W4 - Daisy Duke Challenge

My first part of this weeks challenge was to find a new picture of Daisy to put on my fridge!! Each week I have made a poster for my fridge with the requirements of each challenge.. I have included a photo of the beloved Daisy.. but I have run out! So onto google I went !!

This is again the original Daisy, and the caption attached to the photo said "While running through the woods, Daisy Duke falls into quicksand and gets rescued by her cousins" - Still looks hot - even if she is having a near death experience.. Check out those collar bones....

W3 in review.. I have no idea on my steps. Pedometer click broke on day three, and I will send it back to WW but I am not certain if the WW warrantry will cover a clip... so if it doesn't, I will log onto Walking with attitude (thanks for the tip girls..) and get another!! I think I will get a better one anyway, I like the sound of those clips with weights. Toning exercises where fine..

Eating... Shit... Started out fine, but for some reason I stopped tracking and it all went out the window. I went to Ballarat yesterday to see my grandmother and I nearly emptied her lollie jar.... stupid... but somethings I guess will never change! Even as a kid, I could go to Nanna's, nearly make myself sick on lollies. Such a bad habit!! I guess it is lucky I don't live in the same town as her!!! But, while in Ballarat I went to a fresh fruit and veg shop called Wilson's, and I believe that they still grow a lot of the produce.. so fridge is full and ready to go!

Ros returned to her meetings tonight. She was very quite initially, but once the meeting started she told us her story about the accident.. I think we where all in tears at some stage of the meeting. Ros is an incredibly strong person, but this has really dented her armor. I don't know if it made her feel any better, telling us her sad story, but it has brought it all out, open for discussion and I know that is the way she would want it. She told us everything from the CFA beeper going off at home, saying that there was an accident and at what intersection and she knew it was her husband, going to the accident in the slippers, having to race back home to get her purse and change her shoes, as they had called the air ambulance at the accident scene. How she lived in the same set of clothes for 4 days, didn't eat for those days either, how the injuries happened, that there wasn't a bruise on his little body, just head injuries, when Jack went in for his transplant surgery she went shopping for fresh clothes and a block of chocolate. Very, very brave family and I admire her more now then ever before...

My weight was 63.9 (over two weeks) so a 200 gram gain... nothing considering what I have been eating...

So.. onto the

W4 - DDC

EAT

This week I am going to focus more on eating... in fact.. I am going to go onto NoCount for the week. The only meal that will be eaten out (i think) during the next week will be next Wednesday (got tickets to see the Scare Little Weird Guys and plan to eat out prior) - but we are going to Mexian restaurant where they do a fine streak.. so I will get through that one unharmed. I have started my NoCount week with a plate of baked beans and toast... Yummy soup for lunch and a pasta dish for tea... will have to think more about tomorrow before I do the shopping.

MOVE

Due to pedometer issues at present, I can't put a number of steps for this week. So at least 4 good walk/runs and again toning exercises - 4 sets of. I have been feeding the sheep by hand (lugging bags of grain around) which I hope is also helping. Hopefully by next week I have a pedometer again. It is so much easier, when I am busy with the kids, to slip out for 20 minutes twice a day, then do on a big walk.. Just slowly adds up during the day.

THINK

Again... I am going to work on "Don't eat your emotions" - yesterday was fine as I had bookwork to keep my busy... perhaps I need to get another hobby...

Motivational Quote for the week

Motivation is what gets you started.
Habit is what keeps you going

and to keep those habits.. not just let them slip!!!

Thanks for all of your comments.. love getting them! better go, kids are creating a few points of housework for me to clean up!!

Beetroot dip and my pedometer....

Just had to take a breath... yet another busy weekend. It really is amazing how much you can pack into a weekend!

A flying visit to Melbourne to move my sister's stuff into her new little home saw us up at 6 and at Ararat McDonald's at about 9 to meet Sally and Brett. They left from Horsham a little later then we did. A quick coffee and back on the road saw us at Northcote at about 11 - Had the trailer unpacked and looking for something for lunch by 1pm - By that stage it was all about the food...

Sal's new place is so cute... one of those single fronted terraces, all new inside, which is just as well as Sally is VERY fussy. Here is a picture of Sally and Brett at their front gate - corny hey!!

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Linda.... I drove past two fish and chip shops in Thornbury on the way out (on High street) - you will have to let me know which on your husband owns for out next visit!!

Sal and Brett love food.... good food... and they took Jack and I to a pub in a back street called The Standard... The pub looked like any pub you would step foot into here in the Wimmera/Mallee.. but had the most amazing beer garden. Here, Sal & Brett often dine and Brett loves the beetroot dip... I have never tried a beetroot dip before.. It never looks that nice.. a pile of pinky/red mash - just couldn't bring myself to taste it... but with the recommendation given to us, I tried it and I have to admit it was divine... and point free!!!! So lookout next time I am asked to bring a dip to an event.. it will be beetroot!! We walked past all of these cute little cafes on the way to the Standard, but I know why this place would be popular. Very casual.. almost stuck in a time-warp without trying. The food was delish.. I had a grilled chicken burger... all fresh and nothing processed (Chicken I mean ....) Jack and Brett had the lamb shanks.. that looked beautiful and Sal had the Lamb and garlic sasuages. We sat in front of the fire...ate... had a couple of drinks then walked back out into the drizzle!

On the way there I saw out of the corner of my eye, A Quick brown fox.. clothing store. I don't know why I have heard of this brand.. but it was the only shop that I popped my head in for the day. Very funky things.. but will have to head back anothr day with more time!

Sunday brought another full-on day (for Jack anyway) - He went cropping and put in our lentils. Each year since we have been living here I have taken a photo of the kids and jack on the back of the combine.. here is this years... Kids dressed liked ferals (farm clothes..)

Emilie spent almost the entire day out in the tractor or having a ride on the back of the combine. She is so tired, she just fell asleep at the kitchen table having her lunch.

I also feel naked!!! The clip on my pedometer has broken. I keep on feeling my hip and it isn't there!!!! I read an achieved article on the internet by CHOICE that the WW pedometers are just motivators and that the steps can be out by 20%!!! So.. if I can't get mine replaced by warrantry, I will investigate further and see which on would be the best!

Ok... I better get a wiggle on and do some more housework.. seeing as it was neglected badly over the weekend!!

Daisy Duke Challenge - W3

Good morning all...

Firstly, thanks for everyone's comments about our anniversary - I know that I am very lucky to met my soul mate...

Here are a couple of photos taken last night... Jack was too embarrassed to ask the waitress to take a photo for us... so we just have single photos... he he he. Now.. Jack' shirt... blue or purple??? Jack thinks that it is purple!!!! - We had a lovely night out and the menu hadn't changed so lamb it was!!!

On to more serious business..

W3 - DDC

Ok - Firstly - even through the steps are set so low, I still didn't quite make it to my goal of 50,000... 3000 short!! But did the toning exercises... My Neighbour who recently joined WW brought a pedometer last night at WW - so she is also joining in the DD challenge..

Eat

Eating this week has been good and in control. The odd sweet thing here and there, but still within allowance. So, will continue this for W3. But, my water intake sucks... So will plan to drink at least 6 glasses of WATER each day. I am stressing the water part of this as I would often have six cups of coffee (or more) a day and count them as water...

Think

After re-doing the habit audit last week - I am going to work on the habit of being a emotional eater... Under this I would also put being bored and eating was well.. Get my thoughts under control and my food will follow. Ask myself the question before I eat crap - "Do I really want this or am I just bored???Emotional??"

Move

Step 50,000 steps for the week (have to get there before I increase it)

4 sets of other toning exercise. I think the old windsor pliates might get a work out this week..

Quote for the week

" Some succeed because they are destined to. Most succeed because they are determined to"

I am making a flying visit to Melbourne this weekend to move my sisters furniture into her new flat at Northcote. And since all you have been doing naked rain dances for us, the sky opened up this week and it has finally rained, so Jack has to sow lentils on Sunday. Lambs are dropping, got our first set of twins yesterday... exciting... Haven't had to bottle feed any yet, unlike Est... but kids want to bring them home each time one drops..

Ros, our WW leader will be returning next week and they have asked that we all support her and try and bring a friend to WW to show our support. I guess they are worried about people stopping coming to WW, not sure how to approach Ros. I always find the first approach after something tragic happens is the worse.. then it gets easier.

Ok... there is still so much to tell but I better get a move. Sister is coming over for lunch (chicken and sweetcorn soup on the menu) and I need to get some washing dry.

Happy First Pash Anniversary babe...

On this day, 22nd June 1996 (10 yesr ago) Jack and I had our first date. Jack and I knew each other for quite a few years before this day, but both had other boy/girl friends. This is pretty sad to admit, but he was the only person to actually ask me out on a date, rather then 'picking-up' at the pub. Just shows what a true gentleman he is!

Jack drove me home from the pub the weekend before our date, appeared on my doorstep the following night, quite late, to ask me out the following weekend. Jack was living in Naracoorte, so he left me his Naracoorte contact telephone number on a notepad, and I still carry around this piece of paper today in my purse. It is getting very tatty, and might need to be moved to my jellewery box, along with the shotgun shell that shot the snake that scared me in grade six, but it was the start of our relationship.

(I have a photo of Jack taken when we first started going out, but can''t load.. grrr)

I was living and working in Horsham and Jack was in Naracoorte. Each and everyday since our first date, we have spoken to each other, even through we lived apart for about 18 months in total.

Our first date... was at a restaurant in Horsham called "Olde Horsham" - Jack picked me up from my flat wearing what we refer to now as the "Wimmera" jacket, green tie, cream shirt and jeans... I can't recall what I was wearing, but I remember this guy with a tie turning up to take me out - yet another first! The Wimmera suit - EVERY bloke in the wimmera would own a olive green double breasted jacket - seems to be a uniform blokes around here had....

He picked me up in his work ute, opened the door of the ute for me (something that he still does when it is the two of us and are aren't trying to get three kids strapped in) - we had a lovely meal (I ate lamb) and went to the pub afterwards. The rest, is history, I was in love and still am. I really can't imagine anyone else in my life... you can see why I married him! Jack is the most honest, loving person I know!

How are we going to celebrate??? Jack has booked a table at Olde Horsham tonight, mum is looking after the kids.... What a sweetie hey! I asked him last night what time did he book for and he said 7.30pm, and when I asked why then, he said that ten years ago he booked for 7.30 as well....Happy anniversary sweetie... Love you so much and thank you for the last 10 years.. XX

I will post W3 of DD challenge tomorrow!!

I can't think.... (UPDATED TUES AM)

Blogger Block.... does anyone else suffer from this?? each day, something will happen and I think to myself, I must remember to blog about that... and I forget! I log on to make a new post and a draw up a blank...

Just while I am recovering my my block, I must tell you all how much I enjoy my blog. I am almost to the stage I will start telling people (very close friends, family) about it. I too am a little bit of a closet blogger, like Phil wrote about in a recent post, but the more and more I write, and re-read entries that I wrote months ago, the more I want people I know to read what I write. In a way, it might explain a few things. I am very conscious not to knock anyone in my blog, and believe me there has been times where I could, it is always in the back on my mind that someone might just come across my ramblings...

I check blogs almost each day... I have my list in my favorites section of internet explorer and quickly flick through them for new posts... I love reading about each and everyone's daily happenings... all of these exciting things happen in people's life and to be able to read about them in such details, is wonderful. Like, how many bloody babies are happening in our little blog world. Kate had just had a pink one, Karen is waiting for a pink one also, both Jodie and Paulene are waiting for miracle babies... Ashwee surprised us all with her recent announcement and there are those that are planning babies... like Hayley and Ryala. All of these blogs I started reading with weight loss being the purpose of their blog, but lives change focus just so much and seems that expanding families is the flavour at the moment. Paulene recently tried to stop posting in her journal.. thinking that once the focus changed from weight loss to families that we wouldn't be interested!!! But, due to demand!! she was foced to continue to post. In all honesty, the weight loss is a common start for us all. But once we start talking about the things going on around us, it become just so much more... I feel like I have made some true friendships through this blog, and I often quote my 'friends' - Like Alis , Margaret and CKK with some little tibit that I have read about in their blog...

Anyway.. I still can't think what I was going to blog about... will be back soon...

Tuesday morning update:::: - What the???? I have just been reading through blogs and TWO more bloggers haev announced that they are pregnant!!!!!! Congratulations Emily and Tina!!!! Anymore out there - time to fess up!!

Daisy Duke Challenge - Week 2

Isn't she hot!! This is the original Daisy, and in my husband's opinion. The best one.

Ok.. firstly we have a new blog baby. Kate finally gave birth to a little girl. Pop over and check out the photos. Kate's blog was one of the first that I started to read and I remember when she announced that she was pregnant again. **Clapping hands** So a huge congrats Kate, Joesph and Amelia. Please email me your address, Kate, when you have a chance (akdaniel@bigpond.com) so I can send little Natalia a little Aussie gift!!

Secondly... more baby news. Our first lamb arrived!! I know.. i know.. it is only a bloody lamb, that some of you might end up eating before the year is out, but it is still a little baby. I took the kids over yesterday to show them, being careful not to scare them and to see the ewe always turning to check that the lamb was still there was very cute. The poor little thing had to endure a -2 degree morning, but it is ok. (Jack checked.. he he he)

Weigh in tonight. We have a leader from Horsham coming over for a few weeks until Ros is up it again. Ros' boys funeral was yesterday. A huge funeral and it seems the family is holding up well, for the mean time. They donated Jack's organs, and if out of this tragic event, it is a positive for them to have. That Jack's death has helped others. Again, an important reminder about organ donation. If my mind had a little meter on it, I am sure that I would have clicked into the 10,000's, with the number of times I have thought about them in the past week or so. They have set up a trust account for Jack. The family intends on supporting those that supported Jack.. such a wonderful idea. One of Jack's little cub mates organised a raffle to raise funds for the trust account, amazing initative for a 9 year old to organise. Again.. i guess it is something positive for them to focus on.

It has been so bloody cold and I have only just done the minimum with my Daisy Duke challenge. I have completed it and if I did not set the challenge, I don't think I would have exercised at all. I have lost count of sugar points this week. At a guess... 30??? Aren't I bad. Why am I like this??? Dunno... it is really annoying.. Week 2 of the Daisy Duke Challenge will be flawless... wait and see!!!

W2 DDC

Eat

Ok - If I feel like something sweet, I plan to eat fruit instead. I don't think we will be eating out this weekend, so I am in total control of what I eat. Father in law is flying in tomorrow, so wil have to have 'sweet' things on stand-by for the weekend, but that doesn't mean I have to eat them! Plan all of the weekend meals - including snacks!!

Think
I am going to work on the Plan Ahead habit. I am a pretty good planner, but with a father-in-law here all weekend, if I don't plan I will fail.

Move
Walk 50,000 for the week
4 sets of toning exercises (Really enjoying these - love my skipping rope)

Quote for the week
" The hardest things in life to learn are which bridges to cross and and ones to burn"

Edit - I have just arrived back from WW and happy to report that my weight is sitting at 63.7kg. Only 200 grams above my lowest ever weight. TTOM hit today.. so I am VERY happy with that result.

I am aiming to get below 63.5kg this week... a new time low.

Daisy Duke Challenge...

Firstly.... thank you for all of the recent comments on Ros' tragic loss. The town is really shaking from it's core. It made me wonder how the Mildura community survived losing all of those teenagers early this year. I think you often read about these tragic events and think that it will never happen to you, or anyone you know. So, I guess you count your blessing each and everyday.

Weight Watchers was cancelled this week, but they have a fill-in leader coming next week to cover for Ros for the mean time, until she feels strong enough to return She is a very strong person, but even with the strength that she has, it will be difficult.

I have been suffering the effects of a cold for at least two weeks, and not sleeping well. It is starting to effect me during the day. I could have easily curled up for a nap this afternoon, but three little children had different ideas about that. I feel like I did before I started weight watchers. Tried all of the time, lacking motivation, and yesterday my eating was deplorable, ridiculous even. Back to the old eating for the sake of eating, tired so I eat, bored so I eat. It has to stop. One of the reasons I think I feel tried is that I have been really slack on the old exercise... as they ay - "Exercise is the greatest energiser". So I am going to begin my new challenge. The Title of my new challenge???

My Daisy Duke 12 Week Challenge

Why Daisy Duke??? Cos, she looks hot! I wasn't sure which "Daisy" better, I googled Daisy Duke and found pictures of both the new and old - Both look great - so that is going to be my motivation. Not that I can EVER imagine myself wearing cut-off jeans and cowboy boots, but she always looks like she loves life.. what more then that do you need.

The lown down...

Time frame

12 weeks - I know it is a long challenge. It was going to be my Bikini challenge, similar to Phil's, so I have given myself time leading up to summer.

Outcome from Challenge

Not a weight based challenge. But of course I want to maintain a weight below 65kg for the rest of my life. But, I want to tone all of those flabby bits. My tummy, thighs, arms... all of the wobbly bits.

How

Each week I plan to set what my weekly goals for Eat, Move and Think will be.

So.. this week my plan is.

Eat

Eat no more then my allowed 21 points a day. Track each day - and Track everything. "You bit it you write it" and I am going to eat at least one new recipe this week. I have two or three already in my mind to try out!

Think

The motivational quote I am going to run through my head this week is

"Don't procrastinate. Do what needs doing when it needs to be done"

And

I have to Move it. I am going to Focus on making time to exercise this week.

Move

... the exciting part.

Firstly. I am going to walk at least 3 times this week. Not just little 20 minute ones that I slip in from time to time, but actual big walk/runs. It is the Long weekend and Jack is home for the next three days. No more excuses.

Tone it...

Taking the advise from "Complete Home Workout" from the latest WW magazine, I have brought a skipping rope. This is a exercise that I can do while the kids are home. Quoting the article " It burns fat, tones muscles ... "A exercise that will get my heart pumping. Between my fitball, skipping rope and fit strip, I am going to do at least 4 workouts with these.

So, everyone please travel safely over the weekend and look forward to reporting on the progress of my new challenge. I have been trying to upload photos, but like many of you also have trouble... will keep on trying though!

Heavy hearts....

The poor little fella passed away last night. Only in grade 3, 9 years old, a cub scout, a son, a brother and a mate...

I just can't start to imagine what the family would be going through, but I guess they had a few days to say their good-byes and give him lots of kisses and hugs. Now, as I have just finished the ironing, I imagine Ros' ironing pile, with little Jack's clothes still in it, his boots still at the back door. It would be those things that would continue the hurt.

Saturday, after the accident, Jack and I where heading to town listerning to the local radio station. There was a bloke giving the football scores, and he made the comment - "Sorry if I sounds a little flat, but my son was injured playing football today and wouldn't be able to play in the state team. I am really dissapointed about it." I am sure I am not alone in thinking if that is your son's only problem, he will heal, and he will still be there tomorrow.

Please pray for hope.... UPDATED

**EDIT MONDAY MORNING **

Morning... I have an update, but not a good one. The little boy is on life support, but they are waiting for another set of test results and grandparents to arrive from QLD. They don't think he will make it. How quickly your entire life would change...

A quick post.... our Weight Watchers leader, Ros' family where in a tragic accident this morning and things don't look great for their 9 year old son. He was flown out several hours ago... a tragic, shocking car accident, that has really shaken the town. Please say a little prayer of hope and strength for them...

Will post more news when known..

Morning

New challenge... stay tuned...

After reading Phil's post on her bikini challenge and got me thinking and I am going to set a new challenge for myself. I will post the details once i have nutted it all out.. so stay turned!!!

I weighed 200 grams more last night.. so sitting on 63.7kg.. still really happy with that. Just sitting here waiting for the babies wake. I am going over to Horsham to find a pair of jeans that will fit. I have lost count on how many pairs I have been through over the past 12 months.. none of them have been worn out... they are just too big. My friends love it.. they get the hand-me downs!

The meeting as quite large last night, but as a group they only lost a total of 3.2kg... so lots of motivation this week to see a big week from everyone! I have fallen back into the habit of eating something with my coffee each time I have one.. that has to stop... last night I had a pear instead and that hit the spot!!

So.. Horsham shopping tonight. I have a voucher for a beauty theparist in Horsham that a friend gave me and since I get all of my waxing etc done here in Warracknabeal, I am going to spend it on Neopolin makeup that they stock (Seeing as I am not a finalist in the WW slimmer of the year and won't be receving the bounty of gifts ... damm) and I have a few other little things that I need to do, take the kids to McDonalds for tea as Jack has Apex tonight. Have our Spicks and Specks trivia night tomorrow night and Mum is coming over to look after the kids... umm.. can't think of anything else really going on.

Will be back shortly with the details of my summer bikini challenge!

Better