imagination or did those people cry more than their american counterparts? Found it slightly annoying. Anyway, besides that, looking forward to watching tonight again. But aside from all that, what a house!

Have been out and had my hair cut today. Jess helped me streak it last night and I took along photos of the time when I really liked my haircut to the hairdresser and I think she did a fairly good job of replicating it. Really short (Mark will have a fit) but I feel really light and not 110 years old. If anyone was home I'd get them to take a picture.

Increased my weight repetitions yesterday at the gym. And even managed 5 mins on the treadmill although very slowly (5kph). Am thinking of doing a pump class on Saturday afternoon. I looked it up yesterday it is the same instructor who does body balance on Sunday.

Gareth is now in Canada near Banff. He dislocated his shoulder again on his last day in Alaska but put it back himself. I think he is living on nurofen at the moment. Stupid child. I guess he will have to think about a shoulder reconstruction when he gets back or give up snowboarding. He saw a moose when he was in Alaska while he was snowmobiling.

Anyway, off the make dinner and watch biggest loser before I go to folkart.
Hope everyones day was great
:o)