Weeks 5 - 7

How did I miss 2 weeks?? Just slack I guess.

I have done a great job of maintaining for the last 2 weeks. No actually I lost .1!! Total is 2.1 kgs for the year. Not too good!! 2.1 kgs in 7 weeks. Lack of exercise is definitely to blame. I have no motivation to exercise. How do you motivate yourself to exercise. I can't afford a gym. We are overstretched now, so my only real option is to walk. So why don't I???

I am determined to post a loss next week.

Steve and I had a great weekend in Sydney. There were a few people I would have loved to have caught up with but because we were only there for about 30 hours, I really wanted to spend all that time with Steve. And we had fantastic quality time. We got in around 8.30am and I didn't think our room would be ready but it was. So we decided to go for a walk. It was very overcast and had been raining all week but it wasn't cold. I should have thought to pack umbrellas. We ended up buying a couple of cheapies because it started to bucket down. It was nice walking around in the light drizzle but it got a bit too heavy to walk around without umbrellas. We were staying by the Rocks area and circular quay so it was really nice to walk around those areas. There was a huge cruise ship in. I'll post a couple of photos next post. We got on the monorail and had lunch at Darling Harbour.

We got an unreal deal with the hotel. We got the room, seafood buffet for 2 on Saturday night and breakfast the next morning for $250. Very nice and something I intend to do more often.

It's heated up here again in Adelaide. I wish we could have some of the east coast rain. It's so dry here. I can't remember the last time we had a good downpour. Well we did when work flooded a few weeks ago but that was so isolated it only rained in one tiny part of Adelaide. Today was 39 with no airconditioning at work. Yahoo, it decided to pack it in last Friday and it was just horrible today. I couldn't wait to get out of the place. 36 again tomorrow and then maybe rain on Wednesday. Yer right!!!

Saturday night we went to a chinese banquet with the dragon dance show for chinese new year. It was a great night but of course I ate too much fried food. When the dragon came out, they started playing a very loud drum and Jarryd came and jumped on my lap saying 'the drums were hurting his tummy' He was so scared he barely look at the lion. He's still my baby.

Then yesterday, the kids and I caught up with fellow blogger Tania and her nearly 2 year old Lachlan. We went to a play cafe and the kids had a ball. It was nice to have a day away from the playstation and nintendos. It was great to catch up over a couple of coffees while the kids were entertained.

The Biggest Loser was very interesting last night. I know they all lost so much weight in the 1st week, but from experience you never do as well the 2nd week. They were all so disappointed with there 2-4 kgs losses. Hello, I would love a loss like that every week. And why don't they show what they eat instead on concentrating totally on the training???

It still gets me in though!!! I'm a reality junkie.

Have a great week. I promise not to leave it so long next time.

Week 4

Not such a good week. Seems to happen every 4 weeks. I can't control the sweet things. Nothing else will do. I put on 400g :(

Oh well, onward...............

Kids are back at school and things are back into routine. Funny though, the girls set their alarms for 6.30am on Tuesday and were up and dressed before I got up. By Friday, I was dragging them all out of bed again.

I love the photo of Nikki lying in her towel after a swim. She was so tired after a day in the pool. The girls did the paintings over the christmas break. They were given a picture to colour with real art paints and they turned out really well.

I have been looking in the paper and on ebay for a cheap lounge for the family room. Steve sits out there and watches TV in an old deck chair. I would love a leather lounge but it would have to be in either cream, green or beige to match the colours. There were heaps in yesterdays paper under $500, so we might have some to look at this weekend.

I went to the hairdresser this morning to have my hair streaked (foils). It was September last year when I had them done last so it was long overdue. I found out my hairdresser of 13 years has sold the salon and as she is pregnant with her 3rd child, she's going to be a stay at home mum with 3 under 3. I have had my hair cut by the other girls in the salon but I am never as happy with it.

I was then catching up with a fellow blogger Tania for lunch at the beach but she came down with gastro. I hope you are feeling better soon Tania.

I'm also thinking about another blogger Kate who could be having her 2nd baby any day. I'm very exited for you. I hope you have a wonderful birth experience.

Here's hoping for a good loss this week.

Have a great weekend.

Edit.. I've noticed that whenever I post photos, it doesn't show the breaks between the lines and when I don't post photos it's well spaced.

WHAT'S WITH THAT!!!!

Week 3

I had a great week. I lost 1.1 kgs taking the total to 2.6.

I have been making good choices and it has paid off. I still find my worst time is around 8pm. I'm sure it is habbit but I am always looking for sweet things to eat. I have been having the stick ice blocks which are only 1/2 point each and that seems to do the trick. Mind you some nights I have about 4!!!!

I'm looking forward to the Australia Day long weekend this weekend. We are catching up with friends for a bbq on Sunday. We have some friends coming over from Melbourne that I haven't seen in ages. I did a contiki tour of America 15+ years ago and met some unreal people. Tony is from Melbourne and we have kept in touch ever since. We have been to each other's weddings and our kids are months apart so it will be unreal to see them again. They got their family of 4 from Melbourne to Adelaide on the new Tiger Air for just over $100 return. How good is that.

Then the kids are back to school next week. I must say the holidays have flown but then again I have been at work while my mum has had the kids for most of the time. I'm looking forward to them going back to school but I'm not looking forward to everything starting again. This is definitely Nikki's last netball season for a while. She's been playing for 5 years and I have been coaching for 3 so it's time for a break. Ashleigh will still do dancing but I think Nikki wants to play soccer this year. So that will be both Nikki and Jarryd doing soccer this year.

We had a scary day on Friday. I was at work and around 2pm the heavens opened and down came the heaviest rain I have ever seen. I wish I had the camera. The road outside work was under water and it came into my boss's office. So there were 4 of us empying buckets and mopping up the water so it wouldn't spread. It went as quickly as it came but left a big mess. Our phone system was destroyed by lightning. Two people were on the phone at the time when the phones died so they were very lucky. It was amazing watching all the semi trailers going through the water. Incredibly it only hit our area. I live 20 mins away and we didn't get a drop.

I have booked a surprise for Steve on the 9th February weekend. We are going somewhere but I can't say where in case he reads this. I can't wait. It's going to be a wonderful, relaxing weekend away without the kids.

Have a great week everyone.

Week 2

Sorry, I am a bit late with my week 2 update. I lost 800g this week taking the total to 1.5 kgs. I'm consistent. I had hoped it would be a little more but I am happy with that loss.

This is a picture of our new buffet. The picture doesn't really do it justice but I am thrilled with it. We needed something to fill an empty spot in our family room. It looks smaller in the photo than it really is.

I can't believe there is just over a week left of school holidays. I am so lucky because my mum looks after the kids while I work. She has done a great job of entertaining them. They have been to the pictures a couple of times and my sister took them to the beach today. The girls have had sleep overs at friends so the time has gone very quickly.

We are off to Steve's parents again this weekend. It's Steve's dad's 70th birthday tomorrow and we are having a big family get together on Saturday night.

Work is still crazy. In my industry (the steel industry) most businesses have there big break at christmas so the first couple of weeks are usually fairly quiet. Not this year. We still have one of the sales guys off until Monday so it makes it a bit harder with one short. It sure makes the days fly by when you are so busy.

Ok, i'll be back next week to let you know how week 3 went.

Week 1

Just a quick post to say I lost 700g this week.

I'm good with that. Considering you know what is about to come!!

Back to work has been crazy. I have already done 2 1/2 hours overtime in 2 days.

Good luck to everyone who has or is weighing in for the 1st week's results.

Happy 2008

I just realised this is my 1st post for 2008. I'm getting slack with this blog.

I've been gardening. Just a small area by our pergola by the pool. I 'll show you the finished product soon. I just hope the palms will survive this scorching Adelaide weather.


This is Jarrryd's impression of a bee. We have lived in the pool this summer.

Thankfully today is much cooler. But not for long. It's supposed to be 41 again by Thursday.

I'm back to work tomorrow :( I have really enjoyed this break. I know it was only a couple of months ago we went to Qld but that was such a busy holiday with only a few days doing absolutely nothing. Well this holiday I am proud to say I have done very little.

The kids are going to be in for a huge shock tomorrow when I wake them up at 8am instead of 11am!!!

I have used the new year as another start date to get healthy. I just have to follow it through and keep going. I need to set some targets to get to throughout the year. I will do that today and post on Tuesday when I record on this blog my 1st weigh in result.

There are so many inspiring blogs around that I am enjoying reading. Sounds like there are a few of us in the same situation of putting weight on over christmas. I have to stop drinking. I turned into an alco during the holidays - LOL.

OK, it's cooler here so I'm going to make the most of the afternoon. Steve and I are off to our local beach cafe and playground. Kids get to play in the fresh air by the beach and I get a cappuchino. Win, Win.

Have a great week everyone.

Goodbye 2007

Ashleigh made this cake at Nana's. She was very proud of herself.

Does anyone else think the Santa with Jarryd is a little creepy??

Because it's been so hot, the kids have spent lots of time inside playing with their christmas presents. Jarryd has spent too much time on the PS2 but hey it's new. Ashleigh is into the 'Little Pet Shop' toys and got some new pets.

We had a lovely few days in Stansbury. The weather was perfect so we got outdoors a lot. Nikki got a skateboard for christmas so she spent a lot of time trying new tricks.

We are having a New Years Eve party today and tonight. I'm expecting people in about an hour so I'd better get my act together. It's been in the 40's for the last 3 days and I haven't moved very far from the pool and airconditioning.

I'm looking forward to starting afresh tomorrow. Something about a new year that helps the motivation. Sounds like there are lots of us motivated to make 2008 our year.

I hope you all have a wonderful and very safe New Years Eve and a happy and healthy 2008.

A Very Merry Christmas

We are off to Steve's parents tomorrow morning to spend christmas with his family.

I am very much looking forward to spending time with his family. We haven't seen them since before we went away in October. It is such a relaxing time doing nothing. The kids have all their cousins over there to play with.

I have to pack bags tonight and tomorrow morning it's Steve's job to pack the car with all the presents (from us and santa) and all the presents for the rellies over there.

We caught up with my family today which was fun. My mum bought a PS2 for us which was very naughty but the kids were so surprised. They had no idea they were getting it.

So I won't be back until Boxing Day. Unfortunately Steve has to work on Thursday or we would have had more time away.

I wish all my blogger friends the most wonderful christmas with your families. It really is a time to look at what we have around us and to be very thankful.

Is the Weekend Over Already??????

We had a fantastic day today. It was Steve's work kids Christmas party. We went to Greenhills Adventure park at Victor Harbor. The kids had a ball. So much to do for all ages.

The girls wanted to try rock climbing. It was very high and they both were very keen to do it but when they got up there, they both froze just before they got to the top. Great effort though.

It was an action packed day and the kids were all exhausted when they got home. They all got a present from Father Christmas. Nikki got a lava lamp, Ashleigh got a bag with some bath gel and hair glitter and a Happy House book to write all her friends in and Jarryd got an unreal racing car set with a race track.

The only problem was it said on the racing set box it took 'D' size batteries which were included but when we got it apart it really needed 'C' size batteries (Bloody cheap chinese toys - LOL) So we had one very upset little boy and a dad who had to make a trip to the local servo to find the right batteries. All ended well.

We had a very sucessful gargage sale yesterday. We ended up selling about $180 worth of stuff. Considering we had nothing over $5 we did very well. Most things were $1 or $2 so it really was a good day's work. Lots of hard work though getting it all together over the last few weeks. Cleaning out all the clutter from the kids rooms and then setting it up on Friday night. By last night I was exhausted and was in bed by 9.30pm which is unheard of for me. I must have really needed it though because I slept until 8.30am this morning.

I am totally organized for christmas. My sister took the kids for a few hours yesterday after the garage sale and I wrapped all the kids presents. The tree looks great with lots of pressies underneath it. I still can't get motivated to write cards though. Does anyone else feel like that?

I just can't be bothered. I know once I get started I'll be ok but I just can't face them. It's the first year I haven't had them all out by now. I guess I am just so mentally tired it's all too hard.

The kids finished school on Friday and came home with glowing reports and they are all very happy with where they are placed for next year. Nikki is in a grade 6/7 class (she is grade 6 next year) so that will be interesting for her. I can't believe next year we will be thinking about which high school she will go to. And my baby Jarryd will be in grade 2. Ashleigh will be in a 3/4 class. She will be in grade 4. Not sure why they have these mixed classes. Do other states and countries do the same thing?

I only have 4-1/2 days left of work. We break up at lunch time on Friday and then I have 2 weeks off. My best friend Lee is coming over from Melbourne over christmas and I can't wait to catch up with her and another good friend is moving back to Adelaide from Melbourne after 5 years away so I am very excited about that.

My diet has been ok but there have been far too many social occasions and christmas parties. I have been having a few too many alcoholic drinks. I am glad to have maintained over the last couple of weeks so I'm not stressing about losing weight over christmas. I will just be happy to maintain and get back into it in the new year. Life is too short to be worried about what you eat and drink over christmas. Especially as most of it is free - LOL!!

This week will be much quieter here. Everything has stopped now for the holiday break. Yahoo!! I am really looking forward to christmas day. My kids all still believe in Father Christmas and there is nothing better than seeing the look on the kids faces when they see what has been left under the tree.

Only 9 more sleeps!!!!!

3 Weeks Until Christmas!!

Here is the promised photo of our christmas tree. You can tell the kids decorated it - LOL. It has character. It looks so good at night with just the lights on but I couldn't capture that in a photo.

Don't you just love my little tigger!! Jarryd comes jumping into the lounge after his shower. The kids all have a different pooh bear character towel.

OK, where did the last couple of weeks go???

I think, like a lot of bloggers, I have lost the inclination to post again. I love reading and commenting on other blogs but just can't be arsed writing in mine. I don't want to stop blogging but it just gets so much harder to spend time on the computer at this time of year.

I have taken on a huge task 3 weeks before christmas. We are having a garage sale on December 15th. It started off as an idea when I decided to have a clean out of the girls room. And as I was going through their room I realized how much good quality stuff they have to get rid of. So I thought maybe if we have it before christmas I can advertise it as "stocking fillers" and "christmas presents"

And it helped that the house 2 doors down is going up for auction that day so it will mean more people in the street. Next weekend it will be Jarryd's room that gets a clean out.

The girls room is so much better with the bunk beds in. Being the hopless blogger I am, I totally forgot to take a before photo but I can tell you it was disgusting the amount of crap we took out of that room. We have a temporary wardrobe in there that came out of our room to help with storage but I eventually want to get built in robes in there. I promise I will post a photo in the next post.

We went to my grandma's 96th birthday today. Mum put on afternoon tea and it was lovely to sit around and catch up with my family. Grandma is amazing. She still lives in her own home and gets out and about most day with the help of the council bus. She is starting to slow down a bit now but she is incredible for a woman of her age.

I had my work show last night and had a great night. We went to the Mawson Lakes Hotel for a 3 course dinner. I had prawn salad for entree, atlantic salmon for mains and Death by Chocolate for dessert. The only problem was all the meals came out one after the other and we didn't get much of a break in between. I was very good and only ate a small amount of dessert. I wanted to save all my points for drinking - lol. I didn't overdo it and was very proud that I didn't have a hangover today. Must have been all the water I drank in between.

I did a bit more christmas shopping this morning. I really don't have a lot more to get. Just stocking fillers. Hey maybe I could recycle some of the things I have put in boxes for the garage sale - LOL. I wonder if they would notice!!!

I am pleased to say I have been following the ww plan for 2 weeks now and have lost 3.9 kgs. I have made up a plan of basic healthy eating with a few treats along the way and it seems to be working. I know christmas will be an obstacle but it's all managable.

It's going to be a very busy week. The girls have their end of year dancing presentation on Wednesday night and the school end of year event is on Thursday night. Then we have Steve's work break up on Friday night.

I can't believe it's just over 3 weeks until christmas. It's going to be a very busy 3 weeks. Thank goodness I have 2 weeks off over christmas. I'll need it!!

Where did the Weekend Go??

We were in the pool this afternoon when Nikki's friend's dad came to pick her up. I asked what the time was and it was 6pm. I honestly thought it was about 3pm. Where did the day go??

We had a lovely relaxing day in the pool today. It was hot (not sure of the temp) and we had a few friends over and also my sister and her 3 year old boy so it was a great day. I sure didn't feel guilty about doing nothing today because yesterday was a big day doing a few jobs that needed doing.

I seem to go around in circles. By the time I finish all the tidying of rooms and all the other chores, it's time to start again. Like tidying of kids rooms. Why is that always such a big job? Our main problem is total lack of storage space in the girls room. It is bursting at the seams. So our next project is bunk beds for that room and then it frees up a wall so we can put built in robes. I can see a trip to Ikea coming up.

So yesterday we got lots of little jobs done like unpacking the suitcases properly and putting them away and emptying out the shoe basket (which was overflowing) and getting rid of all the shoes that don't fit anymore. I also swept around the pool and entertaining area. And our last job of the day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

After much pestering by the kids, we put up the christmas tree!!

We went to see Father Christmas Friday night so I guess it was ok to put up the tree. I know it's early to see Father Christmas but there is method in my madness. Firstly there were no lines, we walked straight in to the Magic Cave in the city. This is always packed most times we go and we usually have to line up. So it does pay to go early. And secondly I have put the kids presents away so this way they can't change their minds.

Nikki was going to ask for Bindeez (but can't now because of the recall) so she asked for a skateboard. Ashleigh asked for Rainbow Magic books and Jarryd asked for Lego.

I will take a photo of the tree and post it next time. It really does look nice.

Then after our big day yesterday we went to a quiz night last night. We had a great time and came home with lots of goodies.

So already it's back to work tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be 38 and 39 deg for the next 2 days. Roll on Christmas. I get another 2 weeks holiday!!

Have a great week everyone.

Another Weekend Gone

But I'm glad this one is over.

The girls had their end of year dancing concert today and it went really well. I have spent most of the week catching up on things I have missed over the last 3 weeks while we were away. So it has been rather chaotic.

Unfortunately I haven't got any photos to share because we had to drive around for over 1/2 an hour looking for a park so I didn't get backstage before the show started. And you aren't allowed to take photos when the kids are on stage.

The concert is held in the city and it was chaos in there today. Apart from it being rememberence day, there were markets on at the festival theatre and some sort of rally through the city so it was very busy.

And the best part . . . . . . . . . . . .

It's all over for another year. No more dancing on Monday and Wednesday nights.

I want to do a plug for my daughter Ashleigh's blog. She is getting very good at updating it herself and is very proud of herself so have a look and leave a message to say hello.

http://ashleighkate.blogspot.com/

Have a great week everyone. It's getting hotter during the week and it's supposed to be mid 30's by the weekend. We might get a chance to get into the pool.

Warning - Long Photo Post Ahead

The following photos are a few of the 450 photos we took. We had the most amazing holiday and we will all have lifetime memories.

Just a shame it goes so quickly.

This was where we stayed for our 1st night. The Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas. We splurged big time and got a 3 bedroom apartment. It was beyond luxurious. This is the lounge but there was a formal dining room, a casual meals area, kitchen, 3 bedrooms - main with ensuite and spa. The main bedroom upstairs looked over the living area.

The whole resort is built around the water and it was just stunning. I wish we could have afforded to stay longer.

Our own private pool at the Sheraton. You can see our apartment in the background.

Our first encounter with a cane toad. He was swimming in the pool, but eventually got sucked into the filter - YUK!!!

We did a rainforest walk through Mossman George near Port Douglas which was exhausting but just stunning.

This is where Jarryd spent most of the walk because his new croc shoes were making blisters on his feet.

Poor Steve. He was shattered at the end!!!

The girls and I went snorkelling on the Barrier Reef. Another huge highlight for me.

This groper was very tame and was rather used to having his photo taken.

Sorry, but there is no way I was having my photo taken in my bathers.

We did a daytrip to Cape Tribulation which is the highest you can travel in Qld without a 4 wheel drive. The kids didn't get a chance to swim. A tourist bus driver said it's too risky even though the stingers don't really come in until November.

Jarryd was very interested - NOT!! He is playing his nintendo under that towel.

The marks in the sand are where the crabs dig their holes.

The swimming lagoon on the Cairns forshore. Most of the bigger cities have swimming pools on the foreshore because you can't swim in the ocean for 6 months of the year. Too dangerous for box jellyfish.

We went on the skyrail to Kuranda in Cairns.

A beautiful journey in a gondola on a cable through the rainforest.