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!

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?

Still Waiting...

While You Are Waiting...

While you are waiting for my next update, where I will follow on with how I sustained an injury and the healing and obstacles encountered since, I have some uploaded some photos for you from Facebook and Pinterest (ones that aren't  copy write of course, and are 'floating about' freely on various pages and downloaded worldwide anyway) that hopefully inspire not only myself but others as well.  I really feel that social networking sites should be used for the greater good, not for arguing and accusing people and other such inappropriate material.  To be fair on rare occassion, I have had a little rant to my friends about something that has frustrated me, simply because I don't have another adult in the house to talk to and its often at an inappropriate time to phone a friend, however, nothing threatening, nasty, nor name calling.  I try to use it  positive encouraging use and because its a great way to have a laugh with your friends and share photos among yourselves.  Don't forget to ensure you have your settings on private!  

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:

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'.