Further to my earlier blog, let me just clarify, when i talk about boring, I'm not saying that going to the gym is boring, nor weightloss nor healthy living, nor fitness, I'm just saying, I'm not into sitting around talking incessently about dieting, weightloss/gain and whether or not i've put on 0.015 of a pound, or if I eat the (whatever) it will be 'x' amount of calories and how much of a work out I will have to do to work it off and oh wait, lets post again how I'm going to work out today. Yes I post about that, but not every single day. Just saying, some people are obsessed about whether or not they'll get fat if they eat a teaspoon of ice cream or one grape. Me, I am not, and, I'm fine with that. That is all I'm saying. Each to their own. I just find balance quite good myself. There is so, so much more to me, than just a person working on their weight & fitness.
I'll be back soon, I promise!
Sunday, 5 January 2014
Happy New Year - A Fresh Start
Happy New Year for 2014
It's been such a long while since I last wrote. I haven't forgotten about my blog, it's just that, well, life has taken different directions and it hasn't been such a passion for me lately, but then feeling a little guilty about not having posted any updates recently, I thought I'd add a couple of posts to get back into writing again.
Now I have been thinking, since all of us are a 'work in progress' I felt that I should extend the content of my journey to include all aspects not just about weight loss. You know, I actually find that constantly talking about weight loss and whether or not someone has put on or loss a pound or a centimeter can be somewhat boring. You know it, we've all been around one or more of those people and no we don't need to see facebook posts every day of 'I'm at the gym'. Boring! (ok I apologise, that does sound somewhat judgemental), but there is more to life and I'm just not that insecure, well not about that anyway, in fact, I'm probably a lot less insecure about myself now than i ever was as a skinny version of me. Yeah, have you heard that saying 'I wish I was as thin as I was when I thought I was fat'. So really, without boring you any further (whilst still trying to encourage others), I was thinking that this year I'll add some posts which will highlight upon other areas of transformation, because as I mentioned earlier - we are all constant 'works of progress'.
Part of our journey involves currently living in a smallish unit, with the kids sharing the nice big room, which should have been mine and me slightly cramped into the smaller room, but hey, for now it is comfortable, cozy and we so far (thank you God) have not experienced any real trouble where we are. For a change of scenery and a bit of a 'cheats' holiday, sometimes we go house sitting (as well call it), but is more about going 'pet sitting', usually to properties flasher than ours and therefore more comfortable, with more space for us to spread out. We have house sat dogs (even though we are allergic to dog hair, so are constantly vacuuming and washing our hands) and cats, and most recently the addition of chickens, fish, goats and sheep. We find it (house sitting), such a refreshing experience to have that change of scenery away from the area in which we live , usually involving a short spell of living out in the country, plus it helps us to appreciate what we have and where we live upon our return home. Most recently, we have been staying on a small farm just 5 minutes (car drive) from town, but too far out to walk into town. We found the experience to be very refreshing with the fresh farm air and the space, oh the space, which did wonders for our family after the christmas rush and end of school term, to just be able to do things together on the farm as a family, but to also spread out across the property, each having their own space. What a treat.
Here is a short story about our stay in the country...
It's been such a long while since I last wrote. I haven't forgotten about my blog, it's just that, well, life has taken different directions and it hasn't been such a passion for me lately, but then feeling a little guilty about not having posted any updates recently, I thought I'd add a couple of posts to get back into writing again.
Now I have been thinking, since all of us are a 'work in progress' I felt that I should extend the content of my journey to include all aspects not just about weight loss. You know, I actually find that constantly talking about weight loss and whether or not someone has put on or loss a pound or a centimeter can be somewhat boring. You know it, we've all been around one or more of those people and no we don't need to see facebook posts every day of 'I'm at the gym'. Boring! (ok I apologise, that does sound somewhat judgemental), but there is more to life and I'm just not that insecure, well not about that anyway, in fact, I'm probably a lot less insecure about myself now than i ever was as a skinny version of me. Yeah, have you heard that saying 'I wish I was as thin as I was when I thought I was fat'. So really, without boring you any further (whilst still trying to encourage others), I was thinking that this year I'll add some posts which will highlight upon other areas of transformation, because as I mentioned earlier - we are all constant 'works of progress'.
Part of our journey involves currently living in a smallish unit, with the kids sharing the nice big room, which should have been mine and me slightly cramped into the smaller room, but hey, for now it is comfortable, cozy and we so far (thank you God) have not experienced any real trouble where we are. For a change of scenery and a bit of a 'cheats' holiday, sometimes we go house sitting (as well call it), but is more about going 'pet sitting', usually to properties flasher than ours and therefore more comfortable, with more space for us to spread out. We have house sat dogs (even though we are allergic to dog hair, so are constantly vacuuming and washing our hands) and cats, and most recently the addition of chickens, fish, goats and sheep. We find it (house sitting), such a refreshing experience to have that change of scenery away from the area in which we live , usually involving a short spell of living out in the country, plus it helps us to appreciate what we have and where we live upon our return home. Most recently, we have been staying on a small farm just 5 minutes (car drive) from town, but too far out to walk into town. We found the experience to be very refreshing with the fresh farm air and the space, oh the space, which did wonders for our family after the christmas rush and end of school term, to just be able to do things together on the farm as a family, but to also spread out across the property, each having their own space. What a treat.
Here is a short story about our stay in the country...
Had a fun time staying on a small farm for a couple of weeks
over the Christmas season. I was left in
charge of a few tasks including checking the drinking water for the goats &
lambs, changing the swimming pool filter and topping up with water if
necessary, but mostly and more importantly, watering & picking produce from
the garden of a famous local gardener/author.
Was a tad nervous about this aspect being a non-gardener myself but a
map & roster was drawn up for me upon request and thankfully there was no
expectation nor requirement to actually weed(Im sorry, which is the week and
which is the seedling?) or mow the massive lawns, therefore I found I actually
quite enjoyed it. Was quite fun for the short
while that we stayed there, much like painting, crocheting, baking or knitting
(remember I'm the non-gardener), however, the question remains - would the
novelty wear off quickly if I looked after gardens of such big scale 365 days
of the year - probably, but after finding how incredible the organic produce
tasted compared to produce from the supermarket, I'm now feeling confident that
I could actually look after some potted gardens without killing them in the
process. The fresh farm air and exercise
of walking back & forth across the property was all good too!
Here’s what I learnt about gardening and life on the
farm. Potted flowers seem pretty easy
overall. Roosters wake any time from 5am
(I hear that some never sleep – ever, so I guess we were pretty lucky). Getting up at the rooster’s crow can be most
beneficial, resulting in completion of all major tasks indoors and out by
8.00 am. I learnt that chickens in
general are very cheeky and at times quite naughty. The occasional one even likes to have its
feathers stroked. As for the actual
vegetables I discovered that zucchinis can camouflage themselves extremely well
resulting in the odd one or two being missed during picking and without a few
days have turned into massive marrows (still yum and useful). I discovered just how incredible and sweet
fresh peas taste picked and eaten straight from the vine. Picking was quite fun, although they also like
to camouflage themselves. My mum
instructed me to go around the vines twice so I wouldn’t miss any and it did
cause a little bit of eye strain (but I think that is just because of my
particular eyes sight problem). Oh yes,
I also learnt very quickly, that any vegetable belonging to the zucchini /
squash family are very much like triffids.
Seriously, with each search through the patch looking for and picking
the produce, one will end up with scratches, rashes and welts up one’s
arms. Honestly, I began to wonder if
they are all descendants of the same triffid family! Be careful of your eyes!!! (who else
remembers that movie?).
Probably the aspect I most enjoyed was not having close
neighbours, plus the feeling that one was closer to God, having such amazing
‘farmscape’ views as far as the eye could see, truly highlighting God’s
creations. It’s as if one can actually
see and think without the constant noise and bustle of the busy towns and
cities, built up with houses and sectioned off with fences and trees for
privacy but somewhat blocking ones distance vision in the process.
I thoroughly enjoyed the country experience, however there
is no place like home and it feels really good to be back. Maybe I won’t aspire to live in the country just yet, but to have best of both worlds instead, by owning a country property just on
the very edge of town. Yes, that sounds
more like me! A girl’s gotta dream
right?
Friday, 12 April 2013
I Have a New (old) Hobbie
Guess what new hobbie I have?
I'm now learning the flute. Well actually... I learnt years ago in intermediate school and followed that on through college (for my American friends - College in New Zealand is the same as High School). Anyhow... I've been feeling called back to the flute for quite some time now and what is really neat is that I now have a part time job which has enabled me to get back into music. I bought my first flute lesson / theory book as alas, while I can play the flute, I couldn't remember the names of the notes and how to read sheet music. Never mind, I no longer owned any sheet music anyway. Until recently!
I also recently attended a fabulous workshop (Called to Business), which as part of the workshop, included a unit on goal setting. There you have it - half an hour per day of practice, that's one of my goals I need to accomplish in order to bring myself back up to speed. Longer term, I would love to teach the flute to children. I have to say, its not one of the most popular instruments these days, but somebodies got to keep the spirit of this instrument alive and I already have a couple of people interested in learning, just have to work out the best way to go about it.
Playing a musical instrument is very relaxing and a great distraction, much better than stress eating (you know how it goes, a coffee and a snack that you don't need...). I LOVE it. Am wondering why I ever gave it up in the first place. Sigh...
Meanwhile, I have to stop writing and go practice. Then I will pray for the right words to submit for my next blog entry, getting back to the story of my injury and next fitness goal.
Until next time, hope you have enjoyed reading my blog so far and here is a photo of my flute!
I'm now learning the flute. Well actually... I learnt years ago in intermediate school and followed that on through college (for my American friends - College in New Zealand is the same as High School). Anyhow... I've been feeling called back to the flute for quite some time now and what is really neat is that I now have a part time job which has enabled me to get back into music. I bought my first flute lesson / theory book as alas, while I can play the flute, I couldn't remember the names of the notes and how to read sheet music. Never mind, I no longer owned any sheet music anyway. Until recently!
I also recently attended a fabulous workshop (Called to Business), which as part of the workshop, included a unit on goal setting. There you have it - half an hour per day of practice, that's one of my goals I need to accomplish in order to bring myself back up to speed. Longer term, I would love to teach the flute to children. I have to say, its not one of the most popular instruments these days, but somebodies got to keep the spirit of this instrument alive and I already have a couple of people interested in learning, just have to work out the best way to go about it.
Playing a musical instrument is very relaxing and a great distraction, much better than stress eating (you know how it goes, a coffee and a snack that you don't need...). I LOVE it. Am wondering why I ever gave it up in the first place. Sigh...
Meanwhile, I have to stop writing and go practice. Then I will pray for the right words to submit for my next blog entry, getting back to the story of my injury and next fitness goal.
Until next time, hope you have enjoyed reading my blog so far and here is a photo of my flute!
Check out our dinner!
Heres a photo of our version of a popular American takeaway. For those of you who are reading this blog who are not New Zealand citizens or residents, you may not know this, but New Zealand is the largest or one of the largest consumers of this takeaway (not sure if I'm actually allowed to mention the brand name in my blog). In my opinon, it smells and tastes a lot better than how one feels after having eaten it. Not a meal that I would consider purchasing now we have started our new life because its generally quite expensive and very oily. Never mind, everyone is entitled to a treat once in a while, its certainly not an everyday food choice for sure. When I was married, my then husband and his son LOVED it and he would purchase it on a regular basis if I was working late and well because they generally were pretty keen on takeaways fullstop. Before that I'd rarely eaten takeaways since I'd left my parents home, although when I was young and flatted in Kohimarama, I did have a favourite outlet that used to make me a steamed dinner of chicken, veggies and rice, to order which worked out cheaper than purchasing and cooking myself, considering I only had myself to cook for and I do love steamed food!
Anyway getting a bit sidetracked here - New Zealand is also currently one of the largest consumers of chicken full stop.
Here is our version of chicken based takeaways which is a lot healthier.
This was a treat and worked well for us, given that there are only females here to consume it, don't think it would last as long in a male-dominated house, but would still be healthier. We also make our own versions of burgers and pizzas, which again are 'treat' foods and if you make as much of your own food as possible, you can significantly reduce the amount of chemicals you consume.
Note: On the first night, the kids get a leg each (I don't eat the buns that come in the deal so they usually get put in the freezer). Anyhow, it's our version, we like it. (also - it may look like a lot, but they are actually small sized plates).
Are you feeling hungry now?
Anyway getting a bit sidetracked here - New Zealand is also currently one of the largest consumers of chicken full stop.
Here is our version of chicken based takeaways which is a lot healthier.
This was a treat and worked well for us, given that there are only females here to consume it, don't think it would last as long in a male-dominated house, but would still be healthier. We also make our own versions of burgers and pizzas, which again are 'treat' foods and if you make as much of your own food as possible, you can significantly reduce the amount of chemicals you consume.
Note: On the first night, the kids get a leg each (I don't eat the buns that come in the deal so they usually get put in the freezer). Anyhow, it's our version, we like it. (also - it may look like a lot, but they are actually small sized plates).
Are you feeling hungry now?
While You Are Waiting...
Anyhow, I digress...hope you enjoy these. I did, so I thought i'd share, besides it buys me more time to think about what i really should be writing for my next 'proper' update:
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
I'm Back!
Hello my dear supporters! I'M BACK!
Yes I know! It has been a very long time since I last wrote a blog entry. I have to say this year has had many challenges, although that said, most of them have been very positive ones and I am thoroughly enjoying this year and all that it has had to offer so far. At the risk of sounding like I'm making excuses, I've had other things I've been focusing on beside personal writing, however, I'm am feeling truly inspired and very excited about some news I received today.
Today I heard through a dear friend / award winning blogger / published author - Sarah O'Neil (otherwise known as Sarah the Gardener) who excitedly informed me this morning that there was a women's blogger conference in Christchurch this weekend and proceeded to show me all the exciting topics that would be covered and (gasp!) the crafting breakout groups (think that's what they were called?) (followed by our squeals of delight). Unfortunately we only discovered this today, therefore neither of us are able to make it, however I immediately felt inspired to get my act together, reposition my priorities (housework can wait) and start writing again. I immediately suggested we make it a definate goal to attend next year and are now trying to encourage another mutual friend to start a craft blog so that we can all attend together!
With all that in mind, I must ensure I write often to update you on my trials and triumphs, be they big or small, as well as actually maintain focus on my weight loss and fitness goals. I have recently slid backwards, due to an injury, which had me feeling down, however I just had to pick myself up and start a fresh! Just this week I have learnt a theory that it takes 21 days to break a habit (wondering how many it takes to cement one?). Tomorrow will be day one of my challenge! I say tomorrow as I've just decided to start and today is nearly over. I have mentioned before that if you stuff up you don't have to wait for a new day (or a new week) to start, that in fact, why not start this very second? For the purpose of this challenge though, I will start from tomorrow.
If anyone else wants to commit to a goal and join me whether for weight loss or some other matter, feel free to do so. You could start your own blog or just comment on mine, but either way, its important to encourage one another and inspire others. Most importantly - have some accountability. Inform all your friends and family what your goal is and ask them to help keep you on track. I don't know about you - but I need all the positive encouragement I can get, particularly when due to injury and the inability to perform anything but minimal cardio, if that, weight has crept back on much to my dismay. Never mind, just have to take it easy for now and work my way up the fitness ladder again. Obstacles may knock me down, but they are not going to keep me down!
Keep an eye out for my next entry where I will explain my new fitness goals I've set, tell you about my injury that occurred during training for an event, the challenges and set backs that followed and how I plan to overcome these obstacles.
P.S..check out my friend / blogging mentor:
Sarah the Gardener
http://gardeningkiwi.wordpress.com/
www.sarahthegardener.co.nz
Sarah also has a new book out 'The Good Life - by Sarah O'Neil'.
Yes I know! It has been a very long time since I last wrote a blog entry. I have to say this year has had many challenges, although that said, most of them have been very positive ones and I am thoroughly enjoying this year and all that it has had to offer so far. At the risk of sounding like I'm making excuses, I've had other things I've been focusing on beside personal writing, however, I'm am feeling truly inspired and very excited about some news I received today.
Today I heard through a dear friend / award winning blogger / published author - Sarah O'Neil (otherwise known as Sarah the Gardener) who excitedly informed me this morning that there was a women's blogger conference in Christchurch this weekend and proceeded to show me all the exciting topics that would be covered and (gasp!) the crafting breakout groups (think that's what they were called?) (followed by our squeals of delight). Unfortunately we only discovered this today, therefore neither of us are able to make it, however I immediately felt inspired to get my act together, reposition my priorities (housework can wait) and start writing again. I immediately suggested we make it a definate goal to attend next year and are now trying to encourage another mutual friend to start a craft blog so that we can all attend together!
With all that in mind, I must ensure I write often to update you on my trials and triumphs, be they big or small, as well as actually maintain focus on my weight loss and fitness goals. I have recently slid backwards, due to an injury, which had me feeling down, however I just had to pick myself up and start a fresh! Just this week I have learnt a theory that it takes 21 days to break a habit (wondering how many it takes to cement one?). Tomorrow will be day one of my challenge! I say tomorrow as I've just decided to start and today is nearly over. I have mentioned before that if you stuff up you don't have to wait for a new day (or a new week) to start, that in fact, why not start this very second? For the purpose of this challenge though, I will start from tomorrow.
If anyone else wants to commit to a goal and join me whether for weight loss or some other matter, feel free to do so. You could start your own blog or just comment on mine, but either way, its important to encourage one another and inspire others. Most importantly - have some accountability. Inform all your friends and family what your goal is and ask them to help keep you on track. I don't know about you - but I need all the positive encouragement I can get, particularly when due to injury and the inability to perform anything but minimal cardio, if that, weight has crept back on much to my dismay. Never mind, just have to take it easy for now and work my way up the fitness ladder again. Obstacles may knock me down, but they are not going to keep me down!
Keep an eye out for my next entry where I will explain my new fitness goals I've set, tell you about my injury that occurred during training for an event, the challenges and set backs that followed and how I plan to overcome these obstacles.
P.S..check out my friend / blogging mentor:
Sarah the Gardener
http://gardeningkiwi.wordpress.com/
www.sarahthegardener.co.nz
Sarah also has a new book out 'The Good Life - by Sarah O'Neil'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)