My Week - I want my energy back!!

I have been re-reading Dr John Tickell's book "The Great Australian Diet 2" and have decided that once all the fanfare of the festive season is over that I will give it a red hot shot.

Now in saying this I realise that:

1.  I'm not very good at hugely dramatic changes, and 
2.  Two weeks before Christmas is not really the ideal time to be overhauling ones eating habits.

So what I have done is start to incorporate some of Dr John's suggestion into my eating.

I really like his idea of eating less foods that are high in HI (Human Interference). With this in mind I have stocked up on fruit and veg and everytime I want a lolly or a biscuit I have a few bit size pieces of fruit. I have been making some sensational smoothies for breakfast in addition to a piece of toast and a poached egg - I'll have mine extra soft please!

Lunch has been chicken and salad, but I make my own dressing - something different everyday and NO chemicals!!  Dinner is veg or salad and a small piece of meat. Though we treated ourselves to sushi the other night. And I have had a glass of wine here and there though I find myself feeling more like a run instead!!

We ae doggie sitting so its been fairly easy to get in a couple of walks everyday!

I definitely noticed that I had more energy earlier in the week; which is great because my job has just become a hell of a lot more hectic (I love it), my self-esteem has improved (no more depressing thoughts), I'm craving healthy food, not junk and I am having some strange dreams - usually loosely based on something I have seen on the news (I EVEN had one where I was having sex with my husband!!).

However yesterday and today I feel like I am hungover, despite having hardly anything to drink. Last night I was in bed until 7.30pm and slept through till 6am! Very unusual as I'm a 7 to 8 hour tops kind of girl!!  I just feel tired, I want to do stuff but am really struggling to haul my ass of the couch!!

I hope its just my body getting used to this new routine and not something more sinister! I want my energy back!

Fuck! I'm Fat Again!!

Image borrowed from Here

Thursday, just gone, the red Cross Blood Mobile was outside my work.  I hadn't donated in a while and thought it would be a good idea.

So when it was time for my appointment I filled in my paperwork and waited for a chair to become available.

My time came.

I entered the van and the nurse said, hop on the scales and someone will be with you in a minute.

FUCK!!!

SCALES!!!

I had totally forgotten that you had to be weighed before donating.

Ok so I hope by now you have the idea that I REALLY didn't like the number that I saw!!

Please don't think that I have been kidding myself!  I've known the creep has been upon me the last few months, I've noticed my clothes getting tighter and my wardrobe options getting smaller, I've been tired and struggling to get out bed in the morning.  I've been a bit depressed, down on myself and comparing myself to the unattainable.

Anyway, I know the number (maybe I'll tell you one day) and have made the decision that it won't get any higher.

So even though it was Friday (and most diets start on a Monday - I'm not dieting - I'm getting off that roller coaster) I have started refocusing. I packed my walking shoes and did a walk after work (I got off the bus early and walked at lunch too), I was as selective as I could be with my food - I wasn't as good as I could have been.  Today I've made a fruit platter for grazing and picking!

Everything little thing helps!

PS - I haven't had a drink all week!!

Questions I've Been Asked Since Getting Married

We had a great wedding car hey?

I've been asked a range of questions, which all seem pretty standard in terms of what newlyweds are asked.

Here is a selection and what answers I wish I had the guts to give (disclaimer - answers not necessarily true).

Q.  How's married life treating you?
A1. Shit really, I wish I had stayed single, the only good part is the party and extra jewellery. (wishful)
A2. Oh its great we hardly stop shagging. (wishful)

Q. Are you pregnant yet?
A1. Fuck me do you think a wedding is all it takes? (wishful)
A2. No are you? (wishful) - think I'll start using this one?

Q. Are you going to change your name?
A. No. (true)

Q. Are you one of those modern women?
A. Yes, but more than that I like my name. (true)

Q. What if you have kids?
A. What if I don't? (wishful)

Q. Have you kept your wedding dress?
A. Ah yeah (true)

What weird or frustrating questions came your way after tieing the not?

I Want to be in the Cool Gang! (Blog Comments)

Image borrowed from Here

I have been thinking a great deal about blog comments lately. 

Since returning from my self-enforced blogging hiatus (new job, finishing uni, getting hitched, lost smartphone) I have hardly received any comments or any new followers (not surprised at this one because I haven't been pimping myself on other blogs except for the odd comment here and there).  Lucy yes, I have received yours - thank you for always having a kind word).

This lack of comments makes me wonder how many readers or active followers do I actually have? Followed by asking myself how much do they mean, am I putting too much stock in them, is my writing self-esteem directly to the amount or quality of comments that I receive?

Then I look at some of the really famous blogs that I follow (Diminishing Lucy, Wanderlust, Suger Coat It - to name a few) and I wonder how on earth do they keep up with the number of comments and responses their fabulous posts receive? 

This leads me to admit that if I'm not in the first five or ten people to comment I don't often bother, because quite often they all start to sound the same and I don't want to write anything that might come across as insincere and joining in to be part of the crowd.

But then Hello! I do want to be part of the crowd.

I want to be part of that cool gang that is inspired to write everyday despite also juggling the balls of work, motherhood, wifeliness etc etc.

I want to be part of that cool gang who inspire even just a few through their finely constructed words.

I want to be part of the cool gang that meets up in person with their new bloggy friends.

But ultimately I want to be part of the cool gang who gets more than a few fuzzy comments!

An Update on My Problem with Alcohol

Back in March I wrote a pretty open and frank post about My Problem With Alcohol and well since then I reckon I had been doing ok.  I haven't written myself off in ages!! I had been showing a level of control.  I'm particularly proud to say that I got through my wedding and hen's night without a vomit in sight and I can remember most of both wonderful nights!

I posted that post over at Lucy's Weekend Rewind because I need reminding of how far I have come.

Friday night was an epic fail.

Work Christmas Party!

I wasn't going to go! I knew I would be "that" person! And yes I was.  I won't go into detail, I feel embarassed enough.

Needless to say I'm not feeling very proud of myself and am determined to get this thing under control again!

I Lost My iPhone!

Image borrowed from Here

Yeah - I know can you believe it?

And it was the night before my wedding. Could have been a nightmare - but I'd written all the important numbers down!

Long story - and it all happened because I was stewing on something that really doesn't matter anymore!

I could have really lost the plot but I kind of had bigger things to think about that day.

I haven't replaced it yet, I've gone back to my old Nokia.

I really loved my iPhone, but I don't miss it so much anymore.

I've realised how much of a time zapper it is.  Since losing it I'm reading more, cooking more, writing more and being social (in person) more.

I no longer crave updating my facebook status, or checking my emails before getting out of bed.  I watch the news if I want to know what the weather is doing and I use a camera to take a photo!  I am no longer glued to "Bejeweled", "Words with Friends" or "Ebay"!

What would do a little more of and a little less of if you no longer had technology at your fingertips?

PS - As I write this I realise that I do prefer life with an iPhone and would not say no to a new one Santa ! xx

Let's Talk About Sex

Image borrowed from here

I am reading Mia Culpa by Mia Freedman and she makes some interesting observations about how people talk about sex.

I used to talk about sex ALL the time, probably because I actually got very little or because the little I did get was limited to one night stands or bootie calls.  I reflect on this time (my twenties & if I'm honest early thirties) and I think I talked about it and turned my sexcapades in tales of adventure and hilarity in order to hide the feelings of worthlessness and being used that I really felt, the ones that hit faster than you put your knickers back on!

That post-orgasm glow disappeared with the smoke if the post-coital cigarette and I turned it into something to be laughed at, to be shrieked and humour was to become my shield.

I don't talk about sex so much now.  I can't help but wonder why. Even when my friends bring it up, I turn all prudish and don't feel the need to discuss, have I moved to a different stage of life?  That stage where I don't feel the need to broadcast the details to anyone who will listen. Is it because I have a man who loves me for me, that doesn't only want me just to scratch that itch?  Or have I just become boring?

How has the way you talk about sex changed as you get older or your relationships change?

Finding My (Writing) Voice

Image borrowed from here

I know I know it has been a long time in between posts, but please trust me when I say I have started many a draft only to lose momentum or not really know what I want to say.

I started this blog as a weight loss blog but weight loss hasn't really been a focus of my life for the last few months.

I read all these other fabulous blogs and tell myself I will never sound as good as that. they have an opinion, they have something to say - where I still feel I am finding my way.

I want to sound original, I want to sound cool but I feel like I sound like a fake, I feel like a fool......because

I want to be validated by lots of comments and feel part of the crew.

In real life, I am hardly ever stuck for words, funny quips just flow from my tongue, I have opinions and can convey them eloquently - why can't I get them out here!

Maybe I'm overcomplicating the process and should just start writing abiut what I want to write about - but shit that's the problem I don't know what I want to write about!

Where the hell do I start?

Well What A Year!!

I know the year's not quite over yet, but a conversation at work yesterday got me thinking about how much I have done this year!

I know I haven't blogged very much but I think I have the following very good reasons for not doing so:

• I got engaged!
• I quit a job that I hated!
• I started two new jobs twice as was the plan!
• I finished my uni degree - yes you can call me the Professor!
• I became an aunty (by my brother) and a great-aunty (by my husband's neice)!
• Oh yeah I got married!
• I have been to Bali, Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach and Sydney (all since the 5th of October)

I hope you agree that I can cut myself a bit of slack because I have achieved these amazing things!  And as a special treat here are some pics of the most fantabulous day of my life (so far)!  Details and stories to follow in future posts!

Tony Soprano makes Me Horny!

Yeah I know, most if you are probably screwing your noses up!

I know he's not your regular sex symbol (ie David Beckham, Julio Iglesies, Hugh Jackman). But I've always liked guys who don't quite fit that manlier than man stereotype...(but I would kick Beckham out of bed).

But there is just something about Tony Soprano that gets me going (no it's not because he 's trying to be cute in the pic below) and there are no complaints from a certain someone in my house ;-)

I have watched season 1 through 3 over the last few months and its not until season 3 that I noticed any stirrings in that direction at all.

Maybe it's the power, maybe it's the money, maybe it's the danger, maybe it's the vulnerable interior sheltered by the tough shell. Maybe it's the fact that he pulls hot chicks, maybe it's my inner neandethal.

I can't help but think this temporary fantasy says more about me than it does about the character.  I wonder what Doctor Melfi would say?

What unlikely characters have done it for you??

Money money money - advice please!

Hi all,

I need your advice please.

I am working for one if the largest companies in the world - in HR.

I get to see everyone's salaries.

Two months into a 6 month contract I have been offered a permanent position.

I am currently the only person in my team.

I have been offered $5k more than I started on 2 months ago.

I see people way less experienced and qualified than me earn a lot more - its kinda insane really.

I know I need to ask for more.

But I fill myself with doubt and all those typical female thoughts that stop us earning the same as men.

I'm prepared to put myself out there - I just need your thoughts on exactly what to say!

What do you suggest?


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Not so bad!

Measuring day at gym today.

Going through the normal crap when I know I've done the wrong thing.

But alas, 1 kilo is gone and even better 9 cms all over!

I ROCK!



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Is it rude?

Is it ruder to wake up someone on the bus who is snoring or not wake them up?



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Green Thumbs

After months...hang on make that years of crying "I want a vegie patch" "I'm sick of paying too much for food we throw out" my lovely husband to be planted me a vegie garden!

We have tomatoes, snow peas, lettuce, zucchini, baby carrots, beetroot and (if they survive) eggplant.

This piccies were taken a week or so ago and everything has grown heaps since then and yesterday we started a second bed with brocolli and a heap of herbs!

I can't wait to start harvesting!

Freak Out!! Week 2 of 8 Week Challenge.

I mentioned in my last post, that I was planning to start an 8 week challenge with a new gym - well I have and Week 1 was sensational!!

I ate well, didn't have any alcohol, I exercised and slept for the right amount of time!

Week 2 - Abso - freakin - blow out!  I ate - oh god did I eat!  I drank - oh god did I drink! I didn't keep my food diary - AT ALL - not one little note!! the only exercise I did was my half hour personal training session!! I had butter on my toast!  And I had lots of late nights which resulted in a big fat migraine on big fat Friday!

So its back to basics again for me!! Today I am going to write my menu plan, I'm going to schedule in exercise, I'm going to sleep right and I'm not having any wine in the house!!

I'm stressing about looking like a whale in my wedding dress - I need a hint of a waist - and am hoping that I won't need to buy a girdle!!

Send your weight loss vibes my way!!

PS - I love this pic of my bro and I - mucking about - unrelated to the post but wanted to share!!

Just Someone I Used to Know!

Hi Readers,

Its only a bit over ten weeks until I tie the knot with my lovely man.

But more and more lately I've been wondering about a couple of guys in my past.  Just wondering kind of stuff, I haven't thought of them for ages and only one do I kind of wish that I had left things differently.

Just wondering what they are up to, would they think my husband to be is right for me? What advice would they give me? What advice would they give him? What would they say? Should I contact the one mentioned above and let him know?  Will I bump into them one day with kids in tow and have to answer questions like "Mummy, who's that?" with "Oh its just someone I used to know"?

Another Return

One of my greatest real life friends (who also happens to be trying her hand at blogging - Lou)  told me that I should get writing again. And I think I need a bit of focus again! So Hi Guys - Here I Am!!

I have to admit I've been a bit 50/50 about it.  The is due to a few reasons - most of them probably excuse - you can choose for yourself which ones you think are real - they all seem real to me!

• I've just finished uni forever and am enjoying the break from the computer
• I've been busy planning a wedding - 10 weeks to go people - 10 weeks!
• I have fallen off the weight loss wagon - not sure how badly yet, but there is definitely more skin around my central area
• I've started another new job which is flat out (but I love it)
• I have lots of chores around the house that could do with some attention, e.g. the linen cupboard & skirting boards
• I've been wanting to change the direction of my blog and not make it so much of a weight loss blog
• I really want to find my "funny" writing voice - I read other amazing blogs that are so laugh out loud funny and I want that to be me!!

I've thought about starting a completely new blog but then I risk losing the 100+ posts that I've written here that have been a fundamental expression of my journey over the last year and then some.  So I figure I just keep writing here and hopefully entice some of my past readers back.

So with 10 weeks until the wedding you'd think I'd be stressing about putting weight one - I am, but I'm not - weird hey?  I  have been eating way too much chocolate, lollies and drinking too much wine, I love them all!!!  There's a little family owned gym near me and they sent out an email last week lookng for someone to share some PT sessions with another client - I thought it was a sign so stuck up my hand, turns out next week the gym starts their 8 week challenge - maybe that's a sign too so I'm going to throw my hat in the ring - maybe the focus and the push will do me some good!!

Gotta run and do my food plan - got the bridesmates coming over this arvo for some girly time  xxx

I Have a Sore Foot!

I have a sore foot!

I mentioned it to a couple of people and didn't think very much of it, because it sort of came and went. It's weird because it hurts more when I walk after being in bed (hmmmm bed) or sitting for a while.

That combined with a cold (boo hoo) has put me off walking lately!

This weekend it seemed to get worse, so I thought I had better get myself off to the doc.

He had me diagnosed within a minute! What a relief to know its not vascular, as I thought.  But what a bloody pain.

So what is Planter Fasciitis you ask? Good question!  Its an inflammation of the Planter Fascia tendon which holds your foot together from the heel to the ball that results from overpronation, tight calves and achilles or "poor foot biomechanics, age or weight gain".

The treatments are wide and varied and I am really disppointed to say that one of them is rest - disppointed because I need to start my long walks again soon...before I get too comfy in my trackie daks. I have tracked down some exercises to help make my Fascia more flexible - sounds good doesn't it and hope to be back in action in no time!

Wish me luck!

Celebrity Spotting

I went to Paniyiri yesterday and indulged in all things Greek, get your mind out of the gutter - not ALL things Greek! But I did have lots of food - souvlaki,octopus, sausages, haloumi, loukamades all washed down with too much retsina!

And to top off a great day I was lucky enough to meet the gorgeous Melissa Bergland from Winners and Losers!



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Charity Begins at Home!

I am doing a PR assignment which requires me to write a campaign to raise the profile (within the community) of a small, local organisation that assists people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  I am in the research phase of the project and it got me to thinking - so thought I'd make a shout out here!

Do you regularly support (finacially or physically) any charities or community groups?

What do you do?  Who do you support?

How do you decide which charity or community group you support?

What charity events do you like to attend?

If you don't, what makes you choose not to?

Image found at - http://officialmissionaustralia.blogspot.com/2010/07/media-release-mission-australia-to-roll.html