New Years Eve.........................



From Hope Strength Courage Tumblr

Well this morning I hopped onto the scales to see what I am weighing at the end of 2011!

It wasn't pretty!

I am up 2.8 kilos from my last weigh in which was about 2 weeks ago!

BUT

Thats ok - I have eaten well today and I have also completed one hours worth of squash!

Yay me!

I am going back to the Wendie Plan version of Weight Watchers Points

I have done this before and I lost good amounts with it.

I am going to weigh myself again tomorrow morning so I have

the starting number for 2012!

PLEASE let it be lower!

Five on Friday.................

From Pinterest.

1. I am grateful for my loving family and all that they mean to me.

2. I am grateful for refocusing on what is needed to regain financial control.

3. I am grateful for having the strength to take back control of my weight loss journey.

4. I am grateful for being blessed with creativeness as it makes me feel truly happy.

5. I am grateful for all that I possess in my life at this moment in time.

WORK.....................

From Hope-Courage-Strength Tumblr

Working again today!

But

Hopefully I can be creative tonight!

Family Outing...................

Southern Cross and Pointers - From Google Images

On Christmas Eve, hubby and I took the kids to the Auckland Stardome.

To see the show at 8pm about what can be seen in the sky on a summer night!

It was ok - informative - but not quite what we were expecting, but I think we might need to try them again when they have more of a story one being shown.

One of the kids enjoyed it, the other not so much.  Hubby and me - Take it or Leave it!

We weren't able to look thru the big telescope as the night sky was cloudy but they did give us all a rain check voucher (good for six months) so that we can go back and view the sky - so that was good.

So that is the first of my family outings for my 44 Things List!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TO YOU

HOPE YOU HAVE A FABULOUS DAY

STAY SAFE

Christmas Preparation......................DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



From Tumblr

Well as of 3pm today -all my christmas preparations and wrapping is done!

It feels great!

I spent the morning making chocolate covered pretzels

(not the ones pictures above but close!)

I must remember to start photographing what I do more!

All presents are wrapped and ready under the tree or

hiding waiting for tomrrow night!

All thats left is dinner tonight with the outlaws!

YAH!!!!!!!!

Ramblings and Thoughts..................

From Hope Courage Strength Website



 - Christmas is nearly here- four more sleeps to go.............
 - My Dancing classes have finished for the year - boo hoo!
 - I am finishing up the photo blocks tonight - yah!
 - I will then create a voucher for my daughter for a day at the beauty therapist getting her brows and lashes done along with a manicure and pedicure!
 - Need to get a few more treats for hubbys hamper
 - On Friday the kids and I will create the outlaws gift of chocolate covered pretzel sticks.
 - Then the outlaws arrive at 6ish to do the gift exchange with the kids.
 - We are also heading to the Observatory in Auckland on Saturday to see a show - I remembered yesterday that I still had some vouchers to go and they expire on Christmas Eve!

In regards to my Weight Loss Journey  - things have taken a slight detour, I overate both nights in the past weekend and was not happy with myself.
I need to get back on track and will do so after Christmas day! - I know I should do it now but to be honest I can't be bothered! - Tired and slightly stressed are not good combinations for me!
I will however be going to squash on Thursday night so that will help a bit!

I am 90% sure I am attending the Kapiti-Hutt Ceroc champs on 16tha nd 17th March - so I need to sort my shite out asap so that I can loose some more weight for that.
My Battle of the Sexes Dance Partner - Andrea - wants us to do our Routine and I think the outfit we organised for last September is a bit tight now, so that is my goal to make sure that is fitting well and hopefully a bit looser than it was in September.
So I will use the next couple to days to work out the time line and amount I want to loose along with a plan of attack!

Wishing you all that read my little blog - a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Lovely Package Exchange...............



From Oh Hello Friend Package Exchange

 I entered into the lovely package exchange on Oh hello Friends website whose website I find so inspiring.
Anyway the lovely Danni organised a package exchange and those outside of America got match up as best as she could.

I got the lovely Britt Kee  who can be found at www.brittkee.com. who is located in Korea!

In my haste to get her parcel to her I forgot to photograph it - but luckily she has done a post about it - you can check it out here.

 Pictures taken from Britt Kee's blog

It included some pens as I know she is an artist

Some keys - as mentioned in her quick bio for the exchange

Some cat ornaments as she loves cats

Little shapes to add to letters and packages

Some more tags for parcels

Some large plastic buttons

Dottie Tape

Plain Tags

Some papers with New Zealand scenes

And some Pineapple lumps  - a Kiwi Favourite.

My parcel has just arrived as pictured below:

It is amazing - I love all of it - which includes

Korean Handmade Paper - Awesome

One of her watercolour prints - Awesome!

Wasbi tape - Love the colours

Lace Tape  - LOVE LOVE LOVE This - have seen it on blogs but not up personal

Pink Package Tape - so cool

Messge in a bottle - LOVE this as well -so cute!

Timy pegs - Love them!

Pink Feathers - Cool

Pink Twine - Super Cool

Pink Think tinsel - Cute!

Little Prescription Pill Messages - Amazing and so cute!

Love it all!!! - A big thanks to Britt Kee for my wonderful parcel.
Also a big thank you to Danni for organising this exchange - will definetly do it again!

Part Time Hours Today............

My morning was very eventful today!

I left home at 6.40am to walk to catch the train - no worries there - altho my body was "what the hell ya doing to me today!.

Got to the train - all good - altho the conductor mentioned that we had to get off at Otahuhu and wait for the shuttle train as they have started the maintenance on the trains already.

Ok I thought - should be good.

Off we go and at the third stop - we are waiting and waiting (about 10 minutes) then the next minute we are told that there has been a fatality at the Middlemore Hospital stop and we are to hop off the train and head to the bus stop as they will supply buses to take us to Otahuhu station

So off we all go .........................

Half an hour of waiting and we are finally told - nope head back to the train!

Off we go again - once on the train we are told that we are getting off at Puhinui station (three stops away)

Once at Puhinui station we walk up a temporary overramp towards the waiting buses.

Drive the equvilant of two more stops (passed the middlemore hopsital and there is lots of police and a stopped train!)

Hop off and walk to the Otahuhu Station and proceed to wait another 15 minutes for a two car train!

Finally got to my stop in Penrose (another two stations away) and began the 20 minute walk to work.

Arrived at 9.40am!

So three hours from door to door!

Oh and then tonight I am leaving at 4pm with a coworker who is going to drive me home since the train service sucks at the moment!

Yay - I get to enjoy a nice part time day on full time wages!! (will make the time up over the next couple of days - altho work is sweet about it all!)

So please Mr Universe can I have a non eventful remainder of the week!

THANKS!

Holidays are nearly here..

Via Courage Hope Strength Website

I weighed in this morning......................

It is down but not by much but ya get that when TTOTM is near.

Busy weekend ahead

2 16th Birhtdays to go to (one boy and one girl)

Sons Cricket Game to attend

Hair Appointment

Xmas Exchange with BFF and her kids

Food Shopping

Santa Visiting

House Cleaning

Crafting - I hope

Oh the life I lead...........

Rain Rain Go Away!

Well the weather here in Auckland sucks at the moment!

The rain and wind are horrible - made for interesting car trip into work this morning!

Lucky its not overly cold with it!

So today I am rugged up nice and cozy at work and then off to play me some squash tonight!

The scales are also moving in the right direction!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and after being inspired by Chris at Diet Coke Rocks - who has recently purchased two presents already for next christmas - so have I!

Woo hoo - feels great to be ahead for a change!

Staying Positive...........

From the Courage Hope Strength Website.

Another Rainy day today so no walking to work for me
But
I did play a game of squash last night
And
I had a yummy salad for dinner
But
I also had a large slice of Christmas cake
And
I know I shouldn't have
But
I will Stay Positive that I am still on a healthy path for a Healthier Lifestyle.

Worth It........




From Heidi

 

Christmas Shopping

Via - Gala Darling

I managed to get the last of my sons Santa presents yesterday - cricket pads and gloves for under 50.00 - very happy with that.

So that means - he is all finished - YAH!

Now to finish of my daughters "santa" presents and that is both of them done!

What do I have left to do?........................

Make 11 photo blocks for all of my Great Grandmothers grandchildren and a couple of adults!

Just need to get the wood cut up, painted and glue the photos on and all good to go!

Words of Wisdom.....

An excerpt from Craig Harpers recent post about Instant Gratification, the below part reminded me of me....... - the me I want to forget

Then there’s the woman who has wanted to lose weight for years. And years. She constantly sabotages her weight-loss endeavours with her need for some instant taste-bud pleasure. Hour after hour. Day after day. Despite the fact that she hates how she looks and feels, her need for instant caloric gratification keeps her trapped on the slippery slope of over-eating, self-loathing and depression. Eating gives her instant (albeit fleeting) pleasure but not eating doesn’t give her instant weight-loss, so eating it will be.


I am trying to be the new me - the one who will do the hard yards to get to her weight loss goal, the one who changes her eating habits of a lifetime to ones that will stay with her into her new life of healthy eating and wellbeing.

The road is tough and I am sure I will stumble but as long as I get back up again I will win!

Happy Birthday to ME!.............

Yup todays the day I turn 43!

I am up nice and early as I need to get my special needs brother in law up and ready to go out with his other brother, as hubby has a soccer tournament today.

I am then making a salad, crumbing the schnitzel for tonights dinner.

I am then out for lunch at St Margarets Gardens in Karaka for lunch with two of my very dear friends who have birthdays in December as well (tradition for us).

Then off to my last squash lesson, followed by picking up my grandmother, up who is coming over to have dinner with us tonight!  I will also have a weigh in at squash which I am not sure how I will go this week as I was out last night and had a few salty things and I know that can play havoc with the weight.

Then I hope to have a nice quiet evening.

Another Week down.........

And nearly another year down - eek!

I have a busy weekend ahead but wanted to stop and post my Five on Friday (which I haven't done for a while)

Today I am grateful for:

1. Staying on track with my eating this week

2. Committing to and following thru with walking to work today - despite the weather report.

3. Feeling in control of my finances.

4. Nearly completing my christmas shopping - woohoo!

5. Having a wonderful family who love me just the way I am!

December Already............

WOW the year has gone by fast and we are now in December!

I am about 85% completed on my Christmas presents, just the remainder of the kids "santa" ones to be done and to create 10 photo blocks and 2 snowglobes.

But I also wanted to tell you about what is happening over at Gala Darlings Blog..............................

Source - Gala Darling

Lots of giveaways for the month of December, so go check her out!

Where I am At!

Well lately life has been a bit too much for me to focus on my weight loss journey, so I have been just going thru the motions of surviving and if surviving is eating what eva then that is what I was doing.

BUT

Last week something changed in the head space and I had a great week food wise.

I am trying a hot lemon drink before all meals and also having fruit for breakfast and morning snacks.

This helped me loose 2.2kgs last week - woohoo!

This has really given me a good start for the journey and I am feeling back in control!

I have also been having lots of salads for dinner and not snacking in the evenings.

Now to get the enthusiasm to walk to work four days a week again.

I am also enjoying the Woman in Squash course and am seriously thinking about joining for the remainder of there year which will cost about $60.00 for 3 three months so not to bad as I will also get a racquet with the joining up.

I really want to get down at least another 5 kilos by 14 January as we are having family photos for my grandmothers 90th birthday, which is in about 7 weeks so I think that is totally doable!

The List Updated............

Here is my new list of things to do before turning 44

1. Lose 12 kgs this year 

2. Attend 2 walking events 

3. Visit a Naturopath

4. Get a manicure

5. Get a pedicure

6. Have a facial

7. Purchase an expensive perfume

8. Purchase Goddess Leonie Circle Subscription ($99 AUD)

9. Listen to and complete the E-courses of Goddess Leonie’s

10. Purchase Gala Darlings Radical Self Love Boot camp ($100 USD)

11. Begin the Process of Radical Self Love

12. Purchase a new CD

13. Visit the Dentist

14. Complete one week without saying anything mean about someone else each month  - This is more to try and stop bitching about those at work who pee me off!

15. Go to Caluzzi Bar with Friends

16. Go to one theatre event

17. Attend an auction house auction

18. Go to at least three different markets (Farmers or Craft) 

19. Go to the movies at least 5 times either solo or with someone

20. Attend a community/night class (belly Dancing?)

21. Try a new alcoholic cocktail

22. Get Courtney’s Album completed up to end of 2010 at least

23. Get Liam’s Album completed up to end of 2010 at least

24. Complete Heritage Album

25. Ensure all old photos are in my album

26. Have a weekend away with Angela scrapbooking

27. Hand make 2012 Christmas cards

28. Complete Courtneys X-stitch for Angela

29. Finish Sewing on Guide Blanket

30. Attend a local concert

31. Have a BBQ at our place

32. Have three different sets of friends over for dinner

33. Travel somewhere in NZ – not soccer related!

34. See an outdoor movie

35. Take the kids up the sky tower ($50.00 for3, $61 for Family Pass-4)

36. Take Nana out at least 3 times

37. Organise and action at least 3 family outings

38. Got to at least 6 other Ceroc franchise classes.

39. Attend at least 2 other Ceroc franchise workshops

40. Declutter 100 Items – Can be sold, thrown, given away

41. Get our Wills up to date

42. Remove overdraft

43. Reduce spending on Visa

44. Increase repayments to PSIS Loan

Well I think all are achieveable and I am excited to see how many I get accomplished over the next 12 months.

Update.............

Well life has been plodding along nicely with the following happening in my life:

Joined up a Womans in Squash Course - Loving it

Thinking of joining for three months

Went to a talk from a Naturopath and got some good weight loss pointers

Have created the 2011 Christmas Card - now to mass produce

Hubby is off to Fiji for 4 days this weekend

Christmas Shopping with My BFF on Friday

Summer Fun Buckets are nearly finished

Have got back into walking to work at least twice each week

Feeling a bit more in control on this weight loss path.

Loving that summer is on its way!

Still Here.......

I am still here - alive and kicking!

So much on at the moment and focus is out the door.........

Argh this seems to be a very bad cycle that I am on

Time to sort it out .....................

October Month Goals - Updated

I was so happy at the end of October to discover that I had completed all the month goals I set myself for October, while it wasn't a big list, is was at least achieveable and that makes me happy.

1. Get to the gym at least four times this month

Completed and Gym membership is now finished

2. Scrapbook 4 pages

Completed!

3. Have fish for dinner once this month

Completed - YUM

4. Load up at least 5 Trade me Auctions

Completed - Loaded up 18

5. Create Wedding GiftCompleted!

Things I love..........

Things I am loving right now in no particular order

New Cellphone!

Getting photos printed off so I can scrapbook

Scrapbooking

Family time

Inspiration from the Net for Christmas Gifts

Being a bit more organised for Christmas

Sushi!

Time at home with family

Sleep

Great chats with my BFF

All the yummy spring/summer fruit to look forward to

Inspirational blogs

Walking again

Free excercise classes

Playing squash again

The List Update

Well it is just over one calender month to my birthday and so I thought it was time to update my list of things to do from one birthday to another.

I know a few more will be completed but not eveything is going to be able to be crossed off and I am happy with that - I am making another list and will decide what to transfer over to the new list and what to let go of:

1. Buy a Bike I was lucky enough to be given one!


2. Complete a duathlon Completed 27.02.11 (Time 1.32)

3. Loose at least 20 kg (.4/20) Not going to happen this year :(

4. Complete my Heritage Album Not going to happen this year :(

5. Get Daughter’s Album completed up to the end of 2009 Completed 23.10.11

6. Get Son’s Album completed up to the end of 2009 Completed 23.10.11

7. Hand make all birthday cards
I am automatically making a tag or card for all gifts now - so accomplished

8. Complete a 10km walk - wont be completed this year

9. Do a Pilates Class

10. Make a Christmas Shoebox

11. Visit the Stardome Observatory

12. Attend a concert at a Local Park- Attended Elvis in the Park 13.2.11

13. Compete in the Tamahere Dance Champs in May 2011 Completed 14.05.11

14. See an Outdoor Movie

15. Make all 2011 Xmas Cards

16. Go to Devonport on the Ferry

17. Purchase Knee High Boots -I have been given some 07.08.11


18. Attend a Gold Glass Movie Saw Bridesmaids on 17.07.11

19. Go to Snow Planet Went 23.10.11


20. Have a BBQ at our place Completed 04.12.10

21. Get our Wills up to date - Won't be completed this year

22. Release 10 wishes on 10 balloons(5/10)

23. Remove overdraft

24. Pay off Visa and keep it low!

25. Get a Pedicure

26. Attend a community/night class - Completed a Burlesque Class


27. Work on my spinning with dancing which will help me with my confidence
With being in the teams for Champs my spinning and confidence is improving

28. Purchase an expensive perfume

29. Get a manicure
30. Complete 3 walking/cycling events(1/3) - Won't get completed before birthday no
31. Get a new Diary Purchased 05.12.10
32. Complete a minimum of 2 crafts per month off the computer list(3/24)
I have decided that this is not important anymore - if I havent done any since for the first six months of 2011 then they aren't worth stressing about for the rest of the year


33. Make a minimum of 2 cards per month(5/24)
I have decided to just make cards as I need them - so this is not worth stressing about.

34. Finish sewing on the badges to the guide blanket (pinned 15.05.11)

35. Have fish for dinner once a month(10/12)

36. Compete in the September East and South Ceroc Dance champs for 2011- Competed 03.09.11


37. Go evening swimming in Dec/Jan/Feb/March at least once a week(12/16)Completed
38. Complete 52 Scrapbook pages (52/52) Completed 23.10.11
39. Purchase some new walking sneakers Purchased 05.12.10
40. Purchase some new dance shoes Purchased 14.05.11
41. Get my eyes retested Completed 16.03.11
42. Get an iPod! Completed 19.06.11 but got an MP3 for now (alot Cheaper)
43. Learn how to apply eye make-up properly Not a priority now

Remember...............

A lovely Reminder from Goddess Leonie over at the Goodess Guidebook.

Link Love on the right over there---------->

Lingerie Purchases........

After having most of my bra underwires breaking on me, it was time to venture out to purchase some more as I was down to one!

Off I went to Farmers to try them on - remembering that this time last year was when I had last purchased some and was in a good place with my weight loss journey and at the lowest ever weight.  My bra size then was a 16E.

I had been wearing those bras for the last year and had slowly been putting them under a lot of pressure due to me having put on at least 10 kgs over the course of the year(eek!), and in my naive mind I thought "oh I must be about an 18 maybe 20 at the most"

BUT no - those number were not to be seen on these lovely lady lumps!

The new number that is now gracing the girls is a 22C
Oh the shock and the shame!

The largest I had been was a 22DD!. - How did this happen I hear inner naive Lisa saying - we haven't been that bad have we?? - We aren't at our heaviest again?? Why oh Why!

And we all know it has only been my own doing - sneaky treats here and there - eaten in private but worn in public!

So it is time to knuckle down and do what needs to be done!

Starting tomorrow....................

Just kidding - starting now!

Things I Love Thursday

Things I am loving............

Back walking and catching the train

Completing all the items on my To do List for the weekend

Scrapbooking again

Reading Awesome Blogs

Family Fun Days

Wrapping Xmas Presents

Buying Christmas Presents

Buying New Lingerie

Eating Healthly

Playing Squash Again

Finding free workout classes

Summer Sun Days in Auckland

Enjoying Dancing Again

Catch Up

Just a quick catch up to report the last two days have been good - food wise - I walked to work yesteday and found it a bit hard for some reason, may be just tired or weary -who knows!

Also the underwire in my bra went -both of them! -Argh so the girls were pushed together hanging low all day and double boobing a couple of times - YUCK!

So glad I was wearing a loose top - but by the time I got home I had some rubbing under the breasts that was hurting!

Then this morning I noticed that on another bra one of the underwires has gone as well - so I guess I better get off to the Bendon Shop and get me some more - I know I have gone up a size as well since my last fitting -bugger it all!

Oh well - only my doing!

Labour Day Holiday

WOO HOO Its a holiday here in NZ!!

and

the All Blacks WON the Rugby World Cup

Just

Final score 8-7

And with it being a public holiday - I am hoping to complete some more scrapbook pages and load up some unwanted items onto Trade Me.

This evening I plan on going to a nice walk as well - the day is a bit warm at the moment for my liking!



Family Day

Looking up to the top

Well today was a family Fun day and we headed to Snow Planet for some snow fun!

The drive is about 1 hour from door to door which was a little bit longer than I thought.

But we got there - decided who was doing what - skiing or snowboards - the kids and me chose boarding and hubby decided on skiing.
We got all suited up, boots on and headed out!

The kids enjoyed themselves altho Courtney being so skinny felt the cold pretty quickly despite layering up.

Hubby and Courtney all ready to go

Hubby had the most fun - even tho its not really his thing

Liam found it a bit hard and started getting cold

Liam all ready to begin

And as for me - well I thought I could have managed the snowboarding but I couldn't and when I changed over to the skiing - the ski boots killed my calves! So I was in them for about 20 minutes and didn't even get to ski at all as the pain was too much.

I will admit that I was disappointed that I was unable to enjoy the day and thought that it would have gone a lot better but I guess at the end of the day when you are weighing 115kgs alot more effort is needed for sports orientated events.

Next time it will be better!

Creating

Today I created these wedding presents for my two dear friends who are getting married on 11 November 2011.

I have covered up there names at the top.

The idea is totally cased from Nora at Just Make Stuff and I added each of there names onto the frames as well.

The idea is that they can use a whiteboard marker (which I will supply them) and leave little love notes to each other each day to remind them of why they love each other.

I am also trying to create another item for them - will show you if it all works out

Lost............

Where do I begin...............

The last couple of weeks/months I have been going through the motions of life as it was all to overwhelming for me - why - I am not entirely sure, but think it is a mix of many different things:

Work

Money

Friendships

Winter

Tiredness 

Many different things in my life got neglected including my weight loss journey and eveything I had established to go with it - excercise, healthy eating, sleep!

But - I am hoping to change all of that now or at least over the next week or so.

I have begun walking/training to work again which will help with weight loss and money parts of my life (petrol costs for the car was increasing the Credit Card debt! - petrol at the moment is approx 2.09cents per litre and with the tank being 50 litres for a full I am only getting approx 550 kms out of a tank - which is about a week and half work travelling!)

With the regular excercising, I am sleeping better which is making me feel more motivated to do things around the house as well as concentrate on my scrapbooking and other crafts that I do.

It is also helping me with making healthier food choices which in turn makes me a happier person.

I know it will be a slow process to get back to where I was before things slid down the slippery slope but I will get there.

Things I Love.......

Getting back into walking and catching the train

Sun shiny days after the rain

Summer is coming

Completing scrapbook pages

Creating wedding gifts

Spending time with friends

Family days at Snow Planet

The All Blacks making it to the RWC Final

A loving forgiving husband

Wonderful happy children

Awesome Blogs to read

Inspiration from those blogs

Slowly sorting out my muddled brain



So True

"Life does not need to be perfect to be wonderful."

 

--Annette Funicello

Inspiration

Source:Boost Your self Esteem

Things I love............

Daylight Savings starting in NZ

All Blacks doing well in the Rugby World Cup

Warriors making it to the Finals

Getting invited to my friends wedding

Feeling creative to make them there wedding gift

Great talks with my BFF

Weekend fun with the kids

Purchasing more Christmas Presents

Nephews loving there birthday presents

Hugs and kisses from Nephews

Inspiring blogs to read and learn from

Husband being recognised for his volunteer work



Things I love..............

Things I am loving at the moment are....

The beginnings of Spring in the plants

Baby Lambs bouncing in the fields

Hearing all about my friends up coming wedding

Galas Radical Self Love Manifesto

Making list

Deciding to begin scrapbooking again - I have missed it!

Planning Christmas Lists

Creating the wedding gift for my two wonderful friends

Purchasing Christmas Presents in September

Reading Chick Lit!

Cute conversations with my 9 year old son

Life conversations with my 14 year old daughter

Love from my man!

What about you????

The Receiving Project.......

Have you heard about The Receiving Project????

Are you a “giver”, giving of yourself and time, but have a hard time when other’s want to appreciate you? Is it a challenge to receive from The Universe?

Are you receiving the experiences that you want in your life? When you are ready to make a real change in your life, join The Receiving Project!

Go check out all about it thru the link above - you will not regret it!

It has opened me up to so many wonderful gifts from the universe.

I hope it does the same for you

Five on Friday...........

I am so grateful for many things lately but here are my top 5

1. I am grateful for the start of spring and the new life that it brings in both baby animals and flowers

2. I am grateful for a wonderful and supportive family

3. I am grateful for the wonderful friends that I am surrounded with.

4. I am grateful for my decision to get back to loving me

5. I am especially grateful for all that the universe sends my way

Currently Loving............

Inspired by The Dame's post here are some random things I am currently loving in no particular order..............

Ceroc dancing

The gang at my dance class - they are awesome!

Starting to feel inspired to get back on the weight loss wagon properly!

The awesome new clothes that I got from my wonderful friend.

My wonderful friend.

The confidence I feel wearing my new clothes

Inspiring ideas from the World Wide Web.

Spring starting in NZ

Longer day light hours

Summer BBQs are nearly here

Being able to ride my bike again in the evenings

Subway roast chicken on honey oat

Starting to play squash again at the end of October

My hubby

My Children

Buzz on the Web..........

Heres a few great posts that I would like to share with you all.............

Here are some ways to love the people in your life

40 ways to indulge without going over board

A great post from Craig Harper on letting go

Some fun ways to stay happy

Ways to get a second chance in life

Making time for what really matters to you

When your Gremlins are in control!!!

How to deal with failure

Ten on Tuesday....

I haven't done one of these for a while so thought why not...............

1.  My 14 year old daughter is slowly driving us insane with the moods and swings
2.  My 7 year old son has lots of soccer commitments at the moment
3.  My 46 year old husband also has lots of commitments at the moment
4.  My 42 year old friend is not going to be happy with me when I tell her we can't come to stay next weekend :(
5.  My 42 year old body is getting weary with all the commitments
6.  My 89 year old grandmother is still living in her own home!
7.  My 69 year old uncle isn't doing to well.
8.  My 4 year old job just isn't cutting it anymore but I can't be bothered looking for another.
9.  My 3 digit number on the scales is peeing me off but it is all my own doing!
10. My 16 member Ceroc team did so well at champs - placing third!

Motivational Monday.........

Isn't this just great!!!

Read the amazing post that goes with this picture over at Kristin Noelles Blog

LIFE........................

Well I haven't disappeared completely!

But I have been having struggles lately and needed some time to reasses what I am doing with my life.

Making good choices at the moment is hard and it annoys me so much!

I need to reassess what I am trying to achieve and also make the journey doable!

Bear with me as I sort out my head!

Words.............

Via  We Heart it

Dancing Today......................

Via Gemma at We heart It

Today is the day of the Ceroc Dance Champs!!!!

I am Nervous

I am Excited

I am Scared

Wish me luck

LIFE

From the Lovely Goddess Leonie

89 Day Challenge - Day 37

Well another no gyming it day as I realised last night that tonight will be another late night with dance practise so the extra sleep this morning is needed!

I am also not going to use the train at all this week as I am not wanting to increase the chance of injuring myself walking to work as I have done in the past and close to champs as well!

Overall I am ok - still quite tired but ok!

Its the first day of spring in two more big sleeps and that means warmer weather, longer daylight and more time to do the things I love!

Winter is long and tiring for me and my family with all our soccer commitments but we try and enjoy the spring/summer days as much as we can with relaxing and enjoying our home!

I think I just might complete a list of things to do this summer and see how many I can complete!

89 day Challenge - Days 33-36

WOW - What a busy weekend I have had, I ended up having Friday off work as TTOTM was playing havoc with my back so I spent the day resting, oh and dropping hubbys car for its warrant of fitness which it failed!
It needs two new tyres (160.00 each) and something with the rear light and a crack in the windscreen fixed.

So after 572.00 later it is all good to go!

Saturday was quiet for most of it until the afternoon when we had a dress rehersal for Ceroc as the champs are next saturday (Freaking out!)
It went well and we all "sexed it up" for the audience!

Sunday was spent with my son at a soccer tournament where the boys did not play to there best abilities whilst on the pitch - Liam did ok but was in goal for 4 1/2 of the 5 games and of the 1/2 game he did play he scored two goals - so that was good!

Last night I went to bed at 8.30 as I was tired and had great plans to get up at 5.30am to go to the gym!

BUT - I spent the night tossing and turning, not sleeping and still with back pain so I allowed myself to sleep some more and will hopefully go tomorrow morning!

This whole 89 day challenge I set myself is not going the best at the moment but I will try and pull myself together to get it sorted!

How to give your home a welcome makeover.........

Declutter & then discard the mess: “first, go through each room and identify what will help you live the life you want” suggests Louis D’Allura from Revamp Professional Orangisers. Remove any long-standing clutter, then donate or throw it away.

Not sure where to start? “start with fridge magnets, bookshelf clutter and flat surfaces: advises D’Allura

Move Furniture, feel brand new: D’Allura recommends creatind dedicated features in each room, such as a visual focal point or a space for easy conversations. “Can your current furniture be moved to make rooms more spacious or cosy?” D’Allura asks “I recently switched our living and dinning rooms around and that one small change has been amazing”

Quiz the Experts on renovation: Really serious about it? If you have the budget, passion and times, renovating is another possibility. There are many options available including Harvey Norman Design and Renovations service.

Source - Old Weight Watchers Magazine

Safe Tips Every Woman Should Know........

OUT WITH FRIENDS: keep everyone’s numbers stored in your phone, never leave your drink unattended and organise how you’re getting home before you head out.

EXCERCISING AT NIGHT: Plan your route and tell someone where you’re going. Dress in bright colours, don’t wear jewellery or carry money and avoid unpopulated areas.

OVERSEAS ALONE: Get the business card of where you’re staying, note the names of taxi drivers and carry an over the shoulder bag with a zipper to protect your belongings.

STILL NERVOUS?: Take a self-defence class to help feel more assertive in any situation

Source: An old Weight Watchers Magazine

89 Day Challenge - Days 31 & 32

Well between work and dance practise I am tired!

I have decied to take the week off the gym and just relax and get some sleep in, TTOTM doesn't help either and especially since its a doozy!

Will return to the gym next week!

89 Day Challenge - Day 30

I will confess................

NO GYM TODAY!!!!!!!!!

Argh I so didn't feel like it today either and I know why - that darn womans thing!

The lead up to it this time is causing me back pain/cramps and I am not handling it very well!

I will take it easy at dance class tonight and will have another nice sleep in tomorrow - but I promise to you and me that I will get back there on Thursday and Friday for sure!

89 Day Challenge - Day 27-29

What  a busy weekend I had - with the last of the saturday soccer commitments now finished we will slowly get our weekends back.

I spend Saturday sorting thru some paperwork and loading a few more trade me auctions of craft supplies that I no longer require.

Sunday was spent relaxing and catching up on recorded programmes and phone calls with my BFF.

No gym this morning as I has a very sore tummy last night and was woken up what seemed like every hour.

Oh the joys of being a woman!

So True...................

The way to happiness: keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine. Forget self, think of others, try this for a week and you will be surprised.

By Norman Vincent Peale, Author.

Words of Wisdom

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou via Kind over Matter

89 Day Challenge - Day 26

That darn alarm of mine!

I think it is time to go and get a new one - it didn't go off this morning so on the good side - I go to have a nice sleep in!

At least tonight I have extra dance training which will help, and making excellent food choices - I should be all good to go!

This weekend is nice and quiet so I might try and fit in a walk somewhere, as well as trying to catch up with my Nana and see what shes been up to

Enjoy your day and have a fabulous weekend

89 Day Challenge - Day 25

I am just back from the gyma nd a great work out - I really pushed myself this morning and I can feel it!

It is another cold morning in Auckland so I am rugging up warm.

Food choices today:
Egg and banana for Breakfast
Tuna salad for lunch
Fruit for snacks

I am still working thru my issues and trying to get them out and down on paper so I can see them and acknowledge them and then work on eleminating them from my life

Have a great day

89 Day Challenge Day 24

Today is my rest day - which is great as Tuesday nights are my late night.  Also with  the freezing cold weather we are experiencing in Auckland at the moment, I am glad to be able to stay in the warmth a little bit longer.

Yesterday was another food shocker - why do I do it!

This is something I need to really look within to see why I can't find the success again of previous attempts.

I do want to loose weight

I do want to be under 100 kg (Lowest 102kg a year ago)

I love the control of eating well and getting the results on the scales

BUT

Why do I continue to eat junk food!

Why am I not giving it my all at the gym making sure that I am feeling like a work out has just happened

Why do I think I am not worth it!

Lately with our dance trainings, different  people have been recording the routine and then we all get to view it to check out timings and make sure that we are all hitting the beats at the same time.

I hate looking at it because what I see in my mind of my body is nothing like what I view on the recording of me and it depresses me!

I guess I view myself on what I can see when I look down and that is a "frontal view",  but that is definitely not what I see when I see a recorded version of myself and this then makes me  think is that how people see me????

Am I really that big, that round?!

I have so much sorting out in my mind to do and somethimes that feels so overwhelming that I just give yup and have the chocolate!

But I will continue to look within to sort the outside and come to a happy resting place

89 Day Challenge - Days 20-23

Whew - I have been so busy these last couple of days I forgot to post!

The weekend (Days 20/21) were busy with children and soccer commitments - so no gym but lots of walking,

Yesterday (day 22) saw me up nice and early - 5.30am - and off to the gym for a great work out!
Food choices yesterday - so so

Today (Day 23) was another early start but a gentle work out - so friggin cold!
Food Choices today - will be much better!

I can't keep busting my ass going to the gym in the mornings if I am going to waste the workout with bad food choices!

I know - I know - the penny drops!

Whats the Buzz.........

Here are some more great posts that I have enjoyed around the World Wide Web lately:

How to Feel Glamorous

Embrace Life's Changes

49 Ways to live a Kick-Ass Life

10 Ways to feel better today

How to discover the Goddess in YOU

A scientific approach to asking the universe for want you want from Jessica

A Quirky Girl .com listed 30 things to do before the end of summer but I think its a great list to use for us in the Southern Hemisphere about to head into summer!


I hope you enjoy these as much as I have - I am off to a soccer Tournament today with my 9 year old son!

Words of Wisdom

I have mentioned the wonderful Craig Harper before and I am going to do so again today!

I received his daily emails into my work inbox each day and they are so inspiring and thought provoking.

Here is an excerpt from one that touched me:

Every day, you and I have the opportunity to do better. To think better, to choose better, to behave better, to react better and to produce better results in our world. To let go of the self-pity, the anger and the fear and to step up and grab our dreams by the throat. To take a chance. To be courageous. To stop looking for approval and permission and to see who and what we might become beyond our fear and our shitty beliefs.



If you haven’t been told lately, I’ll tell you. – Your good enough!

You can find the rest of the entry here

89 Day Challenge - Day 19 & Five on Friday

I slept in this morning!!

Argh - I must have knocked the alarm some how and it didn't go off!

I must move it to a safer place!

So no work out this morning for me BUT  we are starting Friday night dance training so that will incorporate a bit of excercise.

Had my morning Chaste - not the nicest tasting thing out there but it is only 2mls so I think I can handle it!

Busy Busy weekend ahead with kids soccer - so will be out and about - making positive choices.

And before I forget - here is my Five on Friday:

1. My amazing friend who gave me all her clothes that are too big for her now.
2. Being able to see my favourite ceroc dancer at our class - so much fun
3. My son for winning his Year 6 Cross Country - so proud
4. Talking with the naturpath and getting things underway to sort out the hormones
5. Hubby not commenting on the credit card bill (haha)


Have a great weekend

89 Day Challenge - Day 18

Up bright and early this morning but with no energy - I dragged my sorry arse to the gym and only gave a small effort with my workout.

I was quite tired this morning as the darn rain overnight kept waking me up!

So its into bed early for me tonight.

I went out and purchased 40 coathangers to help with  hanging up of my new acquired clothes and I still need more!  I think about 20 more hanges should do the trick.

Yah jeans day tomorrow - oh which of the 8 do I pick!

Food choices are going a lot better.

I also popped into a Natural Health Shop to talk about St Johns Wort but after discussions with the Natropath,she has given me the liquid form of Chaste to take.

She mentioned that she wonders if I am experiencing a hormone imbalance rather than depression, after we had discussed my symptoms, as sometimes woman in their early 40's can go thru the peri-menopause stage of life and the hormones are going awol!

I also got  some Estro-Sense which will help as well with "sore Boobs" before TTOTM and a few other things. (not cheap - $54.90NZD for 60 capsules - lucky I only need 1 a day)
I am also going to go in and have a consultation with her as well to go more in depth.

Will keep you up to date on how it all goes.

89 Day Challenge Day 17

 A nice sleep in for me this morning!

I didn't make it to bed until 11pm last night due to my dance class running late and then we had our team training after the classes!

We also had a "substitute" teacher last night who is amazing to watch and he brought along his regular dance parter who I absolutely love watching dance, so last night was a great night for me!

My feet are tender this morning so I have on some comfortable shoes on today.

Another new set of clothes today - but with touches of green today!

Loving all these new clothes - I am hoping to go and get some more coathangers tonight along with a visit to the local library for a book I have been waiting to arrive:

Lost and Found:Unexpected revelations about food and money - by Geneen Roth.

Anyone read this???

Food choices - haven't been the best and it is something I need to work on!
Emotions - I am feeling a little overwhelmed lately and after chit-chatting with someone last night I am wondering about trying to take some St Johns Wart to help me feel a bit better.

Has anyone tried this before - good??? Bad???

89 Day Challenge - Day 16

Another early start to the day this morning  - I have the alarm set for 5.35am now and am getting into the gym at 5.45.

Good workout!

I got ready at home this morning, so it was a nice change not to have to lug a bag around and work out what I am going to wear the night before.

My programme is as follows:

Warm up on cross trainer - 5 mins

Treadmill - 7 mins
Bike - 7 mins
Cross trainer - 7 mins
Bike - 7 mins

Tricep workout
Bicep workout
Leg work
Stepper for 2 mins - argh!

Swiss Ball squats
Krone Bridge
crunches

Followed by stretches

This all takes me about 45 mins.

89 Day Challenge - Days 11-15

Opps

Sorry about that - the days got away on me after the suckky day at work!

I have still been going to the gym during the week days and trying to fit in extra activities in the weekend.

Food choices have been good and the scales on Saturday morning are moving the right way so that is good.

I had the most amazing day yesterday.

A very good friend of mine has had weight loss surgery (not lap banding but a sleeve?) she has lost 13 kilos since the surgery and lost before as well.

She has had to do a complete wardrobe change and I was the most lucky recipient of her wardrobe!

I can not believe it still - she gave me:
7 pairs of jeans (all different styles)
8 black pants
Approx 12-15 camisoles
Over 50 tops and overtops!
2 pairs of boots
Togs
2 cardiagans
2 jackets

I am so grateful for her generosity and for thinking of me like this.

I now have the problem of which top to choose to wear each day!

And to say thank you I am going to get her a voucher for some pampering at a Beautician as well as assorted gift cards from the "normal" girls clothing shops.

I feel so powerful and confident today in my new clothes it is an amazing feeling!

89 Day Challenge - Day 10

Up with the sparrows again this morning and off to the gym

I had a great workout and then drove into work as Sushi for lunch day!

It was yummy as usual!

Great food choices made today

Suckky day at work!!!!

89 Day Challenge - Day 9

Feeling so much better today

Got organised last night with my gym bag and my backpack!

I se the alarm for 5.40am and jumped out of the bed and headed off to the gym!

Great workout this morning and I also caught the train and walked to work!

Positive Positive Positive!

Dancing tonight - woo hoo!

Food Choices today:
Breakfast - Boiled Egg
Lunch - Tuna Salad
Snacks - Apple and Orange
Dinner - WW Frozen Meal

89 Day Challenge - Day 8

Monday Morning saw me feeling like CRAP!!!!

I was just feeling abit overwhelmed for some strange reason - altho now I wonder if it from the processed food I ate in the weekend.

Eat Crap feel like Crap

So no gym on Monday!

89 Day Challenge - Day 6 & 7

These two days were the weekend so no gymming it for me as hubby was still on his course.

I did get to watch my two beautiful children play soccer and we enjoyed a nice relazing weekend.

Food wise - not overly the best choices but live and learn!

89 Day Challenge - Day 5

I was up bright and early this morning and hit the gym!

IT was my first full day doing my new programme!

I did well!

I am off work today to watch the kids as hubby is on a soccer coaching course and had to be on the other side of Auckland by 8am this morning!

I have a few little jobs I need to do but otherwise a nice relaxing day.

Food wise:

Breakfast - banana smoothie
Lunch - Tuna salad
Snacks - fruit
Dinner - unknown

I was amiss again last night with my snacking - oh why oh why oh why do I do it!

Must work on this yet again!

And I want to add my five on Friday as well:

So this week I have been grateful for:

1. The wonderful support of my hubby with my decision to join the gym
2. My two wonderful children who have been very good these school holidays
3. My awesome friend who has 4 boxes of clothes for me to try on first now that she has had lapband surgery.
4. Another wonderful friend who is just the bestest buddy in all aspects of my life!
5. My job for being stress free this week.

89 Day Challenge - Day 4

I had a sleep in this morning!

The last few early mornings along with the late Tuesday night were taking there toll!

But I am back to it tomorrow morning.

Food wise:

Yesterday went well until I got home and hubby did not have dinner ready as he had gone out and left me to prepare it!
Argh - I was so hungry that I proceeded to "snack" thru the preparation of dinner!

This is one thing that I need to sort out pronto!

Todays Eats Are:
Breakfast - Banana Smoothie
Snacks - Orange and Apple
Lunch - Unknown, but will be a good choice!

89 Challenge - Day 3

Well Up at the crack of dawn again this morning to get to the gym for 6am as I was getting my programme done today.

It went well, nothing difficult and lots to work with - mainly cardio as I was expecting - need to burn the fat!  There is also a little bit of weights and finishes with some ab work including the Prone Bridge (I think thats what its called)

I am a bit tired this morning aso as Tuesday nights are my late night! But early to bed tonight and I should be good to go again tomorrow morning.

I have Friday off work and am not sure if I will go to the gym that morning yet.

Food wise - last night I had subway for dinner - YUM!
But then I has a little pig out on some chocolate Biscuits at dance class so I definetly need to work on that!

Todays food:
Breakfast - Boiled Egg
Lunch -Sushi - YUM
Snacks - Apples and orange.
Dinner - Unknown

Oh the starting weight is 115.00Kg - EEK!

89 Day Challenge - Day 2

Well as I said below - I was up at the crack of dawn and off to the gym!

It was interesting - my previous experiences with a gym have been a proper gym setup - now this place is set up for a gym but it is also the Local YMCA so there is a large basketball area and  the two mezzanine areas is where the "gym" is located.

One part is just weights and the other part is cardio with some weight machines - this is the area that I will be using.

It is very small - there was three treadmills, 2 cross trainers and 6 bikes as well as the weigh machines.

When I arrived at 6am there was two other people training and within 10-15 minutes they had finished.

I managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill - with three stops (i kept hitting the emergency stop button by mistake) and then 5 minutes on the cross trainer and 10 more minutes on the bike.

I then went to have a shower and was the only one there the whole time.

I am getting my programme tomorrow morning so that will be good!

Food Wise:
Breakfast - 1 boiled egg
Lunch - Tuna salad
Snacks - Grapefruit and some chocolates from a co-worker who has just returned from America - yum!

Tonight - I will grab something as I am only home for a short time before leaving for a 6pm appointment, of which I need to repack my bag for tomorrow morning and work.

This is my late night as I have my dance classes - so I hope I can fall asleep easily since I am up again at 5.45am to be at the gym for programme catch up .