Crash! Ouch!!

Went rollerskating and just as I was thinking I was doing so well.............. crash, down I came!! Got myself all tangled up in miss 5 year olds legs and a big bump on the bum and elbow! OUCH but luckily no lasting damage!
Miss 9 was all concerned for her sister- but they didn't give nana a second thought!!
oh well...maybe they think I'm indestructable!

Getting there

Another Saturday, another longer run. Did the base run of 9km and then ran and walked the last 3. I ran more than I walked so prob covered about 10.5 running. Doesn't sound all that impressive but it is a huge increase for me!
After this I went to the gym as per usual. There is a flight of stairs leading up to the gym and usually I run up these- well.......no fleet of foot today, more like I had a lead ball and chain holding me back!!! Even the upper body weights were a struggle. Guess this running is more of a challenge than I realised. However.... I feel mentally terrific!

2 years!!!

The littleist girl will be 2 years old on Sunday!! Can't quite believe it's gone so quickly. Ariel is the best almost 2 year old I know! Just lovely and funny, funny, funny!

As you can see, from the pics, I still love dressing my dolls!!

hopefully a bit more interesting

Kek has been making murmurings about bloggers and fitness and perhaps sharing ideas or at least inspiration- a great idea!
At the moment I'm training for a half marathon in october. I've never run this distance before- the most has been 15k ( run for kids) and a lifetime ago - 18k- but that was when I was young and very foolish!
I'm not sure that going in a half marathon isn't also very foolish but I'm working around past injuries and hopefully not incurring any more.
I hit the gym most days- whether it's to train myself or run classes for the over 50's. I love the weights! Since working in a gym ( 5yrs) I;ve worked out far more consistently and consequently had far less injuries. I push myself but I never go to the limit- yeah- you could call me a 'princess' and you'd prob be right. I have learnt though - that training when you're older- is different . You can still get 'there' but you need to go slower, smaller increments, and don't compete!!!
I'm going to look for some of my favourite exercises and post them on here,

Progress

Ran 9km on Saturday- only 12 more to go!!!!!

Making progress

I'm one step closer to achieving all those goals I've set for my 60th year.
Ran 3 times this week- one longer ( 7km) one shorter ( 3kms) and one with weights interspersed!
Also- and this is a BIG ONE- I've entered for the half marathon in October!! Yikes- now I'm committed! Also entered my daughter ( whose idea this was in the first place!! Blame it on the kids I always say! lol)
Another goal- I've rung up about learning German- through U3A- hmmmmm not so sure how I'll go with that one but at least I've made a start
I love lists!!!!!

Getting there

In relation to one of my 'tasks' (see list in previous blog) I upped my running to 7km - that's a 1km increase! I figure that with 16 weeks to go before the half marathon , that if I increase I km per week then I;ll just about do it!! In actual fact- I prob won't increase by that each week but I will endeavour to at least get some more running under my belt. That, and a short run during the week, should get me in the right direction

Add one more!!

One more to add to my 'List'- get naturalized! After 54 years it's probably time!

A new list

Just had a birthday and now in my 6oth year!! Yikes! So- for the year leading up to the BIG ONE I'm planning a list of all things I want to achieve before I hit the big 60.
The list keeps growing so some of the stuff may need to be carried on to the next decade- lol

1. Learn a language


2. gardening- I have a goal of getting right around the house this year! I'll give photo evidence to keep me honest.


3. Try a new recipe at least once a month- no- bread, jam and cream does not qualify!


4. Renovate and paint- the house. We need to do carpets and curtains and something with all the woodwork and beams ( I'm loving the bathrooms so at least I've started on this one)


5. Do the Melb half marathon this year-


6. Maybe......maybe.... try a mini triathalon ( I think its Jan or Feb- run by National Breast Cancer foundation This would be a MAJOR challenge and would require a serious effort at swimming!! Yes- even for I whole 100m!!

Probably that's enough for the time being- but as I said- this list is still growing

Brrrrrrr

We've been back from up North for almost a week and I think I've shivered my way through it! Those who live in Qld don't know how lucky they are with the weather!

So- for the first time in about 20 years- I've been shopping for slippers! Now we have tiles on the floor ( yeah yeah- we were warned they'd been COLD) my little tootsies are feeling a bit chilly. You would have thought I had the most gigantic of feet! I could barely get my foot into any of them! Aae they made for midgets???? Eventually found a rather ugly - but able to fit- pair in Kmart. I truly felt like the 'ugly stepsister' today!!!

This was how I spent EVERY day when we were away!!

Confession

When I was about 10 years old I developed a 'horse mania'! Not uncommon in girls that age. This lasted and lasted and has left me with a real interest and love of horses- although not with the 'passion of youth!'.
I had books and books of horses. For some I saved my hard earned pocket money- others were pressies. I still have a fair collection of them sitting in the book case.
My confession?? - well- sometimes I revisit my youth and enjoy the stories I read when I was 12! My most recent one- Show Jumping Secret. I still have all the 'Jill' series and one of the more interesting ones was 'Prince Among Ponies'! I enjoy them for the nostalgia they bring but really..... I truly enjoy the stories!
Anybody else got some 'confessions' from the past???

Making an effort

I've decided I'm a very lazy blogger! I made a half hearted attempt to leave a post a few days ago- but lost it all when , for some reason, I lost the whole jolly lot!! grrrrrr
I regularly read other blogs but leave mine bare!
We're off up north in exactly 2 weeks time! yaaaahhhh. Can't wait! I hate the cold and Melb has been particularly cold the past couple of weeks
I've been really struggling with fitness too. Seem to have lost my mojo after being sick for so long. I did hit the gym the other night but it was a real work of 'determination' not of 'love'! I know you don't have to 'want' to do something to actually do it- but it sure helps. I usually really love the challenge of the weights so hopefully that will return.
ok- this was a start. I'll try to write about something more interesting next time.

A night well spent

I've just finished watching the wedding- and loved it. London just looks so British!! It brings back memories of my mum and the occasions we have been there. I think deep down I have very british bones!
What was so good about this event was the celebratory feeling of all involved- a feeling of comaraderie with such a happy occasion. A change from a world pulling in different directions most of the time.

Sleep awaits

Tonight- at 8.09pm- I am exceeding grateful that in a couple of hours it will be a decent time for me to retire for the night after spending last night mostly AWAKE!!!! grrrrrrrr

Grateful for Peace

Babies are all tucked up for the night and there is silence. When has silence ever sounded so good. They were 3 very good little girls- and much quieter now they are sleeping. I'm grateful for the sandman

grateful for granddaughters

Today I took my oldest granddaughter (8) to the movies- we saw Rio. It is so very special and she warms my heart. Tomorrow ( or maybe next week) I will take her sister (5) rollerskating the 'Terrible almost Two year old'- hmmmmmmm not sure what I'll do there!!!!! hehehehehe They are 3 delightful girls- well behaved and lovely and all so different. Their dad ( our son is 33 tomorrow- 13th) The cycle of life keeps turning! I'm grateful for all these things

Grateful

Today I'm grateful that there are a myriad of antibiotics so I can keep trying to get rid of this chest infection and the nasty nasty nasty bladder infection that seems to have come out of nowhere!!!

Grateful Bandwagon

I'm hopping onto the grateful bandwagon too! All too often we forget how lucky we are. It goes without saying- I'm extremely grateful for my loving husband and son and daughter and their families/partners. Not many days go by when I don't realise how lucky we are to still have our son after a fairly horrific accident when he was 21 Other grateful bits

1. My job at TAFE- or rather the students at TAFE. A lovelier bunch of people I've yet to meet. They make me smile just thinking of them. They are always so pleased to see me and a loving and interesting lot


2. My Job at the gyms- I love the over 50's. They are enjoying life all over again


3. My life and health- too many people I know are not so lucky

I think April's going to be a good month!!

New dress

Here it is- tummy sucked in and all!! I'm sure I pulled it down so it wasn't quite as short as this when we went out!!!

Parties and new frocks!!

Just love this time of year- all those autumnal colours, the smokey woody smells in the hills and the general ambience of 'winding down' after summer. Much as I hate to see summer go- I think autumn is probably the most beautiful of seasons- and yes- this has NOTHING to do with the title of this blog!! Friday night we were invited to a 50th birthday party of a workmate of my husband. All the other girls were wearing dresses but that didn't really bother me- black pants work as well. HOWEVER- Thursday saw me at Chaddy and within 5 mins of being there I found just the little black number and 5 mins later it was a done deal! Phew! Now I own a black ( yes another black one!) frock that I need to be my current weight to wear. Quite fitting but with sort of ruching/ gathering along the seam so it covers the tummy and bum ( very useful when you are about to eat dinner). I really like it and hopefully will be able to wear it again sometime. I'll post a pic of it on here if hubby can be clever enough to download it from his camera to the computer. I don't often find dresses that I like- but I did like this one!!!

A new me!

Finally I feel much more like my old self!! This will be the last time I mention being sick!!! I didn't exercise at all last week and I really didn't miss it.
Long w/e here in Victorial this weekend- it seems to have snuck up on me somehow- I wasn't really expecting it. Got nothing really to say so I guess I won't witter on about nothing
have a great w/e everybody

This is taking toooooo long!!

I'm really tired of being not well!! I guess I'm feeling marginally better than I was on the weekend but now the coughing has started in earnest ( why always at night????) I've cancelled my whole week and longing for the morning I wake up and say 'Now how to amuse them today?'!!!

Bleurgh

Bleurgh! I'm sick! My head hurts, my throat hurts, my ears hurt! I've got little voice! I hate being sick!!!!! The good news is: I've just booked us to go away in June - up north to our favourite place- that heals the hurt a bit!!

Home alone again!

Phew- our relatives have just left to return to their homeland. It was lovely to have them but also lovely to have the house to ourselves again.. The first thing we did- have dinner on our knees in front of the tv!!! How slovenly is that???
The next couple of weeks are also a bit hectic with another relative and wedding celebrations etc. After all that we're going away for a weekend!!
The challenge I'm doing is interesting. Can't say I've made any real changes to my diet yet but I am far more aware of what I'm eating and where the problems lie. Lunch doesn't happen! I need to address that. Exercise is great- loving it. Training for Run for Kids in April is on track ( literally!!) Ran 9kms the other day so probably just need to up it a bit and I should make the 14.7 without too much drama. The best part of running that 9kms was that I didn't hurt anywhere afterwards!- no foot, no glutes and no hip- yaaaaaaahhhhhhh

12 week challenge

Sort of finished week 1 (it actually officially started on thurs but I started Monday)
Had a consultation with the diet coach and yeah-I know breakfast of an apple or two is not really enough but it seems to suit me!
However, what this has done has made me cut out a lot of junk ( cakes etc and that constant nibbling)
Aim is to include more vegies and then I think I might be on a better road. Exercise is going well- I love it!
I managed 30lbs on the d/b pullover. This might not seem a great deal- but seeing that I have a back that is prone to injury around the scapular- this is GREAT!!!
I've lost about 1.5kg so far- which I think is just cutting out the junk!

Hereafter

Well we saw it and really enjoyed this movie ( hubby LOVED IT) that seems to be getting it in the neck from critics! After seeing it and then reading the Heraldsun critic ( with whom I NEVER agree) I not sure he really 'got ' it! It wasn't fast paced or overdone- I think it was sensitively directed and all parts of the story came together in a neat package at the end. Anyway- life would be boring if we all agreed with each other!!! It gets my vote!!

All going well

I've had a week and half back at tafe and it's all settling down very nicely! Got some lovely students and the classes are all in the morning which means free afternoons! yaaaahhh!
The 12 week challenge at my gym starts Monday so that will be a challenge!! It will be interesting to see if I stick at it the whole 12 weeks. I'm really going to try but it will mean changing eating habits quite a lot. At the moment I don't eat a great deal earlier in the day but gradually gather pace as the day goes on! If I eat more in the morning I just seem to keep looking for food. So- to eat more earlier is going to be mentally challenging! I don't need to lose weight but I do need to eat more healthily. I'm also aware that it doesn't take a great deal of effort for the weight to creep up and suddenly WHAM - you've put on 5, 6, 7, kg or so. Def don't want to go there!!!

Good intentions

I had all good intentions of either going for a run or the gym after a morning at TAFE. When I had finished there- I really didn't feel like doing either! Being the princess I am- I let myself come home instead.
However- to my credit- I did a workout of sorts at home. Ran up and down our drive (220 m) then did leg exercises inbetween. 20 mins later and I'm a bit 'over it'! However I did raise a sweat and it was rather nice doing something outside at home for a change.

New Year's Resolutions

I know I'm running a bit late but I do like to mull over the consequences of putting my resolutions 'out there'! heheheh- sounds so serious doesn't it?
However I do like to post them on here so I can see for myself what I've done during the year. So, even If you're not interested- I am!!!

1. Do a 'Challenge'
2. do a half marathon- walking and running
3. become more sociable- this means not avoiding contacts if I have an opportunity! When a work 'do' comes up I look for ways to avoid them! I rarely make the first move to contact someone I'm not totally familiar with to arrange a coffee date. Just little things- but important to keep outward looking
4. Give up coffee, biscuits and jellied snakes
5. do something a bit different in the work area- not change jobs but maybe add something different to what I already do
6. more home renovations

And that, I think ,is enough!!

Re: Promised Pics

Obviously I'm unable to put text and pictures together ! It looked okayish before posting. Is there a function that I'm not aware of???

Promised Pics from Utopia

My gym- at Cape Tribulation

Demonstrating our skills in using the 'Timer' option

Cape Trib again So tempting to give a big PUSH- at the Daintree

Starting to get that feeling

Days are drawing closer and soon we need to return to normality. But - oh- I have loved my three weeks away.

Lovin'it!

Just loving it all up here! I've been getting to the gym each day and mixing up the weights and cardio so hopefully not overdoing any one body part! Hurt my big toe while doing a bit of running on treadmill- but new shoes ( isn't that what holidays are for- retail therapy!) and more bike and rower seemed to have let it settle down. I also run/ walk to the main drag each day ( about 3kms) before searching for the coffee and toast. I'm definitely feeling fitter! got one more week before we return- will post pickkies when I get back- IF I come back!! lol

The New Me!

No- this is not a pic of me! But is a pic of a new discovery bra- extreme cleavage. Iam very flat chested and over time have tried all sorts of push up bras which are ok- but this one is the best! For the first time I look much more balanced! I've actually got cleavage and it looks great. Cheating - yes Looking better- yes!!!

Here again!

Up here in Port Douglas again! This time for 3 weeks. yaaaaaahhhh. Weather is warm and humid but not as humid as I expected. A bit of lazy rain but just enough to cool you down a bit- just lovely
Started the day with gym swim , walk and run of the steps to the look out.
Then it was coffee and toast-ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

New Year's Resolutions

Talking with friends tonight about New Year's Resolutions had me thinking about last years. Know I had achieved one or two but couldn't remember the others. Thankfully I documented them on here so dug around and now will answer the challenge!!!


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!
Well........ this book no longer exists! I solved the problem by chucking it!!
2.- I want to get a 6 pack or at least a 4 pack or something vaguely resembling muscle type things on my tummy
Well...........I can use this one again for 2011!!!
3- I'm planning to do run for the kids again- providing I'm not crippled by then
YES!!!!!!! did it and still running- yaaaaahhhhh
4. house improvements- any house improvements will satisfy this resolution
Need I answer this one- evidence on here is clear!
5 I'd like to study again this year- maybe literacy or ESL or something along those lines
No- didn't have time to scratch myself this year
and that will be all for now!

So- got a few more to work on this year. I'll post new ones when I've figured out what I want to achieve.
How did anyone else go with their past resolutions?

Ta-Da!!!! The completed project with new towels and all!!!

We are really happy with the results even though I had minor panic attacks throughout the process!! lol.

Pink towels in ensuite and purply eggplanty colour in main bathroom.

Merry Christmas!

Turkey's cooked, entree partly prepared, trifle perfected, table laid! Just waiting for all to arrive tomorrow ( today!! Yikes!)
Merry Christmas everyone- have a great day celebrating and keep safe

Wedding Anniversary

Our wedding anniversary tomorrow- 37years! Such a lot has happened in that time. I look back at the time we met and think....we had no idea then that 37 years later we would be here together with 2 children and 3 grandchildren and all the other stuff in between! I feel very lucky to have had such a good life. ( that sounds a bit final doesn't it???? lol- I'm not planning on going anywhere for some time yet!)

Mulling it over

The gym, where I work, is having a 'challenge' in the new year. An 8 or 12 week challenge ( not sure which at this stage) and I'm wondering if I might join in and give it a go. I don't seem to have very good staying power with these sort of things ( mostly the eating) so it might just assist me to keep on! It involves a personal training session and a 'weigh in' and advice and look at what's been happening in the eating department for the week.

Getting there

Not completed yet but well on the way!

We've christened the shower ( minus screens) and it's so nice to shower at home again!!

can you spot the differences from the previous pic????? It's starting to hang together! Obviously we can't get into our kitchen anymore so I suppose it's ok that we haven't got a floor anyway!

Update- getting there!

At least we've got some walls back- and a BATH!!!!! Whoooooooweeeee!!!

Alas- no kitchen floor:(((((

Our Bathroom

It is now!

It was

It will be..........................!!!

passports and circumcision

Tomorrow we renew our British Passports- hopefully got all the necessary docs for it. While I was getting all the stuff downloaded it made me think again about becoming naturalised ( yep- only been here53 years- probably time to make a 'decision'!). It's actually something I've been meaning to do for ages........but you know how it it................. and time just gets away with you!
Many years ago my parents decided it was time for them to "do it". Off they trotted and later my mother proudly announced to her friends ( whilst out at dinner) 'Charles and I have been circumcised'!!! hmmmmmmmmmmm...................not sure I can better that one!!!

rather than 'nailin' it!'- I think I'm 'screwed'!!!

DETERMINED!

I think I need to have a good hard look at what I'm doing! The past few days I haven't even thought about planning what I'm eating during the day ( therefore- read into that- 'bad, bad, bad, food!) I don't think I can factor a swim in next week and the earliest I've got to bed is 10.45pm. !!! Not a good start- HOWEVER- there is always the next day and what has happened in the past need not determine what is going to happen in the future.
A New Week= New Resolve!

Day 2

I promise I'm not going to give a day by day account of November, but the first few days might keep me on the straight and narrow!
I 'blew' the last goal for November- early to bed! lol. last night I was later than ever- but then it was a holiday the next day!
Day 2- okayish sort of. Went for run and gym ( but that's the easy part) Diet not all that terrifice cos I really didn't prepare. Tonight- hopefully , earlier than 12- got to get up at just before 5am.
It's going to be a LOOOOOOONG Month!!

Day 1

Day 1 started off well! Hit the gym at 6.30am- then off to SWIM! haven't swum in months and it was really nice to get back to it- as well as feeling mighty 'noble'!
Took food with me today, said 'NO' to cake or biscuit with coffee with hubby. Haven't gone to bed yet but then it's only 7pm!

'Nail it' November

Kek's idea - Nail it November is catching on! I think I'll jump on board too.
Things to 'Nail' in November are

1. NO more just hoping to 'wing it' for lunch! Preparation is the name of this game!
2. NO more avoidance of swimming- going to plan it into my fitness regime
3. NO more ultra late nights- try to get to bed a bit earlier so my alarm doesn't tell me I've only go 5 hrs 36 mins until the alarm sounds!

And I think that will be enough to start with!

weekend away

Quietly snuck away to Echuca for the weekend. I love these mini escapes- a real retreat from 'real life'! Didn't do a lot up there but enjoyed every minute of it! Went for a walk Sat. morning- just around the streets, checking out all the gardens. Always gets me inspired for about 2 mins!!!

Tafe is getting to the final stages for the year. It's this time you realise all the stuff you haven't done! I just love these students I've been teaching. I think of them and I smile! They have enriched my life and taught me lots- about their culture and an appreciation of what it must be like to try and learn a language that isn't your own. There is just a 'niceness' about many of them that simply fills me up and makes me smile:)))))

Suddenly 30

From this

to this...................took 30 years! Happy birthday Catherine!

We made it!!!! Couldn't go in the half marathon as it was fully booked, so we settled for the 10k instead. And jolly glad I was too!! lol. Had a great run, did it easy and pulled up well. Next goals- 'Run for kids' in March (15k) and hopefully next year- Half marathon in October! Catherine ( daughter) turns 30 on Wed- where did all that time go???? It was so special running with her- just delights me:)))

GRRRRR

You keep coming across a book that you don't need at that particular time- but you know it will come in useful eventually. That time has come- can you find it???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Back to chaos!

The end of two weeks holiday ( from tafe) . I have really enjoyed a lessening of the pressure of preparation and teaching (it's actually been 4 weeks- 2 of them in PD) but now it's time to face it all over again! I love the teaching but always get that'school feeling' after having a break from it. You would think I'd get used to it- but no!! lol
We babysat the three girls on Thurs- it was lovely. I'm in the bathroom issuing toothbrushes to all and sundry. 13thmonth old is in my arms and holding her stubby brush- I'm brushing no. 2's teeth and no 1 is waiting. All very clean teeth here- with me singing my 'tooth cleaning ' song! Then it's off to bed for stories. Me in bed reading to no 2, Hubby listening to no 1 reading him a story and no 3 quietly 'reading' her story unpside down while sitting on the floor. She just tags along after the other girls- it was a lovely night. It still amazes me, thinking these beautiful girls are part of my son, part of us.

Zumba

Half of my 5o's class was dedicated to a beginners Zumba class today- as part of the gym's open day. So- it was also the first time I've tried Zumba! My hips don't wiggle, my back doesn't bend and I certainly don't shimmy!!! I just hope my ladies don't get the idea that they want me to put in Zumba moves- I have enough trouble not getting tangled up with a very gentle warm up!!

Emerging again!

Thought I'd better come out of my funk and start living again!! lol. Added some pics just to show you other Melbournites that while this part of Aus was shivering and freezing- other parts were not! For a short wonderful time I was a lizard on a rock. Now I'm hibernating again! lol

Not talking yet!

I'm back but sulking for a while:(((

eat my shorts!

heheheh- sitting here in shorts and t-shirt again! Yep- not in Melb at the moment. Hubby had a brainwave- he asked if I could put aside a few days so we could follow the sun- I thought if it for about a nanosecond- and here we are- in sunny Port Douglas. This place is starting to feel like another home.

weekend!! Yaaahhhhh

I'm so glad the weekend is here! It's been a busy week- like always and now I'm looking forward to doing my own thing! lol-not sure what that is exactly- but it involves doing what I want to do when I want to do it!
Haven't done much on the exercise front this week. On Wed I lifted some heavy containers and was duly impressed that I bent my knees ( squat) and kept my back straight ( deadlift) even so they were heavy. The later that morning I lifted a 20kg barbell from the bottom rack in an awkward position and then moved one of the gym benches. Felt my back with both of those manoevres- and had a few aches later in the day. Nursed myself like the good princess that I am and now am much better! Consequently- no exercise!!! Tomorrow though is a different matter! Got to get some kms under my belt for the half marathon in October. Still planning to walk and run it!!

YESSSS!!!!

A glimmer- albeit a small one- of a coming summer! Wasn't the weather, here in Melb, just lovely on Sunday! We had to go the beach of course, and although it wasn't shorts and t-shirt weather- it was lovely to see the sun. Didn't stay too long as it was very windy. However- this is a sign of things to come!!! YAAAAAHHHH

It doesn't get much better

After a long day- early start at the gym and tafe this arvo- we were then asked if we could babysit tonight. Haven't seen the grandchildren for about 10 days so I was really looking forward to it. Well.........we were greeted with a poster , lovingly made by the two elder girls. Nana and Pocky up a tree! And also greeted with a walking one year old. Had the best night. The girls are really well behaved and delightful. I got to play 'horpees' with the 5 year old ( i gave her a horse activity building sort of thing) and listen to the 8 year old read and just generally admire the 1 year olds new tricks. I looked at them all climbing over their 'Pocky' and it just amazes me at what we have helped to create. It truly is an amazing feeling. A very, very good way to start the weekend.

Feeling so good!

I'm feeling terrific! Partly, possibly, due to my now 'pain free foot' but also because of going back to do the 84 Day Body Challenge. I've followed this plan once before ( but not for the full time!) and lost a few kilos and felt much better. This time I've added in the supplements they suggest. I'm sure it's the ginseng and maybe the spirulina that is helping. I'm much fuller of energy and just feel better. Even getting only 2 hours sleep (grrrrr) last night hasn't flattened me!
Has anybody got any suggestions for sleeping? I get to sleep ok ( like- head hits the pillow and I'm gone) but wake 2-3hrs later and often have trouble getting back to sleep ( like last night- not at all!!) Prob menopausel stuff, but I'm thinking it's about time this sort of nonsense stopped!

I'm being so happy- hap, hap, hap, hap, HAPPY!

well....after 2 and half years it finally happened! My 'glass foot' is now no longer! After all that time of soreness and being sure something was in it- despite ultra sounds and digging by drs- and after the past couple of months having it 'shaved cos it was a corn ( dr no. 1) and burnt cos it was a wart ( dr no. 2) - at last I finally found it! Thinking it was a piece of skin I pulled and out came a shard of glass! About 1 cm long and reasonably wide. no wonder it had been hurting!!! It's onward and upward from no on. I'm just so happy- hap-hap-hap-hap happy!!!

My belated birthday pressie

Had the nicest day today- collected on my daughter's birthday pressie to me- time spent with her at whatever I wanted to do!! How good was that???
My choice- to walk along the boardwalk from Brighton ( near the sea) to the St Kilda Baths. This was about 7 kms I guess and the boardwalk follows the beach until you get to St Kilda ( close to Melb).
The weather was warm and sunny (????- it is WINTER here!!) the chat was warm and sunny ( always is with Catherine) and the Baths were HOT. We sat in the spa and bubbled with our chat as the bubbles pounded us- the spa is at the end of the Baths and looks out over the beach and sea. When we were bright red we decided it was time to leave. The it was lunch with hubby as well.
It was a lovely day- Catherine always leaves me with a smile on my dial!!!

what??

I've now got a total of 6 posts from indecipherable blogs!!! Where are they coming from and how do I stop it???
Is anyone else getting sick of the way all these politicians whitter away about how good they are, how poor the opposition is and very neatly avoid answering any incriminating questions that are being asked???? I feel like giving some of them a good shake and telling them to 'answer the bloody question!!" grrrrrr

at last!

Had the bestest sleep last night. Didn't have to get to work til 9am, so decided to have a sleep in for a change til 7am. Went to be relatively early - 10.30ish, so had a good 5 hours straight sleep before waking and then sleeping again on and off. Did me the 'power of good!'

I Made It!!

Made it through the first week of tafe! lol. It all turned out well and I had prepared enough work to not have to prepare too much for the coming week! Students were lovely and it was good to be back.
I've had a really sore glute for some time now and last weekend, while running, it felt very sore and a bit odd. I went to the myotherapist and she performed very painful 'magic' which ulitmately made it feel much better. Running this morning it was sore again so I only did a short run/walk. I find these injuries a real pain in the neck!!! However, on a better note, my hip is much improved and I think it's because of a fairly awkward, uncomfortable but effective stretch!
I'm tired of winter- I want the warmth back again! Maybe if I whinge loudly something will happen lol

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!