A work in progress

Tuesday

2008-10-07T08:51:00.005+13:00

Had a really fun day yesterday. Being self employed we can juggle work (and the sun was shining) so we did and took the day of. I packed a picnic, loaded up the 4 wheel drive and we headed to the beach. The kids played in the playground to start, then we drove onto the beach, found some old tree stumps to sit on and had our picnic, (sand and all). Then the boys headed to the sand hills, I started to blob on the beach, but then I thought exercise. So I went walking around the sand hills as well. We were away for most of the day and the kids started to nod of on the way home. The picnic consisted for me of left over quiche and some fruit, the boys had a couple of treats but I didn't even so much as touch a chippie. We stopped for ice creams on the way home, a bit harder but I sipped on my water bottle. See I can be strong! I wore my pedometer yesterday and almost made it to 10,000. Also had an aqua session with Luke which is always hard. One woman commented that anyone starting for the first time would probably wonder what they had struck, it sounds easy jogging around in water, but he makes sure it's not!
Our daughter's friend runs a holiday program and the boys have been invited for a couple of hours, they are keen (so am I) so dropping them of there soon:-)

I'm really hoping I don't crash, so many starts over the past couple of years starting all very positive, then I fall flat. Motivation comes and goes, fingers crossed mine is really back this time. It feels like it is!

Feelings today - today it's actually feeling easy, so I'm very positive. Long may it last!

Challenges, feelings and a yummy recipe

2008-10-06T08:04:00.007+13:00

Challenges - grandsons here soon, first challenge to be a calm, cool nana. Next - home baking today, I love uncooked mixture, and you don't count those points - do you? Well I haven't lately! Just a taste here and there. My challenge is not to put any of it into my mouth!!! How to do this, chomp on a carrot, nothing dainty like a carrot stick but a huge hunk so I won't anything else in my mouth!!

Feelings - it was bought up at the meeting not only to track food, but our feelings. My feelings on Saturday were confident, positive and also happy I had restarted. Yesterday the doubts started niggling, I will never do it, I won't get to goal.... too hard. I woke in the early hours of this morning, 4.07am to be exact! Thought to myself that of course I will never do it if I have that attitude!!! I set up a barrier about reaching the 60's before (got to 70.1 then bang no more) I also feel somehow I've set up a barrier in reaching goal of 68. So I've decided little goals on the way, very little - 2 k goals. Just under five of these to get to goal. Rewards?? Don't know just will see what springs to mind.

Yesterday we went to a late afternoon show at the local theatre, we knew one of the two performers. The show started at 5.00pm. During the afternoon I thought this could be a bit dangerous for me. Would get home around 7.30pm and would likely resort to takeaways, cheese on toast or something else easy. So I made a quiche - an old WW recipe that I've doctored and changed. I've dished this up to visitors and no-one has picked that it a WW meal. Peter was going to have left spaghetti over bol. (which he loves,) I was having this yummy quiche, salad and some stir fry asparagus. LOL - he took a look at his leftovers and changed his mind and said he would have the quiche and salad. So there you go, my WW meal looked more appealing! He said it hit the spot, then went back for seconds!

Here's the recipe: (my changes in blue and if needed add on points)

ZUCCHINI, BACON AND CHEESE SLICE

Serves 6, Point value 3 ½ per serve

3 large zucchinis (courgettes), coarsely grated
1 cup WW Tasty Cheese (or low fat)
(I use Edam)
3 bacon rashers, excess fat and rind trimmed, finely chopped
(I use Chicken bacon lightly cooked)
1 leek, pale section only, finely sliced
1 cup SR flour
3 eggs
3 egg whites
2 tbs olive oil
(I use 1 tbs oil)
(sometimes I use whole kernel corn, broccoli, left over vege,)
(I top with sliced tomato)
Preheat oven to 180 C. Lightly grease a 200cm round cake pan with cooking oil spray. Line base with non-stick baking paper. (I use cooking spray and don't line the pan, I also use an an oval lasagne dish sometimes)
Combine zucchini, bacon, cheese and leek in a bowl. Stir in flour. Whisk together eggs, egg whites and oil. Add to zucchini, season and stir to combine, spoon into pan and smooth surface. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden and set. Stand for 5 minutes.
Turn out onto a large serving plate, cut into 6 wedges to serve.

The kids are here!!!!!!!!! Oh no!!
Peter can juggle his work load, the sun is shining so we are taking them on a magical mystery tour! Well that's what we tell them, we know where we are going. The baking can wait..... so no carrot munching!

Feelings today? Positive, happy.

Back again and born again!

2008-10-04T13:17:00.006+13:00

I didn't put it of any longer and went back to WW this morning. The hardest part was getting on the scales!!! I almost toyed with the idea of not weighing and just sitting in for the meeting, but really what would be the point? I needed to weigh, face it and get on with it. LOL - I'm blaming part of the gain on the fact we now have to weigh in with shoes! Then I took a quick look at the recorded weight, I've accepted it and I'm moving on. As I thought 7 k's above my lightest. It was actually a relief in the end to know that I had made the effort and was trying to do something about it!

Sandra http://madaboutbears.blogspot.com/took the meeting, I really like her style, she is so natural and I don't ever feel like it is a pre-prepared meeting, rather she is just having a conversation with us. I also like her sense of humour. At the end of the meeting I could say I was pleased to be back! I don't know why I was so wound up about going back. I realised that for a while I was getting by without the meetings but now I do also realise I need the support once again. I stopped on the way home and did a huge supermarket shop, piles of fresh veges and other healthy goodies.

LOL - I feel a little like a born again Christian!!

Part of the meeting made me realise I don't get support from the family! Not on purpose but none of them really understand. Peter doesn't have a weight problem, nor do the kids, in fact one daughter could do with gaining weight! Just not an issue for them. I'm the odd one out - hard at times to be in a family that can get away with eating what ever they like, and here I am mentally adding up points..... Never mind, there will be support at the meetings and of course through my blog. I know there are people out there that do understand!

Now of to do some housework - exciting, not really but it needs to be done. Then on second thoughts I have the grandkids here again Monday & Tuesday - so maybe just a quick spruce up will do for now. We have friends coming up soon, so I better go.....

Don't know why

2008-10-03T08:44:00.003+13:00

I don't know why but...
the thought of going back to Weight Watchers tomorrow is daunting. (I'm writing this exactly how I feel and it may come out a bit jumbled, but that's what's in my head!!) Deep down I don't want to go, but deep down I know I have to do something. It you take a look at my side bar, the bit titled "About Me" ends with I'm determined I'm not going back to how I was. So basically if I don't go back to Weight Watchers that is exactly where I will be heading. The 3-4 kilos I was above my lightest weight started to hover around 5, now I think it would closer to 7!!!!

This frightens me as honestly I feel most of the time I'm watching what I eat, I exercise most days. What the hell would happen to me if I threw all caution to the wind and just went back to what I used to eat and no exercise!!! I soon would be a lot heavier than I ever have been. That's scary!

Obviously what I'm doing is not good enough!! I have to really try a lot harder if I don't want the scales to keep going up, but the hard thing is I can't be bothered..... I'm reached a place where I'm happy with my food choices, I know I can make healthy choices, I feel happy with the amount of exercise I'm doing. Nothing would be better than to go on as I am - but the weight is creeping on living like this!!!

My head isn't in the right place, but I'm not sure what else to do. I feel I'm really forcing myself to go back. All along I've always thought there has to be a light bulb moment, a moment when you are committed and you want do to this - no matter what. My light bulb is out......

I also feel embarrassed going back, stupid maybe, I'm not the only person in the world that has had to face up to a gain. If I was Weight Watchers wouldn't be needed. It's there for people like me that want the light bulb to go back on!

I'm going back. I don't feel I have a choice.......

I'm not going to bore you with the details of teeny loses, gains or what ever happens on the scales over the weeks. I'm also not going to let it get to me, the main thing is by going in, facing up eventually I may start heading back down again - instead of up!!! Wish me luck - I need it!

My dad

2008-10-02T09:14:00.007+13:00

I have special memories of my dad. Today it is 15 years since he passed away. That seems like forever! It doesn't seem that long ago at all!!! I always thought of him as a really brave man, he was a Commando during the 2nd WW. Brave until the end. Aged 74 he had been diagnosed with leukaemia just a few short weeks before. It was acute and also diagnosed as terminal as his heart would not stand the treatment. During these few weeks they were giving him blood transfusions which would help for a little while. So 15 years ago today he drove himself to hospital to go in for the day for a transfusion. They lived about 40 minutes from us and had a local hospital that he went to. My friend was a nurse there and on this day I received a phone call from her, telling me dad had a bad reaction to the transfusion and wasn't good. I left work in a huge hurry and drove to the hospital. My mum and sister were already there. Dad's reaction at seeing us was to ask why we were there, he insisted he was ok and they had given him "bad blood", he was fighting for breath. The doctor gathered us and told us it would be a matter of days now - not weeks as we expected. Dad wanted us to not hang about and told us to go home. His still broad Scottish accent telling us "of you go". So I kissed him goodbye, drove back home, hopped into bed, and the phone went. He had passed away, I really do believe he knew it was that close and it was as if he wanted to spare us seeing him die.

One memory that we have and still laugh about - Dad, broad Scottish accent, talking to our little girl Rachel who was aged about 2 at the time. Dad was said something to her, Rachel looked at him with huge brown eyes and said very seriously said "what are you talking about boy?" We collapsed about laughing. (We don't know why she came out with calling him boy?)

If you've got a dad who is still about, give him a cuddle, or if you can't be with him - pick up the phone and say hello. I miss mine, would give anything to be able to see him again. You really don't realise how much you will miss them until they have gone.

Just to put a bit of light on this post. I gave my brother in law a memory that he laughed about for many years. After hearing that Dad had died, my immediate reaction was to drive back to the hospital. I took my daughter with me. Never the best at driving at night I arrived at the almost empty hospital car park, and drove over a bloody flower bed!!! My brother in law was waiting outside the hospital for me, at such a sad and traumatic time he said he could barely keep a straight face as he thought "here's Anne now" then he said he watched as the car head lights went in all directions as I drove over the top of the flower bed.......

A bit of a dilemma

2008-10-01T08:30:00.004+13:00

Back to normal today....

I have a bit of a dilemma. Monday I went to two aqua sessions. The first one (lunch time) was at the original pool I started at.
I like this pool better
I like the people (have made some aqua buddies)
I love the dive pool in Summer and being able to exercise in the fresh air.

The problem?

After doing a lunch time session there on Monday, I feel it's like a gentle stroll in the park compared to.....
The second pool. On Monday night - Luke the instructor really, really pushes us.
3 sets of 50 pull ups
my arms were aching
my cheeks were red
I was hot, I was puffing
my heart rate was up.
Obviously I'm getter a far better work out here, yet I like the first pool better. In summer time I know where I would rather be. Somehow thinking along the lines of juggling it all, so I get the outdoor sessions as well as Luke's workouts. It's made me realise the first pool the sessions are just far too easy, as I said a bit like a gentle stroll in the park. This was fine when I started exercising for the first time after doing zilch for years. Not enough now.

This brings me to the instructor at the first pool, I've been going here for over 5 years. Monday's session there was the first time I had been there for about six weeks. I only went there so I could combine it with taking the boys for a swim. I think she is a bit offended that I've started going to a different pool. She was asking me what their sessions were like - so I simply said that the work outs were a lot harder. Oops - I could tell she wasn't too happy.

At times it's actually hard for me to believe that I've stuck to an exercise plan for over five years, quite a turn around for me to do this in my 50's - if I can do this - anyone can!!!

Back to WW on Saturday. I feel this really should help me keep focused. I'm into my second week of trying harder, but yesterday found myself slipping back into picking at food, and have slipped back into not tracking points. I'm really hoping going back to meetings will keep me heading in the right direction.

Today - as I said back to normal. The boys went home last night. LOL as they drove away with their mothers, Peter and I jumped up and down and cheered! They just grinned and waved. Going to lunch at a friend's house today. Pool tonight - which one? The hard session. Catch you later:-)

Grandsons:

2008-09-30T10:51:00.004+13:00

Grandsons:
Are noisy
Messy
Leave the toilet seat up!
Talk constantly
Don't always aim in the toilet!
Wake up early
Leave clothes everywhere
Are alway hungry
Then don't like their dinner
All talk at once
Like wearing the same boxers a couple of days in a row
The list could go on and on....

My last couple of days have been a bit disruptive

Then I found a note on the numerous bits of paper they scribble on

it had a big red heart

And the words
"I love you Nana" :-)

Wouldn't be without them! I love them too!!!

The house is a tip.

We are making blueberry muffins for lunch.

One grandchild is harping on and on about making choc chip cookies (he loves them)

They all go home to-night and the house will be back to normal. Then I do it all again next Monday and Tuesday.

Better go.................

5.30 - they've gone!!!! PEACE!!!! They really were mostly good, just the NOISE! This afternoon burnt some of their energy, took them to the Esplanade, a ride on the train, play in the playground, a bit of a bush walk. Me time now. I'm of to the pool:-)

Monday

2008-09-29T08:38:00.006+13:00

The start of a new week. A little bit frosty here this morning but it's promising to be another beautiful day:-)

Weekends - well they go too quick! Saturday morning met up with Janene, Chris D, and Sandra for coffee. Always enjoyable sitting in the comfy sofas having a catch up with them. Saturday night friends asked us if we wanted to go to a Japanese restaurant for a banquet dinner. The idea was we didn't order and just let the restaurant bring out various dishes. Beautiful, delicious flavours and all very different. All quite healthy too I would think. I didn't think I would eat raw beef, but there you go and I liked it! It was an entertaining night, especially when the two men took a liking to the sake! I don't normally drive at night as my eyes don't like the lights and seem to play tricks on me. But driving wasn't an option for Peter on Saturday. So I teased him a bit on the way home, saying things like oops I didn't see that cyclist - is this our corner? He turned looking a bit concerned asking if I had my glasses on, yep - but I just can't see at night! Truthfully even I do find headlights coming towards me hard going, but I got us home safe and sound. Yesterday we gardened. My arms look like they are almost shredded. There is a horrible creepy weed growing in the bush roses that I was tackling, pulling out two wheel barrow loads of it, resulting in scratches all up my arms.

Our daughter popped up for a visit yesterday afternoon and we lazed around with a coffee sitting in the window seat. I said to her it was a shame she didn't phone first as the boys could have bought their pj's and stayed the night as I have them here for the next two days. Devin replied that he already had his on and pulled down his shorts to reveal his boxer pj's. LOL he must have know - so he stayed. I have the three of them here today (school holiday) of to the pool soon with a books, pens etc to keep them amused while I do an aqua class (they sit on the seats where I can keep an eye on them) after aqua they can have their swim. So I can exercise while child minding! A busy few days ahead....... end of month, kids.....

I had a really good week last week. This is not counting Saturday night when I couldn't even judge points. I got around that by cutting back during the day. The sunnier warmer weather helps. More salads, more fruit and less craving for stodge! I've decided - back to WW for a while. I mentioned it to Sandra in the cafe on Saturday morning that I was thinking of it.(Sandra is the Saturday leader and very good, I like her meetings) she took my cell phone number and I got the impression if I don't go I will hear from her!! Weekly meetings will help me keep focused - not so much the weighing in, although that will help as well! Lets face it Anne - the only way the scales have been going lately are up, so time to face up! My incentive? The thought of being slimmer for Summer. I like how I felt at 70.1. Memories of that will spur me on!

Look what I found at school.....

2008-09-25T13:59:00.011+12:00

This is what I picked up from school the other day! Fynn - he's 5. LOL - he insisted on wearing one of his dad's old ties to school, he thought he looked cool! So why was everyone else grinning at him when we walked to the gate?? I thought I would take a photo. "Over here Nana by the light wall so you can see me better" he said. He makes me laugh:-)

Spring is here - the weeping cherry trees are a mass of blossom. The gardens are a mass of weeds. The two dogs are enjoying the sun:-) Mmmm - must cut back the weed mat under the stones we laid last week.

I had my morning cup of coffee in our window seat the other day then took a look at the surroundings, looks pretty out there! I love spring days like this:-) I could have curled up quite nicely with a book - back to work though!

This morning I meet a friend for a coffee, then we went to the supermarket. LOL She wanted some support to use the scanner for the first time. So much easier as no double handling of groceries. I had to pick up a prescription on the way home and while waiting somehow bought a couple of pairs of summer pants and some shoes! Doesn't seem to matter how my weight fluctuates I can wear the same size pants. That's good! It's the top half I seem to gain on.

Thursday already. I can't believe how much better I feel after a few days of eating well. Not just physically but also feeling happier. That feeling of being in control is good. I find I feel really sluggish when not eating well, bloated, yuk! I even got out my WW scales and started weighing food again, writing down points, haven't done this for what seems ages. Three sessions of aqua so far this week and back again tonight.

Back to work......

Bubbly, Bacon & Eggs

2008-09-24T08:41:00.004+12:00

Today's title? Well that was all that was on my list to take to the beach. Gives a clear indication of how the weekend went! A group of us went and I was told not to take anything at all for food and drink, (our house so the others insisted on taking care of the shopping) I thought there had to be something we could take and after a bit of discussion the above was our contribution. We all went to the local pub for dinner. Easy choice for me, steak and salad, (no chips) but then someone ordered a (fried) seafood platter and chips for starters, so I just had to try some..... The ability to say no seems to leave me sometimes! Monday back to the healthy eating and the past couple of days have gone to plan, the rest of the week will too!

The weekend was a lot of fun. Saturday night as I mentioned above was a visit to the local, raced back to the house to watch the Ranfurly Shield match. Great to see the win! We played a hilarious game of Cranium after the match. Sunday was an early brunch and the others headed of. We headed home mid afternoon.

OK - the weekend felt a bit like a bit of a blow out for me. I had food that I used to be able to say "no" to. I don't even enjoy it and then I get fed up with myself (later) as I've weakened. If I look hard there were some positive moments..... I still try.... Maybe I need the weekly weigh in at WW again? Don't know. I'm thinking of it......

Monday - the weekend is behind me now - on track:-)
I had our grandsons, we were heading out to their swimming lessons, they normally have a snack to eat in the car on the way. I needed fruit and veges, so stopped on the way at a shop and told the boys they could chose any fruit they liked as a snack. Tell me - why did one kid want a whole pineapple, I told him he couldn't eat that in the car, second choice a coconut!! He settled for grapes...... Funny to see the kids excited about choosing fruit as a snack and being able to select whatever they wanted (well apart from a pineapple or coconut) I'm a good Nana!

Tuesday - on track:-) An aqua session at night, followed by pan fried fish and a huge colourful salad for dinner.

Today - more of the same.......

No phones (again). And damage control time!

2008-09-23T17:14:00.007+12:00

Just briefly....

Haven't been about much - no phone or internet -again!!!!:-( So had to resort to the old laptop and wireless connection. Phone came on late this afternoon. Problem being we only have a "temporary line" which is hooked over a fence line. Temporary fix until the new subdivision opposite is finished. The fact is the sections have been on the market for way over a year and not a sale. So it could take a while! Finally they are beginning to realise - it does need to be sorted!

Luke was the instructor at aqua last night. My arms were still a bit achy from Thursday night! End of the session the women were buzzing about how these are the best work outs ever. I agree. Lost count of how many push ups, pull ups, star jumps etc we did. At the end I felt like my arms could barely do another thing. Despite this - I do love it!

Weekend at the beach was good!! But into damage control now. On the plus side and there should always be one - eating out Sat night and I requested "no chips". A very small step in the right direction. The rest of the weekend wasn't quite so angelic.

Just have to mention our bright little cookie of a grandson, aged 7 was in raptures the other day. The whole class got a detention for being noisy. He was over the moon because it was fun! What did they have to do? Write words out of the dictionary - he loved it!

Brrr.... cold, windy but of to throw on the swim gear and go to the pool. I'm tough!

Decent update tomorrow..... bye:-)

Dishonesty, theft?!

2008-09-19T08:28:00.008+12:00

Dishonesty, theft?! One thing I really don't deal with is dishonesty. Found it hard listening to my daughter's story last night. She works in a large call centre, about 250 staff. Yesterday she washed her hands after taking a toilet break, noticed a bit of eczema on her fingers, so took of her engagement and wedding ring to dry her hands properly. Back to her desk, but had left the rings behind, quickly raced back to the toilet - no rings, they had gone! The team leader put around a group email asking if they had been found, no response. The manager then put through a 2nd email saying they were an engagement ring, wedding ring - could they be handed in, or left where they were found. She is devastated as they weren't returned:-(

R our daughter just emailed, the rings weren't handed in:-( Some people! I just couldn't pick up anything that didn't belong to me and keep it!

Another email from our daughter.... at least she has a sense of humour. She finished with this: "LOL can always wear D's"
D is her sister whose marriage has broken up and has some rings she no longer wears....

I've shopped for the beach weekend. Yes!! I thought I had done really well with my selections. The nibbly hour we seem to have there is usually my downfall. So all in the planning I thought...... I shopped, but no nuts, no cheeses, no basil pesto (I love it!) and no crackers. Instead I have pretzels, pita bread, hummous. Then wait for it!!! Received a call last night to say we weren't to take any food - at all! As it's our house the other couples have taken care of the food, we've had strict instructions not to take anything! I suppose they are loaded up with nuts, cheeses and crackers........

Last night heading towards the pool I was thinking which instructor would be on. Then realised it was going to be Luke, a young guy who is relentless in pushing us! I'm getting back into aqua after a break and the thought of one of his sessions just about made me drive home! We couldn't believe it when one woman realised she had a blister on her hand at the end of it - well maybe we could!

The session involved numerous arm pull ups on the diving boards (the lower board!) some with one arm which was hard! Then racing down the end of the pool arms up out of the water (gets the heart rate up), then push ups.... kicking, star jumps, jogging, We finished down at the shallow end with our dumbbells and 5 minutes fast and furious arm work, which is hard with dumbbells under the water..... My arms were burning!!!! The session ended, there was a collective phew from everyone! We all starting shaking our achy arms! Got to be good!!!

Aqua works for me, especially in the pool I've been going to over Winter, different instructors, lots of variety, a lot harder workouts. There is no pressure on my joints, I'm huffing and puffing all through the sessions. It's not set and rigid like I found the gym, you don't know what you are going to be doing next. The important thing I reckon is find something you like doing - and I have!!! I know the Summer outdoor pool will be opening soon, I also know these sessions are a lot cruiser, but I like them too. Nothing beats the sun coming down while you are in the water. More a social time as well - so I know this year I really need to use both pools to keep the intensity going.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday

2008-09-18T10:29:00.003+12:00

Last night my cell phone went flat, of I went to plug it in to the charger that is in our room. No charger? That's right, I remembered when tidying up a couple of days before thinking I would put it away - trouble is where? So I spent a bit of time looking for it, getting annoyed as the phone was dead flat and what would I do without it!! There the charger was "filed" neatly in my bedroom drawer. I don't think I'm the only one here who sometimes has to use the land line to phone my cellphone to see where it is!!! Then I hear it ringing away at the bottom of a handbag or some other forgotten place! All these essentials we need - or think we need to live our lifes and then I spent half my time looking for them! I thought about my mum who died just over 10 years ago, really still quite young at 72. Life was a bit simpler for her. It has changed such a lot in those few years. Our daughter went overseas around this time and our communication was by letter! Trouble was letters from NZ to UK would only take 3-4 days to get there, but the ones in the reverse direction could take up to 10? Obviously Email was about - but neither of us had it. Exciting when we during her OE we started emailing each other - instant! Now we don't even bat an eyelid as we fire of emails and text messages. Anyway - I'm happy now the phone is all charged up, and in future I will leave the charger on the bedroom floor so I know exactly where it is!

I'm having a good week - eating well and not even feeling like picking at extras as I have been doing. I'm sure that the list I wrote about why I hated being fat helped me. Sort of made me cringe thinking of those memories. After aqua on Tuesday my calf muscles were burning, so I gave aqua a rest last night. Part of the class is 15 second sprints of kicking as hard as you can, then 60% effort. This is one exercise I struggle with as my legs are weak, so I admit here to taking it easier on this. Tuesday night I thought I would go as hard I could. Paid a bit yesterday for it, but they feel a lot better today, so I'll be back tonight.

We are of to the beach with friends for the weekend. Ages since we've been! Plan is to head away Friday after work. Sweet talk our daughter and her sons to house and dog sit for us and we are of! No doubt there will be a few indulgences to tempt me, a few wines, nibbles - but there will also be some good long walks.

Have been playing around with the template, just wanted something simple, not quite right though so will change it sometime soon.

Catch you later. Have a good day:-)

Finding the right balance

2008-09-16T09:01:00.016+12:00

Can hardly believe we've been back from holiday for over two weeks. Doesn't feel like we've been away! I've posted a few photos at the end of this entry of some places we went to.

For want of a better term - my weight loss journey seem to have taken part in three stages. Sometimes these stages overlap each other, sometimes I'm not in the right stage at all. For me:

Stage 1 - those initial days when nothing would stop me. Sticking rigidly to the WW program. Worrying how I was going to cope when faced with a social event where I couldn't track as I wanted. Going to aqua 5-7 times a week, (one night I received an invite to met a friend for a drink and was disappointed at missing an aqua class!) What a sad woman I was! Wearing a pedometer and sometimes if it hadn't reached the magical number of 10,000 steps I would do a couple of circuits of the house before going to bed to reach that figure. Really who cares if the pedometer only said something like 9,555 instead of 10,000!! But I did. Weighing in every single day and obsessing what the scales were going to say. While this stage gave me a massive kick start, and to be truthful I wouldn't be where I am today unless I went through this - but looking back it was not a good stage - or not one that could be kept up.

Stage 2 - happy. Life is about enjoyment. I usually aim for 5 aqua sessions. sometimes wear a pedometer but only if I decide on going for a walk. If a friend invites me out, aqua is flagged. I go and enjoy! I can go out, eat and drink socially, not worry - but still opt for the healthier options and just do the best I can. I am still trying to lose, definitely not wanting to gain. But I no longer worry if a waitress slips up and the dressing is over the salad instead of on the side. I don't weigh in every single day, rather just when I think about it. The scales fluctuate - up and down, but my clothes still fit so no worries.

Stage 3 - Telling myself one won't hurt. Yes but I never stop at one. I find I'm picking more and more. When home I constantly go to the pantry, just looking, then a cracker here and there, a couple of nuts, falling into old habits. I'm not worried at all what I eat when I go out socially now, instead I tell myself I've done well, look what I've achieved! My clothes are getting snugger. I no longer weigh in like I used to and when I do I don't like it! Exercise - too busy, too cold, will go tomorrow - all the excuses..... Tomorrow will be a better day. Tomorrow I will track.....

I was fast slipping into Stage 3! Feeling great now though - back into Stage 2. It's all about balance, funny how I thought I had it early in the piece. Looking back I didn't. Then I got to the stage there was very little balance at all! Aqua last night, I gave it 100%. I loved it! I looked around and I was easily the oldest there and the young ones were puffing too! Outdoor pool opens probably in 4-6 weeks. Roll on summer:-)

Here's the photos......

Loved the old cottages we saw like the one below. So pretty.

These two bits used be joined until one day it gave way, leaving two people stranded on the far side. They had to rescued by helicopter!

I was looking forward to seeing this place - Wellingt0n as the place name here in NZ was my old stomping ground. LOL - we got closer and the road ran out, and it was a ferry ride across. Pretty place but not what I imagined.

Above - These pelicans look like they are are thinking about the water temperature!

Below - Another pretty little spot. I loved the old buildings along the river bank.

Below - the Twelve Ap0stles, a really spectacular bit of the coast.

Catch you later:-) My day - just the norm, then meeting our son for sushi for lunch. Aqua tonight. I'm feeling a lot happier with how I'm doing:-)

The Klutz makes a grand entrance!

2008-09-15T08:57:00.006+12:00

I have the reputation of being a bit of a klutz. Over the years a couple of fractured ankles, a couple of torn calf muscles, knee injury...... a few other bits and pieces. I nearly did it again, well I had a damn good try! And I feel such an idiot. Talk about a grand entrance!!! Friday -out for lunch along with a group of women, a house I hadn't been to before (we share a mutual friend). I arrived, did the hellos and then walked past the breakfast bar to head towards my friend. I didn't see there was a step between the breakfast bar and dining area and it was as if I was stepping into thin air. I went flying across the room, landing in a heap on the floor. Initially my thoughts were what hurts? Surprise - no major pain, I could get up and walk! I got up very quickly, embarrassed!! Reassured everyone I was ok. I feel very lucky, after my track record it could have been nasty! Luckily apart from a bit of pain in the area going down one side of my foot towards my little toe - I'm OK!! No swelling, no bruising, no major pain. I think I've strained the ligaments a bit as this is the exact area I had trouble with after my fracture.

Our daughter separated earlier this year. She wasn't at all interested in meeting anyone in a hurry - but somehow did. Treading very warily she had (note the past tense) being seeing someone for a couple of months. He was heading away for a week on a pre-arranged trip. Just before this she had uneasy feelings about it and decided to pull the pin. Her sister talked her out of it saying to wait until he got back and see how things were then. He came home, sick, a text message said he would catch up in the next couple of days. She went out with a couple of friends for drinks, there he was, with another woman! Her regrets - she is blaming her sister for not letting her call it of earlier. Just as well she saw him I think because I'm sure he would have strung the pair of them along.

The production has gone to one grandson's head, (the little red head one below). He got his dad to write out a invite to his cousin, inviting him to a concert. The invite said "Come and see me dance, you can bring money if you want". So my daughter gathered up her two boys and went to the concert. The mother of the "dancer" was a bit surprised, she didn't know a thing about it! So the grandson put on the dancing music, (R0bbie Williams who I really like!) he put on his sun glasses and strutted his stuff. Apparently my two girls couldn't keep a straight face, so he turned down the music and said that he knew they would laugh. No, no they reassured him, we are just happy! Someone had said a while back he should be in drama classes, starting to wonder now!

OK as I keep reminding myself, this is a weight loss blog. I forget! So whenever I update now, I'm adding a bit at the end in a different colour, so you can either skip it or just read this part. Looking back on the last week, it went a lot better, but could have been better still! Downfall was after the lingerie party I had crackers, pita crisps and basil pesto left..... Not a lot and it had disappeared by the weekend (I ate them!) When do I ever learn? I shouldn't buy that type of food, it's dangerous for me! Also I hadn't done a big grocery shop since we got back from holiday. Yesterday the pantry was bare, no fruit, no rice cakes, no veges, nothing at all I could snack on that was good for me. I was literally prowling looking for food. The only snack food about was biscuits. Not good! So headed of to the supermarket and stocked up. No I didn't buy any crackers or any other tempting food. There was a time I could ignore it, not the case at the moment. I'm aiming for a better week.

Our son is back for a visit for a night or two. LOL - last time he said that he stayed about three months. He is working and living up north again, so it won't be an extended visit this time...

The production

2008-09-11T15:38:00.012+12:00

The school production went so well last night. The kids were soooo cute! And no - not just our little grandsons, but all of them! From one of the little narrators, a gorgeous little blond girl, who lifted up her t-shirt to scratch her tummy, to the little boy next to her that yawned and yawned. Our oldest grandson did not get stage fright like he thought, he rock and rolled and looked so confident, waving his way of stage, and in the encore was right out the front! A bit of a shock to all of us. His younger brother and cousin (both 5) looked too small to be on such a huge stage, (it was at a local theatre in town) they both did really well. One over the top and confident, the other shyer, but grinning from ear to ear. I had a huge lump in my throat on a few occasions!

I did their stage make-up and tried to do their hair as instructed.
Devin "I'm NOT nervous"

Fynn - he wanted the works, mascara and lipstick - SCARY!

Jordyn - oops - he smeared his mascara, patch up required

All three ready to go!

That's part of our farm in the background, also a few weeds in the garden!

What else?

- Well our rain water tanks are both over flowing, that's enough rain for now!!!

"I will if you will!"

2008-09-10T10:16:00.009+12:00

Well, well - I got back to the pool last night! Took a bit of effort to get back into it, and I did it! I'm feeling a lot better so back into my routine. I had really fallen into the habit of not going, and I knew it was getting close to me not going back at all! Home for dinner and then we sat to watch a bit of TV. Jaxx mentioned the program "Downsize Me" (sorry Jaxx takes me forever to do the links, so no link to your blog.) Like Jaxx I really want the lady featured to succeed. Her enthusiasm was catchy! Peter commented how he feels he's carrying a little spare tyre after the holiday, (LOL my skinny man). We watched this woman attempt to touch her toes. Peter doubted he could do that! So up we both got and tried, LOL I succeeded, he didn't!! I then did a few squats! Hope no-one was watching through the window.......

The end result after watching the program, Peter said he wants to eat healthier! So a case of "I will if you will". We do eat well, but he supplements his food with home baking, mashed potatoes, crackers and cheese........ and other goodies I try not to have. Good to have support, really good in fact. So some goodies that I buy for him that tempt me aren't going to be about here! Coffee time in the office, and the boss (Peter) didn't want anything to eat with his. Things are looking up here! LOL he probably only has about 500 grams to lose! A further result of the program, I'm heading to couch potato status again! I can do a lot more than I am! I'm thinking along the lines of doing more at home. We are getting the exercise cycle back from our daughter, (Peter's decision) I'm going to look for some books I have on exercise routines that can be done from home. Swiss ball, lots of thoughts going on here..........

Our grandkids are in a school production tonight. "Little Red Rockin Hood" The excitement, the practices, the panic leading up to this has been going on for months. Dramas this morning when Fynn got toothpaste on his production top! It is in the theatre in town.
The Rock and Roll songs they have been practising are sort of catchy.
- Rockin Robin
- Tutti Frutti
- Lipstick on your collar.
Fynn is a pineapple, Jordyn is not saying much, Devin is worried (he is a worrier) about stage fright! I'm collecting them from school and doing their makeup. The school notice said lipstick, foundation and mascara. But I've been told - foundation only! Only girls wear lipstick. We are going to the show. Should be fun!!!

Back to work, sipping my coffee - nothing to eat. Not hungry anyway!

Those days have gone!

2008-09-09T08:51:00.007+12:00

My last couple of entries have mentioned the fact I don't seem to have much motivation lately. No kidding!! So I've been thinking hard what I can do to help myself. I thought back to why WW worked the last time I joined for me when previous attempts fail. It really boils down to I got to the stage I hated how I was feeling. I hated being FAT! I've dragged some of those memories out. I think this has already started to help me, because I swore I was never going back there, and I'm not!

What did I hate? (in no particular order)

Fat clothes - are baggy and huge (and usually black). I've been overweight since my 30's and fat clothes then were clothes that a lot older women would wear. They aged me! They were clothes that I thought covered a multitude of sins, but really they were the only things I could buy that would fit!

Taking up too much space - airplanes seats are small enough without around another 28 kilos to squeeze in. Thoughts of going to restaurants and bars and seeing bench seats and wondering if I would fit! Quite often I didn't, well I squeezed in but memories of tables sticking into my middle roll, having my back pushed right into the back of a chair. Being squashed and uncomfortable and feeling like I was overflowing....

My boobs being a mantelpiece - no matter how carefully I dressed to go out, I could just about guarantee if we were out for a meal, I would somehow miss my mouth and something that I was eating would end up falling on my boobs! And yes messy food does show up on black clothes!! Just try and clean yourself up if this happens! I usually made a bigger mess! It would be there for all to see. One night I had a new silk top, lilac, we were at a wedding. Missed my mouth, whatever landed on me was greasy, the stain spread and was a huge circle, I had to put up with this all night! LOL - this doesn't happen now, I must have shovelled food in my face, that's my it missed my mouth!

Being judged – It's sad but there are still people who judge 'overweight' people. I have thought back to having on at least a couple of occasions being laughed at, pointed to and whispered about.
Ignorant people - the judges as above! The skinny people who don't understand.

Sweating, chaffing, swelling - I used to sweat a lot more, I had a continuous rash under my boobs, winter and summer. Also chaffing between my legs, rub, rub - huge rashes, I used to use piles of talc to help. Swollen ankles, by evening my ankles were huge - ugly.

Health and High blood pressure - really any concerns here were pushed to the background - I used to ignore the health risks. But I love the fact I've turned around a few of them!

Low energy levels - weekends would find me on the couch with a book, why? Little energy to do much more. I complained once to the doctor there is something wrong with me. I'm always tired!

Low self esteem - feeling self conscious – I don't really need to explain...... I think anyone at all that has had a weight issue would have their own thoughts about this.

Gifts - one birthday - why did my family think I wanted a fancy spice set? I wasn't a clothes person, I wasn't into lingerie. Really I wasn't into me!! Now days it is something a lot more personal, perfume, jewellery... I'm not hard to buy for at all!

Lingerie - huge bras, (they still wouldn't fit and part of me would roll over the top!)shapeless knickers, nothing sexy, everything beige or black. As long as I could squeeze myself into it. (Had a lingerie party here last night, Peter asked how much I spent, ooops!! I spoiled myself just a little)

Activities - for instance, a memory of walking with a couple of friends on the beach, here they were walking along and talking!!!! I was huffing and puffing behind them and was speechless, I had no breathe!

Photos - very few before photos of me, I was too ashamed. The few that got developed, I would get rid of. I just couldn't accept that the blob in the photos was me!

Seeing myself in shop windows, mirrors - I avoided looking!

I could list a lot more, these are just a few thoughts that have come to mind over the past couple of days. More than enough to make me think, those days have gone!

This list has made me feel a lot more positive. It has helped me appreciate what I have done, I appreciate the way I feel about myself. I've realised the health benefits I've gained, the increased energy levels, how good I feel (even with those few extra kilos!)

Back into it - eating well and exercise - but a reminder to me, the important thing is to enjoy life as I go!

Mondayitis

2008-09-08T09:58:00.006+12:00

- I've been here since 7.30am. Catching up as the bare minimum was done last week and I also had two holiday weeks to do!! Not good! So a brief entry today.

- Our daughter seems to be quite down. She said she can't face work today and any questions. No-one knew apart from her team leader and they will be wondering what's up. Also it doesn't help that she still feels pregnant! The mid wife said this could take a couple of weeks until her hormones kick in. Yesterday she had a social function where she was asked:
1. When she was going to try for a baby girl.
2. If she was pregnant (as she was drinking water)
People speak before they think, made me aware to watch in future what I say, although I doubt I would come out with either of those questions. Wish I knew what to say to help her.

- I have a lingerie party tonight! My friend is selling a range and talked me into a party some time ago. Not really into doing home parties like this. Just relax and go with the flow I suppose. So Peter is either, child sitting or going to the movies.

- Peter had a good Father's Day. Both girls visited with the grandsons.

- We decided to buy plants to replace the couple of gardens we ripped out. A couple of hundred dollars goes nowhere! Where can barely see what we've planted. Next thing is to stone the areas, to keep the weeds at bay. I'm not a gardener!!

Me? Still unmotivated, food, exercise and just in general! Still coughing, my desk looks like someone has thrown piles of paper at it from a great height. Not like me.

That's it from me......

Mojo?

2008-09-05T09:26:00.005+12:00

First of all thanks for your comments and support. Our daughter had the op yesterday and is recovering well physically. We are all there when she needs to talk or needs us. I still am in shock and going over in my head about watching the scan. I remember initially the excitement, then the confusion. So much harder for our daughter and her husband.

Well this started as a weight loss blog! It started because I was feeling so good about what I had achieved, I thought I could help others. These days, weight loss, exercise, mojo? Meaningless words for me!!! I just can't get my head into the right space. I suppose looking back over the past month, we had the fire at the rental property, (which we are still trying to sort out), two weeks holiday, then the very upsetting week this week. Emotions all over the place. But there always seems to be something going on!!!! That's life!!!! I'm using it as an excuse why I'm not motivated.

I really hate feeling the extra kilos I've gained. Up now to 5 kilos above my lightest. This may not sound a lot but to me it's like a ton of bricks. I feel like shaking myself and just doing it. "It" being eating well, tracking, getting back into exercise. Which means I would gradually lose what I've gained and feel good about myself. Soem of you are probably reading, thinking what am I worried about as to you my weight may seem ok. I'm a awkward shape, Size 16 even Size 18 tops, a lot of my weight is around my middle, I'm an Apple shape. My waist measurement is huge which is not good for my health, I have slim hips and legs. I know further weight loss won't solve this, but I can tell you I feel a lot better. Any weight gain goes straight to my middle, exactly where I don't need it!

I remember when I hit 70.1 and the excitement on knowing I was so close to being a 60's girl. Actually feeling really slim for the first time in years and just so close to my goal. I remember the compliments, the comments, shopping for new clothes. I felt like a new woman. I loved what I had achieved. Scary to realise how easy it is to gain, and the more frightening thought it could be another 5 kilos next year......I've often wondered if I put up a barrier, all I wanted to do was to break out of the 70's and had 100 grams to lose and I couldn't quite get there!!! Weird.

Every single day I wake up and think today I'm back into it. Breakfast goes well, I tend to get through the day ok, my choices are good ones, but I'm picking at extras that I don't need. Crackers and nuts are my downfall. Fruit is almost non existent in my eating. I'm getting fed up with myself, where is the control I used to have, the motivation? Last night I was going back to aqua, no matter what. Time got on and Peter commented that as I was still coughing I should leave it and have a walk instead. I didn't want a walk, I was fed up, so no exercise once more.

Basically I think it boils down to there once was a person (ME!!) who had the drive to do something and improve my lifestyle. Now that drive has just gone! I want it back!!! It really hasn't been with me for some time. I've often thought how strange it is that motivation can come and go no matter how much I want it back. I guess I also feel a bit ashamed. People soon noticed when I lost the first 5 kilos, so I feel like they are definitely noticing the gain now. This sounds such a down post. It's not meant to be, this is just how I'm feeling and have been for sometime! There are lots of good things happening in our lifes. By putting my thoughts here, I am already starting to realise, no good moaning. There is only one person that can do this. Somehow I have to sort this out and find a way to get back my mojo! I want that feeling back of being 70.1 again!

One day at a time, today I'm tracking, drinking water. It's a start.

*** ALMOST 12.30pm ***
So far - on track, a couple of glasses of water and turned down a biscuit when I had a cup of coffee with my friend - all good!!!

Back of to the hospital

2008-09-04T09:42:00.003+12:00

No rush this morning - but I'm back of to the hospital again. Our daughter went in yesterday for the D&C, waited and waited, surgery was postponed several times and after a day with no food or water, checked herself out again last night about 9.00pm. She is back up there today. I was with her yesterday afternoon and last I heard surgery was going to be at 5.30pm so I went home. Around 7.00pm her BIL phoned me to say she still hadn't gone in, she was a bit upset, so I decided to go back. I couldn't find her!!! They had moved her from the clinic and I eventually found someone who said she was in Ward 27. So back I go. They hadn't heard of her!! No-one knew where she was and then after a phone call the nurse told me she had gone home. No she hadn't I told them, she is here somewhere!! More phoning and at last they said she was in the Recovery ward. She had the surgery. I couldn't find the bloody Recovery ward. No signs, and just a bell unit on the wall. A very kind cleaner showed me. I rung the bell, nothing happened..... Our Son in Law arrived then and we waited..... Rung the bell again, nothing. He was getting a bit agitated saying he just wanted to know if she was ok. A off duty nurse came out on her way home and asked if we were ok? We asked if R was in there and yes she was - but not in recovery - still waiting. R meanwhile was bored, no visitors (only because we couldn't find her!) so she phoned me at home for a chat. Peter told her I had left home at least an hour before and of course then he started getting worried about me as the hospital is only about 10 minutes away.

Around 10.00 last night our other daughter phoned to say R had started to bleed. The midwife had said this could happen and if it got really heavy to phone an ambulance. I was thinking in a way this would be good, nature taking it's own course. It stopped though.

I know the hospitals are busy and this was just a routine op. Emergencies happen so surgery gets delayed. I wasn't impressed though when they gave me conflicting reports on where our daughter was, e.g. gone home, had the op - both wrong!!! I really hope for her sake it happens today. Apparently they are talking about opening another theatre to cope....

She lives only about 5 mins from the hospital and asked if she could wait at home and they phone her when a theatre was available. No.

Feeling sad.

2008-09-02T20:10:00.006+12:00

I had been waiting for yesterday to happen so I could share some exciting news. Very sadly the news is not exciting, it's all quite sad. Our daughter and SIL surprised us with the news of a new baby a few weeks back. We saw her when we got back from holiday and as we hadn't seen her for a couple of weeks, I noticed how good she looked, glowing, looking just a tad pregnant, exciting.... I thought I would keep the news quiet here until the first scan which was yesterday. I was invited along. Exciting, then very hard, confusing and then really sad to watch as the new baby we had all looked forward to is not to be. Our daughter is close to 13 weeks but the scan showed 6.5 and really she should have miscarried but for some reason hasn't. Still can't really believe it. I suppose our girls have been lucky, having two boys each and no pregnancy problems, sort of makes you complacent. Here I was thinking we've had a bit of a gap, this baby would be four years after the last one and we will so enjoy him/her. During the scan - they didn't really say what was wrong, this was despite our daughter asking lots of questions. In turn they were questioning her, then a bit of confusion as the scan progressed, then our daughter was told her midwife would get the results that afternoon before the appointment and would explain. We still weren't really sure.... but sort of knew. They didn't like answering questions and I guess that's maybe what they are trained to do. But we walked out and my girl's tears started to fall, we had a cuddle. At this stage, we still weren't really sure what was going on, only it wasn't good. Why can't they just say!!! Clutching at straws another pregnancy test showed she was still pregnant, damn hormones said yes, but the baby had gone.

Then onto the midwife appointment. She greeted us with a huge grin and said we would be soon be able to hear a heartbeat. It turned out she didn't have the scan results. A few phone calls later to get them and now our girl is of to hospital today for a D&C. She has what they term a "missed miscarriage" or a blighted ovum. The foetus stopped growing or never formed, the sac was still there. Just so sad. The midwife was just lovely, so understanding. She talked a bit about the grief process to R. Then it really hit me, that we thought we thought we were going to have another little personality, a new little person, another crazy little kid in our family and now we aren't. Yea I know this happens a lot, I also know we are very lucky having four healthy little grandsons, but... still very sad.

I don't like it!

2008-09-02T09:33:00.005+12:00

I don't like it! This is the longest I have gone without exercise for over five years!! First of all a sinus infection late July, then a cold, then a holiday. And I'm still coughing!!! I still feel I have a sinus infection. This is after anti biotics and nose drops! I've also tried herbal remedies.... So many people are having similar illnesses and saying it last for weeks. So frustrating though when even a fractured ankle never held up my exercise for this long!!! I'm seriously thinking just to go to the pool anyway. Medication, pampering and looking after myself hasn't helped so I don't think the pool can do any more harm. It's not a chest cough, just throat and nose causing it. To me exercise and eating well go hand in hand. Back to eating well and ao I want to exercise as well, but it feels that long since I've done any decent exercise that I know I'm going to find it hard!!!

With all the talking we did on holiday one subject that came up was how we met up with our husbands. As you do, right from little girls we were always going to be bridesmaids at each other weddings. It didn't happen. We were married just months apart on the opposite sides of the world. Fate is a strange thing. I met Peter on the ship going over, then we went in different directions, me to Scotland and Peter to London. Then Peter went to Europe. We lost touch with each other. My friend and I moved to London. Peter and his friends met up by chance with someone who was on the ship with us, who just happened to know where we lived. So Peter and his friends arrived on our doorstep. Their belongings - a beat up old VW, a sack of potatoes and a bottle of red wine?? They moved in to our already over crowded little London flat and the rest is history..... My friend met her husband to be in an even more chance situation. We all went to Hyde Park one Sunday. Next thing someone tapped us on the shoulder, it was an old school friend of ours. Lots of excitement, squeals as we all laughed at this chance meeting. Next thing the old school friend was joined by her friends. We couldn't believe it when we also knew one of them as she only lived doors down from my friend. A real coincidence, they had all been on the same ship coming over. There was a quieter girl and her English boyfriend standing on the side of all this. We were introduced. The "boyfriend" took a shine to my friend. I don't know what happened to his girlfriend, but it wasn't long until his new girlfriend was my friend. LOL - The rest is history.

LOL - the beat up VW Peter and his friends ended up travelling around Europe in, well they started with a Kombi van, it broke down somewhere, so the six that were travelling together split up. Three of them bought a VW and used that for the rest of the trip. By the time the VW got back to London, it had no 1st gear, nor a reverse gear! We still used it. It just meant whoever was driving had to stick it straight into 2nd gear and rev it like mad. Reversing into car parks was a bit harder, we had to jump out and physically lift and push the car into a park. Mad kiwis on their OE's........ Now my friend's English man, an accountant, well he had a car that went! Quite often he would call to pick her up and end up with taking a couple of extra Kiwis out as well! He still laughs about it. Two of our kids travelled in Europe and the UK for five years, now my friend's kids are doing the same. We agreed not to even think about what they get up to!

Last night we had dinner at our daughter's - a belated birthday one for me. I was given a lovely silver and gold Pandora charm for my bracelet. Spoilt, as when we were away I also got perfume from Peter. A birthday for the grandsons - means a party!!! They wanted music, the lights of and they wanted to dance. LOL - they really get into it. Head banging music and it looked like all they needed were a couple of guitars to smash up. The lights were turned back on. Fynn wanted more party! He looked at me and said "when it's my birthday, it's going to be better than this! I'm having more music and flashing lights and more dancing". So my birthday was a bit disappointing for them with what they thought was only a piddly little present (again) and just a quick dance!

Ho hum - back to the paper war!

Back again

2008-09-01T11:07:00.004+12:00

We're back - don't feel quite with it yet! The holiday was great (well great despite the coughs and colds we went with and then came home with!) Will do a proper update soon - but in the meantime - just some bits and pieces....

- Was just great catching up with my friend in Melbourne, lots of talking, lots of laughs and also quite a bit eating and drinking! LOL - Peter reckons she is so laid back - that if she was any more so she would fall over! Our friendship goes back to when we started school. We had a lot of laughs about things in the past, also our "London" days, which is when we parted ways. Haven't really got to know her husband that well until this trip, he was great. Ummmm - also a bit of a wine buff - so every single night, a few wines were drunk, some nights more than we needed! A couple of times we said "not tonight, well maybe not" then it got to 6.00pm and oh well - we are on holiday!

- Finally met up with one of my friend's "children". A lovely looking 18 year son. The other two are doing their OE.

- Also caught up with Peter's sister and her family and met our niece and nephew for the first time since they were little kids. Really easy to get on with and once again - more food and drink.....

- Have always wanted to visit Jamie's 15 restaurant, well we didn't quite get there but went to Taste Melbourne with my friend and his restaurant was one of the ones featured - so a few more wines and more eating.....

- Shopped and walked a fair bit!

- Visited friend's beach house south of Melbourne and stayed a few days. LOL - more food and drink!

- Then Peter and I hired a car, lots of hugs and kisses with my friend before we left. Hope it won't be that long until we see each next time.

- We headed of to Adelaide. So much to see and do on the way. Loved it!! Took piles of photos. Driving was easy, not a lot of traffic. Really enjoyed the coast line, we stopped so many times, I wondered if we would ever get to Adelaide! Beautiful little towns on the way, lots of old stone cottages that made me think we maybe weren't in Oz after all but maybe had found ourselves in parts of England or Ireland. Lots of fresh seafood:-) Lovely friendly people. Weather started to improve...

- My birthday - it was weird being away from home! I almost felt a bit homesick. I was missing the kids, the grandkids, but then thought only a couple of days to go - so enjoy! We went to the Port in the morning and found a beautiful little cafe for brunch. Then we took a HUGE drive out of Adelaide, enjoying the sights. Night time found us on the Marina at Glenelg - had a lovely dinner, scallops, fresh fish for me, oysters and prawns for Peter.

- Early start - going home! At the airport bright and early. I really don't like airports.... Some make you empty your bag into the trays, others wait until you empty them out and say not to bother! Then the frisking... We checked in early, and couldn't quite believe it when they sat us across the aisle from each other. Hey - I'm a nervous flier, whose knee can I grip onto when Peter is across the aisle?? So we were at Adelaide airport at 8.30am, flew back to Auckland, then back to Wellington, picked up the car and home at 11.30pm. It seemed a long day, but I was home wide awake until the early hours of the morning.

- Today - well I feel just a bit spaced out.

- Tonight - dinner with our kids and will see those little boys again:-) I missed them, but after 5 minutes those thoughts will probably go! LOL Devin stayed with his mum and brother here. Lots of little notes to come home to. One said "Anne and Peter" (Nana and Grandad). Sky TV does not go and Mum won't ring anyone for help. Please tick here if you can get it to work, or put a X if it won't go!"

You gathered we did a fair bit of eating and drinking. Some good choices, some not so good - but all very enjoyable! Now I pay!! I jumped on the scales this morning - you know I may even start using the "D" word (diet) I swore I would never actively go on a "diet" again, but short term drastic action required..... I could say only a kilo up - but I was up a few kilos anyway! It gets harder and harder for me to do this, but I guess that's life. At least I feel aware of the extra weight and want to do something about it, rather than the old days of ignoring it.....

2008-08-14T11:42:00.003+12:00

I was up bright and early this morning. Peter said the G our sub contractor was coming in first thing with paperwork I needed to price some jobs before we go. 11.45?? Where is he? He forgot!!!! Here soon.... The past few days have been busy, but all the planning seems to have paid of as I feel on top of everything now. Seems to take a bit more for us to get away, with the business, the farm and also the animals, but it's done! Excited? No yet, but I'm sure when I get on that plane I will be. The friend we are staying with has been in my life forever. We met when we first started school, grew up best friends, closer than sisters. I'm sure we drove the nuns that taught us mad! We planned at age 14 that one day we would go oversea together. Age 19 we headed of, so lots of fun memories we had. I returned to NZ, and she met an English man (something our parent's told us not to do!) and ended up moving with him to Melbourne. As she still has family here we catch up quite a bit - but the last time Peter and I visited her in Melbourne was when our twins started school, they have now turned 33! So this when she was over this year - we were told - it was our turn! The opportunity to travel doesn't happen that much and I always like to go somewhere where we haven't been before, but in this case it has been that long it will feel like that anyway!

Going into town soon to have lunch with a friend, then of to the hairdressers. Chris, B & G are coming up after that to visit Izzy who was their dog but is now ours. Last chance they will get before they move. Izzy is in the woolshed, safe and sound as a huge big black brute of a dog came visiting. I should explain Izzy is on heat.

Oh our 7 year old grandson who is up here house sitting with his mum asked for a list of jobs he had to do while here - LOL. We listed all the dates and then he got really, really upset when he realised I was going to be away for my birthday. (Hmmm - Peter didn't realise!) I explained we could celebrate when I got home. They boys were so worried about my present and I said I didn't need one. I laughed at Fynn, age 5 - huge big brown eyes and his husky voice saying "we want to get you something beautiful, wouldn't you like a beautiful lipstick!" Cute! He's his Nana's boy! Don't worry - Peter will remember the birthday.

Catch you all in a couple of weeks:-) Hope that wind doesn't get up too much for our flight. I'm one of those people that grip the seats!