Birthday

It would have been my mum's 90th birthday this week. I know I won't keep thinking of her being a different age than she was, but for the moment its nice to remember her day.
We took tea and biscuits up to the place where she and my dad are scattered. ( in a park overlooking Silvan Dam- in the Dandenong Mountains) It was beautiful and very cold! In some ways the passing of time makes it all the sadder- it's longer she hasn't been with us, but on the other hand it is lovely to have all those memories and that makes her seem not so far away.
I still feel as though she is just on a holiday or it was one of those times I hadn't rung her for a little while.
There is this part of life and then there is the birthday of my now 1 year old youngest granddaughter! The cycle of life- isn't it amazing.

Ramblings- this and that!

Finally got courage to step on the scales after the holiday. A 1.7kg increase!! Hopefully that will come down with a few days of being more sensible. I do have the fear that one day my weight will just get out of control. I look at overweight people and know that it didn't happen overnight. It's just a creep, creep, creep- then one day you realise that it's all out of control. I always seem to put on weight on holiday ( do you think it could be the croissants?????) But it always comes down after a few days if I watch my diet a bit more carefully.
School holidays are almost over and I've had some great times with the two granddaughters. Saw Shrek- which was okayish- and then took oldest granddaughter rollerskating. That was fun. Then today my gym had a kid's program- which they both enjoyed. It looked like such fun I wouldn't have minded participating!!
On Tues I did a Body Attack class with my daughter. I had severe misgivings about doing it- but it went really well and I came out in one piece. The instructor kept giving low impact alternatives and didn't stay on one exercise for too long.
This weekend we are off to Wangaratta ( north Vic- country) to do precisely NOTHING!!
Saturday is our 3rd granddaughters 1st birthday so we're going to arvo tea on Sunday to celebrate.
The Monday- all the chaos starts again!! lol

Week 1

It's almost the end of the first week back after our holiday- I think the weather has turned so cold just to teach me a lesson!!! A bit easier this week re: work- as tafe is on holiday so that takes a bit of pressure off. Had the bestest day on Tuesday- nothing planned- zilch, nix, no, nothing! I wrote a very sensible modest list and got through most of it. Gym work has been good but these 4.50am wake ups are very hard!!! Tomorrow I take no. 2 granddaughter out to see Shrek at the movies and next Wed it's granddaughter No. 1 who has chosen Marmaduke. Looking forward to that immensely.
Nothing much else is happening of any note in my world. I need to start working out when to start training for the half marathon in Oct ( or is it Nov?- that might be the first thing I need to sort out for my training!!!) I'm planning to walk/run it. Hmmmmmm..... I might need to improve my brakes! lol

Home

Home now and rather crabby- brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

sunday

I think i might need to consider coming back home but ONLY cos if I don't I think I might have trouble sitting within a plane seat!!! I've been eating like it's going out of fashion here! I must have saved quite a few calories by sticking to my - no chocolate, no ice-cream, no chips, no biscuits and no lollies rules but on the other hand i didn't have in place a ' no eating 800gm fruitcake' policy nor did I have a ' no eating a savoury and sweet pizza in the same sitting' rule either! See what I mean- I need strict rules or I just go overboard!! lol

Update

Just in case you were wondering- weather is still lovely, awesome, warm, constant etc etc etc up here.
An update on what we are doing- hubby has had a root canal filling after a few days of painful tooth, I have a throaty cold- which I rarely get nowadays, but despite all these complaints and ailments- we are having a great time!

this is bliss

It's 11.30am on Friday and I've gymmed and run on the beach, had coffee up the street and showered back at the apartment- and I feel fabulous! Wearing shorts and vest with sandals!!!!!! Get that all you Melbournites!!!!! I can feel myself emerging!! lol

hey ho hey ho

No- haven't dipped my 'pinkies' in the pool yet but I have much more exciting things to blog about!!!
My tooties are painted, I'm waxed and polished and on Thurs at (gulp) 6.10am we fly to sunny Port Douglas for 10 days!!!!! Yaaaaaahhhhhh

Doesn't get much better than this!

Before I say anything......No! I haven't swum yet- but almost!!

I couldn't resist sharing this- from granddaughter no.1. It truly doesn't get much better than this does it?

I think I'm avoiding swimming!

Finally got on the scales and believe it or not - they said exactly what they said the previous time! ( about 3 weeks ago!) So- all good on that front.
Gym has been consistent but not all that startling. Swimming has been NIL NIX NOTHING etc etc etc! I really want to get back to it but I seem to be full of excuses. I could put it between gym and tafe but I rationalise it away by the thought that I'll feel messy or unprepared for the rest of the day.hmmph!- it's just an excuse. So- I'm making a pledge here- the next time I blog it will be to report I have finally dipped my dainty tootsies in the murky depths of the pool! I promise!

eat eat eat

When my middle sister and I were kids we had a building set called Bayko (very English) On one of my 'eating sprees' this week I had dinner with her. She brought out the Bayko and we had a wonderful time reminiscing and remembering

We also started our own magazine. It lasted through edition 1 ( Premier edition) and 2 ( and final!!) I think we're going to work on 'Edition 3' I'm dying to see how the serial by Mildred Spiggins (aka - me!) turns out. With a lapse of 45 years she should have had some thoughts about how it should finish!!

Anyway this has been a week of celebrating and eating! Now I'm too scared to get on the scales. I think I'll let myself dry out for a few days before I face that task!

Less than 2 weeks before we head north for 10 days- counting down and can hardly wait.

Happy birthday to me!

Can't quite believe I am 58 today! Nor can I quite believe it's the first day of winter! How does all this happen????????

Finally fully Certified!

whoooowooooo!! Finally got it! Only took me 18months!!! Such a slackass sometimes!

However I am now on the lookout for something else to get my teeth into.

darn it!!

Lately my hip has been a bit sorer than usual. After my last run , a couple of weeks ago, I limped my way to the myotherapist for a bit of a tweak and stretch. It felt a lot better after that and with some long stretches it actually doesn't feel sore at all, So- now I'm in a dilemma! I didn't run last w/e cos I reckon it's the running that does it. It's still feeling good! I went to the gym last night and instead of running between exercises, I cycled ( ugh!! too hard!) My dilemma isn't really a dilemma- I know what to do but don't want to!! I'll see if I can hang out for another week before running again! lol

the saddest day

Farewell to my old car. I've had the bubble for about 14 years- it was a car I coveted from the moment I laid my eyes on them. I used to make up stories about them when I saw them in a car park -eg maybe this really was my car, perhaps someone had bought it for me blah blah blah . I would park my car next to one if it was there and used to visualise it coming down the drive ( sad really!! lol)

Then, lo and behold, one of them really was MINE!. Met my son and hubby at maccas ( daughter with me listening to all my 'bubble stories') when it was time to go- surprise!! the car I had parked next to suddenly flashed it lights! lovely hubby had surprised me with it. And thus began my love affair with my 'bubble'!

well...time has slipped by and it's got tired and not as safe as the new cars. Last year I got another Mazda ( see earlier post- speeding ticket! bad car!!) Daughter had the bubble for nearly a year and now has a new car.

The bubble is now happily teaching a young 16 year old how to drive. It's happy, its new owner is happy and I'm nostalgically happy.

what a long boring post this is!! lol

Update

My sister reads my blog and she was saying that I hadn't updated for a while. I think it's cos I don't have anything to say, she thought it was cos I was too busy- guess it's a bit of both!
I remember the days when I had time after work to meet with friends and walk or run and have coffee. Well,,,, those days seem well and truly over! Do you think the days are getting shorter or perhaps I'm just less efficient? Lately I seem to be over preparing for tafe lessons or going out for dinner. I think I need to reshuffle my priorities. I haven't been swimming for well over 6 months and I WAS beginning to enjoy it. I've also been forgoing any workouts for a coffee with solitude ( blissful!!) Nice but not a good habit. Perhaps I need a 6 months resolution.

Woooowhooooo

I'm such a good girl!!!!! Stuart, Carol and Rital have all been planned and programmed to within an inch of their lives and it's all printed and organised and ready for send off on Tuesday! With 3 days to spare!! lol. Of course I'm talking about this 'Fitness for older Adult' course that I have FINALLY completed! If they send it back and say 'redo' then that's ok . For the moment I'm just delighted to have finished!

finally did it!!

I've had this course- Exercise Fitness for the older population - for about 15months. All I needed to do was read the book, prescribe programs for 3 individuals and provide a dvd of me training someone who was one of these 3 people. Well....after the end of April I would have been out of date and would have needed to enrol ( and pay) again. So- today I bit the bullet and trained 'Stuart' (aka hubby) . 'Stuart' is 55 and has high blood pressure and is overweight and sedentary. Hubby is not 55, def not overweight, def not sedentary and does not have high blood pressure- so a fair degree of poetic licence was required! 'Stuart' did well but the horror of seeing oneself training someone is another thing!!! aggghhhh. Do I really look like that???? Do I really have such a scrawny neck????? Do I really look THAT old?????? yep yep and yep! Guess it's good to finally be honest with yourself- but majorly depressing! However I did get the video done!!!

oh horror!!!

Horror of horrors!!! I've got a speeding fine!

Bad bad bad car!!!

Oh.....the temptation!!

for the first time in about 18months I actually felt the temptation of chocolate!! I've been surrounded by it and that combined with an insatiable eating spree has meant I've had to exercise will power! I wouldn't have eaten any- but I really haven't been tempted before now. The hardest part is all the WHITE chocolate that I absolutely love! However they are all going to work with hubby tomorrow- so - out of sight out of mind ( almost!) lol
I've loved having time off over Easter. Loved the not having to get up early ( even though I'm still getting up fairly early) I really enjoy work but I think I enjoy holidays more!

Happy Easter

This past week has been a bit up and down. I was sick at the weekend and so been feeling a bit fragile this week ( lol- this is the princess in me coming out!) Had a bit of a workout on Tuesday and my Thursday was busy with the two classes so I got a bit of a sweat up this time. However have counteracted it well and truly with plenty of eating!
No chocolate for me this easter- still off the chocolate although I did have a choc chip easter bun- yum! I don't really count that- it's the chocolate bars etc that I'm avoiding.
Tomorrow I'm back to the running and will go to gym and do a more weighty workout than I've been doing the past two weeks or so. Sometimes I think it's not a bad thing lightening up for a while- mentally if not physically. Anyway- Happy Easter everyone- happy eating!

what a great day!

Had a lovely lovely day today. Started by not having any work- tafe on holiday and I asked someone else to do the 50's class- ALL DAY! This was a minor miracle for me- I work everyday even when I'm on holidays! Anyhow- was intending to spend the day with a friend looking for bathroom renovation thingys ( re my post- new year resolutions and home improvements). Started by putting some old towels away in the laundry which meant I had to clean and tidy the entire cupboard! A trip to the op shop meant I was 2 bags freer on junk ( always a great feeling) . then it was off to maccas for a coffee and some tafe work. well- just as i was getting my books out- a thump came on the table and I looked up and saw my son! He was also at maccas to do some work ( hehehe- can you see a family trait appearing here??) It was so nice to see him unexpectedly. We had a good hour chewing the fat and not doing a scrap of work!. After that it was bathroom stuff. Had a lovely and productive day making decisions and bringing back tiles inbetween coffee, lunch and lots of chat with my friend. A good day on all accounts! I've included a pic of the tiles for the bathroom which I think might also lead to new floor tiles which will go through to the kitchen which will ultimately lead to a renovated kitchen and then we will head to the lounge and the bedrooms not far away and then......... and then......... curtains............ painting........ lol - I guess you won't see me much soon!

Disappointing weekend

We headed off to Echuca for the weekend- the first w/e away for a while. Was so looking forward to it! Don't know what I ate or if it was just a 'bug' but woke up on Sat morning feeling def 'off'. The day was spent feeling 'offer and offer'. Finally got some stuff from the chemist for nausea and the aches I had all over my body- had a sleep and felt somewhat more human afterwards. However we decided to return Saturday later that day- there really wasn't much point in just lazing around the motel ( although that can be the most delightful thing to do if you're not aching and feeling BLAH) Today ( Sunday) feeling much more like myself except that I'm still aching everywhere!! and my skin is sore. What a disappointment when I was really really looking forward to going away!!

wimp gym-wimp weights

When I used to run the roads I renamed a road- it went from Hull rd to Wimp hill! Halfway up I just stopped! I still call it that even though I did master it in the end!

well......now it seems I need to call my gym- 'Wimp Gym'. On Saturday , about to do the d/b chest press and hubby asks if I want to try the 35lbs weights. 'nah' I say, 'I'll keep to the 30lbs'. 'just try' says he. so I do! I get to 8 reps and squeak- just doing 2 more. his reply- one more after that- which I do. It wasn't really hard and truth to tell - I could have done more! Then I move to the seated row. Put it on my usual 60lbs but the weights are stuck so I'm doing 70. It won't move or drop down so I finish the set at 70lbs. See what I mean??? I need to up the weights but I'm stuck in wimpsville. Any suggestions or tricks for getting ones head past the 'it;s heavy enough- I can't do anymore' stage????? I really don't want a personal trainer- too expensive and I don't want to be injured

A new goal

I'm all for setting goals- I love 'em! Next one is the half marathon in Oct. Part of the Melbourne Marathon. After 'run for kids' I WAS thinking that I would LOVE to try a half marathon (running and WALKING of course!) I covered the distance of one on Sunday with the 3km walk to the start and the 3km back again. Just when I'm contemplating it - my daughter rings and announces that she and her friend are going to go in it- and why don't I as well. I need no second sign! So- I will need to be wise , train carefully and MAKE myself walk as well as run. Can't wait!

I did it!

Yesssss!!! another good day of running!

The week in summary

I think I've taken the notion of 'tapering' to a new level! How about a 'FULL STOP'! I feel as though I've done nothing this week ( I've done bits and pieces) but not like I usually do. However we shall see how it all turns out. Sunday is run day- I'm looking forward to it a lot.

Work has been full on but fun. Enjoying tafe and all the students. Gym also good- clients working and achieving well.

I've found a new way to reduce weight- just give up all the 'baddies' in my diet. I have a plan! First it was chocolate, then liquorice allsorts, then chips, then ice cream and next week it will be biscuits. ( yes . ... I am that bad!). Since doing this I've lost about 3kg and at last weigh in was 54.6kg. I've never been that light before!! ( well, not since growing up). I feel great and it's no big deal not having all that rubbish. I've also increased my exercise since before Christmas and I think that's helped- and also the running I've been doing lately.

Last Sunday went to a keyboard concert!! It was great! Our oldest granddaughter rang and arranged it. We were greeted at the door with 'tickets' and a written menu of what there was to eat. The presentation was short and sweet- very sweet. She sang and played and did really well. Miss 4 year old danced ( a bit shyly) and miss 7mth old sat in her high chair and just smiled at all and sundry. A beautiful moment in time. It just warms me up to see all this and know that our 'head banging, dreadlocked, heavy metal ' son is now in domestic bliss!! lol

In all.... a great week!

what????

STREWTH!! I thought 6km was going to be EASY!!! Perhaps if you set out to run 6kms you can ONLY run 6kms! There's a mental attitude here that needs to refocus for next Sunday!!

Are all weeks the same length??

This week has seemed really long to me. Lots of things happening- mostly all good- but now it's Friday and I'm glad to just sit down! Exercise hasn't been too flash this week nor has the eating. One seems to go with the other. Had the extra tafe class this afternoon- and they were lovely. Another mostly ESL class doing literacy. I get such pleasure meeting and helping all these students. A lot of early mornings for me with gym and a lovely day with my daughter on Wednesday ( went to lunch and a bit of retail therapy). Tomorrow is a 'taper' run of 6km which should feel easy. I think tonight I will be very glad to just crawl into my bed!!!

Right on Track!

Yaaah... right on track ( on the track-lol) for the 'Run for Kids'. Ran 12k today and managed- well not easily, but easily enough to know that the 14.7 is achievable. Pulled up okayish- hip and glutes not loving all that pounding, but I am, so that counteracts that!! On the work front- just when I'm feeling vaguely out of control what happens , but I get an offer of more tafe work! I just can't say no- so now I've got another class on Friday. I thought about it for about an hour, but the decision wasn't all that hard to make. It's the same level literacy class that I take on Monday so the work load ( prep) SHOULDN'T be much more. lol. It's funny- but the two work things that I do which cause the most stress beforehand ( tafe and group class) are the two things that I really enjoy. I like the personal training and it doesn't cause me the same concern as the others, but nor does it give me the same 'buzz'. Maybe I just love a life of stress!

All going well

Isn't it easy for the weeks to fly by and then realise that you haven't blog for some time!
Life is busy but going well. Training for the 'run for kids' is great. I ran 11km on Saturday without any ill effect so I'm mightily pleased with myself!! I love running!!!
Tafe is good- students lovely but I need to get smarter with preparation- don't want to spend ALL my time on it.
Gym ( work) is busy but clients all doing well and my classes are ACE!! Lots of fun with a bit of sweat in there too.
Took our two granddaughters swimming the other day. Spent about hour and half in the pool. I was an 'extra wrinkled Nana' when I got out! The smaller of the two - once she was dressed- looked sorrowfully and said- 'I need food'!! I know that feeling all too well.
Husband and I are doing an 84 day challenge ( Matt Thomm and Monica Wright) Their book is really well set out and easy to follow. There's a checklist for each week which I'm finding really useful- shows the areas I need to improve ( yeah..... there are lots of them) Anyway- my aim is to eat more healthily and that's about it. Weight is ok- I seem to be losing or stabilising so I don't bother too much about it.
Life is good

still here

Not sure where all the weeks are going- nor the weekends! They seem to scurry by at a great rate!! Tafe is going well but I seem to make a HUGE meal out of the preparation. I need to work wiser I think! Students are great and I'm really enjoying them. Work at gym is a bit manic at the moment. We have a 12 week challenge hence more pt clients. I live in fear that I've forgotten to book someone in and they'll arrive and I won't be expecting them or- heaven forbid- I won't actually be there! I woke up in the middle of the night during the week and realised that I need to reappoint someone- oooohhhh- poor little brain- keeps on working even when it's supposed to be at rest!
Husband and I are going to do our own 12 week challenge. I'm looking forward to starting ( tomorrow) one of my goals is to reduce some of the bad things in my diet. I've given up chocolate ( 18mth) and liquorice allsorts ( 2 months) and hot chips ( hmmm- about 2 weeks) got to give up biscuits and ice cream now.
I'll keep you posted on how we're going. Took some pics of my 'belly' as I want to get that 6 pack. lol- some were a bit rude- can't put those on here. I need to get more control of the camera!

You Are Noon
You are upbeat, ambitious, and never at loss for energy.You have a lot that drives you in life: the desire to be the best and a secret hope of fame and power.And while you definitely have a Type A personality, you are still fun to be around.You have a ton of charisma and a genuine interest in others. You are adored by many. Your birthday is powerful. Find out what it means for your future!

a great day!

Had the best of days today! TAFE was great! Students lovely and we got through heaps of work- well actually not all that much but they did work industriously. So like I said in my previous post- I'll have enough to last me til June!
Then it was off to gym to do the over 50's class, followed by afternoon tea for one of the ladies- mmmmmmm...... food everywhere.
The very very best part of the day was going to gym and knowing that in an hour and half I could leave and be home for the night. I've managed to pass my gym floor shift onto someone else so instead of not getting home til 9.45pm I now get home around 4pm. How good is that????
Tomorrow is another day at TAFE- hope it goes as well as today.

this is it!

Tomorrow's the 'day'! up and out early with my best clothes, bag in hand and my bestest 'teacher' voice! lol. I have done so much preparation that I have enough work to last me til about June. It's not concientiousness that drives me, it's fear of not having enough to do and having all these faces looking at me saying 'what now/" lol
Training for the run for kids (14.7km- I think) is going well. Running a bit more each week and still able to use my legs afterwards. I ran on Saturday- 6km straight- and my hammy was mega sore. Stretched afterwards ( ooooooohhhhhh the bliss and pain of it!) and amazingly I was fine for the rest of the day and the day after- phew! I'm not having any problems making the distances lung-wise, it's just the aches and strains that I'm carrying, but maybe I've now turned the corner!

Here we go again!

TAFE starts next week and I'm starting to get that 'school feeling'. You know the one where you wake up at night planning in your head what you need to do, the one where your tummy turns over at the very thought of it all, the one where your head is full of what needs to be done! lol
Even I can't stand myself when I'm like this!! I love the teaching and it will be fine- but no matter how long I teach for I still get that old 'school feeling' just before term starts! grrrrrrr!!!!

Cardio circuit

I've been doing a cardio circuit for a few weeks now, really enjoying it and last night I could actually feel it being easier.

It goes like this

treadmill- 3 mins ( 30 secs walk, 30 secs run)

lower body- squats and shoulder raise

treadmill ( gradually increasing speed and incline)- I do the treadmill between each of the following exercises

upper body- pushups

lower body- lunges

upper body- lat pulldown

lower body-sumo squats

upper body- d/b chest press

lowerbody- squats

upper body- row

then I repeat the whole lot- if time is running out or I'm feeling a bit shattered I group two exercises together and this means less treadmill for the second time around

By the end of this - bout 1hr 15mins I'm dripping!!! it's a fun way to get some cardio and the time goes quickly. It is also helping me get more running into my workouts without stressing anything for too long.

Recap on resoultions

I was at my middle sister's place to day and she asked how my resolutions were going!! Well.... I struggled to remember them actually! Had another look and I can say I am working on 'run for the kids'. Gradually extending my running and my leg is holding up ok. It gets stiff and sore the rest of the day but by the following one- it's not as bad. I remember last year- deciding how to 'taper' when I hadn't really done any training! Again - injury was jumping up at me. However- managed to get through that one so hopefully this will be the same.

This same sister sent me some old pics of my horse- thought I'd put it on here just to brighten up this post! Get a look at the high waised jeans and tucked in sweater!!!! what were we thinking of!!!! And selina- now THAT is truly a 'lard ass!! lol

For the sensitive folk

These are for you deb and all the other sensitive folk out there!!

A New Year

With a new year comes a new blog colour and template. What do you think of it? At least it's a bit brighter

a productive day!

I've basically had a whole day at home ( I work at 5.30 tonight) and as at 1pm I have cleaned, tidied and thrown out the study/computer/junk room. It's still a long way from perfect but I have disposed of 3 green bags of rubbish! I need to add to my new years resolutions
1. DON'T buy any more fitness magazines
2. DON'T buy any more fitness books
3. DON'T eat popcorn while on computer
4.DON'T let the cat sit on the ironing board ( and that ones going to be the hardest!)

I think I'll go out now- half a day at home is about enough for me today!

new year reso's

This is my list of new year resolutions! To be documented and me held accountable!!

Not sure what order the pics will be so you'll have to work it out- out of 2 pics it won't be hard!

1. Years and years ago before my eldest granddaughter was but a twinkle in her daddy's eye (like 8 years) I bought a book which had instructions on making an interactive felt book for kids. As you can see- I've made it to D ( c is behind B and shares the holes). With my youngest granddaughter prob being the last grandchild I'm likely to have perhaps this had better be No 1 resolution!

2.- I want to get a 6 pack or at least a 4 pack or something vaguely resembling muscle type things on my tummy

3- I'm planning to do run for the kids again- providing I'm not crippled by then

4. house improvements- any house improvements will satisfy this resolution

5 I'd like to study again this year- maybe literacy or ESL or something along those lines

and that will be all for now!

the best day!

I've had the best day today! Just after Christmas I had a phone call from my oldest granddaughter (7) asking if I would take her to see 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'. Well...today was the day and I loved it! lol. It was a feel good movie ( as you would expect)- you know- baddie gets his just deserts and the goody gets the girl and lots of morals along the way. I don't think you really need an excuse of a child to see this one!

7 random facts

I've taken up Selina's challenge and here are 7 random facts you may not know about me

1. The one career I DIDN'T want when growing up was teaching! I would hear teachers out of control of their classroom and shudder

2. I only went into teaching because I wanted to have tertiary education and get paid for it ( yeah- this was in the old days when we had teaching bursaries!) and also because my sister was a teacher

3. I have loved teaching and have been really proud to have been a teacher, It doesn't define who I am anymore ( thank goodness) but at one time it did

4. I am a little paranoid that I will lose control of my waist line- wake up one day and find the dreaded 'middle age spread'! I know it doesn't happen overnight- but it can creep up!

5. I am shy in crowds and often have to force myself into large gatherings.

6. I love taking my over 50's class especially as I have a microphone and then everyone HAS to listen to me

7. I've had eye surgery for short sightedness- but again- in the old days when they used to cut the cornea instead of laser. It has been one of the best things I've ever done- threw away the glasses and contacts and haven't looked back.

hope that wasn't too boring!

where'd they go???

I was given 4 bags of liquorice allsorts for Christmas but I think we may have had burglars cos I can only find 1 left!!! ( that's a shocking admission isn't it?- how many days since Christmas??)
We're off to Wangaratta for New Year's - so Happy New Year to all bloggers who pass by here. Have a safe and exciting welcoming in the new year. I can't get used to writing 2010 no matter how hard I try!!
When I get back on here I shall have a list of resolutions- you watch!!

2009 Review

I've been reading a few blogs where the year has been reviewed. What a great idea- at least it highlights what you have done ( and it always looks a lot more than you think) and would make for interesting reading later on. So- here goes. If it's boring to anyone else then don't keep reading!!

Family
New little granddaughter born in July. Just a lovely addition to the family. Both our children are doing well and I delight in seeing them independent and creating new families for themselves. I miss them both and have real 'pangs' at how they are now adults and their childhoods will never return. However I've had my delightful times with them and that's stored in my memory forever.

Career
Loving my over 50's classes. Took up an added one this year at another gym- a mixed class. It's different but gives real pleasure too. I didn't know work could be so much fun!
Tafe work continued this year and with it new challenges. Teaching a class of ESL students which was new for me. I found it a bit daunting but from the first time I set foot in the class it has been nothing but delightful. So good to get to know a group of people from different cultures and the learning has definitely been two way.
Also completed certificate 4 in Training and Assessment- phew!!!

Fitness
Loving keeping fit. Had some lulls over the year but not too many- managed to keep it going in some form or fashion. Haven't had any major injuries which has been terrrific.
Completed the Run for Kids for the 2nd time. A major major achievement as it has been the first big run after getting plantar faciitis- so a significant measure of it getting better!
I'm stronger, more muscled and weigh less than I ever have. Weight is stable ( unless I go on holiday!!) and I'm in a great routine.
Swimming is a bit hit and miss- but I aim to just enjoy what I can do.

Holidays
Been twice up to Port Douglas and hope for more in 2010

That's enough for the moment- I'm getting bored just writing it!
I'm going to set some goals for 2010 which will keep me keeping on!
It's been a great year

More Pickkies

Hmmmmm. perhaps this was responsible for the 1.5kg gain???

I'm hard at work here

The traditonal horse pic!!

The tranquility of the Daintree River

A Typical Day!!

My playground

This just confirms what I really know! View from balcony

A Typical Day whilst on holiday

6.30am- wake up, stretch luxuriating in the big wide bed after a restful and 'no getting up' night

7am- get up - yep that's right- a beautiful hazy wake up where you meander between waking and sleeping

7.10am- have a cuppa on the balcony, overlooking the pool, sitting and soaking up the heat in shorts and t-shirt

7.30am- walk 2 mins to the gym and have a jolly good sweat!

9am- into 'town' for cuppa and croissant- yep that's where the extra 1.5kg came from!!

10am- wander the shops then back for shower and the rest of the day 'just happens'

at no time did I consult my watch - this pattern just happened! Times here are approximate and can vary

Typical Day TODAY ( first day back)

5.25am- alarm

6.15am- drive to gym

8am- have shower then off to shops for vital things

8.45am- visit health care place to organise a wheel chair for mother in law who's chair is fading fast

9.15- 9.30am- buy coffee and toast and throw it down eating part of it in car as I drive to my son's plac

10-11.30am- have fun with 2 granddaughters- making biscuits and solving world war 3!!

12noon- fly to gym to train client who didn't turn up- grrr

12.30-1.30- coffee and plan afternoon 50's class ( well I didn't have time when on holiday!!)

2pm-9pm- work at gym

9.45pm-11.30pm- home , sort out stuff for early rise tomorrow- grab chrissy pressies for tomorrow and write blog

so- what I do know is that holidays don't suck!!!

almost over

2 more days and then we fly home. I'm about as ready as I ever will be to return. Just don't know how I'm going to get motivated to watch the clock again. Up here I haven't worn a watch and have o nly occasionally thought to see what the time is.
Been having some great workouts at the gym here. Combining weights and cardio for a super cardio workout! Good sweat being produced! lol. but then again you don't need to do too much to create sweat in this weather- I still love it. I also have only 2 more days of eating croissants for b'fast. oppps...that's right.....very naughty ...but very nice!

still here

Less than a week to go then we return:( It's been so good up here and I can feel myself getting more and more benefit as the days roll by. However in some ways it will be good to return to some structure and normality- I guess. Our son is now in hospital after running over his foot with the lawn mower! Kept all his toes which is lucky for him but required a skin graft and time off his feet. This is when you feel a long way away. Good news for me is that I've got more TAFE work next year- yaaahhh. Monday like this year and also 2 hrs on Friday and maybe Wed morning. I've really enjoyed adult teaching and I'm ready to tackle more.

it's a miracle!

we've been here a week and miracle of all miracles- I haven't injured myself yet!! been gymming. walking/running and swimming most mornings but being ultra careful and conservative and so far so good! and loving it! I really wish I could push myself harder but it never works for me now- slow and steady and I will get there. Swimming has been good. Its an outdoor pool but l ovely and warm. Trying to practise all that I learnt at the total immersion intro session. as I said before- slow and steady! lol
today is our wedding anniversary and can't imagine a better place to celebrate than up here on holiday in this glorious weather. its humid a bit rainy between the sun and quite warm- i love it.

paradise

well...we're here in far north queensland and i ask myself- why would I want to be anywhere else?????

and here we are now!

Here we are- 36 years ago!

best foot forward!

Now I feel as though I'm going on holiday! Got the 'holiday toes' (aka pedicure) and had the waxing ( and threading- great stuff) now just have to pack my bags and wait til Tuesday. Got a wedding to go through first ( no- not mine!!!!) actually talking of weddings- while we're away we'll celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary! I'll see if I can dig out a pic and put it on here.

All done!

All finished on the certificate 4 in training and assessment! Now I am fully certified! It was a good course but glad the pressure is off- the only thing is - now I'm all revved up and looking for more study- lol that will wear off soon enough! Tafe is just about finished for me as we're off to Port Douglas on Dec 1st for 3 weeks- yaaaahhhhh. I'm hoping there's more work at tafe next year- I;ve really enjoyed it and loved the people I'm teaching. Adults are fun and they actually want to be there!!!
Went back to cycle class this morning ( after about 4 weeks break) thought my legs would drop off in the first 5 mins ( they didn't) I'm trying to be much better on my diet/eating. It's a struggle though! Weighed myself on day 3 and had lost 400g.lol- one bag of liquorice allsorts and it'll be back ( nononononono- mustn't mustn't mustn't!)

Feel the burn!

Did a great workout session with my daughter at her gym tonight. Not sure what the class was called but it was a circuity sort of thing. Mega crowded with heaps of testosterone and all the accompanying sweat and grunts that go with it! Great for motivation. Didn;t know what quite to expect from the class but within minutes of being there we were pounding the 'red road' for our 1.5km warm up! Then back for kettlebell swings and d/bell punches x 3. Then it was pushups and burpees with hand clapping on between ( I cheated on the burpees after one 30 sec stunt! which almost killed me!) then it was punching bags and the 'triangle run' a mere 500 metres which we ended up doing 3 times. Then lots of pushups and crunches. And after that?????? chicken satay and rice with a big ice cream sundae for afters!! lol ooohhhhh..... I'm already feeling my legs!

It's over- almost!

basically had the final session at the course- it went well. Questionnaire and talk! now what? Got a demo swim training on Friday 20th, then we're off to port douglas on 1st- for 3weeks- can't wait! Training has been all over the place since I started this course and then this last week it's been non existent! Time to get back into it! Triathalon training here I come

The end is in sight!

Tomorrow is my big presentation for this course I've been doing then basically I'm finished!! It's gone so quickly and has mostly been very interesting and enjoyable. Once tomorrow is over I can relax.
Took dinner out tonight and had it by the river at Warburton- 30 mins away. Truly beautiful! I'll take the camera next time and just show you how beautiful it is. Don't you just love this weather? Melbourne has been awesome the past couple of days with more to come. I'm sure I was a lizard in a former life.

Learning to say no!

Does anyone else on here have trouble saying 'no'? I have all this course work to do and not a great deal of spare time- but when I'm asked to go somewhere or do something- before I know it that little word just slips out- 'yes'!! 'Yes' I'd love to meet for coffee" "Yes, I'm happy to cover that shift for you", "Yes, of course we can do dinner". Yes yes yes!!! and I am wanting to do all these things but I need to prioritise ( and perhaps learn how to spell that word- it doesn't look quite right) I guess all the work will get done- it usually does
anyway- today I had lunch and film with my sisters- and a lovely time it was! It is my middle sisters b'day next week so she got to choose the film- Julie and Julia. I had heard it was slow and boring- but I really enjoyed it. We had lots of giggles before it started (hmmmm....some of us never grow up) and each confessed to almost having a mini 'nana nap' sometime during the movie. As I said- lots of fun and I'm glad I said yes!

Goodbye Ash

Farewell old friend. You were with us for more than 13 years. It feels so very empty here without you

Gulp......this is it!!

Well I think I've now committed myself! Yikes! A clent of mine has just achieved her goal of cycling through France. On the way home she thought about what I said about setting a new goal and came up with the idea that she would like to try a triathalon- just a mini one. She told me about an event in Jan run by Ramsay Health Care re Breast cancer. Now that sparked my interest enough to throw caution to the winds and let my fellow runner/cycler/swimmer know about it too. Now it looks as though I've committed myself to this too!! The real baby event only has a 100m swim ( in a pool!!) the next level- a 200m swim and the next a 300m swim. Hmmmmm.....I did ask my client if flippers were allowed. She had the cheek to say 'no' but this could become a goal for you!!! ( who's the client and who's the 'master' here??????) lol.
so now I need to hit the pool and try and wean myself off the flippers. If you don't see me on here anymore it's cos I've drowned on the way!! guess it's good to have a goal

Mao's last Dancer

Went to see Mao's Last Dancer on Friday. Has anyone else seen it? I really loved it! Such an interesting story and what a fabulous dancer! ( at least the guy who played him was!) I'm now off to read the book and see what really happened! Saw it with my two sisters. My middle sister and I had a bit of a 'sob' while my oldest sister was fairly stoic! it's always good to get together with them. Had a bit of a laugh in the 'pre' film bit. lol- a bit like naughty schoolgirls sitting in the back row!

Great feeling!

Just finished organising the next two 15min presentations for Tuesday. I'm really enjoying the planning and the delivery.....well....just say it's not as bad when you do it as when you stew about it beforehand! These two presentations are about using office equipment ( laminator in my case) and customer service. I'm really hot onto customer service. Nothing gets me more riled than the rude ignorant people who SHOULDN'T be anywhere near a customer!!!! I'm SOOOOOO tempted to say something at times but as yet have just bitten my lip! I'm amazed at how some people can complete a whole transaction ( whatever it is) without once giving eye contact- pretty amazing that! They must have sensors on their head so they know where your hand is!!! Anyway- it's laminators and customer service for me on Tuesday. A little more out of my comfort zone- but I guess it's good for you!

This is the way to do it

MY DEAREST FRIENDS,
I'M SO GLAD I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS!
The correct way to weigh yourself:

Sent via email from a very good friend!

thought you all might get a laugh from this. What a great solution!!!

no real news

I'm getting so slack at writing on here without any real reason or excuse. Life is busy but then it's always busy! Tafe starts back on Monday after a 2 week break so will be good to see students again but it does mean more work! The course I'm doing on training and assessment has me sweating a bit. Got to do 15 min presentation this week and, as always, I tend to get a bit stewed up about it. Not really sure why- I face adults and train and teach all week!!! I guess it's just my way of making sure I actually do the preparation. If I didn't feel 'fear' then I'd prob just leave everything to the last minute.
Workouts have been consistent and great. I feel so indulgent when I can spend a good amount of time just moving weights. Trying to vary what I do a bit but there is a limit to the different types of exercises you can do. I tried the d/b chest press with 30lbs ( 13.6kg) and found I could do it! lol I regularly do 25lb (11.3kg- and yes- I do have an online converter!!) but wasn't sure how I would go with the next weight up- didn't want to collapse in the middle of all those tough guys that preen their way around the gym! Got hubby to stand close to spot me in case I failed!
Tried the new leg workout in the latest Oxygen Mag- 7 sets of squats with varying leg positions. It was ok - but in the 60 sec rest inbetween did upright rows and bent over rows- so at least that made good use of my time.
I'm just rambling now- have a good weekend everybody!

kettle bells!

Had the kettle bell workshop the previous week at the gym and what a great one it was. Looking at the guy swinging this weight around it seemed like a great way to do yourself an injury! However, after a good warm up and learning techniques I felt fantastic. I started out with an aching back ( having just been on a 7 hr shift which started at 5.45AM and meant I had to getup at 4.30AM!) and at the end I felt energised, flexible and strong! We ended up with a small circuit we had to do 5 times- 10 swings with each arm, 10 squats, 10 pushups and 10 crunches. When we got to the last round he said to do 30 of each. I beat my manager by about 5 secs! Yaaahhhh. The competitive spirit NEVER diminishes just the execution fades a bit as you get older-lol. I bought one of these kettle bells but haven't used it yet. Hubby is swinging it around in gay abandon and loving it! lol

WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP!!!

Yaaahhhh- I've finished! Not sure my waistline is enjoying the study but at least I've finished the first round! we're going away for the w/e so I really needed to get all this finished before we went. Assignments are due on Tues and then we will have more set for the next week. However it can't possibly as heavy a work load as this has been. We ultimately end up giving an hour training session to the group- half hour training and half hour assessment. I'm sure I can think of something to yap on about!! Off to work now and good to get some movement back in this body!

SWAMPED!!!

I've eaten 2 small cakes, half a pkt liquorice allsorts, numerous cups of tea and I'm still floundering under piles of paper, computers and folders! I'm getting desperate here- a bit like paddling upstream with only one paddle- going around in circles and getting nowhere fast! So what am I doing here leaving a blog???? Do any ostriches need company???

It feels so good when you stop!

Just started a course that already I'm thinking will be great when it's over- if I survive it!! The amount of work is amazing- have to have a 14 page work book of short answer questions, 4 2 page assignments and a 5 min presentation- all due by Tues week! yikes!!! I'm finding it hard just understanding what I'm reading never mind actually using the info. I hate to be beaten by things though so that spurs me on!

A good time had by all

Had a great time at Clover Cottage- a lovely old house but hardly a cottage! The group ( ladies from my over 50's group at the gym) are such a nice lot of people I love spending time with them. I even ditched my jeans and trackky daks for them!!

Princess for the morning

Well.....I've spent the past hour primping, preening, plucking and dyeing, washing and polishing until I've scrubbed myself to within an inch of my life! Now I'm ready to have "lunch with girls" - at Clover Cottage! Apparently a lovely cottagy thing- as a fund raiser for breast cancer. I'm really not a sit down at lunch time and natter for hours type of person ( especially the 'dressing up' part) but I suspect it will be fun and it's good to do something different. I was instructed by my ladies that jeans were not on and nor were trackky daks! doesn't leave much left in the cupboard- but at least I'm clean and plucked and polished and buffed!!!

DUH!

kettleBELLS not KettleBALLS!!!!!

explanation!

The 'ouch' on the previous post refers to my back and arm muscles!!!!

Boxercise- OUCH!

Did a boxercise class with Catherine ( daughter) on Thurs night- and good fun it was too! We shared a bag and took turns in doing the combo's. It was funny to see her foot appear left and right and then it was my turn! I took it easy with the hardness of punching cos I know I'll just end up hurting something. It was a good class actually- only small amounts of time on one combination, followed by a minute or so or cardio and stretching and then back to the boxing. Meant not too much consistent stress. I was pleased to see, that although I'm slow., I could out 'pushup' the two young girls near me! We were all doing 'girlie' pushups so it was pretty easy- and they were struggling!! Yahhhhh for 'nana power'!!!
\Next time I go to see catherine ( an hour away) we're going to do an army style circuit- with kettle balls etc. Looked a bit manic but lots of sweaty fun! I could so with having a good sweat-I'm a bit of a princess and don't really push myself all that hard- lol

Aren't we soft

Finally got the power back on after 2 nights without ( Melb had quite severe storms) The prob with our lack of power is that it also means lack of water as we're on tank water and therefore no pump!! Managed ok with dinner out and the gym nearby for a shower ( plus a workout- might as well as I was near!). Good to actually have light now when you switch on the light switch for the umpteenth time!! Had lots of trees and branches down. My sister and her partner ( with chainsaw) came to the rescue and we managed to get a lot of the debris chopped and burnt- it was lovely of them to give up there time.
Now- I need some help! Does anyone have any suggestions of getting around a reaction to chlorine from swimming pools. I don't really want to change pools but I am tired of feeling bunged up and having piggy little eyes for days after. Sudafed does seem to help- but I don't want to pump my body full of medication either. I'm actually enjoying the swimming and slowly slowly slowly (dare I say it ) improving !!

half marathon- maybe???

I've been reading the good weekend section of The Age. There was an article of one man's experience with running a marathon. Hmmmmm........food for thought! Maybe - If I ran/walked I could manage a half marathon without permanent damage. I'd love to give it a go. I did the run for kids ( 15km) without any permanent side effects so what's 6 more??

what a decadent day!

After 4 days of frenetic activity I had the most decadent of days today. Started with a swim- I did 20 laps today- whoowooo!!! ( I did have flippers for 18 and I did mix it up with backstroke) then off to TAFE to do some preparation- but then here comes the good bit- off to the MOVIES, in the MIDDLE of the day by MYSELF!! All of this is basically unheard of with me- but it was a good indulgent thing to do! Saw Coraline- an animated 3D PG but too scarey for most kids I would think. So me, and my 3 other 'friends' in the cinema , happily munched and lazed the 2 hours away!
After this came more decadence- a MASSAGE! a therapeutic one with lots of 'sore bits' being man handled, but a massage never the less!
I think I need to plan more Fridays like this one

I would NEVER fit all my clothes in here- AND I used to share this with my middle sister!!

Not kicking and screaming now- but maybe I've matured a bit since then!

Old Haunts

Had a really interesting and emotional day on Saturday. The house I grew up in was up for auction so with my sisters and partners etc we all went to see it. Nothing much had been changed since we'd all lived there. I was the last to leave home ( when I got married 1973) and our parents would have moved in about '77. The place had been rented so it was fairly run down and as I said- nothing much had been changed. Going into my old bedroom brought such memories back and our parents room too. The old dugout ( room under the house) where my middle sister scalped my doll so she could put the hair on hers - with me kicking and screaming outside the door! ( she later presented her doll- 'Rosie' to me- but that was beside the point!) I felt as though I had been through an emotional wringer by the end. Bitter sweet and lovely but nostaligic memories. I'm really glad I got the opportunity to see through it once more.

More pickkies

When we were happy at the Botanical gardens in Cairns

At the Daintree - just before the croc nibbled my toes!

Doesn't this make you want to run, run, run????

An early morning

Not sure how the writing will be organised around thes pics- hopefully you can work out by captions!

Piggies

This is the 'bad' me- and yes I ate ALL the turkish delight straight from the knife!!

This little piggy ( me) went to market (aka Port Douglas)

this little piggy stayed at home ( you)

this little piggy ( me) had roast beef ( translated as coffee, cake, icecream, chips - anything at all that resembled food!!)

this little piggy ( you ) had none ( translated as - eating clean and working out)

and this little piggy ( me) went "wee wee wee' ( translated as - waaaaahhhhh I must have put on about 5 kilos!!) all the way home ( to cold horrible melb - boohoo)

the moral of this nursery rhyme is to 'NOT 'let sensible eating have a holiday too!!!

ps- haven't got on the scales and this is the reason I always leave that part for a couple of weeks after a holiday- coward that I am!!!

This is the 'good me' at Cape Tribulation!

Bye bye!

I'm off tomorrow- catch ya in 11 sleeps!

Bowling

Went bowling with some of the '50's ' ladies from the class I take. Had a great time- especially as I won!! Lol- I've never won before at bowling and usually only manage I strike if that- this time I think I had 3! They are a great bunch of women- I always feel a really warm feeling when I take the class or we doing other more social stuff.

This is my great bowling action!!!

5 more sleeps!

5 more sleeps til we head up north again!! YAAAAAHHH! I can hear the waves rolling in and feel the sun beating down on me! ( well ...actually the sea is fairly calm and it could be raining- but I really don't care!)
Had a few body issues this week- elbow has been funny for a while now. It hurts when I wake up in the night but I can reproduce any action that actually hurts it! Went to a sports manipulation person who said it was a pinched nerve and twisted tendons. Anyway I usually have good results from them whatever they say it is. It hasn't been sore at night- but while I was doing a dumbell chest press- second set- it suddenly decided that it had had enough and I couldn't hold the weight up! It was really strange. Then when I was at the gym today I could feel that the right arm wasn't as strong as the other. Maybe the nerve isn't firing up the muscle like it should or something. Anyway I'm taking care not to lift weights over my face!
The right side of my bum has been sore too! Right in the middle of the glutes. Going bowling with my '50's ladies' didn't help- but lots of stretching has.
Tomorrow - off to mini blaster conference in city. I've done this a few times before and always picked up some new idea plus some CEC points!
that's all folks!

Printers-grrrrrrr

Printer ran out of black cartridge so tried to get another one! No luck! I thought this might happen as last time it was hard to track them down. Printer is less than year old! So- bought another printer- not a bad idea as it comes with two cartridges and at the price I got it the actual printer doesn't cost too much. So- setting itup. First- check that it comes with what it's supposed to- power cord -tick - telephone connection for fax- tick - manuals- tick - disks-tick. not problems there! So- following directions- attach USB cord- no tick!!! How come, when something as essential as a connection to the computer is needed THEY DON'T INCLUDE ONE!!!!! Bloody computers! Luckily I had one that fitted from the previous printer. But what if I hadn't had a previous printer????? GRRRRRRRRR

Back in the saddle again!

I dragged myself off to the gym this morning and jolly glad I did too! Sometimes that first step is the hardest but once done- then zoom..... back to normal! The class was a circuit which means fairly low key but lots of fun. It was taken by the gym instructor who mostly climbs the walls with his enthusiasm so the time went quickly and I didn't have time to sook much at all! lol
This afternoon I've been on the computer doing planning for TAFE. I'm glad I'm not at home too much - I would just get to be like the side of a house- munch munch munch the WHOLE time! lol
Off to work tomorrow ( evening) so it will be good to get back there too

Cleaning up

I didn't go to work today as I'm still not 100%. lol- I'm such a sook when I don't feel well! In my tidying I came across a couple of training diaries I briefly kept back in 2002 and 2004. Well.... my diet hasn't improved but I was amazed at my lack of exercise!! Not that I was idle ( guess that goes without saying seeing these were 'training' diaries'!!!) However compared with now I was hardly doing anything! maybe working out ( like walking/running or doing a class) 2 x a week! This past week I haven't done anything cos I'm not well ( sob sob- see I told you I was a sook!) but normally I do something everyday and love it. The diaries were a reminder though- at how easy it is to think you're doing so much and training hard when in actual fact you are being soft. A timely reminder not to slip back into that mindset again. I'm fitter , more toned and lighter than I've ever been and less injured- probably because I'm training systematically and regularly and doing a range of different activities- anyway- for me it's working!

Celebrations

These are the flowers hubby bought to celebrate Ariel's birth. The orangey carnations are part of the bunch he bought so we could take some up to where my mum and dad were scattered. Mum would have loved to have seen her 6th great grandchild- she loved babies. I'm lucky to have such a thoughtful partner.

oooooohhhhh- perfection!

At last the call came at 5am this morning! I was down there , albeit a bit blurry eyed and unwashed, by 5.45am. Only to be told by mum to be that she thought it could be a 'false alarm'!! ahem........at 5 days over and pains coming every 5 mins or so.....I don't think so!! Ariel was born at 10.10 this morning- all 9lb 1oz of her!! She is just gorgeous- so perfect! I wasn't going to see her today as I'm sick ( bronchitis) but her mum rang and urged me to come in- not that i needed any urging. Had a quick cuddle- did I say before that she is gorgeous and just perfect???? lol
I wish I could put pics on here but I don't think mum and dad would want that- however it might be worth asking!
that's all folks- I'm going off to cough and blow my nose yet again!!

baby news- no 2!

Still no baby news! Now 4 days overdue. It's hard to settle at anything not knowing if we're about to be called for grandparenting duties or not. We're basically on call for night time and her mum will do the days. I'd forgotten how everyday 'over' seems like an eternity!
Wow- it was cold this morning!! At Lilydale ( 10 mins from us) it was -3 degrees. Probably we were colder. Everything was white and pretty but oh so cooooolllllddddd!!! Come on 3 weeks- then I'll be heading for the warmth- and may never come back!!

Baby News!

Expanding families!!

Granddaughter no. 3 is due this Saturday- 4th of July!! Prob won't arrive on the day but won't be too long after. I can't quite believe that my headbanging, dreadlocked heavy metal follower son is such a family man now. I'm waiting till all the girls reach teenagehood then revenge will be sweet!! lol
No swimming tomorrow again but I will hit the gym and hopefully with a bit more enthusiasm than this week. I'm into quite a good routine of classes, cardio and weights but sometimes the mojo is a bit low- however!!!_- I rarely miss a session mostly cos I know the second time it will be far easier to miss as well.

no swimming this week

Decided to give swimming a miss this week as I'm progressively getting more and more reaction to the chlorine! Damn! I've been really enjoying the experience lately! Instead I did a manic aerobic class this morning. It was so fast and even the warm up was way over the top. Everybody was going left right and centre and although the choreography wasn't all that difficult to follow some of the ladies took up half the room as they whizzed back and forward and to the sides! Surely there must be some sort of 'cardio ettiquette'?? if there is they certainly didn;t show it! With only about 10 mins to go we had to do shuttle runs (which were ok) then step ups on the stage ( hasn't she ever heard about dodgy knees?) and burpees ( no- my head def does not like to be upsidedown after I've been running and dodging every one else!) at that stage I gave up and cooled down and stretched in the very serene weights room. Phew- at least I survived- I did have my doubts!!

6 weeks to go

6 weeks until we go up north on holiday. 6 weeks to shed some of that winter covering and 6 weeks to grow some shape and muscle. Yep!! I can do it! watch me!!! lol

This was part of a present my exercise buddy gave me today. It took while but now I get it. If I eat all the Liquorice Allsorts then I'll get a body like that!!! Simple! Don't know why it took me so long to figure out what it all meant!!!

Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin!!

Had a fantastic time at gym this morning. Did Kerryn's 'Crazy Assed Cardio Session' and then hubby was showing me how he could use the chin up bar to stretch...well I couldn't resist it!!! I know I can do at least 2 chin ups with a great struggle but it's been a while since I tried. I got out 3 really good ones with more left in the tank had I been inclined!! lol I'm a great one for making sure I don't over do it! I felt so strong and able- it was great!!! Now I know that effort will seem very minor to many people out there- but I was mega pleased with what I did and knowing I could have done more! ummm........I'm now going to ignore my rather stiff neck and look onward and upward! lol

A whole glorious afternoon

Does anyone else ever come to the end of a very rare and glorious 'Free' afternoon and realise that they have majorly procrastinated the whole time and have achieved nothing????? Grrrrrrr!!!!

My past few days

Well....referring back to my previous post I reckon I've put that saying to the test and proved it absolutely correct. I've failed to plan and have most definitely and delighfully 'failed'. After reading Kek's blog and reviewing my past few days I think I have the ammunition to drag myself out of the gutter and start the slow climb upwards! lol- it's not actually as bad as all that- but improvement is definitely needed. When I next write on here I'm going to report a much better few days!

My mantra

A saying has been popping into my head lately- I think Kerryn quoted it recently and I've seen it else where- 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail'. I think there's a major message in there for me- I know I keep getting caught out foodwise and the only thing to do is to plan ahead. I'm way out of control at the moment although today has been a much better day. Last night I had the munchies and made a slice- fatal!!! Today I sliced it up for hubby to take to the girls at work- I need to get it out of the house! So- I aim to plan for the next few days at least. Exercise is fine- I love that part- it's just the eating that needs reining in. I'm not overweight but I don't think my diet is at all healthy. I'll see how much improvement I can make!