Freedom....

We are really enjoying having our place back to ourselves - Ray left on an early flight yesterday morning...and the tension left with him:)
We had a lovely, lazy day just the four of us and it was bliss:)
We went out for a long lunch - even though I ate indulgently...I didn't feel guilty, it was just one meal - I ate what I wanted, I enjoyed every mouthful, and I stopped when I was full...I find that in the past, when we go out to eat I don't want to waste anything on the plate...I paid for it dammit...lol
I felt so much better leaving something on the plate because I had, had enough...a great feeling - not having to roll out the door...lol

I have been looking at http://www.blackmores.com.au/Weightloss and it is a very interesting site - I signed up for the 8 week motivation email. They also have some workouts you can put on your ipod and meal plans...which I have found some nice recipes...and lots of other stuff...its worth a peek..and its free...you just register to log in and thats it!!
So go have a look!!!

Beckie has started a bloggest loser challenge to run while the TV show is on - which is a great idea - she has made up a new blog about it http://beckschallenge.blogspot.com go and have a look!!

Well I'm off to do my yogalates dvd...I have really missed not being able to exercise in the comfort of my own loungeroom...lol
Hope you all have a great day:)

Hi All ;0)
It's been a pretty quiet morning so far...I was up chatting till 2am with Beckie, Ckk, Crankybee and Jac...very interesting conversations...still laughing ...especially when I read Becks post this morning :0P

Vic's dad is keeping his distance today...which I am not complaining about...still only the one shower...man, he smells like an unwashed cave!!

I had a go at him yesterday afternoon, he brought a whole heap of stuff over to give to the boys, which they have displayed in their rooms (and have become attached to), when I got home from weigh in yesterday - he had taken the stuff out of the rooms and put it back in his case...the boys came home and asked where the stuff was and he made some lame excuse and put it back cause he felt bad (about being caught out!) I was so mad I grabbed the stuff and put it all back on his case and told him that its not right to give things to children then take it away...if that is how he feels he can shove it all up his ass!!!

I really shocked him as I am normally a quiet person, who never loses my temper...he knows how pissed off I am and has been really quiet ever since...it's probably the first time I have been remotely mean to him!!

I was still fuming when Vic got home....he said to me this morning that its the first time he has seen me ready to kill...I think I scared him a bit too, wondering what happened to his easy going, never standing up to someone who has made me angry, Wife ...lol

So it was really nice to have a huge laugh with the gals, last night....I certainly slept well:)


On a brighter note;
1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.
2. If the shoe fits - buy one in every colour.
3. Take life with a pinch of salt... a wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.
4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!
5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).
6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just my personality.
8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.
9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
10. Don't get your knickers in a knot, it solves nothing; and makes you walk funny.
11. When life gives you lemons in 2007 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.
12. Stay true, caring and loyal to your friends - when it comes to enemies remind yourself of 'opposite day' from primary school
13. Remember every good looking, sweet, single male is someone else's ex boyfriend!
14. Enjoy this 2007!
15. Now smile and send to any girl wasting time at work, suffering from a hangover, suffering from a hangover at work or that might need a reason to smile!!!

Weigh In

Last weeks weight: 88 kilo's
This weeks weight: 87.2 kilo's
A loss of: 1.2 kilo's
Left to lose: 22.2 kilo's

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.....

I took Ray to book a plane ticket yesterday, so he will be leaving early (5am) Sunday morning.
As yet he has only had the one shower (I may have to hose him down...lol) I keep giving little remarks like when we got home from shopping it was hot so I changed my shirt - he said it has gotten warm today, so I said "yeah thats why I had to change my shirt" HINT, HINT but he just let it slide.... only 4 sleeps to go...

Today I was going through some of the boys baby stuff - Our niece is due to have a boy in March - so I could send some things back home with Ray, (I did buy some new things for her too) In luke's baby box I found my pregnancy book, and the last appointment, which was in the morning of the day he was born. My weight was 88.6, I weigh about that now....omg...I weigh the same as I did at 9 months pregnant!!!

I have been reading a book "I can make you slim" Paul McKenna and I am really enjoying it, it has a motivational cd as well which after listening I feel really enthusiastic about everything!!
His plan is to follow 4 rules:

• When you are hungry, EAT
• EAT WHAT YOU WANT, not what you think you should
• Eat CONSCIOUSLY and enjoy every mouthful
• When you think you are full, STOP eating

How simple is that??

I am finding that not depriving myself...that I am not craving certain things...which means it won't lead to a binge when I buy chocolate or anything else perceived as a 'naughty' food, which has been happening way to much of late.

I have some motivation to keep myself on track...my Dad is getting remarried on 31st March, and there will be alot of relies that I have not seen since Nan died, 2 years ago - when I was weighing around 85 . So I want to be looking great...and heaven forbid, I may even buy a dress for the first time in years!! The last dress I wore was my wedding dress...isn't that sad!

Weigh in tommorrow, will post results soon xx

"They say tommorrow never comes. That may be so, but it never goes, either. It is always there, hanging on the horizon, beckoning us forward or, sometimes, causing us to shrink back in dismay. They say we should live for today. Are they mad? Do they not know about tommorrow? Or maybe, they know something that we don't know. Tommorrow will always be part of the future. What's happening today is precious. Enjoy it while you have it within your grasp to enjoy."
I don't normally read the daily stars in the paper - we don't get the paper that often, but with Ray being here he buys it everyday -
That was my horscope for yesterday, and it is so true...I am always putting things off until I lose weight...and I am missing out on so much!! I need to enjoy the here and now!!
After reading that and thinking WOW I was interested on what todays would be...
" 'Waiter, waiter, there's a fly in my soup'. "Well don't wave it about sir, everyone else in the restaurant will want one.' Sadly, this dreadful old joke sums up the kind of advice that too many people in my profesion feel entitled to dole out. 'Make the most of your situation', they glibly advise'Count your blessings.' I cannot quite bring myself to offer you any such platitudes this weekend. If something irks you feel fully free to gripe and moan. If you complain loudly enough, you may just get things changed"

Ray had his first shower since being here, this morning ...that makes 6 days no shower...eeewww...although he put all his dirty clothes back on - even though I washed the shirt he came over in and it is sitting in his room in plain view....maybe I should start complaining loudly...lol

Hope all is having a great weekend

There was no weigh in this morning because of the public holiday tommorrow - but I took a peek on my home scales and I am .6 down from last week which is great ... a huge boost to my confidence seeing the numbers finally go down!

Things are going OK with FIL being here. He does repeat himself alot, but I am learning to zone out a bit...lol
He has made his mind up about the situation in Tassie (not that they know, and they wont be happy) so the whingeing has been minimal here, compared to other times:)
One thing that has really grossed me out is he has the only clothes he has is the ones he arrived in plus another pair of dress pants and a jumper.... and he is staying until around the 4th of Feb!!
It was his birthday yesterday (turning 78) so we brought him a polo shirt :)
Unfortunetly he is not very fond of the shower - last time he only had 2 in the couple of weeks he stayed, so we are interested to see if he is going to brake his record this time:P

Eating has been pretty good the last few days - the exception being birthday cake last night and a few timtam's today - the new ones mudcake flavor...yum. My throat has been a little scratchy the last few days so I have been drinking plenty of water:)

Home everyone has a great day off tommorrow!!

Sorry that I have been MIA for the last week or so ~ the end of last week I was busy getting the boys things organised for camp, aswell as preparing the house for when my father in law arrives from tasmania to stay for a while.
It was so different not having both the boys here over the weekend - normally if they both go to stay somewhere overnight it is because Vic and I are going out. It was so quiet I found myself grazing all day - both days...shocking!!
I am also a little stressed about FIL coming for 2 reasons, there is alot of conflict with the relies over in Tassie (they all live in the same house) so when he comes over that is all he talks about - which is a bit upsetting for Vic as we are a long way away to do anything.
The other reason is that with the weight that I have gained I don't really feel comfortable in most of my clothes - it has been easy sitting around in daggy trackies and tops that show the rolls because no one is seeing me - not the case with a house guest.
We went out on Friday to do some shopping (for camp and FIL birthaday present) and we called in to see Lisa ( http://lisabplus3.blogspot.com/) and her 3 girls ~ it was the first time since I have worn jeans for ages - and they are getting tight!
One good thing about FIL being here is that I won't be able to snack on junk, since he will be around me all day:)
Well the boys are starting to fight ~ hope everyone is having a great day:)

I recieved this in an email...


You are a star. Own It!
Our Lady of Weight Loss is 100% sure that you are a star. Feel confident in your stardom. Flaunt it, baby! It's not only okay to own it - it's the right thing to do!
*Let your uniqueness show.
*Do what pleases you.
*Honor your core values.
*Make requests from others; never play the victim.
Do different things and do things differently.
Risk more. Shine on!
Are you a ball of hot gas? Burn bright! A star is a hot ball of gas, which burns for millions of years. A star is born in a “stellar nursery” where gases and dust particles are drawn together though the forces of gravity. The heat produced by stars is what makes them shine. Their temperatures reach hundreds of thousands degrees Celsius.
What makes you shine?

At the moment I can't think of anything - my mind has gone blank!!!!
Would love to hear what you guys come up with!

Thought I'd better post to let you know I am still here:)
Not alot has been happening, Vic is still at home so routine is flying out the window, although eating has been better than it was - exercise has been non existent as it has been so hot...though I have done a few sessions of yogalates, I really should be doing it everyday:)
once Vic is back at work I will aim to do it every morning!
Well I leave it there for nowand go join the others outside, as it is so hot upstairs!
Hope all are having a great week!!

Reading Becks 'My body is a temple' entry a few days ago has really had me thinking about the way I look after "my temple" there is a new ad that has been on lately for special K about the same sort of thing - about wemon putting themselves last on their personal lists, something that I am very guilty of!! I have always put Vic and the boys first ~and it might just be about time to be a little "selfish" for a change!
So this afternoon while the boys were playing in the pool, I left Vic out there to look after them and came in and soaked my poor sore feet in my footspa(that hasn't seen the light of day in ages!) with Bodyshop milk bath, then I gave them a scrub with my bodyshop lavender salt scrub - thanks Beckie for the idea:) At the moment my feet are feeling so soft and lovely.
I think I really need to take time out like this at least once a week. It's amazing how the mood lifts with a bit of pampering. it can do nothing but good because " If mummy is happy - the whole house is happy" - I love that quote!!

ARE YOU A BITCH?
Some friends were sitting at the bar talking about their professions.
The first guy says,
"I'm a Y.U.P.P.I.E., you know... Young, Urban, Professional, Peaceful, Intelligent, Ecologist"
The second guy says
"I'm a D.I.N.K., you know... Double Income, No Kids."
The third guy says,
"I'm a R.U.B ., you know...Rich, Urban, Biker."
They turn to the woman and ask her, "What are you?'"
She replies: "I'm a W.I.FE., you know...Wash, Iron, Fetch, Etc."
A second gal answers their question before they even ask it,
"B.I.T.C.H ."
What exactly is a BITCH?!? They ask in unison.
"Babe In Total Control of Herself."
So ladies, next time somebody calls you a "Bitch" SMILE.
And say "ThankYou!!"

Things are going well - eating has been good although alcohol consumption leaves alot to be desired!! Vic has one more week at home...I can't wait to be back into a normal routine!

ABC of me;
A is for age: 32
B is for Beer: I don't like the taste of beer
C is for Career: Hospitality
D is for my Dog's Name: Sarge
E is for Essential Item I Use Everyday: Eyebrow pencil.
F is for Favourite T.V. Show: At the moment Grey's Anatomy
G is for Favorite Game: Scrabble
H is for Hometown: Lancefield
I is for Instruments I Play: Piano
J is for Favourite Juice: Pineapple
K is for Whose Butt I'd Like To Kick: My Sister in Law
L is for the Last Place I Ate Out: Salton Pepper - lovely food
M is for Marriage: Once so far. Coming up to 6 years on 24 Feb!
N is for my Name: Leighanne,Lee, Mum, bub
O is for Overnight Hospital Stays: Twice when I had the boys 7days, and 5, a few overnights for gallstone attacks, 2 nights for gallstone op, 7 days for back spasms
P is for People I was With Today: My boys, my husband
Q is for Quote: "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger."
R is for Biggest Regret: Not doing further study when I was younger
S is for Sport: Walking
T is for Time I Woke Up Today: 10 am - it is holidays!
U is for Current Underwear: Black Cotton
V is for Vegetable You Love: Capsicum - love them raw or cooked
W is for Worst Habit: Not speaking up, being shy
X is for X-rays I Have Had: Teeth, Back, Chest (gallstones)
Y is for Yummy Food You Ate Today: Homemade lasagne
Z is for Zodiac: Libra, on the cusp of virgo

Nanette wanted me to post the Yucky photo so here is the one Jason took on New Years day that made me really cringe...unfortunetly the camera doesn't lie...

This one is a closer photo taken the other day...

My weigh in for the 2nd Jan was 89 kilo's. I have done all my measurements, and have them written in a note book that I am also tracking my food and exercise (so I won't lose them) My 1st official weigh in will be on the 18th Jan....my last weigh in was 84 kilo's, so my goal until then is to get as close to 84 as I possibly can. I have been pretty good the last few days, eating well and doing a little exercise each day...my motivation is back!!!

Happy New Year - The Holiday is over!

We have just come back from spending a few days camping with some friends in Yea, no mobile signal, no electricity, so relaxing, exactly what I needed for a recharge:)

We stayed on a friends property, 75 acres, he is a cattle farmer (who lives in the city), and his land has a part of the goulburn river running through. The only building on the whole property is an old tin shack that they all call 'the hut'

Here is the view of the river...so lucky to have water to swim in!

The Hut!

It was a pretty quiet New Years....a bit of rain which was lovely!!

All the kids were getting impatient by 11.30pm - they pepped up for the countdown and lit some sparklers...we were all fast asleep by 12.30!!

Things were ok eatingwise considering I had no imput with any cooking or food prep - One of the other guys is a bully with the bbq...won't let any female near it...won't even let us do dishes...a real sweetie!! I ate bbq meat with salad most meals. I did drink a fair amount of scotch - with diet coke...this will be the last time for a while:)

But we are home now and since this is the last time we are going away, it is time for me to get back into a rountine!

I have a horrible photo that Jason took while we were away that has really made me cringe...I will look at it as a reminder of why I am doing this!!

In the morning I will weigh myself for my official start weight ( I couldn't weigh in this morning)

and also do some measurements to keep me motivated:)

I hope evryone on holidays are having a great time - and that those at work are not working too hard!! Will check up on you all in the morning!

Goodnight:)

Feeling like*&^*!!
I weighed myself this morning and was horrified to see the number blinking back at me 88.7 ... I have been feeling depressed about my weight going up lately ...and stupidly have just been in denial....but now it is so close to 90 which really scares me - especially since I was down to 79.5 in October....what am I doing to myself???
I really need to get my shit together, starting TODAY - If I wait till after New Years, staying on the same track I will be close to a hundred in the new year....I can't let that happen!!!
Gosh, my clothes are getting tight, I don't want to have to buy a biiger shirt for work when I go back on the 16th - I am supposed to be getting into the smaller one!!
The last week I have been so good in the mornings...then everything goes to shit during the afternoon.

I need to exercise...can't remember the last time I did anything regular....sorry Sarge!
I need to drink water instead of alcohol...I find I eat more when I am drinking!
I need to get back to planning my meals and tracking what I eat...have not done that in ages.
I need to get my motivation back!!

So starting right now I am going to try to make a more concentrated effort...wish me luck!!

I Believe:

I believe the sun will rise tomorrow,
I believe the sun will go down every night,
I believe there is something out there,
I believe I can achieve my dreams,
I believe everything does happen for a reason,
I believe I do not understand why some things happen,
I believe I can change the way I feel,
I believe I am a wonderful human being,
I believe I am beautiful,
I believe I am worth loving,
I believe in miracles,
I believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to,
I believe I can be loved, and give love,
I believe by sharing my problems the world will be a better place,
I believe no matter how bad my life is, someone has it worse,
I can overcome anything because I believe I can, and will.

By: Carol Baulch.

Here is my brother Brendan, his partner Renee and baby Tyson

This is me holding Tyson - he is such a good baby, he slept in my arms for most of the afternoon

I hope everyone had a great christmas!!
here is Jason and Luke in front of the tree:)

I have more photo's - but blogger is being a real pain!

We had lunch at my sisters place ~ it was nice to catch up with family~ it is not often that we are in the same place all together:) Over the last few weeks I have eaten way to much and drunk way to much wine ~ I took a sneek peek at the scales and it was so bad I cannot write the number!! So at the moment I am in "damage control" - I am hoping I can get the numbers down for my first weigh in on the 14th Jan!

Hi guys - I have sorted my modem problem...yay!!
have heaps to say, but not sure where to start, so i will leave you with this while I go catch up on some blog reading...


Santa goes on the Atkins diet;
Cookies and milk out; eggs, beef, chicken, cheese in
North Pole Santa Claus announced today in his annual pre-holiday press conference that he has begun the popular Atkins diet, and is asking for help from families around the globe. Atkins dieters are allowed to consume large amounts of high-fat foods such as eggs, beef, and cheese. Carbohydrates, which are found in pasta, breads, and fruits, and sweets, are not allowed.
Mr. Claus said that he decided to start the diet after he could not fit into the trousers he wore to deliver gifts last year.
"I couldn't bring myself to buy new trousers, and I haven't had a good body image lately. I had to do something, and quick", said Claus. "Having a belly like a bowl full of jelly is one thing, but being a complete fat ass is another. I mean, even my jolly little toe has fat on it." According to inside sources, Mrs. Claus may have also played a part in his decision to lose weight.
An elf, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Mrs. Claus "is getting more and more involved" with day-to-day operations, especially as Christmas nears. "She pretty much runs the toy factory, and she is making all the elves work a lot of overtime. Plus, she made us all sign waivers saying we wouldn't sue if we got injured on the job. Now, Santa suddenly goes on the Atkins diet? I guarantee that is her doing. She's a real pain in the ass. We've all started calling her 'Yoko'".
Santa says that his goal is to lose twenty pounds before he delivers gifts on Christmas Eve, leaving him plump, but not grossly obese. And, says Claus, he needs everyone's help to stick to his diet.
"I am asking the families of the world to leave snacks for me that are low in carbohydrates. Unfortunately, this means that the traditional snack of cookies and milk is not acceptable. Good alternatives are scrambled eggs, cheese, beef, or chicken."
Experts agree that a thinner Claus may be a healthier Claus, but think that the new snack requests may spoil some of the fun and tradition of Christmas.
"I think it's great that Santa wants to lose a few pounds", says holiday expert Michelle Bosler. "But a great Christmas traditions is being altered. Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus dates back hundreds of years. I don't think families will enjoy scrambling eggs or broiling a T-bone for Santa quite as much. And these low carbohydrate snacks are much more expensive than a couple of store bought cookies."
Despite the criticism, Claus vows to stick to his Atkins diet. "I'm going to do this. I've tried other diets, and I just can't stick to them. I mean, have you ever had a SlimFast shake? Tastes like liquefied wood."
North Pole spokesperson Sandy Ashton said that if families are uncomfortable leaving eggs or meat as a snack, they could opt to leave no snack at all.
"We'd rather Santa not have a snack than eat foods that are high in carbohydrates. For families who don't wish to leave a low-carb snack, we ask that they leave a note of encouragement for Santa, or some bourbon, which is a low-carbohydrate beverage. Dieting is difficult, and he needs support if he is going to succeed." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I am still here ... things are pretty hectic at the moment!!
It has been so hot here lately, and smoky from all the fires that are burning around the state.

I weighed in on thursday and lost 100g - which is ok, my goal for the next few weeks is to try and maintain - It has been hard with numerous lunches and dinners...and I have not exercised much in this hot weather. Last year(and the year before that!) over christmas I gained 3 kilo's - so to lose a little or stay the same will be the best outcome for me....then I will start anew in the new year!!

My youngest brother Malcolm, came home with me on thursday and spent a few days with us which was nice...the boys had a free day on friday - I got the boys santa photo done and we all went and finished our christmas shopping!
Then we went and visited my new nephew (my other brother Brendan, first baby) which was born on 2nd dec...he is so tiny, was only 5 pound 6 oz - I didn't have my camera on me, so will have to make sure I have it next time....feeling very clucky...lol

I have finally sent out the christmas cards...I feel really bad this year as I normally make the cards. but with working I just have not had the time...so just shop brought ones this year!
Yesterday the boys and I spent most of the day making chocolates to give as gifts... at school they have kris kringle - but it has to be something made - not brought, I will make up a box for Vic to take to work to share in the luch room...and take the rest for the family on christmas day!
The boys had fun squishing candy canes to put in the choc, and mixing white and milk choc...made heaps of mess though!
Well have heaps to do...hope everyone had a great weekend:)

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her.
She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up.
She was tired of fighting and struggling.It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire.Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.
She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners.
She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter.
"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?
Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
"Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying. You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you
(I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

Bloggers Christmas dinner

Here are some of the photo's from my camera!
Phil, Jadey and Linda!

With Jadey!

......with Beckie!!

Phil, myself and Linda!

What a beautiful, friendly bunch of ladies!!

It was great to finally meet up with everyone...definetly worth the long drive!!

- and the butterflies were gone almost instantly!!

I just can't get over how tall everyone was...I really feel like a dwarf...lol

It was a shame that I didn't get to spend alot of time talking with you all, so I am really really looking forward to the next one:)

Here is a pic of our christmas tree, which we put up last night!

Weighed in yesterday and lost .9 - it is great to finally have a loss after being out of wack for the last few weeks!

I am hoping that over the next few weeks, which includes many lunches/dinners/drinkies is to at least maintain my weight!
At work I have told the girls in the kitchen not to let me put my hand into the m&m's jar - and it has really made a difference this week...we also have been very busy with christmas functions, so I am not standing around 'snacking' - lots of walking around ( I must really get myself a pedometer!!)

I am hoping that I don't get off work too late to meet some of you guy's on sat night... hopefully I can get off by 10.30 to meet you all around 11.30....I am a bit nervous...but can't wait!!

Just a quick update
- things are going great, a sneek peek at the scales is showing a downwards trend!!!

Here is a Meme - I got from Kate


1) Are your parents married or divorced?
Divorced - Dad is going on to his 3rd marriage - I am the only child from the first marriage

2) Are you a vegetarian?
Most definately not.

3) Do you believe in Heaven?
I'd like to believe that there is something after we go, not quite sure what though

4)Have you ever come close to dying?
No

5) What jewelery do you wear 24/7?
Hoop earrings and my wedding ring

6) Favourite time of day?
Relaxing with Hubby once the kids have gone to bed! Or that quiet time at home when I get back from work

7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
Yes, cut up in a stirfry

8) Do you wear makeup?
I wear it to work, and when I go out - but If I am staying at home I don't bother

9) Ever have plastic surgery?
No - would love to get my arms, and tummy skin done when I lose this weight

10) Do you color your hair?
Yes - I have since I was 16

11) What do you wear to bed?
depends of the weather - pj pants with a short sleeve pj top, or singlet - when its
really hot - nothing

12) Have you ever done anything illegal?
Speeding, and buying alcohol for my underage brother

13) Can you roll your tongue?
Yes

14) Do You tweeze your eyebrows?
No - way to painful!!

15) What kind of sneakers?
Some from Kmart - not sure of the brand

16) Do you believe in Abortions?
I believe in a person's right to chose, but don't believe in them for birth control purposes

17) What is your Hair color?
Dark brown at the moment, has been a range of colours over the years

18) Future child's name?
I like Laura and Lily

19) Do you snore?
Only when I have a cold

20) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
Hubby wants to visit Graceland - so I would take him there - then we could go to a tropical Island somewhere.

21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Nah, just Hubby!!

22) If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Fix up all the things I want to on the house - buy new cars, then take Vic to Graceland

23) Gold or silver? I actually like both

24) Hamburger or hot dog?
Hamburger - with the lot and pineapple...yum

25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate!!


26) City, beach or country?
Beach, but not close to a city!

27) What was the last thing you touched?
My mouse, and keyboard

28) Where did you eat last?
At the kitchen bench - we have stools at the bench

29) When's the last time you cried?
After hearing the Belinda Emment song that came out the day of her funeral

30) Do you read blogs?
Way too many

31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?
Maybe at a dress up party

32) Ever been involved with the police?
Only for Breath Tests and speeding, normal driving stuff.

33) What's your favourite shampoo, conditioner and soap?
I use Pantene shampoo and conditioner and dove soap

34) Do you talk in your sleep?
Vic says I sometimes do - but he can't understand it!

35) Ocean or pool?
Pool.

38) Window seat or aisle?
Doesn't really bother me

39) Ever met anyone famous?
Jules Lund - came to film at jason's Karate,
Debbie Burns - from early young talent time - lives in lancefield, her daughter is in lukes class, so I see her nearly every day

40) Do you feel that you've had a truly successful life?
Not yet, but I am working on it!

41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Twirl.

42) Ricki Lake or Oprah Winfrey?
Oprah, her shows are always great!!

43) Basketball or Football?
Afl family here..

44) How long do your showers last?
Probably longer than they should - probably would be quicker if the kids stopped coming in to ask things:)

45) Automatic or do you drive a stick?
Both - my car is auto, Vic's ute is manual - though I prefer my car:)

46) Cake or ice cream?
Icecream!

47) Are you self-conscious?
Very!

48) Have you ever drank so much you threw up?
Yes... a few times. I have learn't not to mix drinks

49) Have you ever given money to a beggar?
Yes.

50) Have you been in love?
Yes - still am!

51) Where do you wish you were?
here is quite fine at the moment:)

52) Are you wearing socks?
No, bare feet at the moment

53) Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
yes just once!

54) Can you tango?
I did learn at high school, for my deb - but not sure if I could do it now

55) Last gift you received?
earrings from Jason

56) Last sport you played?
Indoor cricket , at school

57) Things you spend a lot of money on?
mostly things for the boys

58) Where do you live?
Lancefield - in the middle of Victoria

59) Where were you born?
Royal Womans Hospital, Melb

60) Last wedding attended?
A friends - 15th Oct this year

63) Most hated food(s)?
seafood, raw carrots, jelly

64) What's your least fav?
seafood

65) Can you sing?
Have not tried in public

66) Last person you instant messaged?
Lisa - to see if she was availble for lunch

67) Last place you went on holiday?
Phillip Island

68) Favourite regular drink?
Water, sometimes diet coke

69) Tag 3 friends:
Anyone who wants to do it

70) Current Song?
anything by pink

Sorry for the lack of posts - we had a stormy night during the week and my modem blew up, which has been a real pain!!

Life is really busy at the moment - we have had a school concert, and our school turns 130 this year and there has been heaps of work getting the celebration day ready (which is this saturday) And the last few days have been so hot!!

I have been very motivated this week so I am revved up to lose these extra kilo's that I have put on in the last few weeks - unfortunately I weighed in at 85.3 yesterday....so I really have to stay focussed!!

Well I have a whole lot of things to do today - will not leave it this long to post again!!

Thankyou for your lovely comments
I am feeling much better, the iron tablets have really helped~although I have had to up my fibre in the last few days...lol
I did my grocery shopping yesterday so I am all stocked with healthy foods - I even packed school snacks for the boys in daily portions to make it easier in the mornings, and to stop me snacking. There is also not one scrape of chocolate in the house which will really help.
It feels great to be organised again, I feel much more in control:)
I did go for a walk on monday and tuesday, but due to the rain all day (and night) I haven't been able to get out, but I can't complain though, we really need the rain. It actually snowed here for about an hour - I have posted pics on my other blog...as blogger is being a pain!
http://lovinglife.vox.com This blog is the only one my family(except Jason) knows about - it is mainly what the kids are up to!
Well I better go have a shower to rinse out the dye in my hair - hope you are all going great!!

After a lovely recharge weekend, I have been very bad this week. I still have been really tired and have used it as an excuse to be lazy, not only with exercise - but with watching what I am eating. I have a fridge full of fresh healthy food, but instead have been eating crap because I could not be bothered cooking, which I know is just an excuse since it takes about the same time to whip up something healthy (and I have heaps of ready meals in the freezer!!)
The last few days I have been feeling down in the dumps, been feeling bloated and had a constant headache - I realise this is all due to my 'new'eating habits!
-So I have given myself a stern talking to - I really need to get my butt into gear. Last time I went off the rails I gained 10 kilo's back, I am 3 kilo's up at the moment - so I need to get back in focus before the damage becomes huge!!
I went and brought some iron tablets this morning - which will hopefully help!
I started with a healthy breakfast....so I am ready to get back into the swing of things!!!

It has been a bit of a long weekend here - no work or school on both Monday or today...and it has been great!! We have been in holiday mode, just spending time doing nothing at all - I have read a few trashy novels while drinking wine and sitting in the sun...and it has really charged the batteries!!
Not sure what it has done for the waistline though...but I am not going to stress about it. I think lately I have been stressing about it to much, and when the scale starts to go up, I compensate by eating more!
So I have decided that I am not going to weigh myself till the end of the challenge - I am not giving up, just not going to let myself be ruled by a number, instead I will concentrate on eating well...I just need to chill about things!

I recieved this in an email today:

What obstacles do you face?

How can you overcome them?

ALWAYS REMEMBER IT’S POSSIBLE!

The more prepared you are the more likely you are to stick to your plan.

If you plan that you will go for a thirty minute walk in the morning and then
a second specific activity in the evening you are more likely to do it.

It would be even better if you are one of those people who makes excuses,
to commit to that time with a family member, friend or workmate. Enlist the help
of others if you need to.

What ever you do plan to be active and burn the fat.

Take a moment to picture yourself at your goal weight.

Take the steps, walk more and move it.

Have a great day.

Which has given me more to think about - I really need to get back into planning, as I find things run much smoother when I do. And exercise has been pretty non-existant too - so I need to plan to get it done!!
Hope you all had a great Cup Day!! -

Congratulations to Hayley on announcing her pregnancy!!!

The last few days I have been feeling really BLAH... I'm not sure if it has been due to the start of daylight savings, or if I am coming down with something - I just have been so tired lately!
On tuesday morning when I dropped the boys off at school, I came home and went back to bed as I was struggling to stay awake. I thought I would lay down for half an hour or so - but I didn't wake up until one o'clock!!
I had the night off last night, and it was great to get an early night. I have been feeling much brighter today...it's amazing what a proper sleep will do! I got so much things done today that I have been putting off for a while - I even cleaned the fridge out, it is now stocked with good healthy food!!
So I am ready to get back in challenge mode!!

Sorry I've been missing in action this past week - I haven't gone off the rails or anything like that!
Work has been pretty full on - some 4.30 starts, a few girls are off while they are studing for exams - and another left during the week, which was a shame because we were becoming good friends! This girl was a bit of a bossy bitch to everyone, and made many feel uncomfortable - normally I would just avoid the situation, but I remembered a quote given to me a while ago "Nobody can make you feel inferior with out your permission"
so instead of sticking with the other girls bitching behind her back - I just started talking to her about what she was studing, what is going on in her life ect...and we really got on great - I think she just needed someone to take an interest...so it's a shame she has gone..

I weighed myself at home this morning (for the 10 week challenge) at 81.5 which is a loss of 200g which isn't too bad!
This week I have to make a better effort with my exercise, everything else has been going well. I have not been in the kitchen much at work lately which is great, since I am not tempted to snack - and I have ditched the lattes (I made the excuse that I can't sleep when I get home) and have been having water with lemon slices - I get at least two tall glasses a night, and I have 2 litres of water before I go to work:)
Hope you all are having a great week!!

Thankyou for all those Birthday Wishes - it was a great day!

We had the local fair in town it was a great day for it - My Hubby's friend gave me a harley ride for my birthday - That is me on the back!!



The boys had a great time on the climbing wall.














We spent most of the day with a group of friends - and it was decided that they were all coming back to our place for a bbq tea. So it turned into a bit of a party - ended up a great night!
Here is a photo of a very sunburnt me - the boys made a cake while I was at work saturday night, and had it stashed at the neighbours house - they were so proud of themselves!!

SO....now the party is over...and the challenge begins (properly)

I weighed in this morning at 81.7 (not to bad after the scotches I consummed last night!)

I also took some measurements, since I am not going to dwell on a number on the scales:

Bust 44.5 inches - Waist 40 inches - Hips 44 inches - Thigh(right) - 23.5

I will compare these when I finish the challenge:)

Well must go get my boys organised, hope you all had great weekends ( I have read blogs today - but my computer was being really slow, so I didn't get to comment)

"Nurture the relationship you have with your body. Feed it well, treat it like a house you live in. Spring clean it, polish it & decorate it nicely"

It is ten weeks to christmas and I have joined crankybee in her 8 week challenge:)

This time I am not going to concentrate on losing a certain amount of kilo's - instead my goal is to be able to fit into this shirt (pictured above). I brought this to wear to work, it is the same size as the one I already wear, but it is more fitted. Even though it does fit(just), it is not comfortable to work in - the arms are tightish, and it gapes around the bust and tummy and makes me feel self consious. In 8 weeks I will get another photo taken to see how I went:)

OPERATION RED SHIRT:
How I am going to do it!
1. Chocolate only allowed on my free day(thurs)
2. To do a form of exercise everyday - either walking Sarge, yogalates, weights or a fitness DVD
3. To eat more fresh fruit and vegies
4. Drink at least 2 litres of water everyday.
5. To do my food diary everyday.

10 Commandments Of Weightloss

1. Thou shalt honor thy health and good spirits above all else.
2. Thou shalt not go on crash diets, therein lieth the way to madness.
3. Thou shalt not clean thy neighbours plate.
4. Thou shalt not eat when thou art miserable, for food is not a medicine unto the soul.
5. Thou shalt not eat when thine eye lusteth, but when thy stomach requireth sustenance.
6. Thou shalt sup chiefly on the fruits of the earth, the grains and vegetables thereof, on the fowl
of the air and the fish of the seven seas, whence donuts cometh not.
7. Thou shall take exercise daily, for why else hast thou sinew and bone, legs and sneakers?
8. Thou shalt be patient but not forgetful.
9. Thou shalt take delight in every good friend and good song, in every good walk and good day,
for to enjoy them more is why these commandments are given unto thee.
10. Thou shalt not knit thy brow if thou transgress a commandment, but forgive thyself, for it
is written, nine out of ten is not bad.


Sorry for the lack of updates - life is very busy at the moment, not to mention Jason crashed the computer - so any spare moment has been getting it back up and running!
I am doing good - will do a proper post soon xx

I have not wriiten much in the last few days the main reason is that I have been feeling a bit 'blah'... I think most of it is tiredness, and the gain I had last week - even though I wasn't worried about it - it's still in the back of my mind!

I have found it alot harder to be organised with Vic back at work and the boys back at school - many late nights has made me tired (and sometimes grumpy) - thus my eating choices have not been the best. I have still been walking ( even though I spend most of it sneezing....damn hayfever..lol) If I don't go - everytime I am outside Sarge runs to the leash wanting to go - so he makes me feel guilty...lol

Hopefully I will be in a routine soon:) I really need to do more at night when I get home - as I am wide awake...I will try harder this week:)

Sorry about having a bit of a winge ~ I may have a gain again this week - for some reason I was hungry all day, and grazed through, nothing really satisfied!

Some postive news: My sister announced this week that she is expecting her 3rd bubs ( in May) - so exciting!!

I also want to thank Mary for all her positive comments, you are so sweet:) - it is comments like this that is the main reason that I am still plodding along. I believe I would have given up a long time ago if it wasn't for all the support we give each other....Thankyou:)

$86,400 A Day

Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning

with $86,400. Carries over no balance from day to day, allows you

to keep no cash balance, and every morning cancels what ever part of the

amount you failed to use during the day.

What would you do?

Draw out every cent, of course!

Well, everyone has such a bank. It's name is TIME.

Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds.

Every night it writes off, as a loss, whatever of this amount you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft.

Each day it opens a new account for you.

Each night it burns the records of the day.

If you fail to use the days deposits, the loss is yours

There is no going back. There is no drawing against 'tommorrow'.

You must leave in the present on todays deposits.

Invest it so as to get the utmost health, happiness and success.

The clock is running. Make the most of today.

Seize the day!

Had a small gain this week - .3 ... bugga!! Now I am back into the 80's!
I am not really down about it though, as I know why I did gain... to many BLT's ( Bites, licks and tastes) at work!
The first week working I seemed to 'get away' with it, but it has came back to bite me...lol
Which means I really need to organise myself better this week:)

So my plan for this week is;
- take sarge for a walk every morning, or in the evening if I am not working.
- take home a salad from work each night for lunch the next day - as it is already prepared I will have no excuse not to eat it!
- No BLT's at work!!!
I am going to keep my mints in my pocket and suck on them, and stick to my water - food doesn't taste too nice after a mint!!
- When I get home I will to a yogaltes workout! When i come home I am not ready to go straight to bed. My new routine is making the kids lunches (so things run smoothly in the mornings) then to do a yogalates workout while I do a load of washing. I did this last night and slept so much better:)

Now I am off to get tea organised and to get ready for work - hope everyone has had a great day!!

Here is a pic of part of my walking route
I am really enjoying walking at the moment - whenever I come outside with my mp3 player, Sarge knows I am going for a walk and gets so excited - So I can't let him down...can I !
Last night Jason came with me ( he was riding his bike) there was a cow out on the road which was a bit scary...lol
Lately we have been more active as a family which is great:) Sarge has certainly made a huge difference to my life!
Life is just going so well lately - I have a job I am loving ( it helps that there is no money stresses), I feel good, which really boosts my mood! I have found if I am happy Hubby is in a better mood and the kids don't seem to fight, bicker and annoy me - though I am happy they are back at school:)

Things are going well this week - my birthday/being good present to myself arrived yesterday!
I borrowed a Yogalates dvd off a friend a while ago, and have really liked doing it - since I have been losing, I decided to buy the whole set:) I really need to start toning!

Well I better go get some house work done:)

Here is Luke using the firehose!
Here is Jason in the fire truck!

I lost .2 yesterday - another little one, but this time it was under 80!!
I weighed in at 79.8. So that is one goal I can cross off my list!!
I was a good girl and got up at 7 this morning and went for a walk (the big block 5.2 km) - mainly since I ate way to much last night *wink*
I should have taken the camera - as I was walking a Kangaroo went bounding past ... Sarge just stared at it!! I am used to seeing cows, sheep and horses but I have not seen a kangaroo that close to town:)

Well must go get ready - we have a friend who is a fireman in melbourne and we are taking the boys down to the station today and he is going to take them for a ride in the fire truck:)

Hope you all have a great weekend:)

Firstly thankyou for your suggestions about the email I had to send!
I wrote how I enjoyed meeting her, and that it would have been lovely working there....and that I had been to another interview - and was offered the job on the spot...and it fits well with my family committments
(I really liked that, girls)
I said I was sorry for letting her down, but I didn't want to let my new employer down either!
It is sent now - I can stop stressing about it!!

This new picture was taken yesterday wearing the same clothes that I wore when I posted on June 9 - actually it's a different jacket ( a size smaller) I am happy that things around the tummy area are looking heaps better:)

Weigh in tommorrow - not sure how I will go, it has been hard resisting food with hubby home. He wanted spring rolls and chicken munchies for tea...and it was too hard to not try some... and then he brought out the mini mars bars!!

Well only 4 more days, and they are back to work/school and I can get back into a routine!!

Will post my results tommorrow:)

Remember the interview that I went to a week or so ago, waitressing at a winery? Well I got an email back yesterday and got that job too!!

After spending a sleepless night weighing up what I was going to do;
I have decided that I want to stay with Simply Italian-
*The hours are great - only nights, so I don't have to worry about childcare ect
- the winery is all types of shifts... breakfast, lunches and dinner.
*The travel time is shorter - 20 mins compared to 40 mins
*The job isn't seasonal - winter is a slow time at winery
*I am loving the fast pace of the resturant - there is alot of standing around at winery
*I am really loving the people I am working with

So my problem now is how to I break it gently to the winery ~ she sent me an email to say she will call me on 3rd oct to get me to sign form ect..
I feel that I am letting her down - I hate that!
I would love any suggestions on what I can write in this email, to let them know that I already have a job and that I am really sorry that I can't take on thier job - even though I really liked them and was looking forward to working there ... I really find it hard to get the wording right, I want to sound 'nice' if you know what I mean!!
So please all you creative writers ... HELP !!!

In other news - I recieved the flyer for the christmas bloggers dinner from Hayley - sounds like a great night, being a Saturday I am not sure if I will be working or not ... but I would really love to go!! Although I won't be able to drink - as it is a long drive home:(
Will see what happens when it gets a little closer:)

Hope everyone is having a great Monday - Hubby is home today, so we are going to the bakery for lunch which will be nice ... we are pretty boring people so this is a big thing for us...lol

Thanks Hayley for giving me the push I needed to find out what's going on ~ I was all geared up to ask, but as soon as I walked in the door I was handed a roster for next week!! (Phew) So I am now employed!! I am really happy as I fell comfortable with the people that I have been working with - I love the feeling of being happy to go to work!
(even though the boys were not impressed with their Dad's cooking last night...lol)

I can't remember if I have mentioned it , but I am doing the 4 week challenge that Ail's and Kirsty, and a few others are doing ( the fact that it finishes around my birthday is a huge motivator to do well)

My goals are:
To get out of the 80's ( hopefully that will be done next weigh in)
to be 78 kilo's by my birthday,
Then the next goal is to get under 75 kilo's - virgin fat!!

I want to be able to cross out the first one's - and will be stoked to get into virgin fat!

Well must go and get some housework done - we had a power problem this morning due to the wind last night, and I came online as soon as the power guys left...lol

Thursday night went really well - the work was exactly as I expected and everyone was really nice and friendly!
The resturant is called Simply Itailan, which is in Woodend - about a 20 min drive from home.
It was originally two seperate resturants, and italian and thai, the owner took them both over - so you can order both italian and thai meals - they also do takeaway.

I think I got the job!

When the shift was finished the owner asked how I liked it and if I could work fri (last night) and tonight (sat) ~ but nothing else was said about after that, and I am a bit shy to just come out and say "so, have I got the job!!" - so I will just see what happens:)

A few of you mentioned about it being dangerous working with all that yummy food ~ but I think I am going to be ok. At the winery there was always left overs and we all sat down and ate a meal together at the end of the night, but here everything is cooked to order... so not a huge amount of food left - and if there are leftovers they take them home - not eat it there. It is much easier to say no to the left overs!!
- although they do send coffee to the kitchen a couple of times - but I can work that in to my plans!

I forgot to mention in my last post that I was sitting on 80 kilo's!! So hopefully next weigh in I will be in the 70's!!!

Well must go get some housework done: hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

I lost .5 this week which is great, although it could have been better if I wasn't a piggy over the weekend:)

Just a quick post - I have an interview at an Italian resturant tonight, It was arranged for me too go just for an interview but the owner rang me back this afternoon and said since I am going there during opening hours, would I like to do a shift to see how things work out - which is very exciting!!

Fingers crossed that he likes me - and that I like the place too xxxxx

I have a new exercise machine.....

http://static.flickr.com/79/246336219_a01a327c85.jpg

SARGE

He was originally a friends dog, but due to a marriage breakup he was left looking for a home - the kids adore him already, he is well trained and I haven't even heard him bark yet.

He has definately kept me active the last few days - I have taken him for a few walks, and am walking much faster than normal - I have no choice...lol

I got onto the Gmap Pedometer site (with alot of thanks to Hayley - 'Chunky To Spunky'-

for helping me learn to use it) and I am loving it. Living in a country town, it shows everything, the house lots, paddocks ect, so I can even work out the distance if I cut across a paddock!!

On saturday morning I got up early and did a long walk.... 5.2 km, I won't do that everyday - once a week would be great. Yesterday I took the dog on two walks 4.4 km in total, and today Jason had a friend over so we walked up to the park and they played footy and rode their bikes on the bike track - and then we took the long way home which ended up 3.4 km ( hopefully they will sleep well tonight...lol) and I have just got back from a quick walk with sarge 2.2km!

I also did the pilates dvd ( for the first time) this morning.

You would think that I would be looking at a decent loss for the week - but my eating on the weekend has been terrible....so I'll be happy to stay the same

( I am trying hard not to break my losing streak!)

Before I go, I have a question....

I have not been counting Kj and fat grams, but I've started to take more notice of the labels -

So -How many Kj's and fat grams should I be sitting around on a daily basis??

Both on active or non active day's - If anyone can help it would be great!!

( weight at moment 80.5 - goal weight 65)

Thanks!

This week I lost 200g.
I had a busy week, so even though I was active - I only did one day of planned exercise! The boys are on school holidays -starting this afternoon, so I will have to plan my time better:)

I had a day out shopping the other day - mostly putting layby's for christmas, but I did buy myself a new pair of runners (which I christened this morning) I alao brought a pilates box set $16 from the wearhouse it comes with cards explaining exercises and a dvd - I will do the dvd today. I brought a yoga mat aswell.

I have rediscovered baked beans lately - I kind of went off them the last few years!
Most of the week I had baked beans on toast for breakfast - and I have not been hungry till lunchtime:) I also found my favorite bread 'helga's sunflower, honey and oat' bread, which also comes as bread rolls - at the supermarket I found they now have muffins....yumm!!

Last night I went for a job interview in Sunbury at a winery - doing the same work I do now, so now I am just waiting to see how I went.... very nerve wracking, the place was lovely and the staff I met were really nice....I would love to work there!!

Hope you all have a great weekend:)

I found this on Savvy's blog and really liked it :o)
Copy and paste the list and bold what you have done....Just bold the things you have accomplished in your life:

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
6. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
7. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
6. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111.Riden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach1
33. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

I lost .5 !!!!

I was very good and had my yogurt for breakfast
- the reason I didn't have it before I left home wasn't really scale related - I normally eat breakfast around 9ish, and on thursday's I leave home around 8am, I just can't handle food that early! I did have a drink of water in the car though:)
It made a huge difference while I was shopping - only brought the stuff I needed!
The only treat I had was a honeycomb kitkat really yummy:) a huge difference to my thursday night block of chocolate!!
But "I don't do that anymore" - from AJ rochesters book

I am feeling very positive for the coming week. I weighed myself this morning and I am only 100g heavier than yesterday, which is a great start. Most weeks I am a kilo up already!
I do have to go a conference on Saturday that includes morning tea and lunch. It is also the AGM for the whole of Vic's TOWN clubs. I went last year and the lunch was all low fat (since we are a weightloss group...lol)

It was pouring with rain yesterday, so I had to find a belt when I got home, because my jeans are getting loose which also means they are sitting lower so the cuffs were soaked by the time I got home ( and that is with wearing shoes with a huge heel)
So I dug out a belt from the wardrobe that hasn't seen the light of day for a very long time. I can just do it up on the last hole, i can't wait till I can do it up tighter - that will be a measure on how I am going!

Well must go get the boys off to school - hope everyone has a great day:)

Today I am sitting on about the same weight that I was last week - so if I have a loss it will be another small one.
My problem is that on Thursday's (weigh in day) it's pretty much a 'free' day, I don't eat breakfast before I weigh in, which means that I am starving by the time the meeting is over, I also do my grocery shopping straight after the meeting and eat take away for lunch - then end up with something naughty for tea, because I've been out all day!

This weeks plan of attack is to take something (maybe yogurt) to have once I have weighed in, so by the time I start my shopping I will have something in my tummy - instead of buying something for lunch - I will bring something from home. And I won't be buying crap that will turn into leftovers for Friday's eat fest!!

I really think that if I follow this plan (and I WILL follow it) that I can have a decent loss, at the moment I am working my ass off Mon - Wed to lose the kilo or so that I gain on thurs/fri/sat. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT WORKING!!!

In the past 12 weeks I have lost FOUR Kilos, which is great, but I want to lose more than that in the next 12 weeks.
Don't get me wrong, I am happy with my losses that I have had - but I feel it's time to get a bit tougher with myself! I want to wear those new clothes!!!! ( stamping my feet...lol)

Wish me Luck:)

First day of Spring!!!

Firstly I would like to say a huge congratulations to Jodie and Jamie on the birth of Zoe Marie -

She is so cute!! (makes me all clucky...lol)

I lost 300g this week (it's creeping down slowly) Which leaves 3.4 to lose in 7 weeks!!
I have decided that if I make this goal, I will buy a pair of new runners! * I just realised that getting down to 78 kilo's will mean 20 kilo's lost in total!!

A couple of months ago, when I cleaned my wardrobe I put a whole heap of clothes into a basket in the back - things that were way to small, or just tight enough that I am not comfortable wearing out. While I was looking for some shoes with a heel to wear with my jeans ( which are still slightly to long) I found the basket and tried a few things on, some things are still tight - some 3/4 pants I need to lose about an inch around my tummy for them to fit.
So when I lose a few more kilo's - I will have a 'new' wardrobe of things to wear - which is very exciting, as alot of the clothes have not even been worn yet!!
In the past I have brought clothes just a little smaller because I was going to be able to fit in them in a few weeks ( who was I kidding!!) I don't do that anymore!!

I hope you all have a great weekend:)

I have been reminded by the lovely Briony, that it is only 8 weeks until our Birthday! (this year is going way to fast!!)

Last year I was 83 kilo's on my birthday. My goal for this year is to be down to at least 78 kilo's. I would be totally thrilled!! I want this to be the last year, ever, being in the 80's - I want to say goodbye forever!
To do this I need to lose an average of 400g a week - which I think is very attainable. I CAN do this!!

Things have been going fine this week - I still had a hard time on the weekend, we had some unexpected visitors from Tassie come to visit - and they brought a yummy cake to have with coffee. Then we all went out for dinner. It was nice to see them, it had been a few years ... and it was only one day of eating to much - I have been really good since! so I am not going to stress about it!!

I have been keeping an eye out to see how Jodie is going, hopefully bubs will be here really soon... very exciting!!

Hope everyone is having a great day:)

This week I lost 300g, which makes 5 losses in a row, which I am really happy about!

My main problem lately is too much snacking on weekends - so this week I aim to be more 'aware' of my eating like I do Mon-Wed. I am very close to being out of the 80's... so I just wanna do my best to get there!!

Because I'm a little scared that something may trigger me to go back to old eating habits, I have got out my healthy/diet books to give me a boost of motivation: I always feel so motivated reading about people who have succeeded (thats why I love reading all your blogs!)
This week I have been reading 'Make the Connection' with Oprah and her trainer Bob Greene. Many of the changes they suggest I do already - but one thing that I have picked out from the book is to exercise with more intensity. Bob says that doing 20 mins at a higher intensity is better than an hour on the treadmill - just cruising ( which I have been doing) - so I will be upping the intensity this week!

Something that excited me this week (it doesnt take much...lol)
A few years ago I did lite-n-easy for a few weeks (got to expensive) and my favorite meal was 'Thai yellow chicken curry'. Every so often I think about going back on the program - just for that meal! I was excited to find that weight watchers has a new meal 'Yellow chicken curry' which I had for tea the other night - which was just as yummy as the original (and it had more vegies in it) So I have brought another one this week:)

I was watching A Current Affair last night and they were talking about a new book Healthy Parent/Healthy Child which looked really interesting - from what I can understand it is written by weight watchers, but it is about getting the family healthy - it is supposed to be in most bookstores, so I will be interested in having a look. As the mother on the show said 'I don't want my kids growing up worrying about weight issues like she did' - She had been overweight as a child up to her 20's!
I don't want my boys having to deal with all this stuff either - especially since there are quite a few of larger people on both my side and Vic's side of the family!

Today Jason and Luke had to Dress Up as a favorite book character - they both went as Harry Potter - here are some photo's we took before they went to school:-

Week 10!!

It has been 10 weeks since I started tracking my food everyday, getting serious about my weightloss and exercise. This is the first time I have stuck continuely to exercise for this long. I have heard that it takes 6 weeks to form a new habit. I think it's true as exercise doesn't seem like the 'chore' it used to be. I don't try to find excuses to put it off anymore. It is just part of my day. I even exercised both days last weekend - another 1st for me!!

This week I lost 500g - (I am 1.7 away from being in the 70's!!)

Yesterday
after weigh in I met my sister, and my
little nephew for lunch at a pizza/pasta resturant that I used regularly frequent a few years ago.
I used to order a entree gnocchi carbonara, and could have sides as well. Yesterday I could only get through 1/2 of the meal.
(and I had not even had breakfast!) - I ended up feeding most of the meal to my nephew!

To celebrate my loss I brought myself a pair of jeans - they were reduced to $20 then at the register they came to $15... love
a bargin. I have to get them put up (the short arse that I am..lol) so I wont pick them up to next week.
I've had a rule lately about not buying any more clothes until I lose more weight - but at the moment I am living in daggy trackie pants at home - and if I venture out I only have one pair of good pants that fit nicely. I have realised that lately feeling daggy has stopped me from doing things - like I just wait for the kids in the car when they get out of school instead of going in if I am looking
daggy! On the other hand, it has stopped me popping into the milkbar for chocolate during the week:)

I hope everyone has a great weekend - Luke is staying at a friends house tonight, so it will be nice and quiet with only one child at home:)

Well the boys had a great day learning footy skills with the Essendon football guys - the whole team was there except for Hird and Loyd!

Jason was so excited to meet and talk to his idol - Jason Jonhson!!
It was nice that he took the time to talk and he also signed the boys scarf's and books - and posed for a photo:)


At the end all the guy's stayed for ages and signed autographs for everyone - Jason got everyone on his football, both the boys got their books signed as well:)

The boys are still on a high...lol

I lost 400g at weigh in this week - which I am very happy with!! - only 3 kilo's to go till I'm out of the 80's :)

The last few days I have been really good with the exercise - And I am planning to continue, as I don't really lose when I don't exercise!

Tommorrow we are going down to the Essendon football club - Jason and Luke have a auskick footy clinic, and they get to meet some players...they are so excited!
It will be nice to go back there - before we moved up here we used to spend alot of time at Windy Hill, since all Hubby's mates are one eyed supporters (unfortunately I will miss out on a sleep in as we have to leave home at 9am:(

I've been tagged by Lou - I will have to go and have a think..... I will be back:)

The people that have been tagged need to write in their blog about 5 weird things/habits and then tag 5 more people - you need to leave them a message to let them know they are 'tagged':)

I will tag.... Margaret, Michelle, Briony, Jodie and Mary

Ok I have thought about it:

1. I have four brothers and three sisters aged between 31 and 3 - but I am really an only child.

2. I love ironing!! I just love watching the creases smooth out:)

3. I hate clutter!! I like things put in their place - but I really hate doing housework!

4. I hate nuts, I can't even use the same knife that has been used in peanut butter...eeeewww - but I love satay sauce, and snickers bars:)

5. I have known my husband since I was 4 years old!

Vic is feeling much better, although still a little tender!

It's a weird feeling that there will definetly be no more babies - We both don't want any more, we are way past the baby thing - but sometimes when you all talk of your pregnancies or I see the baby photo's - I think...maybe, ....which pretty quickly turns into NO!
- the fact it is final is a little sad:)

On to brighter things - have worked out a proper exercise plan, and have stuck to it today! - We went out for dinner twice over the weekend and it was not diet friendly, so I really need stick to it and eat like an angel the next few days (and hopefully have a small loss - or stay the same)
The last few days for lunch I have been making a 'salad' - lettuce, tommato, onion, red cabbage with a little kraft free ceaser dressing topped with 1 chopped rasher of bacon, and a chopped egg ( I am really loving eggs at the moment, we have chooks so they are nice and fresh, and free) It ends up a huge bowl - is so yummy and really fills me up! - today I tried it with kraft free mayo instead, but it wasnt as nice! - maybe I will try some mustard next time:)

Well hubby just got home - see you all later:)

I lost 600g this week...I am a very happy chicky at the moment!!

I have to keep this short - Hubby went and had a vesctomy yesterday, and is very sore - now I have to play nurse - it will be a very quiet weekend!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend - it's nice and sunny here today!

Will post more when Vic is feeling better:)

I hadn't realised that it had been this long between post's!!
We had a pretty busy weekend with Luke having his friend stay for their first sleep over - they were quite loud..and had a great time!

Last week at weigh in I stayed the same which is pretty good - but I have hovered around the same number for a few weeks now....that needs to change!!

I have had Vic at home on Monday and Tuesday, as he had to get a few tests done at the doctors - he is waiting for results (it's nothing serious) but he is getting stressed out with the waiting - which has got me a little stressed because he is - does that make sense!
With him being home, it's been hard getting all the excercise in - I have made plans to make a bigger effort next week:)

Well I will post my loss tommorrow (fingers crossed)
Hope everyone is having a great week - I have read alot of posts - but not really had time to comment:)