Pressing the Reset Button

I’ve spent the last couple of days really thinking myself into how I want things be after January 1. I’m setting myself up so that I have maximum motivation and every opportunity to do this right, so I’ve given my blog a facelift, set myself up a new spreadsheet for tracking my losses, reactivated my Weight Watchers food tracker and to make things even more interesting have set myself a lower target. What am I going to do differently to the past couple of months? Well for the past two months I’ve been struggling with undiagnosed (despite a huge round of blood tests) constant muscular pain in my back – still none the wiser as to what it is/was but it does seem to be gradually improving. But while this was at it’s worst I stopped walking and generally fed my face on whatever I felt like – poor me I’m not well kind of thing! Then of course there’s the alcohol – back to having several glasses of wine every night. And then there was Christmas. So the plan going forward is: Alcohol – after New Year’s Eve there will be a long dry spell till Easter. I definitely lose better and sleep better when I do without. But there’s another reason – there have been a couple of occasions in the past 12 months when I’ve gone to the doctor’s and my blood pressure has been on the high side. Every piece of research on hypertension cites alcohol as a highly probable contributing cause – especially drinking as much as I do. I’ve bought myself a BP monitor and will watch how it performs during the abovementioned dry spell and see if there is an improvement. Exercise – commit to walking at least four nights a week – more if I can manage it and look seriously at getting back to the gym – a tricky one since it’s so hard to find the time to get there and walk too but I did manage it for a while so will see if I can shuffle things around and make it back there. This will probably help my back too. Tracking – I pay $24 a month for WW online so I’m going to use it properly. Revised Target – I think that because I nearly get there I slacken off when I’m close to it and I’m settling for less than I should. So I’m going to try to push myself harder with a harder target and see if that’ll get me really going – sounds a bit crackpottish but we’ll see. Carrots – I’ve just booked flights for Bloss and I to go to Hong Kong in May so there’s carrot no 1 and then we plan to go to the States and Mexico in September so there’s carrot no 2. A loss of 15 kgs in 8 months should be achievable. I apologise to everyone for just dropping out of the blog circuit – not sure what happened – went on holiday – came back to a new focus I guess and just couldn’t get back to it. Mind you I’ve still been popping in to check on you all from time to time,, so hope you’ll forgive me and welcome me back to the fold!! I know that last year when I was blogging regularly, getting feedback from you guys and following your progress, I did some very clever things.

Crawling Back

Well I've had a few months off and surprise, surprise those kilos have just been sneaking on again. So I've revamped my blog, given it a bit of a facelift and will be back blogging on Jan 1. See you all then and in the meantime - Happy New Year!!

Just had to share this

I read a verse of this poem on Michelle's site and thought it was fantastic so did a bit of checking on the authoress and found the whole poem. Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size But when I start to tell them They think I'm telling lies. I say It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips The stride of my steps The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please And to a man The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees Then they swarm around me A hive of honey bees. I say It's the fire in my eyes And the flash of my teeth The swing of my waist And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say It's in the arch of my back The sun of my smile The ride of my breasts The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say It's in the click of my heels The bend of my hair The palm of my hand The need for my care. 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me.

I'm slack!!!!

Sorry people – have been really slack these past couple of weeks. I have been really busy but not that busy that I couldn’t have taken a few minutes to just update. I have been popping into your blogs and have managed to leave the odd comment but just haven’t had the motivation to actually do an entry on my own. And even today I’m really doing this because I feel bad about just disappearing off the face of the earth with not a word to anyone! Life is good though – only four more days of work then off to Penang on Saturday for 7 nights. I’m pretty organised now I think – but still lots of jobs to do during the week. Racing into town tonight after work to get a couple of last minute things, then tomorrow night Bloss and I are going to a retirement investment seminar, then Wednesday night I think the kids will be down for tea, Thursday night is the beautician for a ‘spray and wax’ – the usual wax plus a fake tan, then Friday night take the dog to the kennels and drop keys off at my sons place. We’re out of here on the first flight Saturday morning so that means 5am out of bed! Looks like the wandering son will arrive back in Oz while we’re out of Oz! Typical!! But he’ll be here for a couple of weeks and will stay at our place so will still get a chance to spoil him a bit. When we get back from Penang I’m only home four days then taking off to Mt Gambier for an old friends 50th. I’m leaving Friday morning and get into Melbourne in the afternoon and spending that night with another old friend from WA days. I fly on to Mt Gambier on Saturday morning, go to the 50th that night then leave Mt G again on Sunday morning at 10.30 and head back via Sydney getting into Rockhampton again about 5.30pm that night. A real whistle stop but will be great fun and so looking forward to catching up with many friends from WA days most of whom I haven’t seen in 12 – 15 years. On the weight front – I’m just marking time – haven’t managed to pull any rabbits out of the hat before I go on holiday but at least just holding steady. Ok that’s where I’m at – hope everyone out there is happy and healthy. Will tell you all about Penang when I get back.

A Week Off or an Off Week?

Well either way I’ve been pretty slack. I just couldn’t seem to get focussed so have had a few wines every night, a couple of chocolates on the weekend etc. I’ve hardly walked this last week and didn’t open my online tracker for a week. There…… that’s got that off my chest! So no weight comment this week – it’s jumping about madly - but will update next week. Actually all week I’d just been slip sliding but by the weekend I’d actually decided that I wasn’t going to get all hung up on my careless attitude and I’d continue to be relaxed but that come Monday I’d be back on track. I feel that was quite a step forward in my thinking – previously I’d have been beating myself round the head and would have been really angry with myself. But I guess one of the differences this time was that although I relaxed I still didn’t go silly – had a couple of indulgences but nonetheless still felt I was in control. So it’s now just under four weeks till we leave for Penang so I’m going to make a determined effort to shift a couple more kilos before then. Otherwise it’s been a fairly quiet week. It was great to get all your comments on my ‘100 facts’ and now I’d like to challenge all of you to do one too – it does really give a fascinating insight into someone’s persona – I really enjoyed finding out more about Little Grover. Have got Josh my elder grandson coming to stay on Friday night – just him this time so we can get up to a few different things like making and icing cakes, painting our picture, visiting the various playparks round the neighbourhood. Last week when we had Curtis too I wasn’t able to devote the necessary time to do all these things with Josh so we’re having a special visit just for him. They were here for tea last night and as they were leaving we were making the plans for me to pick up Josh on Friday. I said that once Curtis was older he might be able to come and stay on his own. Josh immediately replied – “ Oh I’ll be coming too – because I’m his brother you know!! Hope you’re all having a great week. PS This sums up my week that was : "The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places."

100 things you might not know about me

Idea poached unashamedly from Little Grover 1. I’m a training advisor for a large manufacturing company 2. I originally trained as a Secretarial Linguist 3. I studied French, German, Latin and Greek – now pretty hopeless on all of them through lack of use 4. I have two sons, two stepsons and three grandsons 5. My husband and I have been together for 10 years, married for 3 years 6. I'm scared of mice but spiders don't worry me 7. I love jewellery – particularly gold and have lots of it which I wear all the time 8. I adore shoes and many people look at my feet first to check out what shoes I’m wearing 9. I wear a uniform to work – shirt with reflective stripes, trousers, helmet and safety boots 10. I read lots – mostly fiction – have been known to get through 8 or 10 books in a week 11. I wear false nails – have done for about 7 years – do them myself. 12. I am the eldest of four – two brothers (one deceased) and one sister 13. I am originally from Scotland, migrated to WA with first husband who was an Aussie, 24 years ago 14. I still talk funny! 15. I wouldn’t be seen dead without mascara 16. I am known at work for having a lovely office – have added a few plants and some posters – makes a huge difference 17. I adore travelling – we go overseas at least once each year. 18. I didn’t get the travel bug until I met my current husband 19. In 10 years we have visited Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore, Fiji, New Zealand (8 times) Spain, Portugal, Morocco, France, Monaco, Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland (3 times), Thailand, Cook Islands, Malaysia, Japan, USA 20. I love dogs – have had a Doberman, Boxer, Ridgeback/ Labrador and now a Ridgeback/Boxer 21. I also love horses – had a pony as a child, then an ex racehorse, a little Arab cross and a quarter horse. Haven’t ridden for about 10 years. 22. I am a perfectionist and known for my attention to detail 23. I am a Virgo 24. I have a team of four training officers working for me – two male and two female 25. My boss and I have worked together for 7 years – without doubt the best working relationship of my life 26. I play the piano 27. I am only 5ft 3 ins – my husband is 6ft 4ins 28. I have my hair coloured regularly – I have a quite a number of silver streaks appearing 29. I used to smoke – stopped 16 years ago 30. My husband still smokes – wish he would stop 31. I used to be terrified of the dentist but now don’t mind at all 32. I was married the first time at 19 and was in that marriage for 20 years 33. I had glamour photos done at 40 – a top experience! 34. I drink far too much 35. My favour drink is white wine – chardonnay or sauvignon blanc 36. If I am drinking spirits I like rum, bourbon or brandy 37. I was dux of my primary school 38. My real name is Anne 39. My husband, eldest son and I all work for the same company 40. My daughter in law is a teacher 41. I am left handed 42. I was a waitress for many years when I was at high school and college 43. I need glasses now for reading but have had them for distance for a long time 44. My current car is a silver Rav 4 45. My last car was a black coupe (always wanted a black sports car so got one) 46. One of my nicknames at work is ‘Mum’ since I’m always fixing things up for ‘my boys’ 47. I’m the only woman in a management team of 9, and one of only a few women in my area of 200 people 48. No one is allowed to swear in my office – I’m no prude but that’s my standard 49. I’m a softy and will cry very easily watching a movie or reading a book. 50. But in real life situations I don’t cry – I’m very practical and deal with things by leaping into action 51. I was an incredible tomboy as a child and spent most of my time outside with Dad 52. I can milk a cow 53. I fell down stairs and broke my foot so I am now paranoid about three points of contact 54. I have a cleaning lady and an ironing lady 55. I have an under active thyroid 56. I suffer (not very often now) from migraine headaches 57. I love music and have a very wide ranging taste 58. I am a candle freak and have candles, incense etc burning all over the house. 59. I love perfume and treat myself every time we go overseas. I wear my perfumes day and night and don’t believe in saving it for good. 60. Current favourite evening perfume is Narcisso Rodriguez, Paloma Picasso 61. Daytime favourites – Coco, Fendi, Fiji, Black by Kenneth Coleman, Estee, Cinnabar, FCUK, Still 62. I am a writer of lists 63. I start packing well before we go on holiday – I enjoy the journey as much as the destination 64. I am a fruit bat – have no trouble getting through 4 or 5 pieces of fruit in a day 65. My favourite chocolates are Lindor 66. I wear jeans or trousers most of the time 67. I buy fresh flowers for the house every week – lilies are my favourite 68. Although I am a pretty good cook and an excellent baker I try to avoid spending time in the kitchen. 69. I can spend hours on my PC – Bloss and I have one each – side by side in the study. 70. I am an incredible flirt 71. I used to be a registrar in a primary school 72. I haven’t told anyone that I have this blog 73. I used to do part time market research – knocking on doors conducting surveys 74. I used to drink about 14 cups of coffee a day- I now drink one or two 75. I love bright colours – particularly red and blue 76. I like watching cricket and AFL but not soccer or rugby league 77. I love cryptic crosswords 78. I also enjoy logic puzzles 79. I have pierced ears – two holes on one and three on the other – one up high. 80. I don’t have any tattoos nor do I want any – have this vision of a group of old ladies in a retirement home comparing tattoos and saying ‘can you guess what this was?’ 81. I don’t watch very much television but I do watch Big Brother 82. I adore dancing 83. I used to sing in the Church choir 84. Human behaviour fascinates me 85. I’m manipulative – not in a nasty way – but I do find it relatively easy to get people to do what I want by knowing just which buttons to push 86. I’m currently having huge mood swings but over the past couple of months have taken charge of myself and made the decision that I am not going to allow my moods to rule my behaviour – and so far it seems to be working quite well 87. My friend and I who are noted for having fun and enjoying life are sometimes referred to as the ‘Ab Fabs’ I choose to take this as a compliment! 88. I am very much a people person but nonetheless value my own space and enjoy time on my own 89. I never want to say when I’m old that “I wish I had’ so this means that I’ll try most things – if it works … great and if it doesn’t well at least I had a go 90. I have no desire to either parachute or bungee jump – don’t like heights very much 91. I have a certificate of Professional Competence in Road Haulage Operations - I used to work for a truck dealership. 92. My Myer Briggs profile is ESFJ 93. My Belbin profile is Implementer/Completer Finisher 94. I don’t suffer fools gladly and lack patience sometimes – I do believe I have managed to improve this over the years 95. I used to be able to take shorthand at 130 wpm – no hope now 96. I hope I can stay as young at heart as my mum – she is 73 and still game to try anything. Bought herself a second hand computer from the man next door, got hooked up and flicks us an email. 97. Not fussed on Diet Coke but really like Diet Pepsi 98. My clothes take up wardrobe space in three different rooms – and that's after a recent clean out! 99. I had a wonderful upbringing with parents who encouraged good self esteem – you are a worthwhile person – not better than anyone else – but certainly as good as anyone else. I’ve tried to pass that on to my children – quite successfully I think 100. I’m pretty well aware of my faults and shortcomings but I can say that despite them I like me and I’m happy with who I am.

On the road again

I’m still frantically busy at work and too whacked to do much at home at night so it’s another short post. But the news is good – 1.4kg down this week. Mind you I’ve no idea what’s happening with my body at the moment. As I’ve said already I’m a daily weigher – and one day I was actually 2.4 kgs heavier than this morning – I’ve been up and down like a yoyo, so thought I’d better blog quickly in case it goes apeshit again tomorrow! My eating has been pretty good this week – have only had alcohol on two days. One of those was Saturday and I had too much and was a very quiet puppy on Sunday! Nothing exciting – just our neighbours popped over for a glass or two which turned into a bottle or six! Exercise has been rather ordinary – have only walked three times this week. Note to self – do better next week. Looking forward to Friday night when both grandsons are staying overnight. Their mum and dad are going to Brisbane for the Cold Play concert. I’m taking a half day off work and will go to their place and pick them up then bring them back to us. It’ll be wonderful fun! Sounds like No 2 son will be home in a couple of weeks – he’s currently in Thailand heading today to Vietnam and Cambodia. He’ll probably only stay in Queensland for a couple of weeks – his last email said he was looking forward to roast dinners – hint hint! – then he’ll be going back to WA as that’s where the work and the big money are. But it’ll be soo good to see him. Hope everyone’s having a great week.

Taking the Pledge

I just don’t seem to have a minute to spare at the moment. Mind you that hasn’t transferred itself to not finding time to eat and drink what I shouldn’t!! To clarify – have been incredibly busy at work – doing a major overhaul of some our documentation systems, collecting and collating information and documentation for a major incident investigation, rehashing our training plan for the remainder of the year and trying to bring two new team members up to speed. Hence how I come to be writing this today – a public holiday in Queensland – but it’s an ideal day when no other day workers are around to get some serious stuff done. It’s lunchtime now so I’m trying to clear my rapidly fogging brain before starting up again and thought it a good time to finally update my blog. And on the eating front – have been pretty so-so over the last couple of weeks – not too bad – not too good –and that’s fine if I was trying to maintain but I really want to lose some more. But the weekend just gone was bloody terrible – I just went nuts! But it’s Monday and I’ve packed myself a good lunch and I’m drinking water and away we go again! I’ve been doing a bit of self analysis – the reason, I believe, for the half arsed attempts to lose over the past few weeks is that I’m feeling quite good about myself again – everything fits nicely and I can walk into a shop – select a pair of size 12 pants and know they’ll fit! So what this means is that I’ve lost the urgency to get on with it and lose those last 7 kgs. So I’m having one of those introspective talks with myself – I do want to be a few kgs lighter before I go on holiday – and that’s only just over six weeks away. I need to find that focus I had during the lead up to Easter and sustain it for the next six weeks. So my pledge for the coming weeks (and I need to DO it not just say it) is to get out there walking again and leave the grog alone. I think 7.2kgs in 6 weeks is a bit ambitious but I think 4.5kg is possible so here goes………………

Back again

Sorry I haven’t posted recently. Last week was a bit of a write off in one way or another. I had Tuesday and Wednesday off work – generally felt pretty crappy and slept most of the two days. Then just to top it off I got an abscess on one of my teeth – still trying to work out exactly which one is causing the problem. So I’ve been on antibiotics and painkillers for that. It’s settled down again – no pain – and I’m due to see the dentist again next week – mind you I’m still not sure which one’s the problem child. Have been pretty good eating wise, pretty ordinary exercise wise and since I felt sorry for myself I’ve had a few medicinal drinks!! So nothing bad’s happened weight wise but nothing very good to report either. TOM turned up on Sunday after a 3 month break so it will be interesting to see if that makes any difference to the way I’ve been feeling. Have also just started taking Remifemin –one of my menopausal friends recommended it to me. It’s available over the counter in the chemists and is entirely herbal. I had to check with the chemist to make sure it wouldn’t interfere with the Thyroxin I take but he’s given me the all clear. So I’m popping pills left right and centre this week. Would be interested to hear if any of you have any thoughts on Remifemin? Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments about the photo of us going to the wedding – it does my ego no end of good to be told I look hot – especially when some of the comments come from bloggers half my age! This is my latest acquisition. I’m one of those people who like looking at photographs but Bloss doesn’t really share this interest. I used to have photos dotted all around the place but we did some major renovations to the house last year and I haven’t put them back as I must admit I do like the uncluttered look. But I did miss my photos so having been trying to find a compromise. Got this screen in Target last weekend and got the photo mounts from The Warehouse so have had a lovely time choosing what photos to put in and the end result fits in really well the rest of the décor. Just an aside - the top right photo is Bloss and I on our wedding day on the beach at Raratonga in the Cook Islands (3 years ago this month). We did a sneaky thing and eloped without telling a single soul and then came home and 'fessed up. And this is from Eumundi markets (we went there when we were down in Noosa)– I hadn’t seen them around here. It’s a piece of nicely polished timber with notches carved out on both sides into which you can slot terracotta pots – the lip of the pot sits in the groove, then you hang the whole thing from the ceiling. So I’ve filled them with petunia seedlings - should be quite pretty once they get going. Hope you’re all having a good week – I’ll update my sidebar when I do a proper weigh in tomorrow.

Fillysoficle

Let’s talk about the good things first – the wedding was brilliant – very relaxed, quite funny in bits and a great venue for the reception. The day started out bad for them – raining heavily – and it never rains in Queensland – or not usually enough! But it rained on Friday – all day. Half an hour before the wedding we got a call saying that instead of the ceremony being on the beach it would be on the boat – the guests were being taken for a sunset cruise between the ceremony and the reception. The boat was a top venue – kept everyone close together and more to the point – dry! The groom raised a huge laugh – the celebrant started the "Do you……?" at this point he was totally absorbed in his bride – eyes (and ears) for nothing else. So when the celebrant finished speaking there was a long pause then suddenly he came to and almost yelled “Oh I do”. Laughs all round. Here’s a picture of Bloss and I dressed up ready to head off to the wedding. Now the eating and drinking – won’t bore you with a blow by blow account – Thursday was at work most of the day so following plan, made some reasonable food choices when we stopped for tea on the drive then had a few wines when we got to our friends place. Friday daytime was reasonable, didn’t go wild at the wedding, restrained myself when the nibblies were being circulated and tried to opt for the better choices but did have a few drinks. Saturday was Ok till lunchtime and shared in a large bowl of fries and a couple of beers, then Thai for tea – good choices and some wine. Sunday reasonably good choices all day, and home for a point counted tea and a final couple of wines. So Monday morning hop on the scales and I’m up 2.3kgs!!!! Time was when that would have thrown me completely and I would have been in the depths of depression but I’m feeling quite philosophical (see alternative spelling above!!) and have been fully back on plan again since Monday. Might add that this morning I’m only up 1.2kgs, so hopefully tomorrow will be even better. I’m still feeling really strange – no TOM still but little cramps and dragging sensation, really achy legs and pelvis so think it’s just my body gearing up to become a Wise Woman – see the last paragraph on this page “the Magic of Menopause”. On the upside I don’t feel any heavier or bloated so I’ll just keep to the plan, give away the alcohol (maybe relent a little on the weekend) and keep up the walking. Find I have to push myself to get started walking because of the achy legs but once I’m going it feels great. So I guess it’s all about management – I love the feeling of watching the scales go down but I’ve got to be here for the long haul so if it hiccoughs along the way I’ve just got to stay with it and stay focussed. I’ve been full on since I got back so I've just had a quick squiz to catch up on how you all are – hopefully I’ll get a chance tonight to leave a few comments – that’s after I go into town and pick up our travel documents for our Penang trip. Now there’s an incentive to get my A into G!!! Now some special mentions until I get round to commenting to you individually – congratulations to Pauline on her miracle, belated happy birthday to Lainey, Julie – hope you're enjoying your time out, Suzy enjoy your last few days in your 40s, Anne, thinking of you as you work through your emotions, and LG – how’s the running solo? Have a great week everyone. Smile for the day " I'm not a complete idiot - some of my parts are missing!

Now the bloody wheels have fallen off!

No it’s not really that bad. I was really good up till Friday. I have to struggle with this mindset which says that on Friday after a big week at work I deserve a little drink. Ok so I lost the struggle and invited my friend S to call in after work and we had a few reds on the deck (with a couple of handfuls of nuts to aid the digestive process!) but otherwise food was OK. Saturday started well, breakfast then off to the hairdressers, then met S for lunch at the Yacht Club – made good choice of food, and had a mineral water. So far so good. On the way home stopped at B and H’s to see what they were up to that night. They already had a colleague coming round for tea but said if they could get another couple pieces of fish then we should join them. I said I’d pick up the fish and asked if I could bring sweets – no – that was organised. So I decided to take some nibblies and choccies to have with the coffee. This is where it all started to turn pear shaped. I bought the chocolates – some Celebrations and a few Lindt balls. There were too many to fit on the little platter I had, so of course I just ate the two that were surplus. Did you know that each of these Lindt balls are TWO POINTS!! (Didn’t find that out till Sunday and of all chocolates they’re my ones to die for!). Anyway most of you could probably write the rest of the story for me – ate a few pistachios pre dinner with a couple of beers, fried crumbed fish and baked potato, cheesecake with raspberries (my very favourite), a few wines (like almost a bottle) then coffee and another two or three (probably three) of the Lindt balls. Next day when I mentally reviewed the day I realised I’d gone over but it wasn’t till I actually sat down and added up my points for the day I found out just how bad it had been – 55.5 points!!!!! Holy hell that’s 3 days eating in one. Anyway I’m not actually stressing about it – accepted that I did it and away we go again! I’ve been spot on again since then. But I’m a bit off health wise at the moment. Lost all my energy over the weekend and so just didn’t feel like walking – but got going again last night. As I mentioned I’m peri-menopausal – some weeks there are absolutely no symptoms – others there’s heaps. Last week was one of the heaps – fluid retention big time, haven’t had TOM for 3 months but it feels like it’s eminent and having hot flashes several times a day and many times a night. Fortunately I don’t get the red face – just sort of glisten with perspiration all over! I’m one of those scale junkies – I weigh routinely every morning prior to getting in the shower – have done it for the last 35 years so don’t see me changing now. I’m a control freak and like to know where I’m at everyday – it’s sort of a barometer for me. Anyway the combination of Saturday’s banquet and booze and the fluid fluctuations meant that I shot up almost a kilo overnight and it has’t yet dropped back very much. However we’ll see what tomorrow brings – hopefully it’ll drop back just as quick as it came up. Off to the wedding in Noosa this weekend – really looking forward to the break. Driving down Thursday afternoon/evening. The wedding is on the beach on Friday afternoon then we’ll spend some time with our friends we’re staying with and drive back home on Sunday. Tonight I’m off to the beauticians – get all the bits waxed and I’m having a spray on tan – always makes you look glam and healthy. I’ll post this tomorrow when I’ll do my official weekly weigh and update everything. Hope everyone’s well and happy and has a great week. STOP PRESS Almost back to normal – only 100g up today. I’m not going to make rash promises about what I eat and drink over the coming weekend but I know I’m sufficiently focused (and pissed off with what happened this week) to make the best choices possible. Sound OK??

Foot off the pedal

Yep, I took my foot off the pedal a bit this week and the result …….up 200g. We had a long weekend here in Queensland so I partook of one or two wines over the weekend. Apart from that I didn’t do anything too naughty – however I do find that alcohol seems to play havoc with my fluid retention levels so hopefully now that I’m back on track again means that it’ll even up again pretty quickly and continue with the downhill trend. I’ve been walking lots though – find the incentive of trying to cover 10,00 steps a day (Walking with Attitude challenge) makes me keen to walk that bit further – as you’ll see from the side bar I’ve walked 49km this week – that’s total steps not just dedicated exercise. I do walk a fair bit at work as it’s a large site and I often have to crisscross all over it to attend meetings, catch up with my team etc. I also bought one of those mini tramps which were advertised in the Kmart catalogue for $29.95. It seems quite good – it comes with a complete workout you can do. However at this stage I’m just concentrating on jogging and getting my knees up. Even although I walk a fair bit I can feel it working different leg muscles. Don’t think I’ll ever have Elle legs but a bit of firming up can only be a good thing! And of course as you can see Josh thinks it’s fantastic! Did a bit of potting and planting on the weekend. My mum had sent us money for Christmas and I hadn’t yet spent it. I always like to try and buy something which I can look at and remember she bought us –the table and chairs on the deck were a present during a previous visit, the mini stereo from last Chirstmas etc. Anyway we wanted to buy some large glazed pots for the deck so used Mum’s money to get them and also some nice plants. Think it looks pretty good. Thanks to everyone for their supportive comments – have been pretty full on this week so while I’ve managed a couple of quick reads, I haven’t taken time to comment – will try to do better over the next few days. Have a fantastic week everyone

At the Halfway Hotel

Have passed the half way mark this week with a 900g loss – downhill all the way now – provided I maintain the focus. I lost it a bit yesterday – invited my friend S over for lunch on the deck – she’s been so busy she hadn’t had time to call round and check it out. Anyway had a very healthy salmon salad but a couple of glasses of wine with it – yes I relented and had a few! Then mid afternoon got the chocolate munchies – I hardly ever have chocolate but just had this terrible need to have some so had one of Josh’s boxes of Smarties that I keep in the fridge for him. Then Bloss and I had a few wines in the evening. But today is another day and that’s my bit of badness out of the way for next few weeks. On the up side was doing a bit of a review of my wardrobe yesterday – did a bit of trying on and and I’m back to where I was in 2004 and lots of things fitting which were a bit too close fitting or created the dreaded muffin are fitting well again Should maybe give you a bit of an overview of my weight history. I come from a family who all have a tendency to gain weight at a drop of a hat. I got quite podgy in my teens so went to WW with Mum – got to where I should be then left school and went to college – oops – beer and crisps, living in lodgings etc, so back up again. Finished college came home to live again so went to Slimming Club with Mum again – got to target then got married – joined the fat and happy brigade. Lots of little half arsed ‘diets’ during this period but nothing much accomplished. Became pregnant with No 1 son – ate for at least four! Joined a slimming club when he was 6 weeks old (13st 7lbs and 5ft 3ins) and continued going there right through pregnancy for No 2 son – only put on 9lbs (still living in Scotland then) and got to target (8st 11lbs) when he was 3 months old. Maintained for the next two years then migrated to Oz – crept up a little bit so joined a slimming club in Perth – got back to target (56kg)and maintained with not too much variation for the next 12 years or so – was closer towards the top of healthy weight range for the last 6 years or so after I stopped smoking. Then my marriage broke up – and I was living on my own for a while – enjoying the freedom of pleasing myself so it started to creep up again. Then met Bloss – we’re a very social pair – so lots of eating out, entertaining, and the dreaded drinking. I started to get bigger and bigger . Around this time also discovered that I had an underactive thyroid so that was causing a lot of the problems too. There were a couple of little sorties in here with the likes of Jenny Craig but just didn’t have a handle on it. In January 2002 (when my son got engaged and set a wedding date for November that year) I joined WW at home and over the next 9 months got down to 66kgs which felt pretty good – probably still a little high for my height but could wear Size 12 comfortably so was happy with that. I was able to maintain that pretty well over the next couple of years then we went on a big holiday to Europe, UK and Japan and I came back with about an extra four or five kilos which over the next year I just didn’t get round to shifting – tried but it was two off, one on, half off – you know the story! Also joined the ranks of menopausal women. Then last Christmas had my sister and husband out from Scotland for a month – lots and lots of socialising and another couple of kilos on. That’s where you guys came in! The other thing which adds confusion to all this was that a couple of years ago I bought a new pair of super duper scales – Soehnle. They’re great but they weigh 4.5 kilos heavier than my previous ones. So right now I’m aiming for 65kgs on these scales which will actually make me quite a bit lighter than when I was at 66kg back in 2002. But I’d like to try for that and see how I feel and more importantly see if its manageable. This little black duck needs to find a level at which she feels good about herself and at the same time can manage without being miserable. Well that was a big saga – hope I didn’t bore you all silly. Have a great week everyone.

Doin' OK

I’m feeling quietly pleased with myself – I had one or two wines (a lot might be a more honest description) over the weekend. I also had a token piece of chocolate, one hot cross bun and some nibbles and dip that I shouldn’t really have had. But that all came to an end first thing Monday morning – tracking religiously again, alcohol’s off the menu and I’ve started walking round Dordogne in France! This last is an idea I got from Julie and is a virtual walk (gosh I bet that surprises you!) courtesy of Walking with Attitude. I think it might be a bit of fun and add to the motivation. Now on the scales….. another 400g – hence the quiet smug feeling – long may it continue! Enjoyed having a few drinks but only had two and a half glasses on Thursday night and had a bugger of a headache on Friday morning. That didn’t put me off and I had a few more on Friday and again on Saturday and again on Sunday. But to be quite honest I was quite happy to pull up on Monday and decide it’s off limits until we go to the wedding on 12 May. It’s on the beach at Noosa and we’ll drive down on the Thursday and stay with friends and not come home till Sunday so that’ll be a lovely little break. We’d a quiet relaxing Easter – just had a few friends round on Saturday and Sunday and gave the new BBQ a bit of a work out. It’s fantastic – and so nice to have the BBQ on the same level as the kitchen now that we’ve the deck – saves loading up trays and carting them up and down the stairs. The other big plus is that the BBQ plate fits in the dishwasher so just give it a quick scrape and plonk it in the dishwasher and a nice clean plate! We also moved our outdoor table and chairs up to the deck. We weren’t sure how this setting would look and whether we’d have to think about getting another one – but it fits in really well. I've almost finalised our plans for our next trip - we're going to Penang for 8 days at the end of July. So my goal is to lose the remaining 7.1kgs between now and then and if I'm really good I should be able to get below that which would give me a bit of leeway while on holiday. We plan to stay at the Golden Sands resort which seems to get fairly good reviews. Would appreciate comments from any of you who've stayed there. Feedback so far indicates that Penanag has good eating and drinking places, top market shopping, a bit of sightseeing and if the resort is good too then we'll have a great time. Well good people don’t seem to have anything else of note to say so will wish you all a good week and look forward to catching up on your blogs.

Two little chardonnays sitting on a bar!

Well I’m pleased to report that another 800g has gone this week which means my challenge to myself was successful – my aim was to lose at least 4kgs before Easter and I’ve actually lost 4.4kgs so feeling incredibly pleased with myself. I’ve got this really good feeling at the moment and am really motivated so although I’m going to let my hair down at bit over Easter, I think I’m feeling strong enough to get right back into it on Tuesday. Those two little chardonnays will be sitting on the ‘bar’ waiting for me when I get home from the hairdressers on Thursday night – look I’ve even included a picture! We’ll probably catch up with a few friends over the Easter break but while I’m allowing myself a few wines I’m going to try and stick to eating the right things. Have bought Bloss one of the Lindt dark chocolate eggs which comes with a few mini eggs so maybe if I ask him nicely I can have one of the mini ones as my token Easter egg. Had a kind of eventful weekend. Friday night we went out for dinner with our friends B and H and one of B’s work colleagues from UK. Not a late night or an unduly boozy one (certainly not for me cos I’m still alcohol free (30 days now), but not that bad for Bloss either) Anyway I was awakened at 1am with this huge bang and a loud cracking noise – I realised that Bloss wasn’t in the bed so shot up to see what had happened. Found him picking himself up from the first landing of the stairs – oh, the relief to see that he was conscious and could move. He’d got up and gone to the loo then was thirsty so headed for the kitchen to get a drink of water. He headed right from the toilet but was still half asleep and turned right misjudged how far he had travelled (not far enough!!!)– thought he was in the kitchen so stepped forward….. into nothing. The cracking noise was the plasterboard ….. there’s now a hole about two foot square in the wall on the landing! I think he landed with his back on the bottom step and his feet went through the wall. Poor darling was in so much pain – battered and bruised from head to foot. I’m panicking in case he had internal bleeding – he’s being non communicative – as he always is when he’s sick. Anyway not to bore you with all the details – there was no serious damage only lots of bruising and by today he’s feeling heaps better. Since he made it clear he didn’t want me fussing round him on Saturday (just wanted to be miserable all by himself) I took off with my friend S to buy a new BBQ for the new deck. Got one – it’s really schmicko – all stainless steel, 4 burners, hood, rotisserie, side burner, two door cabinet – just razzle dazzle (price to match though $900!!) So Sunday was scheduled to be the DIY day. B & H had insisted on buying us a patio heater for the new deck. So we started to assemble it downstairs in the games room. When it was half built we carried it upstairs on to the deck and there the problem became apparent. It was too bloody big – didn’t have enough clearance from the ceiling – needed at least 500mm and at it’s best only had about 300mm. Well lots of deliberations, phone call to B and H and it was decided that H would take it back. So then had to dismantle the bloody thing and repack it all again. After lunch we started on the BBQ assembly. This went quite well – one or two diversions in the wrong direction – but finally got it all together and took the plates out of the bubble wrap to insert on the BBQ and ......the solid cast iron plate has a flamin’ four inch crack in it!! However called the manuafacturers on Monday morning and they’re putting a replacement in the post for us so at least there was no hassle there. Have included a couple of photos. Latest one of grandson No 2 now 5 months and very close to crawling and one sent by No 2 son from Mexico showing him in one of his favourite situations – surrounded by beautiful women and a beer in his hand! OK everyone, hope you and yours have a safe, happy and relaxing Easter. (and remember too many eggs makes you constipated!!!)

Spontaneously combusting halo!

I've been so good that I seriously believe my halo is so bright that it might burst into flames! Still on a roll - hmmm maybe more of a trundle this week - but a loss of 500g and I'm very happy with that. Now feeling the difference in my clothes and that nasty spare tyre (where each extra kilo seems to attach itself initially) is more like a bike tyre than a car tyre! I'm still off alcohol - think that's about 23 days now - only 8 more to go - not that I'm counting - but a couple of chardies on the Thursday before Easter seems like a very nice idea. As someone said to me yesteday - you get a bugger of a hangover when you've been off the grog for a while so I better just take it real slow. Only managed to get in four walks this week but the one on Sunday was a big one so really counts for two of my ordinary ones. The poor dog was shattered. Mind you half of it was her own fault. Three quarters way through our walk she was walking nicely by my side (she's pretty well trained and obedient normally) when she spotted a group of kangaroos in the bush. Well she took off like a bat out of hell - me roaring at her to come back and imagining the damage a 'roo would do to her with it's monster claws. She's a ridgeback/boxer cross so bred to be fast and fearless (usually hunts lions in Africa) so Im thinking that if she catches one she'll have a go at it. Fortunately, I think since she'd already done a lot of running around, she had no chance of catching them and slunk sheepishly back a few minutes later - much to my relief. She was plum tuckered out for the rest of the day. Here she is - and I suppose I should now confess that this is the real Zanna - I love the name and decided to use it as a pen name when I started this blog. Been doing a bit of running around this week for No 2 son (single 26). He and a couple of friends are currently on a world tour - backpacking with no real plans of working - just holidaying. So far they have been to South America - Chile, Bolivia, Peru (Macchu Picchu - the Inca Trail), Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil - the Carnival in Rio, and the Stones concert on Copacabana Beach with 1.2 million other people! From there to Mexico and now in Dallas heading for LA. Anyway early in the piece he lost his credit card - not a problem simply cancelled it. But the new one was issued and sent to his PO Box here - which I'm checking for him and we've been trying to find an address where he would be for long enough for me to post it to him. Eventually gave up on that and discovered that he could do it through DHL the global courier - company - they pick up from me and he collects from their local agent. So now arranging for this to happen so he can collect in LA. Then comes the next favour - Mum could you arrange a couple of money orders and send them with the package which will turn up in my mail box to the Canadian consulate in Sydney so we can get a work permit for Canada? He's having the most wonderful experiences and I'm just so happy for him - just wish I was there too! Anyway rambled on long enough. Have a great week everybody.

I'm on a roll!

Wow, am I ever on a roll! Loss of 1.5kg this week and boy do I feel good. I’m so healthy I’m just about jumping out of my skin!!! Have had another really good week – still no alcohol – it’s now day 16 – reckon when I finally have a glass or two I’ll be off my face in no time! I’ve also tracked faithfully (and on points), managed to up the walking to SIX days – the dog thinks it’s fabulous, and drunk my 2 litres of water and on average had three cups of green tea each day. Hells bells that just over six tubs of margarine in two weeks. And you know what – it’s not that hard. I mean when you cut to the chase and leave out all the excuses and just do exactly what you’re supposed to – it happens! I guess I’m the master of bending the rules just a little here and there – thinking that won’t make much difference but if I’m honest and realistic I probably do that once or twice every day – only little things mind you – but that’s probably at least fourteen non conformances a week – work jargon creeping in here! And then I have the nerve to be all upset because I haven’t lost as much as I should have. Another interesting thing is how one success builds on another – when you’re not doing well it’s just so hard to get on top of things and think positive and following the plan is a struggle. But when you have a couple of good weeks you’re feeling so in control and focussed that it’s comparatively easy to make the right choices – because you just want your success to continue. My testing time will be at Easter – I’ve promised myself that on Easter weekend I’ll relent and enjoy a few wines. The challenge will be to just enjoy those few wines then climb back on to the big wagon again on Monday and continue doing what I’m doing now. Hopefully the fact that we have a wedding to go to in Noosa on 12th May will give me enough incentive to get straight back on plan again – I think I’ll set myself the challenge to be at my half way point by then. Got a real kick out of the side bar this week – my kilos to lose are into single figures! Otherwise it’s been a reasonably quiet week, which has been great after that recent hectic spell. Went to the beautician on Saturday – got the waxworks – and I was pretty overdue – underarms, legs, lip, Brazilian – probably lost half a kilo of fuzz! I also had a voucher for a one hour facial which Bloss had got me for Christmas. It was fantastic – came out of there just floating. And while I was gone Bloss - bless his little heart – had oiled the new deck. So it’s now only one more coat to go then we can get the proper furniture on it and organise the plants, pots etc. Have a great week everybody. Cheers!

Love these cool quizzes

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have high extroversion. You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends. You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation. Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!" Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Feelin’ good

I’m on top of the world – loss of 1.6kg this week. I’ve stuck to my plan – no alcohol – even on the weekend and boy was that tough. I have this mindset that says on Friday I deserve a few drinks after a big week at work so when I went to the pub with some of the others after the training workshop I had to be so strong and just have a soda. It was the same on Saturday night when Bloss and I were having a nice quiet little dinner for two – however I resisted the temptation. I managed to get in four walking sessions this week – would really like to make it five and would dearly love to get back to the gym. There’s nothing like it for tightening up the wobbly bits! But right now I just don’t seem to have enough hours in the day. Points wise I have been under every day – not masses but just a couple up my sleeve – always useful in case everything turns pearshaped on the weekend! Had a bit of a laugh to myself when I entered my weight progress on the online WW chart this morning – I joined WW as an online member which gives me the tracker, points guide online, recipe builder, points calculator and weight tracker to name but a few and generally keeps me honest – especially since I’m paying for it. Anyway after I had entered my loss of 1.6kg (remembering what a shitty few weeks I’ve had previous to this) I got a message pop on my screen suggesting that maybe I was losing weight too fast! Sometimes you just can’t win! Mentioned in my last post that I was on to the green tea – still drinking about 3 or 4 cups a day – usually either the one with Mint or with Lemon. It’s really refreshing and a nice change from straight water. I don’t drink much coffee these days. I used to when I smoked (15 years ago) – the old cup of coffee and a fag – sometimes 14 or 15 of them! But these days it would be a huge day if I had 4 cups in a day and most days is one first thing in the morning and sometimes one at night. Anyway still having my heart starter in the morning but then having green tea at lunch, when I get home from work and after dinner at night. Been reading up on the properties – seems like it has some amazing benefits – lowers cholesterol (mine can be a bit wayward), reduces chances of several different types of cancer, lowers your chances of cavities and may even have weight reducing properties (not huge – studies show MAY burn up to 266 Kj per day so don’t got too excited) and also acts as a diuretic. Can confirm this last one –the combination of no alcohol which dehydrates you, drinking my usual amount of water (1.5 to 2 litres) and then my green tea has meant that my system has had a real work out – even having to get up several times in the night. It’s just like being pregnant again – a dim and distant memory! But I just grin and enjoy – think of it as weight disappearing down the S bend and at work every time I have to make my way down the hall to the other end of the building to visit the ‘conveniences’ I consider it another bit of Claytons exercise – the exercise you get when you’re not actually exercising! Otherwise it’s been a bit less hectic this week – and boy did I need that – had got that ‘stop the world I want to get off’ feeling, so it’s been nice to catch up on a few jobs at home. I think this weekend’s job will be to oil the new deck. Bloss oiled and stained the one pine beam on it last weekend but we didn’t attempt any more since we weren’t sure what Cyclone Larry was going to do – not that we were in the line of fire but we often get the accompanying rain. We’re still getting some gentle rain today which is great but really feeling for the residents of Innisfail, Mission Beach etc. Meanwhile we’re keeping a wary eye on Cyclone Wati which is currently heading towards Mackay (that’s getting a bit closer to us) and is forecasted to then head south parallel to the coast. I haven’t had the ‘pleasure’ of a cyclone since coming to Queensland 12 years ago and truth be told I think I can easily live without it but then you don’t always get a choice in these things! Have a busy night tonight – got to race home as the pest control man is coming – hopefully besides the usual cockroach spray he can do something about all the miniscule ants which have invaded us – they’re driving me bonkers. Then the kids are coming for tea (Son, D-I-L and the two darling boys) so that’s always a fun time. Hope you’re all having a good week – I’ve been lurking on lots of blogs and enjoying sharing all the good news and sympathised and in many cases empathised with those of you who are having a struggle. I’m gradually getting better at leaving comments – I guess I’m just a bit hesitant about commenting to a perfect stranger – think they might feel ‘what the hell does she know’ – but on the other hand I get a HUGE buzz when someone leaves me a comment – so I’m going to really try hard. Ciao!

As I expected

Check the side bar and you'll see that my predictions in my last post were deadly accurate. Nobody but myself to blame. However....since I posted on Monday I have been squeaky clean - no alcohol, managed to walk twice so far - sick yesterday so didn't manage and had to go and get some stuff in town on Wednesday so didn't have time then either. Planning to go tonight, and on the points front have been just under every day and feeling good - and in control. Think that's what really gets me down - I'm a bit of a control freak and I get so angry at myself when I lose control. Bought this months Slimming and Health Mag and have listened to the free CD (Think Slim by Mark Stephens) - some very interesting thoughts there - haven't tried the hypnosis section yet - saving that for the weekend. He recommends drinking green tea - suggests one of the flavoured ones to start with like mint, so I decided to give it a go. Got the mint and the citrus flavours - really nice, refreshing and Bloss has been drinking it too. It's credited with having all sorts of health properties so it certainly won't hurt and might do some good. Must away to work - big day today - a training team workshop of all trainers/training leaders across site. Could be very good - could be a whinge session but I think the facilitator will be good enough to ensure the former. Have a great weekend everyone, talk next week.

Severe talking to required - aka give myself an uppercut

Well I lost 400g this week - OK it's a loss but it's not what it could/should of been and even although I've been on holidays I just know inside myself that I'm arsing around - I weigh exactly the same as I did four weeks ago! I'm soo good weekdays at work - but lately I come home and I'm tired and I don't always walk then I decide a glass of wine on the deck with Bloss would be nice .. and it is but then I have another while I'm cooking tea, then of course one with tea and well ... might as well finish the bottle. Then comes the weekend - seem to be socialising a lot and of course I feel I deserve to let up on the weekend. Well that's fine but not if I'm letting up all week too! Positives are that I'm still doing a fair job of tracking daily. Ok - this is part two of this post - the weekend has come and gone and I'm not feeling good about weighing tomorrow and neither wonder! Had a real weekend of socialising - that dreaded alcohol again - it's bad enough but then the normal sense of restraint disappears so I have a couple of chocolates with coffee - don't normally have chocs in the house but our friends brought some nice little ones when they came for dinner and it's other things like a handful of pistachios or almonds with a glass of wine - you know the kind of thing. So last night I'm wide awake in the middle of the night - don't have hot flushes but do get the night sweats and if I'm honest - these are much more likely to occur after having a few drinks. Anyway I'm lying there telling myself what a dope I am - and that it's high time I stopped going two steps forward and one back. So then I think - it's time to get a bit of real structure into this or I'll be attending a friend's wedding in Noosa in May (one of my sort of milestones along the way) having not lost any weight. So then I thought - Ok what's the plan and what are the realistic steps. Right... it's that Lent time of year when people decide to go without things. So my promise to myself is - alcohol free until at least Easter weekend, try and walk at least four days out of seven and religiously track, the last bit is the easiest, the first two will require considerable effort. One month - 31 days following the above strategy and the challenge is to weigh at least 4 kgs less than tomorrow's weigh in.

Pink Cloud

Thanks to Sarah who mentioned this fun thing to do and linked to the site and to Slim Suzy whose site I found it on. Just cracks me up that alcohol is up there in the first line in just about the largest font - I'm sure there's a subliminal message there.

Tales of a Lost Sausage!

Alright we’ll get the bad bit over first – a gain of 0.9kg over the last two weeks. I wasn’t really bad but just a bit slack and I’m just not one of those people who can get away with it. Anyway got home late Saturday and got back on track on Sunday and trucking along nicely so far this week. The holiday was great but not without a few dramas. Normally we’d fly direct from Brisbane to Auckland and I’d booked our flights both from home to Brisbane and Brisbane/Auckland back in September. However just before Christmas the airline contacted me to reschedule the Brisbane/Auckland flight to an earlier time. Problem with that was that it didn’t allow us enough time to connect with our flight from home, so they had to book us on a flight via Sydney. Now on that day in at Sydney International, the central baggage conveyor broke down and a replacement part had to be flown in from overseas. So it became a logistical nightmare trying to move all that luggage. Yes you’ve guessed what’s coming – we get to Auckland at 10pm at night and along with about 50 other people on our flight have no luggage. So then it’s stand in a queue, describe your luggage, give your NZ address blah blah blah . We finally got out of there around midnight. Our poor friends had been patiently waiting for us. Trying to find out the next day what progress there had been on locating it was a real trial – on hold for anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour! We had planned to leave to go sailing with our friends on the Thursday lunchtime but delayed that by another day in the hope they’d get our stuff to us. By Friday we were no further forward and our holidays were slipping away so we shot down to the local “The Warehouse’ and bought the absolute basics – nothing too glam there! We were entitled to $100 each after 24 hours to cover emergency purchases. Anyway Bloss’s bag turned up that morning and they taxied it out to us early afternoon. But still no sign of mine. So off we went on the boat. Mine finally did turn up on the Saturday and they delivered it to our friends’ apartment. The airline would have delivered it anywhere we specified but with us being on the boat it was too much hassle to try to find a rendezvous spot. I wear a pretty ugly uniform to work – pants, shirt with reflective stripes and safety boots so holidays are an opportunity for me to wear ‘nice’ clothes albeit very casual ones. So all the feminine readers can probably relate to how it felt with only two pairs of ¾ bike pants, 3 polo shirts, 1 sarong and bathers which were a size 12 (all they had) when my top half requires a size 14 - the cleavage was incredible!! To make matters worse for the first time ever (and we travel a lot) I didn’t take any hand luggage. Because we were going on the boat I don’t use suitcases (they take up too much room) and I had bought a large ‘sausage’ type bag which had heaps of room in it so rather than take another bag with hand luggage I put everything in the sausage thinking – we’re only going to Auckland!!! So no moisturiser, medication, perfume, deodorant, hair product etc. etc. Lesson learnt – you better believe it!! Normally I’d carry all my toiletries, a change of undies and usually a spare top. Anyway I got over it – no sense in being miserable – it’s my holiday I’d be spoiling. Back to the holiday – once again we had absolutely peachy weather in NZ. We sailed to the Coromandel day 1, then next day headed round the other side to the Mercury Islands – a couple of nights there then over to Great Barrier for the next couple of nights then back to Waiheke then home. That was Thursday late afternoon and when we got back to the apartment my precious sausage was there. I think I wore about 3 different outfits in a day and a half just cos I could! We headed home Saturday morning – us to the International and our friends to the Domestic airport as they were flying down to Hawkes Bay for the Mission concert. We were quite excited about coming back home as the new deck was scheduled to be finished. It looks great – the famous lights have yet to be installed although the wiring is in place and our next task will be to oil all the timber. But it was Bloss’s birthday on Monday and our friends joined us for a baptismal beverage on it before heading to the pub for tea. Here are a couple of pictures of the famous deck - it's been a long long time in the planning stages but the end result is well worth the wait. Bloss has named it "The Corral" Hope everyone out there is having a good week - and I intend to have better things to report next week. Thanks folks for the lovely comments about my grandchildren and also for the nice one about my profile photo - I have to confess it is a couple of years old - taken at my son's wedding in November 2002 - so a bit over 3 years ago.

Only one more sleep!

Well, my bags are packed and I’m ready to go. We fly out at 6.45 tomorrow so it’ll mean being up at 4.45 ready for a taxi to the airport at 5.30am - but I don’t care when it means I’m going somewhere nice. Another good result with weight loss this week – 500g down. This keeps me on my plan to be at my goal by the time we go on our next holiday. Haven’t had much exercise this week – I’ve had errands etc to do just about every night when I get home from work and by the time that’s done then it’s time to organise tea and then I’m just too whacked after that. Tonight I have to call in to the optometrist to get a measurement done for the new glasses I ordered last week, then take the dog to the kennels, then home, finish packing, have a shower and wash my hair – won't have time to do my hair in the morning then we’re going to B & H’s for tea – the darlings said we should have tea with them rather than mucking about trying to cook, empty the fridge etc on our last night. Wonderful friends! Had to rush off madly last night to get downlights for the electrician before we went away. We’re in the process of having the deck extended – this is supposed to be Bloss’s project but he’s not into planning and attention to detail like I am . So yesterday he gets a call from the builder saying that he’ll have the electrician putting the lights in while we’re away and where are the lights? So Bloss rings me – ‘Possum would you be able to get the lights when you’re in town tonight?’ A few frantic phone calls then equally frantic visits to lighting shops after work then a rapid learning curve on the merits of different types of downlight – powder coated, brushed aluminium, stainless steel – which gauge? Meantime it’s getting closer to 5pm and closing time plus I've still got other jobs to do. Went for standard gauge stainless steel – they’re going to be outside and we’re close to the beach and beside the river. Time will tell if I’ve got it right. Also wanted to catch up with my daughter in law and two grandsons before we went away - needed a granny fix! So popped round to see them for half an hour – missed son who had already left for night shift. Here's my two darling boys! Josh is four and recently started pre school and he's just so entertaining, Curtis is 13 weeks and is just the most delightful happy placid baby you could imagine. Well now that I've had my brag, I'm off to do the last minute things. Hope everyone has a good week - my challenge will be to report back here on or around the 28th Feb to let you know whether I'm still on plan - I really do mean to behave myself! With those words ringing in my ears......... (and may they keep on ringing!!) Hooroo!

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What Your Face Says

At first glance, people see you as warm and well-balanced. Overall, your true self is passionate and physical. With friends, you seem dramatic, lively, and quick to react. In love, you seem mysterious and interesting. In stressful situations, you seem cheerful and optimistic.

What Do People Think Of Your Face?

Tub of Marg

Yep I lost 500g this week – equivalent to a tub of marg. I always find this helps when I’m feeling that although it’s happening it’s not happening very fast . So far I’ve lost 2kgs which is four tubs of marg. I have one of those pictorial imaginations so having a bit of a giggle at the thought of me with one tub on each cheek, one on my belly and one on my midriff – not the prettiest of sights! Gosh when I achieve my goal I'll have 26 of the little suckers hanging off me! Actually I’m really happy with this week’s loss – I had minimal exercise as I was still feeling really tired and achy. I managed a couple of decent walks yesterday and I’ll try to get out for another one tonight. It was the usual story last week – the food intake was pretty controlled and all points counted – the points for alcohol were counted too but really it’s such a waste of good food points. Anyway the weekend ahead looks to be a bit quieter so there might be less of the amber fluid flowing – really should read white fluid since my big weakness is chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. Will have to spend this weekend getting organised and doing some packing ready for our trip to NZ. We fly out next Wednesday morning and are gone for 10 days. So only five more days of work. It’s not that long since I had some leave from work – had a few days off over Christmas/New Year but it was really full on as I have visitors on and off for about 6 weeks so 10 days cruising the Bay of Islands, just relaxing, reading lots of books, a few walks on some of the islands, lots of talking and catching up, maybe a spot of fishing – sounds good doesn’t it. I’ll try and do a quick post early next week to give a scales update before I go – meantime take care and have a good one!

Little bites of the big elephant!

Well another loss this week – 400g. As the title says it’s just little bites at the big elephant, but I just have to project myself to the cumulative effect over time – so far that’s 1.5kgs in three weeks but if I maintain that average I’ll be where I want to be by around mid July. We’re planning this year’s overseas trip at the moment – think it’ll probably by Malaysia – Penang or Kuala Lumpur or maybe even a combination of both. Likely dates of this trip are around end of July or early August – so that gives me a definite something to aim for – and I always seem to do better when I’ve got a milestone in sight. Food wise I’ve had quite a good week – once again it’s the alcohol I have to watch. Only had vino on Friday and Saturday but rather a lot of it! However I had saved a good few points during the week, managed to exercise most days so the damage was contained! Had some friends round for dinner on Saturday and warned them that all the food would be WW. We had beef burgundy – served with potatoes rather than rice (less points), Rather yummy for about 4.5 points a serve. For desserts I made a concoction with raspberries and brandy and chocolate soaked sponge fingers, sour cream, ricotta cheese, and icing sugar. It tasted wicked – not that low in points – 4.5 also but infinitely better than a large piece of cheesecake with whipped cream!! Anyway the consensus was that WW food was good!! Whilst ‘in our cups’ we hatched a grand plan that we would walk to the little restaurant down by the river for breakfast the next morning. That didn’t seem such a good idea at 8am the next morning! However we got our a’s into gear and actually enjoyed the half hour walk along the riverbank. I was soooo strong when we got there – everyone else had bacon eggs and toast – 2 slices of toast and butter , masses of fried bacon and two fried eggs. What did the good girl have? - raisin toast and coffee and I only ate one slice of the two I was served. Polish my halo! Trouble was that by mid afternoon I had a real savoury/salt attack – needed to have something savour and salty to nibble so ate my way through most of a packet of Arnotts bacon and cheese crackers. So of course then tea had to be a non event since I had no points left! I’m having a lot of trouble walking this week – still got lots of aching joints and just general fatigue - it's all such an effort - and I'm not usually like that. I'm one of those leap out of bed people who's just so full of beans it makes you want to puke! Anyway went to the doc’s last Friday for results of tests – everything spot on. I suppose that’s good news but I’m left wondering why I feel like shit! Think it might just be a delayed reaction from being so full on over the festive season and having almost six weeks of non stop visitors staying. Anyway in 13 days we’re winging our way to NZ to spend 10 days sailing around the Bay of Islands with our friends who have a huge luxury launch. So that should go a long way towards recharging the batteries. Fortunately D is an inveterate weight watcher too – so there’s no need for me to go off the rails. If I do it will be my own stupid fault. However I’m feeling really focussed and aiming for the long term goal – as above, so I’m not of a mind to cut loose for 10 days while on the boat. The problem once again will be alcohol - I just adore those NZ sauvignon blancs. Going to the beauticians on Saturday morning for a micro current facial. Have had microdermabrasion – which was quite good so now want to try micro current which is a relatively new procedure at my beauty salon but which S, my beautician thinks I might enjoy – so will give that a try. I have a voucher from my son so it’s a bit of free pampering – always a pleasant sensation! Enjoy your week.

Smiley face

Well, I did it - managed to stay pretty focussed on healthy eating for the week despite having visitors for 3 days - and of course hospitality and socialising and alcohol go hand in hand. But I 've counted every point and finished off the week breaking even. Well you ask - what did the scales say - 1kg down on Monday morning. Didn't that put a smile on my face. So 1.1kgs in 2 weeks - not exactly falling off me but moving in the right direction. Have also been trying to walk as often as possible - managed to walk five days out of seven last week. Three more weigh ins before I go to NZ - would really like to have 4kgs off in total by then - but even 3 would be good. Had hoped this week would be easier to stay off alcohol - not that I want to cut if out completely but I'm trying to stay off on 'school nights' and just have a few on the weekend. But.... came home from the beautician's last night and Bloss tells me that we're having tea with B & H tonight - we get on so well and they drink just as much as us! Thinking I'll try and just have Diet Pepsi till we have dinner then have a couple of glasses of wine. Then another night out on Friday night - one of my guys is leaving so we're having a team get together to farewell him at a local restaurant. Oh well I'll just have to manage it. Guess what's different these days with watching my weight is that I'm trying to manage it within my 'normal' lifestyle. Can't see the point of going on the wagon till I lose what I want then turning on the tap again - I'll just be back to where I started in no time. So as they say it's all about moderation and making the right choices!! Stay with the fish and chicken and get the sauce/dressing served on the side. Talk soon.

Why doesn't this surprise me!

You're chocolate. You're the old soul type, people feel that they have known you their entire life. Many often open up to you for they view you as thoughtful and trustworthy. Although people trust you, you have a hard time trusting them. You prefer to keep your feelings bottled up inside, or display them very quietly. It is alright to open up every once in a while. Which kind of candy are you? brought to you by Quizilla

Don't you hate it when.....

You've been so good all week - counted the points value for every single thing you've put in your mouth and mid week the scales are rattling down......then.... Monday morning - the weigh in - and what's this you're back up - only lost 100g!!!!! I was sooo disappointed. However I haven't dropped my bundle I've kept my head down bum up and tracked every thing so far this week. I blame these strange happenings on the fact that for the first four days I had no alcohol but then we had visitors and... and.... and. I did count all the points but I reckon alcohol stuffs up your fluid disposal system. So no alcohol so far this week. Not sure how I'll go on the weekend as we've three friends coming to stay and lots of talking to do which will probably be accompanied by lots of chardonnay. Have also been good with exercise - have walked the last three nights even although I'm feeling really achy and sore. I suppose that might be part of the minimal weight loss problem - my thyroid appears to be playing up again - went for blood test again yesterday so will see what eventuates from that. It may be that my medication dosage needs upped again. OK tomorrow is another day - and I'm going to make it a good one!

It's been a long time

Well it's nearly 12 months since I last posted here. Life has been busy - life has been good. And the weight you ask?....... it's almost exactly the same as last time. I guess that's a positive - at least I haven't gained but then neither have I lost. Anyway I'm refocused and going to do big things in 2006. I'm off to NZ in about 4 weeks so planning to shift at least 3kgs before then. Just thought I'd post this to see if I remembered what to do. More anon.