Imagine this- being greeted at the door by an almost 5 year old, alabaster skin that only 4 years olds can have, black eyes and straying curly dark hair from her plaits and a 'NANNA' screeching from her lips -that's one of my granddaughters!. We went for a walk with her mum and dad ( David our son) and their other almost 2 year old daughter. Pushing the 2year old and talking with my son about his study ( all gobbledygook philosophy) I had a real feeling about the 'cycle of life'. This is how my parents felt about us and now we're doing the same. One of those glorious moments you want to freeze forever!!

More on the horses below. My plan is to build a display on a board and set it up (ostensibly for the grandchildren but.....well....I might sneak a play or two) Had lunch with my middle sister (Judy) during the week and we both made big plans! I think I have a partner in crime here! Judy and I used to be really close as kids growing up and had lots of fun with some interesting ventures. I think she used to lead me astray eg midnight feasts, night time walks, exploring the roof through the loft! It's just lovely to revisit childhood fun as adults!

Spent some part of today doing house work. A deadly task but unfortunately very necessary. So.... you may be wondering where this charming display comes in??? Well......in tidying the kitchen bench I came across another box of horse goodies that I hadn't put away. It was BEGGING to be played with!!!! The jumps are the latest addition, only I couldn't play with just the jumps so the horses had to come out, plus the fencing and finally the dressage ring. Then hubby got into the act and was flying around the jumps!!! Needless to say the house is still in a mess!

I had my first personal training client at the gym this morning! It went well and I DIDN'T have a sleepless night about it either! Whooowooo! I've been finding that these early mornings and working into the night are playing havoc with my sleeping. I always wake up in the night which isn't all that much of a bother- a quick trip to the loo and then I'm back in the land of nod- however I now wake up and stay awake! It's like- look at the clock, it's 2am, I need to sleep! Look at the clock , it's 2.30am, damn I need to sleep! Look at the clock, 3am, I need to sleep- and so on until it's 4.30 and I DO need to get up!
NOW- I've discovered a great help- VALERIAN- herbal rememdy which aides sleep and relaxation. Getting much better sleep and feeling better for it.
Hahaha- this is such a boring entry- you probably won't need the valerian after looking at it!

Well the die is about to be cast! I wrote my letter of resignation tonight to give to my principal tomorrow. Then it will be the end of 20 + years of teaching. How do I feel? A bix mixed up but not as much as before. I think that once it's actually been done I'll feel a lot better about it. It's hard giving away something that I have really loved but better to leave on a good note than to keep going passed my 'use by date'. ( That was self talk to make me feel better about this!!)

This is what Debstar and I had for morning tea at a lovely ,lovely Surf club/ Restauranty thing overlooking the sea. I thought we were very circumspect just having a bickky! And only one at that!

Looks like that will be the only photo published tonight. Not sure what is wrong but it only ever seems to let me load one pic every week or so- maybe that's my ration! Had a very short but intense workout yesterday- and now starting to feel it again. Yes Kerryn- it is indeed a great feeling!! Love knowing I have muscles in my bum and am reminded of them every time I move!! Also had a consultation with the nutrition prog at the gym where I'm wo rking. sounds like a really good plan and am hoping to be able to participate. It means a 15 min consultation each week to review what has been going on and to weigh in. Yikes! But I do need some incentive to be better with my diet.

whoooowhooooo! The second pic of my time on the Gold Coast. At this rate I'll have posted them all by Christmas! If you've checked out debstars blog you'll will now realise that I'm not the only one who can do two things at once!!. She got me standing here and then told me what I was doing!

Had a really hard workout on Tues and I'm still paying the price for it.....OUCH!!! I've got muscles that I didn't know I had!. It hurts to sit, stand, move, clean my teeth....you name it...I can feel it! Went to the podiatrist about my foot tonight- she's taken my orthotics and is going to adjust them, They'll be gone for 2 weeks. I was just beginning to get used to them again. I must say though that it is extremely comfortable without them for a while! I'm hoping that they will eventually help cos I'm missing being able to run- very much!!

Yaaahhhh....the first of the process has been achieved! This is on our walk at Burleigh Heads. Deb very reluctantly contributed to this lovely view! I'll see if I have any more success with the rest of the pics.

I'm sure I did deserve this after all that emotion of 'support' I gave to them!! lol

Is anyone else having trouble posting photos on here? I've tried and tried for the last week or so and had no success- then lo and behold- last night I was able to post ONE. !!

Well...I got my heart's desire when I wished for a grey light rainy day of about 18 degrees for the run for kids event. What a pity I didn't wish for an injury free body too!!! Daughter and her friend went in it and did really well. I was so proud of both of them. It's the most they have ever run- 15.2k!!!. Next year for me - I hope!

Evidently blogger doesn't want to play at posting photos tonight- buggar!!! Maybe next time!

How sad is this??? Here I am at Coolangatta airport waiting for the 20 minutes until we can board and I'm using that time to sit here blogging!!!! lol. It does help to pass the time though. I had the BEST time yesterday- I met up with fellow blogger DEBSTAR ( I have no idea how to link that to her blog:((( ) I did feel a few flutters in the tummy just before we met wondering how the day would go- well......... I think that after about 6 hours of solid talking we had generally put the world right!!! lol It was such a good day! Saw lots of the Gold Coast that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. We did lots of walking and paddling and sitting and talking. Keep a look out on here cos when I get home I'll post all the pics I took. Thanks deb for giving up your time- I really enjoyed your company.

Ran 6 k this morning with my orthotics and did ok. However now I'm really sore on my other knee!! The one that is ok! Damn! I'm not going to go in the 'run for kids'. Made that decision this arvo- really disappointed but I think it's the best thing to do. Just in the middle of packing to go away tomorrow- can hardly wait!!

Whooowoooo! We're heading to the Gold Coast on Sunday and I can hardly wait!! It's work for him and play for me! Actually what I really feel like doing is just sleeping! I think I'm severely sleep deprived! Looking forward to having time to walk and run and shop and of course- plenty of coffees. Hopefully will catch up with you, Deb ,if you're around.

Talk about being flat out!! I think I'm busier now that I was when I was full time working! I'm really enjoying the gym work and it's becoming easier and more familiar. Not sure about these hours though! Guess I'll get used to that too. Now.....this run for kids is looming and I feel so unprepared for it. The last couple of runs I've done I've been absolutely woeful. It's been hot so I'm hoping that that is the reason and that on the day it will be cloudy, raining ever so lightly and about 18 degrees. Not much to ask for I don't think!. My foot is still causing a bit of grief but I just want to make it through this run then I'll back off. Getting old is a real trial!!!!!

This is my reliving my childhood fantasies!!! Went away on the weekend and saw a wonderful equestrian display. Couldn't resist so bought the horse, rider, fences and accessories. Don't ask me what I'm going to do with all this but maybe a display like you have model railways?

I sent a similar pic to a friend who thought it was ME on the horse and that I'd done a spot of riding on this weekend!! Perhaps she needs glasses!

Had the hardest run on Saturday! Tried for 12k and managed to run about 10 and then dragged myself through the last 2 at a run/walk/crawl. I think I was fairly dehydrated or something- felt quite shivery and tingly ( it was very humid) Anyway took me the best part of the day to recover- just felt like lying down - which is really unlike me! Anyhow I'm still alive and kicking and raring to go on another 12k this saturday!. Gardening seems to have taken a back seat doesn' t it? No more showing off and posting pics on here for sometime. Work has taken over my life again. I'm really enjoying the gym work and its gradually becoming less of a strain and worry. Kerryn- those pop squats look diabolical!!!!

Damn it!! Why didn't anyone tell me that gardening is just like house work!!! As soon as you do it someone comes along and undoes it! First it was the dog deciding that what I actually had done was create a nice clear place for him to lie in all this heat. Then the birds decide that I've raked the leaves so they can then have a playground in them. And now all the weeds are having a field day growing back again!!! Perhaps I should concrete it all and paint it green!! Grrrr.

Ran 11km + on Saturday so really pleased that I'm on target for this run in April. Had a good run and plenty more fuel in the tank when I finished. Isn't it amazing how one week you can feel as though you couldn't make one more step and then a week later it all seems fairly attainable! Hope I have one of those weeks on April 1st. Had a gentle (Hah!) reminder from my middle sister Judy about the 12 week challenge I set myself this year. like- was I still doing it- just as I was about to tuck into a pancake and ice cream!!! I guess I asked for that!
This week I start the gym shifts without shadowing anyone- that's right- all on my own ( with the other staff around of course!) On one hand I'm really looking forward to it but there's also the part that says- new things- terror!!! lol

I've had two shifts at the gym and survived to the point of enjoying it! Feel very much like the new kid at school and shadowing another gym instructor is a bit difficult at times- but basically it's been great. The Wed morning shift was something to get used to! I have to be there at 5.45am and as it's a half hour drive away I had to get up at 4.30am. I do like early rising but that is in the middle of the night!! Had a work out there on Tues as much to get used to all their equipment. Hmmm.... maybe I overdid it a bit cos I can feel just about every muscle in my body!! Even my abs which I thought has disappeared over time.

Hopefully this has worked and you can see the shaggy before and the less shaggy after! It's a huge garden!

Saturday's run was pitiful- only made 9k when I intended to do 11. I was still feeling tired after a work out ( legs) on Thurs and it was hot!

Trying to post my before and after pics but I think they got lost in the process!

Friday started out a bit 'ho-hum'. Nothing really planned to do except meet with school buddies for coffee later in the day. Wrote my 'list' and changed the order about 6 times till I finally settled on the garden! yah!!. In the middle of the dust, sweat, dog, cat and weeds my telephone rang and out of the blue it was a job offer at a Fernwood gym - one that I had applied for previously as part time reception. Well... if that didn't turn me up side down!! for about 5 mins. Went down there and had a chat and decided that this was far more 'me' than the other gym- so feeling really guilty I rang them- but they were fine about it. So.... I start on Monday shadowing someone and prob for the rest of my shifts that week. It's Mon 2-9pm, Wed 6am-1pm, Thurs 5-9pm and every second Saturday 8am-4pm. I'm really delighted and now, instead of feeling apprehensive I feel really excited at this prospect, yaaaaaahhhhh

I started the day with a humumgus list of 'things to do'!! and yes- gardening was one of them! well I'm sorry to say that ALL the other stuff got done but no soil tainted my dainty little hands! I think it might have been my husband telling me to be careful as he was sure he saw a snake under the geranium bush the night before! It could have been a 'whopper' designed to keep me out of his domain- but in actual fact he could have been right. We do get snakes here and sometimes around the house. Tomorrow I intend to make up for it. However I do have a lovely clean and relatively tidy house and 3 lots of sparkling windows!!! Suit is at the dry cleaners and all the bills are paid. That is so much more fun than gardening!

Day- 123??? It sure seems like that long ago I was posting about my fitness achievements. They seem to have been put in the back blocks for the time being. However I did run 10k on Saturday so I'm on track ( no pun intended- but it was rather good!!) there. Had the 2 days orientation and Yikes!!!! Talk about information overload! Not sure how this is going to work out but hoping that how I'm feeling is my usual state of panic when trying something new. I feel really lacking in 'real ' knowledge - like instructing on the equipment and being asked scarey questions- but I guess I can only learn. Shadowing for 3 shifts and then thurs I'm on my own!!!!!

I got it!!!!! Yaaaaaahhhhhh!!!! Orientation on Monday and Tuesday and then not sure when my shifts are. A bit scarey starting a new job and so different from my old one. Just have to dive in the deep end and give it a go!!

And this was my helper until I inadvertently swept the leaves onto her- then she got huffy!

I think this is going to be the LAST time I try to swim! I've now got a headache and the starting of feeling as though I'm getting a cold- it's that damned chlorine!!! I did my gardening stint this afternoon and am trying to post those 'before' and 'after' pics but not sure blogger wants to play tonight!

Also- tomorrow must be 'gardening day'!! I'll post some pics- before and after to show and verify that I am keeping up my new year's resolutions!!!

Now I really have lost track of the days which probably indicates I've lost my way with this 12 week challenge I was trying to do! Started the day with a spin class but then I guess it deteriorated from then on!!! Tomorrow is swimming early. I really need to try to fit in a run before saturday when I'm doing my longer run.
Heard from that gym yesterday and they want me to come in to conduct a training session for one of their staff. This is starting to sound hopeful now. My head is now going round in circles planning forFriday!!

Day- whatever it is! I must count them up. Did a spin class tonight and worked really hard. It kept me interested by counting the drops of sweat accumulating on the cross bar! ( ugh!)

Went to Williamstown today- it was just beautiful. Great views of the city.

here it this time- I hope!

Day 22 - I think. Not a great deal to report on the diet and exercise:(( However here is a pic of the new hair cut - after it's been squished under a hat and blown around. As you can see it is awfully flat! It looks much better when first done and sprayed to within an inch of its life!

Oh Dear- is it Day 21? Anyway- exercise and eating has been rather wayward this week. I could list all the reasons (excuses) but I think my main problem was the lack of planning. I find that writing down the exercise I plan to do for the week makes it happen and planning my daily menu helps to stop that impulse eating. That said- I did do 9k this morning so I'm on schedule for the Run for Kids in April. Went to a masseur on Wed who always has a great effect on me. She said I was really tight in the glutes and massaged (ouch!!) them! I went kicking /swimming with flippers on Thurs and my dicky knee kept clicking and running this morning left me feeling a little loose in the kneecap. Not sure if its all related but I guess it's a sign to do my leg exercises and keep the muscle up to scratch!

Day 18- whatever happened to 17?????
Started with a sort of swim- at least I moved through the water for 30 mins. If effort equals calories used then I think I've used enough to last me a week! Distance travelled was not good!
An amazing thing happened today- I actually got out into the garden to fulfill the New Year's Resolution that was made FOR me ( def not MY idea!) I weeded and potted and then collected kindling for winter. I feel so very very very noble. I'm going to note this in my diary so when 'we' all come to be accountable for our past years resolutions then I won't be found wanting! Haha- how very prim and proper I sound!
I had the next interview for this job and now I really want it! The people are so nice and I think I could do it. However I'm waiting to see if they want me.

Day 16- you are right Kerryn- I just can't count!!. No exercise again today:((( Did get my hair cut though- was very brave and went into an unknown salon ( yes- I was that desperate) She did a really good job. It's quite short and not a bad shape. I have just the worst hair imaginable. It's like a nightmare- incredibly thin and fine. It takes for ages to grow so any 'not so good haircut' is like a 'six month sentence'!

Day 13 or is it 14? lol- can't quite remember! An unremarkable day for eating and exercising. Did a lot of one and nothing of the other- guess which is which!!. Heard from the gym again and they want me back for another interview!! Whoooweee!. but we'll see!

Day 13 & 14- Ran on Saturday - now in training for the Run for Kids- did about 8.5km reasonably easily. Bike ride today- and I'm about as good on the bike as I am in the pool!!! Enough said about that! Kerryn- I really like your idea about eating 3 free meals a week ( instead of a free day) I think I breezed over it before but it really makes a lot of sense- so thankyou.
My 2 sisters , Ginny and Judy, are now reading my blog and catching up on all that I do. Ahh- the wonders of technology. I guess I could always ring them more often!! Perhaps I should have put that as one of my New Year Resolutions. Each year when we set our resolutions we do it as a family - all recorded and therefore made accountable!!. We also make a general one for each other. The one they made for me was to get into the garden more often- at least twice a month. I realised the other day that I need to get out there quick smart to make it through January. I wonder if pulling out that huge dandelion near the front door would qualify as gardening??

Day 12- walked 9k this morning- felt really good. Got some yoga to do later. Eating has been good and bad. I find I'm basically eating a bit better and feeling much better for it. I think my waist is beginning to return! And my legs are starting to look as though there is muscle there.

Day 10 & 11. Yesterday did a leg workout in the morning and a run/interval/high intensity abbreviated thingy in the evening. Ate reasonably- at least I turned away from some temptations!
Today- went swimming ( of sorts) this morning. I didn't put my face in the water today as I had that interview at lunchtime and didn't want to appear puffy and eyeless for it! So it was just backstroke, breast stroke, kicking with the board with and without flippers. Tonight did upper work out. phew! Loving the exercise though- just hope the body doesn't give up! Had the second interview with that gym- much like the first interview and nice girl doing it. She'll let me know next week If I get into the SECOND round of interviews!!! This is like going for a CEO's job!!!

Day 9. All I can say is bad bad bad!! Eating - that is! I'll explain the prob. Went to work this morning with my husband in the city ( Filing stuff) so took my bag of good goodies with me. Leaving the house at 6.30 it was far too early to have brekky so when we got there we had a coffee and toast. Morning tea- I know I should have some fruit but that protein bar is far nicer with tea- so I had about a quarter of it. Lunch time- got my sandwhich, fruit etc....BUT...... I'm invited out with the girls! Can't refuse that! So..... ( I am a sweet tooth) its banana pancakes. After work the traffic is too busy to immediately go home- so its time for a coffee and I rarely drink coffee without something sweet- so a bickky it is. And now I'm home and I realise it's been a pig of an eating day! Did do the yoga dvd though and that was nice. Actually- when I was just about to do the relaxation bit at the end, I had to get up to put the spuds on for tea. My arm was quite sore. Did the relaxation and bingo! Not sore anymore. Maybe that's a cure for slightly strained muscles- lying flat out with your eyes closed! lol

Day 8! Started the day really well with my eating, unfortunately was out all morning and didn't get back til 2pm and then started the 'feast'! Was okay with what I had first- yummy scrummy ricotta cheese ( lowish fat) honey and cinnamon on turkish toasted bread. Unfortunately Husband had bought some chocolate yesterday and I saw it:((((( Needless to say- it's not there now! Mother- in -law ( love her dearly) bought me a bag of liquorice to say thanks for taking her to the dr. However I haven't opened it- YET!!!!! It's safe while it's still closed.. Went to gym and did arms and a circuit and will go for a walk soon with my husband. I've got an interview on Thursday with another gym- they rang today and we had a ph interview ( 40 MINUTES on my mobile phone!!!! Yikes!!!) It really sounds great- they even have a couple of groups of disabled young adults doing a class and they cater for the elderly- which I am fast approaching!!! I'm really excited about it anyway- w hich in itself is a miracle!

Day 7- nothing much to say today but since I've been recording each day thought I'd better not break the system. Rest day today and unfortunately that has lapsed into a free day of eating. That's not so bad in itself except it's the third free day of eating in a row......oops.

Day 6! Went for a run this morning in very humid conditions! Sweated heaps!!! This part of my training is for the 15.2k Run for Kids in April. I ran 7k and then walked and ran 20 steps for 2km. Felt pretty good afterwards but I was very slow. Did legs in the gym and then staggered home! Eating has been very 'so so'. I know the only way to controlling this is to prepare and take food with me, but will I ever really learn this???. Saw our granddaughters this afternoon- very cute. Husband and his mum sat with them while I went shopping for a short time. I was on my way back when I got the phone call - 'our noses need you'. lol. Hurried back to do the 'deed'!!!

Day 5! Started with that swim at 6.45am this morning. Have I ever written on here how pathetically pathetic I am at swimming!!! Even with flippers ( giant ones) I really struggled to do any lengths in freestyle. My goggles filled with water, my breath in gasps! After all this my throat was raspy and I started sneezing ( chlorine!!) I think I might have had my last swim. Decided that this might be my free day with eating- more by poor management and planning. I did manage to fit in a pedicure within the chaos of the day and so now I am sporting 10 very fancy and red toes. Went out for dinner tonight and finished off with some liquorice allsorts. Oh well.... tomorrow is another day!

Day 4- already!! This week is going very fast. Eating has been okayish and I'm not divulging what I've had. But it has been better than usual- not the normal about of constant eating of junk! I had planned to swim today but as I've been working in the city with my husband for a few days that hasn't happened- but tomorrow it will!!! I came home and put on a yoga dvd as I'm trying to get a balance and I'm not a bendy stretchy person at all. It was very hard- especially with 2 cats who wanted to get into the act and thought that my head between my legs was just designed so they could rub against my face!!!

Day 3!! eating has been okayish-not brilliant but not as bad as I usually am. Went to gym on the way home and did cardio on treadmill and then arms and abs. I absolutely dripped!! All those who read keks blog will know how hot it has been in Melb. I just love it!!! I thought I'd record my stats on here for future reference cos I know I won't be able to find the bits of paper I've written them down on
Height- 168cm
Weight- 57kg
bust-81cm
Waist- 71cm
Stomach- 87cm
Hips 95cm
Right Thigh- 53cm
Left Thigh- 53cm
There you are- written down and never to be lost!
Hope there is some improvement over the next 12 weeks.

day 2!!! Did quite well with the eating- at least I said 'no' to some things!. Went to Knox shopping centre and did NOT buy a muffin from muffin break. Now that's an achievement. Did my leg work out at gym which felt good and went for a 45min walk with husband. we....er...um.... did go home via the pub and a coffee and sticky date pudding- but he assured me that it was on his diet list!! lol

Day 1 of my own challenge! Survived the eating part reasonably well- although the day hasn't ended yet. Ran with my daughter and then came home and did abs and some yoga postures (they kill!!) I feel very noble crossing day 1 off my list! Only 83 more sleeps to go!

Well.....got together with my family today and finalised the New Year Resolution list! It's written in concrete now- the 12 week challenge!! Started by packing my food for tomorrow when I'm in the city and I KNOW that will be a major temptation. Going running with my daughter in the late afternoon so that will be my exercise for the day. I gave the blog address to both my sisters so they can check up on my progress! Tomorrow I'm going for an interview at a fernwood gym fairly close to me- for a part time receptionist job. I'm really excited about it and not really nervous or worried ( hmmmm...now that gives me something to worry about!!) Don't really think I've got much chance but I am pleased by at least getting to the interview stage.

Ran 6k this morning on a very hot day and almost sweltered! But I did make it!!. I've got a long way to go to get to this 15.2 run- but I will! Going to work out my plan very soon and stick to it!

I decided that there was far too much purple on here- so a soft green is the answer!! Been thinking about my goals for 2007 and some are starting to appear in the grey matter
1. Find work in a gym
2. Stick to a 12 week eating and fitness plan
3. Clean and dejunk the entire house!!
4. paint house
5. Try to do some very necessary repairs/mainenance/projects around the house eg bathroom renovations, install air conditioner in bedroom/ overhead fans in rooms etc
we'll see how that list goes for starters!!

For the first time for ages I actually wimped out of a walk cos of the rain! Yikes- I must be getting soft or something! Anyway headed down to the beach to visit my sister and her family was a great way to spend NYD.
Off on holiday for 3 nights tomorrow and I can feel that I am now starting to unwind from school, Christmas and anniversaries. I'm looking forward to just doing nothing too much. When I get back it will be to start the 12 week challenge in earnest. With that and the training for the Run for Kids 15.2k run in April I should be jumping out of my skin!

Got myself a heart rate monitor for Christmas! This is the first time of trying one. I was really keen to see how much I pushed myself ( or not!). Was only going to have a walk but couldn't resist the temptation to just see how high it would get at a trot. Got to the top of the only hill around the lake run that I usually do , glanced down at my watch and ..STREWTH!!!... I should have exploded........240!!!, Now even I know that at 220 minus my age ( I know that is only a guesstimate) I def should not have been that high!! I was only mildly puffing so carried on regardless. I was assured by passersby that it couldn't possibly be right ( yes.... I did talk to a fellow runner about it!)
Next day I did the same and thankfully it must have been a malfunction as this time- same hill , same amount of puff- I got a much more sensible reading of 155!.
I'm gonna have fun with this!!

Merry Christmas to anyone who passes through my blog. Hope you all have a safe and happy family time. Tonight we're off to my son's place to have dinner with his wife and our two granddaughters and my mother in law before going off to church. It should be hectic ( dinner) and then peaceful (church) so a bit of the best of both worlds.

I know I've been whittering on and off for weeks about how great it will be to give up work, and how I'm looking forward to it etc etc etc. Then how come, with only two days to go, do I feel so low? I know it's not going to be all that easy to leave it, I am prepared for that, but tonight when I got home after clearing out my cupboards I just felt like howling- and did! Not looking forward to Thursday which is my last day and other things.

Has anyone finished their Christmas shopping yet? I started mine this w/e which I think was pretty good!. Got to the shops by 9.30am but by 1o.30 they were buzzing. Hate crowds like that. Managed to get a really good pressie for my sister- a daily calendar of Italian phrases, trivia etc. (She's learning Italian), only to talk to my other sister tonight to find she's got EXACTLY the same present for her! She bought hers before I got mine so I guess it's only fair that I change it. Damn- another trip to the shops! lol. Today was awesomely hot hot hot! I just love it like this. Went up to Warburton this afternoon and it was like a ghost town- everyone had disappeared.

Had the loveliest night last night and day today. We babysat our granddaughters overnight for the first time! Yah!!! It was a major trip down memory lane for us- like 27 years ago when Catherine would have been 1 and David 4ish. Don't know how I managed then though- or if we had a 'life'! it is all go go go!!!. Friday was our 33 wedding anniversary- not a romantic way to spend it but a really memorable and poignant time. And now I really miss them:(((((

Notice anything different here?? I love playing with templates and changing things and I love pink!

These pics are going so well tonight thought I'd better make the most of it! Can you see the familiar purple hat? This is the run un Jacob's ladder! I've had that hat for about 8 years. It's starting to crumble around the peak but it's a hat I love and cannot replace!

Here we are! Great fun and lots of chatting on the way. Don't know where everyone else went!!!

I made it!!! and will post a pic on here as soon as I get it. Did the 10k Sussan Classic today with my daughter and her friend. Had a great run and feel really good after it too. The 'Run for Kids' in April is looking good!
Concert is over and it went well but not without all the usual hitches that always go with school concerts. Next big hurdle is Graduation on Thursday. That means lots of organisation and talks etc etc etc. Reports are finished and so the year will gradually wind down. phew- wish it had already.

Ran the staff fitness class again tonight. It's been a while what with meetings and Perth and everything. I really love doing it. Leaving work has had me feeling just a bit sad at stopping what has been a really significant part of my life, but the thought of hopefully getting into fitness work really gives me a boost. School concert tomorrow night and that's a real panic thought! We're not nearly practised enough- but then we will NEVER be practised enough!!. Hopefully we have a captive audience with parents, grannys etc and after all it is only about 10 mins of either fame or disaster and we can all move on after that!

Ran 6km tonight with catherine ( daughter) and did a much better job than on Saturday- yah!! Perhaps we went a bit slower or maybe I felt I had to be the fitter, stronger, less whingy one of the pair! lol. It's much nicer running and talking- so easy to feel like crap when you're by yourself. She has learnt a trick of two from me though- at the bottom of the hill it's - 'tell me ALL about Perth- a blow by blow account' hmmmmmmm I do remember telling her the secret of hills is to ask the other person a question when you're at the bottom!

Went for a run Saturday morning and was a dismal failure!! Yikes! I really struggled to do 6kms! And it's the Sussan 10k next Sunday!! Hopefully it was just a bad day. A bit like a 'bad hair day'.
Had a good night on Saturday - went to the staff night out. I sometimes go but not always but as this will be my last thought I'd better make an effort. Do you ever find that the things you really are not looking forward to often turn out the best? Why is this???

Got through one major hurdle this week- in information night for parents. Just got the school concert and graduation and of course- the reports- then it's all over for me. Starting to wonder about next year though. I don't do change very easily and all of a sudden it seems like a big step to stop this sort of work anyway. To go back next year seems like an even bigger step though! Got the Sussan Classic run on Sunday 3rd Dec. Hope I make the 10kms. My training has been really hit and miss lately- more like miss/miss. My daughter and I are doing it together so that should be fun.

ahh- I'm getting good at this now! I think this blog is very temperamental and does what it want just when it wants to!

Anyway- this is me in Kings Park- a truly lovely park with heaps of running and cycling tracks and so close to the city.

Last night had my first 'race walk' lesson. Just a short one with homework to get my' technique '( such as it is!) perfected!!! Lots of fun but my co ordination is really crap!

Finally got this one published!!! I'll try for the next one too. This is Jacobs ladder- all of 274 steps ( about that anyway). It's amazingly steep too. Half way up my fingers started to tingle!!!!! I stopped running for a flight or two then started up again. Ran more than walked but puffed like mad for a while when I got to the top!!

I'v had the most wonderful 4 days in Perth! Escaped the dreaded 'winter return' that Melbourne seemed to go through ( Yes- I live fairly close to the Dandenongs and the SNOW!) Perth was magnificent- really warm, clean, easy to get around and of course- I was on holiday too.
I've tried to download some pics to put on here but blogger doesn't seem to want to play at the moment so will try a bit later. Kerryn- we need to lobby for our own Jacob's Ladder here in Melb! If you don't know what it is the pic will explain all- it's pure torture!!!

Oh happy days! The sun is shining and I'm smiling again!! Full of confidence and motivation! lol Ran 7 km this morning with NO STITCH!! yahooooooo. I'm on the road to the 10km!

Well- the thought of 'tired and washed up' did occur to me this morning as I struggled to do 6kms! As soon as I started I got a stitch! That didn't leave me the whole way around but another one did develop in the last couple of kms. My legs ached, I puffed and my upper body felt like it was about to drop off! Went to gym after that ( after a coffee and some toast) just did leg work and then a shower and felt fabulous and very very noble!! hahahah. My aches and pains from injury are lessening which is good so maybe the 10km fun run is possible. I'm very excited at an email I received. I've been enquiring into race walking and got an answer from a trainer fairly close to me. I'll go on Tuesday week. I walk really fast so thought it might be a natural progression to race walking. lol- we'll see!

It's over a week and I'm STILL sore from that powerbar class!!! Holiday tomorrow ( Melbourne Cup) so I'll get up and have a run-that's a good start to the day. I need to start upping the training cos I'm going in the Sussan Classic 10k in December. My daughter wants to go in it ( a little gentle persuasion from me- but how come she wants 10K???) I haven't run that far for a while and have been beset with injury anyway! I'm really tired of work at the moment- it's ridiculous all the stuff that needs to be done this time of year. Only 5 weeks to go ( or so I've been told) but that only makes me more panicky!! hahahah- this has been a real ramble- c overed about 3 different topics- none of which are terribly interesting.

It's been a few days since I posted a message on here but that's cos I got sucked into going to a powerbar class and only NOW can I actually MOVE MY ARMS!!!!. Why hasn't anyone ever told me that I do have tricep muscles and biceps and glutes etc etc! ouch ouch ouch! Scratching my back is now a monumental task- did you know that that action is pure triceps???

Had the nicest day today. Caught up w ith my sister over coffee and then my husband and I headed off to Hastings for the day. Just a lazy drifting through sort of day. Bad luck to all the washing, dusting, cleaning and tidying that needed doing! We sat in a cafe, had some fairly ordinary lunch and read the paper. Hahaha- obviously not newly weds! Our eyes were locked to the text instead of each other. Isn't it a lovely feeling though, to feel so comfortable that you don't have to make conversation and instead can be as anti social as you like and still enjoy each others company?

Why is yoga so hard? I find it so difficult to bend myself into shapes that I'm sure I wasn't designed to bend into! The only positive I can find is that if I find it so hard it must be doing me good!!!

We went away for the weekend which was lovely. I'm finding this year really hard and so a couple of days away from the rat race really helps to get me back on keel. However.....the eating also had a holiday!!! But I hadn't realised how bad I felt when I overate on all the wrong stuff. Today ( Monday) been much better- not perfect- but better. Ran this afternoon for only 3k but now my hip is telling me all about it! For any Melbournites who read this- hasn't the weather just been awesome...on the improve all the time. And for you Deb........ I really wish I was in Queensland where the weather is better all the time! Next year we may head up that way for a while.

This week hasn't been too bad with the eating plan. At least I feel a bit more in control. If I have bad things I plan to have them! Weight is down 1kg since I started so that might be fairly permanent ( well....... depends I guess!!). Hit the gym tonight- that doesn't happen nearly often enough. Had a really good work out/ I've been doing more stuff at home with dumbells etc so it was good to use machines again. Nothing much else to report- nothing funny, amusing, exciting etc. Life is just racing by and time lines are looming up.......FOR THE LAST TIME!!!! whoooooooweeeeeeeeee

A truly amazing thing has happened! I was feeling a bit down in the dumps so employed my usual rememdy ( eating) and bought some liquorice allsorts. Now usually I can consume these quite freely and will do so until the pack is finished! However after about 4 of them I got a really sicky sweet taste that I didn't really like and went in search of a healthier option- dried apples and nuts!!! Am I cured?????????

has anyone noticed something?? Yep.... I've been fiddling! What do you think of this new format? And..... I've managed to put in favourite blogs too.

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I've had a day off work today to go to the dentist and sports remedial person. What a difference it makes to getting up in the morning!! I'm so looking forward to next year- my time of teaching has certainly reached its 'used by date'!!. Everytime I log onto here I check out my site meter. I feel loved:))))) hahahah

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I had a really bad attack of the munchies tonight:(( eventually satisfied the cravings with a cooked banana, lowfat ice cream ( is there really such a thing???) and diet chocolate topping. I guess it's got to be better for me than the block of chocolate I would have previously consumed in my bad old days!!. Has anyone noticed the site counter on here???? Please give me a pat on the back- that was a mighty effort to get it there!!

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I have a theory. It's to do with time travel. I reckon time travels MUCH faster on the weekends than it does during the week!! Where the heck has this weekend gone??? I look around and it's time to pack my bags again for Monday.

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I promise I am NOT going to give a day by day account of my diet but I am pleased at how disciplined I've become!!. Maybe not totally great but at least a bit more ordered. If I haven't written down that I'm going to eat something then I find I can say no to it. So- no biscuits, no chocolate, no lollies. I go out for lunch every Thursday and usually have the same thing ( I know- very boring) but this time I wrote down the salad roll and only HALF a caramel slice! I actually gave the other half away cos I didn't really trust myself. Now if that aint improvement I don't know what is. And while I'm patting myself on the back I can boast about the swimming I did tonight. whooweee- way to go! I don't enjoy swimming cos I really can't do it but I wrote it down and so before I knew it I was in the pool!!

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
Oh bliss! Oh wonderful wonderful bliss!!! A coffee and toast for breakfast! Gone is the caffeine withdrawal headache!! Day 3 now and still fairly good with eating. Did go out for a pizza with husband and daughter but that was the only bad thing I had. Lost a kg overnight according to the scales at the gym! Love those scales.

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
Started on my own challenge today and for the first time in ages I had a good eating day! Day 1 a success!! Also went to gym and did a workout. Took it pretty easy as my hip gets really sore, Not sure what is going on there but impact stuff really doesn't help it

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I'd forgotten how good it is to do an old fashioned aerobics class! I stayed for about 3/4 of it cos common sense prevailed in the form of 'don't injure yourself anymore!!' . It was fun while it lasted and no lasting after effects either!

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I've decided this has been one of the best school holidays that I've had! Working in that office has meant that I haven't had two weeks in which to do all the school work I need to do. Friday and saturday I put head down and bum up and really got stuck into it and lo and behold!!! I've just about done everything! So......now I can enjoy the next couple of days finishing off the filing stuff and then we ( husband and I) are heading northward a bit ( 3 nights worth) and having a bit of luxury staying somewhere and just getting away from everything. Then it's back for a 12 week stint and then I'm FINISHED!! for good!!! How great does that feel??

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
Ran again today (6kms) and ooooohhh a bit sore afterwards but still walking and talking so I must be ok. Had a bit of a 'shop' after that. Working in an office is an expensive business! Track pants or jeans just don't cut it with the office environment! Bought a couple of tops to go with my half decent black pants. I wore high heeled boots on Wed and Thurs and oh the joy of getting out of them and putting on the runners!! Such joy! Such bliss!!!

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I went to gym Wednesday evening with my daughter and did a walk and some weights. It's been a while since I've done that! It was great to be back but I took it carefully. Went to a yoga class after that with Catherine ( daughter) and Mel (daughter in law) that was lovely and relaxing. I'm paying for it today though- quite stiff and sore. It doesn;t take long to get creaky bits it seems!
I'm really enjoying the filing but a day off today was extra great! It also gave me a chance to do some school prep. With last term looming the work load increases. All that stuff I should have done in term 1 won't wait anymore!

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
Right!! back on track now- ran this morning - without having to hold my side or lean frantically to one side. The lungs did lurch about a bit though- I think they are out of practice. Anyway I now can exercise a bit more normally so that is good. Now- although it's holidays for me I am actually going to work as a filing girl tomorrow and the next day etc etc etc. Can't wait- I love doing different things.

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
well I'm on holidays now and it's a time of reckoning I reckon! I'm going to plan my meals and exercise a week at a time. I think I need to find some low fat sweet snacks cos that is my downfall. I don't like eating big meals but rather snack throughout the day. That's fine but not if what I'm snacking on is chocolate and biscuits!. I've made a 'diary' for the school fitness people for next term so I'm planning on trying it out on myself over the next two weeks. it just is a record of what is eaten and exercise done.

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
Went to dr today and got results back- fractured rib and chest infection. Guess I have to be a bit careful here. On the good side- he did say that mild exercise was good as it would make me take deeper breaths. At least that's what I think he said or wanted him to say perhaps! Went to gym last night and walked on treadmill for 25mins but not at usual speed. Guess something is better than nothing. One more sleep till the holidays- yipeeeee!!

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I seem to be having problems with this blog tonight- so not sure if this will get published or not. Found that I have a fractured rib which accounts for the pain. Looks like my exercise will have to take a rest for a while:(((

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
Well at least I know what is going on! Had the x-rays and bone scan and it looks like a fractured rib! The x-rays came back clear but the dr said the bone scan showed a fracture. I guess I'm glad it's something like that cos that at least will heal. I have to be careful for a number of weeks so I think I'll be restricted to just slowish walking. I think I'd better make a supreme effort with my diet. The school holidays are a week away so that is good- at least I get the chance to rest a bit. damn!!!!

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
well- it's Friday and I've done NOTHING except sit on my fat backside all week and eat!! Well not literally but I haven;t done any exercise to speak of. The pain in my rib has been really awful and even normal breathing is an effort and painful. My mother in law is in hospital with pneumonia so that has meant we haven't got home til about 8.30 each night. On Thursday I was called up for jury selection- had a wonderful day! Sat and waited- did the cross word, read, drank tea and finished off some jigsaw puzzles. I think I might offer myself as a professional jury selectee!!! However all that doesn't help me get any fitter or flatter! Tomorrow I'm walking so maybe this will be a new more successful and disciplined week for me.

lindyloo123

lindyloo123
I seem to spend more of my time trying to fix up all these body parts than I do in making them fit and healthy! Went to physio on Friday and again today. Feeling quite a lot better but then I did hit the neurofen too and that appears to be a bit of a wonder drug! One of the main problems with taking it is that I safe guard my stomach by eating chocolate. This does seem to help the stomach ache factor but also seems to help the fat factor too! I've got lots of stretches and stuff to do. I guess I need to concentrate on getting all my bits fixed before I put them under pressure.
Had a good/bad day yesterday. In the morning went to my mum and dads unit with my sisters to sort more things out. That was rather sad. Then baby sat our two lovely granddaughters for a couple of hours. That was the good part.