DAY OUT

Started one of my activity goals today - took Oscar for a walk. It was a stop/start kind of walk as he had to sniff and pee on every tree and bush we passed! He is so funny to watch - he runs like a wart hog, head is held high and his little curly tail sits erect.
I call him "The Master of Disaster" as he has wrecked what little garden I have under our pergola. I love him to death though but am looking forward for the destructive puppy stage to pass. This is supposed to be my daughters dog. She conned me and her father into getting him in Sept. promising to look after him etc etc yadda yadda! I should have known better, it didn't last long. So guess who looks after him ! Me, the sucker !!

Today we had a day out - went to the coast, I was looking forward to a nice fish and chips lunch by the water. We were disappointed when the place we had chosen only sold hamburgers and hotdogs - oh well the scenery was beautiful and a nice sunny day, not to hot. On the way home my daughter spotted a chocolate shop so we stopped by to see what they had. They had the most delectable desserts all served with fresh strawberries and this scrummy dipping chocolate.We all had something (even though I'm chocced out after Xmas) for afternoon tea, it was nice but I felt a bit queasy after, it certainly is a once in a blue moon kind of thing.
Were having a quiet night in for New Years Eve this year, tomorrow we'll head next door for my mum's traditional New Years day dinner, then it's off the work on Tuesday. I am actually looking forward to resuming my healthier eating which is certainly a change from how I would feel after a bender like the one I had over Xmas. Things are looking up !

GOALS,GOALS,GOALS

OK, now the silly season is almost over I am going to start thinking about some goals I would like to achieve for 2007. My goals will be flexible to suit me and most important of all they will be achievable. I am going to put a start date of 2nd January, as that is when I go back to work as I always find sticking to the plan easier when I'm working. I'm not going to weigh myself until 2nd January, as I know I have put on as my back tells me every morning when I get up. It screams at me to "lose the lard barge arse or I'll cave in under the strain" lol

1. Resume a healthier eating regime - I am undecided about this at the moment as to do what I had been doing previously - which was sticking to 1500 cals a day and keeping fat at around 30-40 grams or do the Weight Watchers points programme - which I know like the back of my hand. I wouldn't mind even rejoining WW but the leaders in my area are about as exciting and inspirational as bat poo. A little bit of humiliation, oops motivation I mean always helps.

2. Start back at the Gym. I know, I know I've been saying this since I started this blog, I actually rang them to see what their opening hours were over Xmas to be told they were closed and wouldn't reopen until the 2nd Jan.So that's my start date - again. This time I will take it easy to start off with. I will aim for twice a week for the first month.

3.Start taking my dog Oscar for a walk at least once a day. He is a 6mth old pug x puppy with boundless energy so it will do both of us good.

4. Start a weight graph so I and everyone can see my progress and update on a weekly basis.

5. Be kind to myself and cut myself some slack when I need it.

That's it for now if I think of anything else I'll add it later.

BACK AGAIN

Well it's all over for another year. All the hype, running around and preparation for the big day and it's all over as soon as it starts.

We started Christmas day with breakfast at our place with my parents. My eldest brother and his three kids came down from Gulgong (Country town in NSW) and we had lunch at my parents place. My mother makes the best roasts and we had turkey this year and it was delicious. I made the plum pudding and for a first attempt it was good, if I say so myself. I also made the Bounty Balls that were on Wanna_B_Slim's blog which were a sooo easy to make and were a big hit with everyone. In the afternoon I fell asleep on the lounge as I had a couple of glasses of red wine (3/4 of the bottle I think) . We then came back to my place for a light (light - that's a joke) dinner of ham,pork and salads. By the way, we didn't have far to go as I live next door to my folks !!

Boxing day was a rest day - my brother and his family left and I vegged out on the lounge and watched some biblical movies, The Bible and King of Kings.

I am dreading getting on the scales as I know for certain I have put on as I feel like I have. Why is it that when your on a diet everyone buys you chocolate. I have never in all my life received so much chocolate and crap like I have received this year. I tried so hard not to succumb, but unfortunately lost that fight. I have also tried giving it away. Even my daughter who is a self confessed chocoholic has refused the stuff. I think I'll bring in in to work when I get back, I can only hope I can survive the temptation. I can see if I don't get back into the swing of things very shortly I'll just revert back to my old eating habits which I certainly don't want.

By the way , I got an apology from my daughter. I am still bruised from the incident. I have made a decision not to give her everything she wants like I have done. My husband says we give her everything and we get nothing back in return (he is referring to common decency and respect). He is right - so I'm holding fast as she wants to go to a concert in January and she won't be going.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE & ALL

Well, I should be feeling on top of the world today as it is the last day of work and a half day at that. Unfortunately, I'm feeling pretty shite as my 15 year old daughter had one of her teenage angst moments last night and told me she hated me and I was a f#%king bitch. This morning was no better - refused to say goodbye and when I said she should be apologising to me - I got another mouthful. I'm really at my wits ends with her - She is an extremely intelligent girl who has been raised in a good loving home. As a only child my husbands and my life has always revolved around her. Maybe that's the problem, we have given her to much.

My mother says it is a stage and it will end soon - but I'm sorry I don't believe she should be carrying on like that with anyone especially me - her mother.

Anyway, I want to wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas to you all.

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

HOT CHOCOLATE PLEASE WITH MARSHMALLOWS

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

WE WRAP THEM

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?

WHITE ON THE TREE AND HOUSE BUT I HAVE COLOURED LANTERNS ON THE BACK PORCH

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

NO

5. When do you put your decorations up?

ALWAYS TO LATE

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

THE WHOLE BAKED TURKEY THING

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

STINKING HOT DAYS SWIMMING IN OUR POOL


8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

CAN'T REMEMBER

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

NO ! DEFINATELY NOT

.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?

WITH GOLDS,SILVERS, WHITE AND CREAM DECORATIONS

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?

LOVE BECAUSE WE DONT HAVE IT

12. Can you ice skate?

YES, ON MY BUM

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

OUR ABOVE GROUND SWIMMING POOL WAY BACK IN 1970


14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

GETTING TOGETHER WITH FAMILY, SHOWING THE LOVE

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

AUNTY GLORIA'S XMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY CUSTARD


16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

OUR YEARLY FAMILY REUNION

17. What tops your tree?

A GOLD STAR

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving?

BOTH

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?

GOOD KING WENCESLAS

.
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?

YUKKY

21. Do you have music playing while decorating your tree and house?

NO

22. Artificial tree, pre-cut tree, or cut-your-own tree?

ARTIFICIAL TREE

23. Do you have Christmas decorations in your bathroom? Or, where is the oddest place you have decorations in your house?
NO ODDITIES

YEE HAA !!

I hope this santa stops by at my place !!!! lol

POST PARTY

Well I survivied the family get together. I was completely buggered by the end of the day as we started setting the hall up at 9.00am. Well, now to the million dollar question - Did they notice my weightloss ???? A couple of cousins did but most people commented on how much better I looked this year. So all in all I'm pleased with that. I know when you have heaps of weight to shift like me a 20 kilo loss is not easily reconisable when you only see someone once a year.
The important thing is how I feel - and I felt pretty good.

The spread was fantastic and I had what I wanted and didn't go overboard with the food. My cousin made a to die for christmas pudding - Yummo. It was her first time as my Aunt always used to make them and she is the Master of the Christmas Pudding - All Hail Gloria !!!! He he he

After lunch my mum organised some games for the wee ones, but all the adults got into the swing of it, so we all had a great time with heaps of laughs. Even though we only see most of these people once a year, we always fit back together so easily. I suppose thats what being in family is about. That's the thing I like about Christmas - the caring and sharing part.

OK, so now, how did I go on the scales today. Well my answer is I don't know. The F*@# scales
decided to "chuck a wobbly". There digital and I've had them for ages, so me thinks I need a new set. I'm going to wait until after Christmas when the sales start and buy a good set, you know the ones that tell you body fat percentage etc etc. I need to be extra diligent now I don't have my security blanket. Anyway I better go and start some work - BORING!!

BORED,BORED,BORED

It's friday, it's 4.30pm and I am waiting for the clock to strike 5pm so I can get out of here. It has been a bloody boring day . I have gots heaps of work but could not get into anything today. Maybe it's the weather (Humid and raining) or the fact there's only 4 more working days till the Xmas shutdown, and I still have a heap of things top do at home.

Tomorrow is our family get together for Christmas. There will be around 65 of us from my mum's side. We hire a hall and all pitch in with the food. It is usually a good day, but a lot of work. I wonder if anyone will notice I have lost 20 kilos. I'll be pissed off if they don't because they sure do notice when it's put on! (lol). I have also had some weird cravings today - probably because I'm bored. I succumbed and bought some Kettle Chips, they were yummy but I'm paying for it now with the reflux( Yukky). Iv'e just been given a lovely hamper from some guys here at work. It has choccy covered macadamias,shortbreads,peanuts,jams etc everything I'm not supposed to have. Oh well, I'll take them home and leave them on the counter and they are sure to go.

GETTING CLOSER

WOW - I LOST 2 KILOS !!!

Do I sound excited - HELL YEAH !! I've made it to my first mini goal of losing 20 kilos by Christmas. Lets see what the reli's say this year at our annual christmas get together.

My weekend was fairly hectic with Christmas shopping, looking for cookie cutters and pudding bowls. I have volunteered to make my first christmas pudding this year so am excited and nervous at the same time as my mother makes the best mouthwatering puddings, so I have some tough competition. Even if it was crap she would still say it was good - that's my wonderful mother for you.

There seems to be a distinct lack of Christmas spirit around at the moment. Everyone comments on the same thing. I havn't seen a Santa Claus ot carolers in the malls yet. I or should I say we put our chrissie tree up yesterday and after bloomin well putting up 200 fairy lights only to find out they didn't work, so down they came and Daerly beloved and myself were looking for any broken globes. We found 2 , went and got replacements and they still didn't work, so I think it's time to buy another set. Grrr ! I love my christmas tree I have it decorated all in gold.creams,silvers and white. When it's finished I'll try and post a photo.
Anyway better go and start some work - Ciao!

Oh the pain !!

In my last post I was looking forward to a massage as I was having trouble with some spasm in my lower back. The massage itself was wonderful though a bit sore in places particilary over my sacro-iliacs joints and gluteas medius muscles. The next day OMG the pain was so intense and radiated through to my stomach, it was so bad I couldn't concentrate opn anything and went home from work. Dearly beloved had the next day of and drove me to work as I had to do the wages and could not drive due to all the pain (happy pills) I had taken. God knows if I made any errors with the wages as I was on the ceiling when I did then! lol.

I finally succumbed to the Dr's yesterday and has refferedd me to a specialist (dang) I hate doctors.Here we go again around the Merry Go Round. Only good point it's not till January 07.
I am now back at work and my desk looks like a bomb has hit it as NOONE does ANY of my work for me - Do I sould pissed ??? Damn right I am.

The only upside to all of this was I lost another kilo, as the pain meds make me quite nausesous and I didn't feel like eating. Hmmmm I"m going to a couple of parties on the weekend, maybe that can be my buffer?? lol. Any way will sign off for now and wish everyone a great weekend.
Talk to you next week.

A loss is a loss

I lost .800kg today.I am happy with that as I haven't been 100% on the programme. Where coming into the silly season and I am a bit fearful I will fall off the wagon and not be able to get back on it.

I didn't make it to the gym on Saturday, due to as usual putting everything else as a priority eg. housework,washing,ironing etc. I work fulltime and I don't do any housework during the week (other than cooking and washing up). I always put everyone else first, and me last. Hmmm, must speak to dearly beloved about some "me" time as he manages to get to the gym 4 times a week as well as going out to his
poker tournaments.I am having a massage tonight so am looking forward to that as my lower back has been in spasm for a couple of days now.Arr, I can feel it now!!!!