Yabbies anyone???

Hands up if you have never been yabbying???

That many ???

You really don't know what you are missing!!

Apart from the initial embarrassment of having to buy "Lambs Fry" at the supermarket, the fear that someone might just see it in your trolley and think that you eat it.. it is a great country thing to do!

Sunday, we spend the afternoon in the glorious sun, checking nets and bringing that captures home and into the laundry tub before cooking. We have half of our dam empty, due to no dam fill this year, and the other half will be dry before to long, so we took the opportunity to do a little yabbying before it too dried out. My best friend from Dimboola brought the family over for the afternoon for the experience. I am the godmother of both of her girls.. so that was very nice!

I really need to get motivated food and exercise wise.. I am starting to feel sluggish and blah. I know that if I exercised more I would have more energy.. but man.. that first step is the hardest!

I have all of my friends laughing at the moment.. they think I have something for pumpkin. Often, I will test a recipe, type it up and email it out.. my last five have all been pumpkin based!!! LOVE IT!!!!

I have also given up eating potatoes.. for a few reasons that just came to me like a light bulb last week. They are high GI... Basically no nutritional value what so ever.. so I figure I might as well eat sweet potato or pumpkin. They have also been quite expensive ($13 for 5kg) when I can get pumpkin for 80 cents a kilo.. why would I eat them???

Little Hugh turns two on Friday and I am so excited about it! Having a party for him and I am making a Sheep cake!!! Van't believe my baby is nearly two! I love it when people ask the age of my kids and I can roll off my tounge.. 2, 3 and 4... then to see the look of horror that usually followed witha comment like.. "You must have been busy" - Yeah I was, but anything since is a walk in the park! Light at the end of the tunnel! Love having all of my kids close.. they play together just so well, hardly ever have sharing problems ot jealous issues! Very lucky parents!

Ok.. little fragmented post.. but need to get some order back in to everything...

Will it ever rain again???

Firstly.. again.. I should apologize for not posting more.. but some days I feel like it and others I don't. You will have to take it as it comes...

Weeks just fly... they get busier and busier...My kids have to go to Horsham on Saturday's for swimming lessons... like you do.. so half of the weekend of over before it even begins! Then usually I have to take photos for the paper, sporting event etc.. but have this weekend off. Have a 40th tomorrow night and my god-daughters 4th in Dimboola on Sunday.. another weekend gone!

Jack is going to be digging this weekend. We have to install a grey water catchment to the house. Currently, like most farm houses, the grey water runs into the paddock. But with no water, we have to now reuse this water to keep the garden alive! Jack thinks that we will be carting water to drink by December... pray for bloody rain!!The effects are going to be huge, if no rain comes. The 2002 drought was bad, but we still had water. This is so much worse. Devastating, heart-breaking to see the effects the drought has enviromentally and emotionally to the country. One of our dams is bone dry and the other will be dry early next year. It's fucked! I guess we are lucky we have income off farm.. but most don't! The government will not let anyone go hungry.. they will provide enough to keep food on tables.. but no money will undo the heart-ache that is going on... Farms that have been in the same family for years, just slowly dying.
I will take some photos to share soon...

My 4 week challenge ended last night and I can fess up to a 700 gram gain over the 4 weeks.. how stuffed is that! But no counting this week and on the wagon again!
Enough fart-arsing around... didn't go through all of this hard work and 4 dress sizes just to become slack and put it all back again! Today's WW quote is "When you believe you can, you can" - Well I KNOW i can... so watch this space for more

Have a gret weekend all..

Girls night in....

Most of you would have heard about the "Girls night in" the Cancer Council Australia run.. to raise funds for 'girly' cancer research. Last year I held a morning tea and raised quite a bit.. the plans for this year is bigger and better!!!

About a month ago my neighbour popped in on a Friday night, quite happy, as it was her birthday and she had a few glasses of bubbly to celebrate.. well the night continued with me pulling out my wedding album, my mothers wedding album (I got that in mum & Dad's divorce settlement.. with her dress..) THEN.. out came my wedding dress, all of my bridesmaids dresses, a suitcase full of wedding stuff. I was having a blast trying them on. My sisters bridesmaid dress she wore at my wedding fitted (Could almost breath... but hey it was ON!) Anyway... that is the basis of my "girls night in" theme this year.

I am going to send out formal invites (like wedding invites) to attend a "girls night" and ask the guest to bring their wedding album, wedding video, dress or something to share from their own wedding or maybe a bridesmaid dress. I am going to set up the nibbles table like a wedding reception table.. complete with "Wedding Cake" - A hot pink little number just with girls on top of it... Have toasts and present awards... When does anyone have an opportunity to pull out their wedding dress again??? Or even share their wedding photos after the event?? Sound like a good idea???

For those of you that don't know the idea behind it, the guests are ask to make a donation, equal to how much they would normally spend on a night out, for the Cancer Council Australia and celebrate being a woman, escape for a night and just have a good time!

Open to further ideas to expand my idea... my only issues is a few friends that are divorced, but I might invite them personally. I am sure they could still share!!

Weigh in tonight - getting frustrated by my weight!!!!! Only 4 weeks ago I was at my all time low and was caught saying "I am officially happy with my weight" - then all hell breaks loose and I bloody nearly gain THREE fuckin kilos!! (sorry for the language.. by really.. what is with that!!!!) I know why I put the weight on... as soon as those little words left my mouth, I started making little bad choices.. lots of little bad choices equals 3 kilos..

I am going to start playing Wednesday morning tennis next week. A bit of hit and giggle, girly tennis, but about my standard. Looking forward to it!

Ok.. better go... baby yelling. Have a great weekend. Mine will entail the movies tomorrow night with my best friend (the Devil wears Prada) a market on Saturday morning, helping Jack mve an old septic tank and eating and exercising well!! Please drive carefully. TOO many accidents on the roads!!

Oh.. almost forgot. I got a refund for my mothers MP3 player.. mother will be happy... I another little victory for the squeaky wheel....

Squeaky wheel gets the oil....

At times, I live by that little saying.. ..

When I was working in real estate, one of my employers used this term often. It took me ages to actually understand the meaning of it.

It came to mind this morning. I have issues with our dishwasher and my mothers MP3 player we brought her for Christmas last year. Both aren't working.

The dishwasher is sorted. It is just over a year old and it has been back to be repaired three times - If it was a toaster or a kettle, that I could remove and carry myself it would be such a issue. But it is a major job getting the bloody thing in and out of the house!! I a very lucky that Jack is quite strong and we have a ute!! Anyway.. I had a calm discussion with the supplier in Horsham and they have agreed to replace it. That squeaky wheel got some oil and is now happy...

But.. my mothers MP3 player is an amazing saga!! Not sure what is going on. We brought it off a local electricial store and they aren't known for their good service, but we try to support the local businesses as much as possible. It stopped working, I took it back, they send it away (apparently.... but it still at the store - they might have sent it back??? Not sure about that either) I have been in there weekly for the past two months... "It has been sent away... waiting to hear... it is out of stock...waiting to hear from the Rep... waiting for the new model to be released" the list was endless. Last week, they gave me a 'new' one - the same model was the one I brought initially (thought it was out of stock!!!) Got it home, plugged it in to load some songs on it for mum and it wouldn't charge or turn on. But while I had it plugged in I noticed that there was a heap of songs already on there. So, i get on the phone and report that it wasn't working and asked if it was new??? The response was that "Yes, of course it was" - I then asked why there was songs on there?? "I got my daughter to load songs onto it and make sure it worked before we gave it to you" - Then (i was infront of my computer) click on one of the songs and looked up the properties to find the file was put on there in April, told him as such and was told to bring it back in next time I was in town.... Dropped it off this morning and he was waiting for a call back from the rep. Will call in there tomorrow. My next call will be to Comsumer Affiars with this one.... really is past a joke now!!!!

Up to day 5/28 of my latest challenge. Food was just OK over the weekend. Well and truly eaten all of my sugar points and my movements sucked a little over the past couple of days. Making up for it today! Where i need more motivation then ever at the moment is with my cooking. So over the same old dishes - time for summer BBQ's..... I love soup... and have it most days for lunch, but over it. Love stewy things.. but over them also. Time to pull out the olde cook books for some summer inspiration.

We have a cafe here in town and a few months ago, after having a couple of chats with other women in town, approached the owner of the cafe with a few menu suggestions. All of the food they cook is really not WW friendly... either covered in cheese, deep fried etc.. you could have a sandwich, but who really goes out for lunch Just to have a sandwich.. I don't even eat them at home!!! The kids and I popped in there for lunch today and I was impressed to see they had a "Light option" on the menu... and it was delish!!! It isn't just people on WW that watch what they eat. Many people, if they have a choice, will opt for something that is better for them... Hopefully people see it there and they continue with it! It really is the only place to eat in town, for lunch. I was getting to point that I was dreading going there. Food Nazi (that is what Jack calls me..)

Ok, better go and make the Thomas track a little bigger so all three kids can fit around it!

2 x 4 Challenge

I am not talking about a length of timber...

This is the title of my new challenge. Reading one of the many blogs that I tick past each week I read something about a 4 week challenge... I am sorry I can't recall who's blog it was (I have even tried looking for it!!!) 12 weeks seems to drag on and on... so I have planned a short, quick, wee 4 week one!

So.. in a nut shell - The aim is to lose 2kg in 4 weeks. I have a few people from our little Weight watchers meeting joining me on this.. With the change in the season, the timing is perfect to get things moving again.

Some of the rules for us is to Track everything we eat.. even if we go over points (i have been known in the past to stop counting once I got my my limit!!!)

Clock up at least 70,000 steps each week and ONLY have 14 sugar points for the week!!

The basics.... but that should get us to toe the line again and get rid of 2kg.

The reward - A Massage!!!!!

I have noticed that I eat total crap leading up to and during TTOM.. three weeks hard work gone! I haven't always been like that.. and grumpy.... I feel sorry for my family during this time also. Just to balance everything out, I have started taking 30-plus - Even though i MUST stress that I am only 29!!!! I never used to suffer this bad from PMS.... I am not sure if it is because I have lost weight, or perhaps it is a hormonal thing after having my tubes tied for the second time..... Some friends have suggested that perhaps I am running to lean, and need to put on some weight?? Not sure.. but that will be a last resort!!

My idea being if I don't suffer so much with PMT - I won't be on this continual cycle of getting to my lowest of 62 - then eating my way but up to 64. Have been eating a fair bit of crap recently... but that is stopping. It wouldn't be too bad if I had just one lollie... but I eat the bag. I have work too damm hard to lose this weight to just eat it all again.

Today has been a busy day! I worked for a few hours. The Minister for Local Government was in our area and they appointed me to follow her and take photographs of the events that she was in attendance at.. so a library opening in Warrackanbeal, meeting at a neighborhood house in Donald and a bridge opening also in Donald. It was SO windy... but got home in one piece! I was desperate to wear this new spunky dress that I brought at the end of last summer.. but alias it was too cold!!!

My sister is on her way home home Melbourne as I type this, so the weekend will be catching up with her and just general jobs... and LOTS of movements!!

I am in love with my exercise bike. I can ride up to 55km a day on it. It is great to be able to ride while the kids are in bed, or watching TV. It is so quite!

Thank you Bec for the 43 things web link.. very cool web site. Definitly got me thinking. Will update soon on a few dreams... have been thinking lots.

Ok... everyone have a safe weekend and will be back shortly with an update of how the weekend eating and exercise finished up!!!

Dreams.....

If someone asked you now "What is your dream?" - could you give them an answer???

Apart from the usual - "To win tattslotto..." I really couldn't give you clear cut answer...

Why don't I have dream that is crystal clear.. and dream that is achievable... Something that I can work towards...

Perhaps I am working towards dreams and it isn't just a conscious thing... We love living where we do... This really is a dream to live out of town on our little farm. Making this property our own is important to us... we are doing this... making that dream come true.

I have had bad skin from my teenage years and still now have the odd breakout. I used to dream about waking up and have skin of a model. I didn't just have the odd pimple. I had acne on my face, back, chest, tops of my arms & shoulders..

I was reading an old copy of a Madison magazine and I read about how models have to look after their skin.. if they have bad skin.. they don't have a job... those high school issues came rushing back again... For YEARS I would never leave the house without makeup... swim without a t-shirt.. not wear tank tops so not to show the tops of my arms.. I was so embarrassed by it.

Now.. that all seems so silly. I don't care. I live in singlet tops, leave the house without doing my hair.. let alone make-up and swim in a bikini. Sure.. my skin has cleared up since then, but I have scaring that is still promient. I guess.. in a way.. my attitude changed.. making this dream come true!

After having my children, I just to also dream about losing weight. To look great in a pair of jeans. All of this seems so superficial.. are these things really important??? But.. I guess that dream also became a reality!

What is my dream now??? I think it is a natural thing to dream for the best for your family.. but what is MY dream??? What is my next dream to work towards??

Why did I dream to be thin and have clear skin??? .. In hindsight, the picture is much clearer, but at the time when those dreams and wishes where made, it was only vanity.

I feel better about myself if I am happy on how I look. I have more confidence, I believe in myself, I believe that I am a successful person. It is so much more then just fitting into a size 10 pair of jeans....

Now... better start dreaming of a dream...

Hi there....

This is like ringing a long lost friend...

not sure where to start....

an awkward moment....

do I need to explain????

When I first started reading blogs, I would occasionally come across a blog where they have just vanished or a little post saying they where going to take a break from blogging...

My reaction to this was always.. Why???

Occasionally I would worry about the person...

'hope nothing has happened to them.... '

I didn't understand, just as I am sure there would be several people reading this saying the same.

Surely it isn't hard to keep us all posted??? Well, I understand now...

I was finding it difficult to post....

to stay positive...

I want to always be positive....

My head was in the wrong space....

So I had a break....

and now I am back!!!

Thanks also to everyone that emailed and posted comments... I am truly sorry for not just letting you know what I was up to.. I was just getting my head in the right space... And it is!!

My family are all just as beautiful as they where 6 odd weeks ago when I last posted... Jack is also great!

My fitness has been my main focus, finding this improving greatly. My weight dropped to 62.1 at one stage, but was up this morning to 64.1. I really struggle with ttom.. but more on that in another post.. promise!!

I have continued to read... i guess I went into stelth mode. So many exciting things out there happening...

Thank you once again for your concern and support... I am back baby...!!!!!!

Exercise bike?????

I popped in to see my friend and bestest WW buddy Janita today and hopped onto her exercise bike while chatting.. like WOW.. when did the old bike, with the wheel on the front, that blew a gail force wind into your face, that sounded like a jet taking off get pushed aside for this little beauty????? Janita's bike records EVERYTHING, speed, distance, KJ's and I WANT ONE!!!!!! It was a little thing that would fit into my little house and no bits for the kids to get their little fingers caught in... will investigate further...

OK... Edit here... Wednesday and I have brought an exercise bike.. for only $170... In a VERY small box. I am not even going to attempt to open it until the kids go to bed. I am imagine there are like a THOUSAND small little screws etc in there!!! Exciting.....

I was planning to go to Horsham today.. just a few things to do and a girlfriend from school was home for the week and I haven't seen her since she got married. We met and had a wonderful lunch, having a huge laugh about all of those things we did, that only she knows about. he he he.. she was reminding me of all of these things we did and I had totaly blocked most of them from memory...so funny!! We where very close for those final years of school, just headed down diffrent paths when we finished school. She moved to London and has since married a South African. they are currently living in Melbourne, but haven't found that 'home' yet. No kids, been married for about 5 years or so. She hasn't changed... She is very clucky, but has just gone back to uni to study law.. finially... so who knows when those little people will start arriving. I have so many photos of that time in my life... school etc, i should have taken them with me to show her. I am a big photo taker and always have been. It really was so nice to see her again.

Ok... must go and check my tea We are heading to Bordertown on Friday. One of Jack's mates from school, father passed away and the funeral is on Friday afternoon. I have farmed out the kids everywhere for half a day.

Ok.. will report in once bike is complete!!!

Noises from my kitchen....

Jack, bless his heart, has been making a few noises about eating "fem" food... that is what he refers to my meals as.. "Fem" as in they are girl meals... so while in the supermarket yesterday, I spoted his favorite... Crumbed chops. I thought that I would earn lots of brownie points cooking them for his tea. I ate a vegie pasta dish as I couldn't quite come to eating the chops..

I even cooked them the way he would have cooked them. I got out my non-stick frying pan, and put about a cm of oil on the bottom and shallow fried them.... do you know that I haven't heard that sounds of oil and fat bubbling away in my kitchen for MONTHS... it was such a strange sound. In fact.. the olive oil that I cooked them in was months old... Once... I would buy a new bottle each fortnight or so... how things change!!! But, Jack tucked into this chops... heaven I am sure, in his eyes.

My weekend eating was ok. Saturday night I had a little cooking burnout and ordered take away. I was crap and I didn't eat much. I think I need to do that occasionally, just to keep me motivated to continue cooking good healthy meals. I have been trying lots of new receipes and loving doing it. Even though it is winter, the sun is coming out slowly and has been putting a little bounce in my step!

Ok, I have a huge ironing pile to tackle in my bedroom, so best be off!

Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair......

Hi all...

Yet another VERY busy week. Have had sick child, a baby boy that has decided that he know needs his parents to pat his head each time he wakes and the in-laws visit.

Jack's parents headed home about an hour ago. They where on holidays, touring NSW etc but due to wet weather changed their flight plan and headed this way for the last two nights of the holiday. They headed back home this morning, refreshed and ready to go again. Laura has twice, after her nap, woken with a temp and feeling yuck. Bless her little heart... fine in the morning and ill by the end of the day... see how she goes today.

As for the title of my post... those of you with children will know that the Target toy sale started this week. Our little country town is blessed with a Target Country...a smaller version of big target (used to be Fosseys). Emilie found Rapunzel, a Barbie DVD there on Tuesday. She has the doll and the movie has only just been released on dvd. So, being the big softy I am, told her I would buy it for her on Thursday when is came on special. Well, Thursday morning I got my neighbour to come and sit with the kids at 8am.. so I could lay-by the kids presents that I was getting.. and get Rapunzel. Emilie was so excited. Come home and was met at the door... got the shrink wrap off the DVD to find that in production a "Swan Lake" DVD was put into the Rapunzel cover... Emilie was devestated. She had the hugest biggest fattest tears crashing to the tiles. I rang Target.. and I am sure they would have loved that call.. first hour of first day of toy sale... to tell them that I was coming back into town and what the problem was. They had to open ALL of the Rapunzel DVD's to find ONE that was right... problem fixed for me.. but I do wonder about all of those other little girls that on christmas morning rip open presents to find the same problem. Heart-breaking stuff for a 4 year old!!

Health wise for me, this week has been good. The scales came down 500 grams this week and I have excercised heaps this week. Things have been a little muddy under foot, but generally the weather has been great. I run Minyip on Wednesday morning. Some of you might recall the Australian series of "The flyind Doctors" and it was set at "Coppers Crossing" well in reailty "Coppers Crossing" was Minyip! Can you remember "Emma's garage" - Rebecca Gibney was the mecahnic?? Well all of that is still there... the old Pub that Sid Buckley and wife Nancy used to run... can you remember?? Well the kids go to care in Minyip each Wednesday (about 12km from where we live) and while there I run up and down each street.. only took 23 minutes... but it was so nice to run on a road that wasn't gravel!!!

I am working this afternoon. On odd occasion I take photos for the local paper. So I am going to local football, netball, hockey, gold and bowls this afternoon. Sun is shinning.. so will be great!

Jack is working hard to get some jobs done. The new shed.. to replace the one that fell down arrived on Thursday.. so much has to be done before that can be put up. I can hear the chain saw going... still cutting up the old one. Has been great firewood.

I have made a heap of new receipes this week. Phil posted a receipe for Baked Jam donuts... devine... I feed neighbours boys (teenagers) here Wednesday night and even they liked them!! I have also made Tandoori Chicken Pizza... base made from scratch using yeast. The Donuts reminded me of that!!! A Moroccan Chicken... divine... Veal strongonoff..not bad. My little taste buds have had a work out... ANyway.. I better go and do some more housework before I head off.

Take care all

Kirstyxx

Hi there.... I'm back.....

Sorry for the break between posts... not on purpose.. just busy!

Firstly, hope that all the Vic bloggers had a blast in Melbourne and I am looking forward to reading all about it during the day...

Secondly, I had a bad week with my eating last week and the scales are showing it... I put on 800 grams at weigh in. I couldn't say no to all of those foods that I have been so strong with... you name it I ate it last week. The weigh in results kicked my butt to get me back in line. I have been very good since, even with a very busy few days! I have been plannng the days food the day prior and eating what is on the plan... has been working. We had a heap of rain over the weekend (godsent) but I still walked in it. Must have looked a sight... boots and rain coat...

Anyway, we had the Apex Handover dinner on Sat night.. lovely night... and yesterday I became a Godmother again... to beautiful little Charlotte Jean, my best friends daughter. I am also her other daughter, Olivia's godmother... (Trying to post a photo... not working)

I will be back later in the week with more news and grooves, but time yet again is a little limited today...

Hi there.... I'm back.....

Sorry for the break between posts... not on purpose.. just busy!

Firstly, hope that all the Vic bloggers had a blast in Melbourne and I am looking forward to reading all about it during the day...

Secondly, I had a bad week with my eating last week and the scales are showing it... I put on 800 grams at weigh in. I couldn't say no to all of those foods that I have been so strong with... you name it I ate it last week. The weigh in results kicked my butt to get me back in line. I have been very good since, even with a very busy few days! I have been plannng the days food the day prior and eating what is on the plan... has been working. We had a heap of rain over the weekend (godsent) but I still walked in it. Must have looked a sight... boots and rain coat...

Anyway, we had the Apex Handover dinner on Sat night.. lovely night... and yesterday I became a Godmother again... to beautiful little Charlotte Jean, my best friends daughter. I am also her other daughter, Olivia's godmother... (Trying to post a photo... not working)

I will be back later in the week with more news and grooves, but time yet again is a little limited today...

"mum, I don't need a Dorothy tail anymore..."

Those are the words most mothers dread to hear.... I true sign that your little baby is growing up.. moving on.. if only her mother would! Emilie gave her Dorothy tail to a friend on Saturday morning at the concert and it nearly made me cry!! Who told her that she was to old for the Wiggles and Hi 5 was much cooler anyway??? She loved the music but she has really grown out of them... at 4!!!! We got there early... as 600 people in Horsham Town Hall was a little daunting to me, but we ended up at the front. I told someone else's kid off, for pushing mine.. made her cry..he he he.. her mother still didn't show her face, lost Laura for a few minutes... she decided that she would like to do a lap.. just to see who else was there that she knew, Jack's old girlfriend sat RIGHT behind me.... she is a strange one. Still contacting Jack up until recently when she married... odd one - I just deleted a line about her, made me seem like a bitch...

The kids and I then walked to Kmart where we brought Hugh a Scoop tractor, because he didn't go to the concert.. he was very happy with that!!!



The kids and me... Hugh spent the morning with Granny

and this is Laura.. dancing...

I am in a much better state of mind at the moment. TTOM arrived yesterday and I think my mood last week was reflective of this. I started this brew of tablets a few months ago, given to me by a naturopath that was to help with PMT, and at large it really did help. Not sure what is going on this month.... Will continue with the brew for another month, otherwise I might need to go back and see her again.

I have also given up cooking.... I have burnt SO many things over the past few days... And not just a little burnt.. brown on the edges, I have had to throw out whole meals... twice!! and then I have burnt on top of that pita bread, bread rolls, kidney beans for soup... soup... I have been so good for so long... but I think I am a very impatient cooker and turn it up to get it done.... I need to slow down.. and I i think my saucepans are beginning to show the signs of being buggered. Constant scrubbing to remove carbon would not be good for them..

The rest of the weekend was spent at home... didn't do much at all, just house jobs. We broke the glass in the fire yesterday and I have had to let it go out to get it fixed, so it is freezing. The Reverse cycle just isn't the same....

Anyway.. kids to dress... then into town for a shop of fresh vegies etc and a coffee. Have a great week. BTW - Bee - here is me sporting my pedometer...

Daisy Duke Challenge - W5

Very proud to say that I clocked up over 67000 steps last week, from Saturday lunch time. I have had a few huge days. I spent Wednesday morning at the sheep sale in Warracknabeal, chasing sheep, Thursday at a clearing sale, and Tuesday I also clocked over 12,000 steps. While my steps over the week have been great, I only managed two sets of toning exercises. So that will be more of a focus this week for me. I ate out on Wednesday night. I had a huge steak with salad (no chips please...) so within the NoCount menu - Went to a performance of the Scared Wierd Little guys..(great BTW - they picked on Jack all night) had coffee after and I didnt eat anything.. just "skinny flat white please" Weighed in tonight at 63.6, at 300 gram loss.

W5 - DDC

EAT

I did well on the No Count program last week. I really enjoyed a different menu and I didn't crave sweet food much at all. I enjoy the No Count program, but it does have it's restriction while eating out. Even trying to grab a pick bite at Lunch time can be challenging. This week I will follow the No Count program again. The only day that may be difficult is tomorrow. We are heading to Horsham to see Dorothy the Dinosaur in concert. I hope to be back in time for lunch.

MOVE

I want at least 60,000 steps this week. I can move my butt if I need to and I am going to. My new pedomter has got me moving again and I AM GOING TO DO MORE TONING EXERCISES... build up some muscle to get that medabolism going... Again... we have a thousand jobs that need to be done this weekend.. so will keep moving.

THINK

I have been in a shit of a mood since Wednesday... I think it is a combination of being tired, a little sore and just plain grumpy. I don't often get like this but when I do, someone just has to say the wrong thing and watch out. Little things happen everyday that could send most mothers off the deep end, but usually I just deal with them and not let them worry me to much. At the moment, it is all a little hard and I seem to be yelling at my little ones too much. Had a very bad day yesterday... involved little lambs and Jack having to get rid of our dog... then after that, everything was hard. How did I deal with it? I ate almost an entire bag of musk sticks on the way to the clearing sale and Pizza for tea last night... that was yesterday.. today is a new day, but my head is still not quite back in the right spot yet! I am such and emotional eater... Until WW, I didn't think I was.. but Man... I so am! So I am working on the same as last week... Not to eat my emotions..

My motivational quote for the week...

"Be kind to unkind people... they need it the most.."

Ok then... Jack has just rung and I need to run into town for him to get him some drugs for his Asthma that he has misplaced somewhere. I would have loved to head to Melbourne to meet you all there on Saturday week, but we have the Apex Handover dinner that night. It would be such a surreal expereince to me some of you in person. Hope you all have a safe weekend and will try and slip a post in for you over then. I have a photo on my camera for Bee of me modelling my new pedometer. Shall downloaded sometime soon and post.

Take care
Kirsty xx

Growing pains....

Poor little Emilie (4 year old) was didn't settle until about 2 this morning... her knees where sore... the only thing that I can put it down to are 'growing pains' - not sure if this is a real condition, or something that my mother used to tell me.... Anyone else out there have any idea on growing pains?

NoCount is still going really well. I have only used 4 points.. won't use any today. 3 of my four points where TWO WW Orange Choc bars on Saturday night - my little treat while watching a very scary movie with Jack. Skeleton Key - Had Kate Hudson in it. I am normally a chick flick kinda gal.. but this movie sucked me in... and the other point was 1/2 for a little bit of flour in my NoCount lagsana and the to the 1/2 was for BBQ sauce on my Bacon and Egg yesterday. Seems to be little effort to keep on track...

I brought a OMRON brand pedometer from our chemist and it can be worn around my neck, which was a bonus for me. I would throw a kid on my hip 30 or 40 times a day... about the same number of times my pedometer would hit the dust! Very happy with it. Been walking this morning. the girls watched Play school and hugh and I headed out. Can't run with the pram.. so it was just a very brisk walk!

Ok.. just a quick post. Will check in on all sometime during the day... but I need to get some housework going before too much else!!

Saturday update......

I am just doing a very quick post to let you know how well No Count is going for me.... I am a little amazed myself how good I am being!!

So far I have eaten...

Fri - Baked beans and toast; Chicken and sweetcorn soup with another piece of toast; a platter of fresh fruit; Roasted pumpkin, garlic, onion mixed with penne pasta, chilli with a Moccocan yoghurt over the top (delish!!) and a cup of hot chocolate for supper. Sat morning.. Bacon and egg on a piece of toast, fried rice (very small serve) and a made creamed rice with equal (artificial sweetener) - Planning on making a NoCount lasange for tea... So far I haven't used ANY of my 21 points...

Motivation has returned... just need to make then all habits... and I have anew pedometer... and it is raining.... can things get any better!!!

Have a great weekend...

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!!