How many people wish they were their own boss? How many wish they could work from home? How many want to chose who their clients are and who they work for?
Tick, tick and tick. All those things apply to me. I've got it pretty good, right? I'm very lucky. I'm a sort of freelancer who works from home - offering a service to various different clients (no, I'm not a prostitute). I've worked for various different agencies but about two and half years ago I decided I had enough working for a total dick head and decided to go it alone. I was gonna cut out the middle man and take all the spoils for myself! I'd be working from home so there would be very few overheads and I'd be living the flexible lifestyle that so many desire. It was the perfect plan.
And it has been so good - mostly. I really like my job and I'm pretty good at it. I love the fact that my decision is final. I have total autonomy and I don't have to pander to someone senior that I don't agree with. If I'm approached to do work for a company that I don't like/understand/agree with - I don't take on the work. Simple as that.
I work when I want to work. Okay - the work has to get done but if I want to take three hours for lunch, and I've got the time - then I do it. If I want a cheeky afternoon off? Why the hell not!
I think the flexibility has to be one of the best things about working for myself. It's meant I've been able to see more of friends that are on maternity leave, see more of my family as I can meet my mum and gran for lunch if we are all free. It's also been a huge plus point for TB and I. Living two and a half hours apart for the first year of our relationship was tough at the best of times but the fact I could head to his on a Thursday night, work from his flat on a Friday and then head home on a Monday morning - was fantastic.
And being master of my own schedule has undoubtedly played significant role in my weight loss success. It's given me the time that I've needed to make it a priority. Yeah, I work out five times a week - for at least an hour at a time - but that's because I've got the time to do it. I don't have a commute, I don't have pointless internal meetings, I don't have to be at my desk 9-5. I have extra time - and I am so thankful that I did.
So what's the problem? Well, there are two big problems. Firstly, working alone. I love it but as soon as I am back in an office environment I realise how much I miss it. I love being part of a team. And I like being around people. Being on your own all day long, most days, is not good for you. You think you're okay. You convince yourself that you like it. And while it's okay some of the time, it's not good all of the time.
The second problem? Money. Of course. Most months I earn quite good money but all it takes is a couple of months hard going and it ruins me for the rest of the year. I'm just about to come to my financial year end and I earned less than last year. I'm going backwards. This is not good. I have a credit card bill that doesn't seem to be getting any smaller. I am constantly watching the pennies and hardly spending any money on myself. I am almost 32 years old, this is no way to live my life.
I think I'm going to have to get a job.
I'm on a lifelong mission to ditch the lard. Stones away from my heaviest, I'm closing in on my pre-pregnancy weight. Next up, my wedding weight! Onwards!
Showing posts with label things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Monday, 16 January 2012
Settle down
Thanks for all the advice yesterday. I've been pretty vocal about not getting enough help and I've also explained that I don't like to nag. I don't want to have to tell him to do things.
I think after our chat when I nearly went stratospheric about the dishwasher loading incident things are going to improve. Last night dinner was a team effort and when I was hanging up some washing he came and helped me. Small things but they make such a difference. It also helped that because TB is on a training course this week there is no ironing to be done and his lunches are provided.
The other thing that has been getting me down is the atmosphere that comes with the hum drum and the nagging. A couple of times when I've been grumpy because I feel like I'm not getting enough help TB has said: "I've been looking forward to coming home to see you. Let's not fall out." I don't want to fall out either but if I'm annoyed, then that's the mood I'm in.
What I'm getting at is that I feel like the shine has come off a bit. Don't get me wrong, things are still amazing but it's just not quite how it was. Of course it's not going to be. We live together now. Before we always knew that in a day or two we would be saying goodbye, heading off to spend 5 days 100 miles apart and so every moment was enjoyed to the fullest. We gave our best, 100% all of the time. It's hard to give your best all of the time when you are getting in a tizz about cleaning the loo.
And as I've pointed out to TB - everything is different for me. I'm in a totally new city where I know hardly a soul. I've lost my routine, my flat -my whole world has changed. I miss my old city. I miss my flat. I hate not having an real friends here (yet). I've got plans to try and change that but it doesn't help how I feel right now. Even things are different with my cat. He has only been here 3 weeks and is still settling down. He's not the same pussycat as before. I miss how we were before.
Saturday night was a real struggle for me. TB mentioned earlier in the week that some of his friends from work (all boys) were going to see a band on Saturday night. I told him he should go. I want him to do his own thing. But that meant I was at home, alone on a Saturday night. I put a brave face on it for TB but I felt pretty low. There is nothing wrong with staying in on a Saturday night. I love it - when it is my choice. The pathetic part of me wanted TB to stay in with me but I would never have told him that. I wanted him to come to that conclusion on his own.
I quite enjoyed my night catching up on some of my programmes and then I went to the gym at 11pm! Ha. Rock and roll, eh? I'm glad I did though as at least I felt productive and was doing something for me.
So, the upshot is that things are good. I'm just adapting and finding my feet. I'm going home (to my mum and dad's house - where there is a new kitten!) today for the dentist and then to my old office on Tuesday in between a couple of meetings. I'm really looking forward to it and it'll probably be quite good for TB to come home from work and not find me doing my best impression of an attention starved puppy. My best mate is also coming up this weekend for Saturday and Sunday night and I can't wait.
In other dieting news. I am exercising like a mo fo. Sugar intake needs to be checked but other than that - bring on the scales!
Oh, finally. Rapunzel asked if TB knew I had a blog. He does. When he asked why Moonraker and I split up I had to explain the whole finding of the blog thing for it all to make sense. I told him that I had stopped because of that and it was TB that suggested I start again with a new blog, new name and no clues as to who I was in real life. I honestly don't think he'd look for the blog but if he did and he found it (doubtful) then he can read away as while this is all very personal and private and is not for his eyes, there is nothing here that he doesn't know or that I couldn't say to him.
I think after our chat when I nearly went stratospheric about the dishwasher loading incident things are going to improve. Last night dinner was a team effort and when I was hanging up some washing he came and helped me. Small things but they make such a difference. It also helped that because TB is on a training course this week there is no ironing to be done and his lunches are provided.
The other thing that has been getting me down is the atmosphere that comes with the hum drum and the nagging. A couple of times when I've been grumpy because I feel like I'm not getting enough help TB has said: "I've been looking forward to coming home to see you. Let's not fall out." I don't want to fall out either but if I'm annoyed, then that's the mood I'm in.
What I'm getting at is that I feel like the shine has come off a bit. Don't get me wrong, things are still amazing but it's just not quite how it was. Of course it's not going to be. We live together now. Before we always knew that in a day or two we would be saying goodbye, heading off to spend 5 days 100 miles apart and so every moment was enjoyed to the fullest. We gave our best, 100% all of the time. It's hard to give your best all of the time when you are getting in a tizz about cleaning the loo.
And as I've pointed out to TB - everything is different for me. I'm in a totally new city where I know hardly a soul. I've lost my routine, my flat -my whole world has changed. I miss my old city. I miss my flat. I hate not having an real friends here (yet). I've got plans to try and change that but it doesn't help how I feel right now. Even things are different with my cat. He has only been here 3 weeks and is still settling down. He's not the same pussycat as before. I miss how we were before.
Saturday night was a real struggle for me. TB mentioned earlier in the week that some of his friends from work (all boys) were going to see a band on Saturday night. I told him he should go. I want him to do his own thing. But that meant I was at home, alone on a Saturday night. I put a brave face on it for TB but I felt pretty low. There is nothing wrong with staying in on a Saturday night. I love it - when it is my choice. The pathetic part of me wanted TB to stay in with me but I would never have told him that. I wanted him to come to that conclusion on his own.
I quite enjoyed my night catching up on some of my programmes and then I went to the gym at 11pm! Ha. Rock and roll, eh? I'm glad I did though as at least I felt productive and was doing something for me.
So, the upshot is that things are good. I'm just adapting and finding my feet. I'm going home (to my mum and dad's house - where there is a new kitten!) today for the dentist and then to my old office on Tuesday in between a couple of meetings. I'm really looking forward to it and it'll probably be quite good for TB to come home from work and not find me doing my best impression of an attention starved puppy. My best mate is also coming up this weekend for Saturday and Sunday night and I can't wait.
In other dieting news. I am exercising like a mo fo. Sugar intake needs to be checked but other than that - bring on the scales!
Oh, finally. Rapunzel asked if TB knew I had a blog. He does. When he asked why Moonraker and I split up I had to explain the whole finding of the blog thing for it all to make sense. I told him that I had stopped because of that and it was TB that suggested I start again with a new blog, new name and no clues as to who I was in real life. I honestly don't think he'd look for the blog but if he did and he found it (doubtful) then he can read away as while this is all very personal and private and is not for his eyes, there is nothing here that he doesn't know or that I couldn't say to him.
Friday, 6 January 2012
Resolute
I've got a whole list is resolutions. Some of them are just rolling ones and some I'm really going try hard at in 2012. Without further ado, here they are.
Lose more weight
I was really pleased with last year's loss and I feel great. I want to lose the festive flab and then at least another stone on top of that. Goal number one is to get into fresh fat i.e. under 12 stone 7. I'm gonna do what worked for me last year. Cut back on the carbs, up the protein. Watch the portions. Snack on fruit and veg - not crackers and cereal bars. Oh, and exercise like a mother fucker.
Be nicer
Sometimes I can be a bit harsh. A bit blunt. I need to watch that. I'm quite opinionated and can let fly with how I think how things should be done. I'd like to work on softening that a bit. I think I probably should. Something that goes along with that is my drunken attitude. The last few times when I've been boozing I've been really aggressive. Not fighting aggressive but really argumentative and my smart arse comments have come over as... well, I suppose, rude.
Be more productive
I can be the Queen of Faff. Not when I'm doing things around the house; cooking or cleaning (or watching telly!) but when I'm working. My attention span is horrendous. I can be working on a word document and mid way through typing a sentence and without even realising what I am doing, I reach for the alt tab keys and there I am on Facebook, Twitter, reading blogs and generally dicking about. I could get through so much more work (ergo have the potential to make more money) and fit in more time for doing things which I enjoy without always feeling rushed.
Jam it up
My wee Granny LoveCat died just over two years ago. She was jam maker in our family. Last year I decided to take over the mantle and did her proud with a batch of strawberry jam and a batch of plum jam. Both of which, even if I do say so myself, were delicious. I also had a bash at chutney which also went down a storm. I want to try lots more jams and jellys. Next up... marmalade.
Make new friends
Okay, this sounds a bit needy but here's the deal. I have just moved to a new city. Outwith TB's friends, I know two people. Two single souls! One is a friend of one of my best friends from Edinburgh and the other I know through some volunteering we did together years ago. They are both really lovely and this Sunday I've got my first lady date with one of them. Very excited. We're going for lunch and then off to an art gallery. How sophis!
PS) Quality Street Watch: Day 3. They are finished! Thank god. A couple more sneaked past my lips yesterday but finally I am free of the shackles. Praise be!
Lose more weight
I was really pleased with last year's loss and I feel great. I want to lose the festive flab and then at least another stone on top of that. Goal number one is to get into fresh fat i.e. under 12 stone 7. I'm gonna do what worked for me last year. Cut back on the carbs, up the protein. Watch the portions. Snack on fruit and veg - not crackers and cereal bars. Oh, and exercise like a mother fucker.
Be nicer
Sometimes I can be a bit harsh. A bit blunt. I need to watch that. I'm quite opinionated and can let fly with how I think how things should be done. I'd like to work on softening that a bit. I think I probably should. Something that goes along with that is my drunken attitude. The last few times when I've been boozing I've been really aggressive. Not fighting aggressive but really argumentative and my smart arse comments have come over as... well, I suppose, rude.
Be more productive
I can be the Queen of Faff. Not when I'm doing things around the house; cooking or cleaning (or watching telly!) but when I'm working. My attention span is horrendous. I can be working on a word document and mid way through typing a sentence and without even realising what I am doing, I reach for the alt tab keys and there I am on Facebook, Twitter, reading blogs and generally dicking about. I could get through so much more work (ergo have the potential to make more money) and fit in more time for doing things which I enjoy without always feeling rushed.
Jam it up
My wee Granny LoveCat died just over two years ago. She was jam maker in our family. Last year I decided to take over the mantle and did her proud with a batch of strawberry jam and a batch of plum jam. Both of which, even if I do say so myself, were delicious. I also had a bash at chutney which also went down a storm. I want to try lots more jams and jellys. Next up... marmalade.
Make new friends
Okay, this sounds a bit needy but here's the deal. I have just moved to a new city. Outwith TB's friends, I know two people. Two single souls! One is a friend of one of my best friends from Edinburgh and the other I know through some volunteering we did together years ago. They are both really lovely and this Sunday I've got my first lady date with one of them. Very excited. We're going for lunch and then off to an art gallery. How sophis!
PS) Quality Street Watch: Day 3. They are finished! Thank god. A couple more sneaked past my lips yesterday but finally I am free of the shackles. Praise be!
Monday, 7 November 2011
Excessive
What a great weekend. TB and I tackled flat painting on Saturday with great success and the place is looking pretty damn good. I've still got a fair few bits to do myself but I feel like we've broken the back of it and the thought of getting going isn't quite the giant mental hurdle it was before. I feel like I'll be ready to get it on the rental market mid December and then I will hopefully find someone to move in early January.
On Saturday night I went out with some of my friend's and got totally shit faced. I was completely steam boats. This was all before 12pm when we then went to a party where things proceeded to get even more messy. TB rocked up at about 4pm and we carried on with our boozy night until we left at 9.30am! It's been a while since I had such a massive bender - and boy it felt good!
I must confess bits of the night are a total blur but I do remember most of it and also have some vague memories of TB saying something to me about marriage! I'm pretty sure he said something along the lines of "I'm not actually asking you but what would you say if I asked you to marry me?" Ha! I love it! I can't actually remember what I said in reply but I know I didn't want it to be an all out YES! I mean, I don't want him to think it's that easy to snare me! So I think I mumbled something about the chances were pretty high. That is all I can recall, irritatingly. I know he was completely smashed and so it was just drunken chat but even thinking that it's a tiny thought that has crossed his mind fleetingly, makes me feel all giddy and girly! I'm not going to think any more about it though. Let's just try moving in together first.
And how did the weekend eating go? Up and down. So much for making a pudding that TB would like and I wouldn't. I ate just as much as he did (minus the horrible sultanas) but I suppose it was relatively low fat. Saturday was a poor result. Baguette with chips, pizza and cupcakes all featured. As well as a power of booze. I did stick to diet mixers though and Sunday did balance things out. The hangover and party fall out was rather sizeable and so the full days intake was a few mouthfuls of scrambled eggs, 3 small slices of cold pizza and a few onion rings. Oh, and some banana milk.
My appetite today has returned with a bang and my poor tummy is rumbling. However, keep it lean, keep it mean - is my mantra and I shall have two stupendous days before weigh in. There is no way I could face the gym tonight - the hangover still lingers. Instead I'm hotfooting it 2.5 miles over to my pal's for tea.
I've got a lunchtime 30 minute power walk planned for lunchtime tomorrow and spinning in the evening. I WILL see a loss this week. Onwards and downwards!
On Saturday night I went out with some of my friend's and got totally shit faced. I was completely steam boats. This was all before 12pm when we then went to a party where things proceeded to get even more messy. TB rocked up at about 4pm and we carried on with our boozy night until we left at 9.30am! It's been a while since I had such a massive bender - and boy it felt good!
I must confess bits of the night are a total blur but I do remember most of it and also have some vague memories of TB saying something to me about marriage! I'm pretty sure he said something along the lines of "I'm not actually asking you but what would you say if I asked you to marry me?" Ha! I love it! I can't actually remember what I said in reply but I know I didn't want it to be an all out YES! I mean, I don't want him to think it's that easy to snare me! So I think I mumbled something about the chances were pretty high. That is all I can recall, irritatingly. I know he was completely smashed and so it was just drunken chat but even thinking that it's a tiny thought that has crossed his mind fleetingly, makes me feel all giddy and girly! I'm not going to think any more about it though. Let's just try moving in together first.
And how did the weekend eating go? Up and down. So much for making a pudding that TB would like and I wouldn't. I ate just as much as he did (minus the horrible sultanas) but I suppose it was relatively low fat. Saturday was a poor result. Baguette with chips, pizza and cupcakes all featured. As well as a power of booze. I did stick to diet mixers though and Sunday did balance things out. The hangover and party fall out was rather sizeable and so the full days intake was a few mouthfuls of scrambled eggs, 3 small slices of cold pizza and a few onion rings. Oh, and some banana milk.
My appetite today has returned with a bang and my poor tummy is rumbling. However, keep it lean, keep it mean - is my mantra and I shall have two stupendous days before weigh in. There is no way I could face the gym tonight - the hangover still lingers. Instead I'm hotfooting it 2.5 miles over to my pal's for tea.
I've got a lunchtime 30 minute power walk planned for lunchtime tomorrow and spinning in the evening. I WILL see a loss this week. Onwards and downwards!
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Eat me
Since my last post about my mega huge Spanish omlette type effort, I've made a slight modification.
While it's super healthy, three eggs is quite a lot and so I've reduced the number of eggs to two and I'm adding some of this bad boy.
There is quite a lot of the egg white mix in the carton and since it cost about £2.80 (or thereabouts, I can't quite remember now) and you've to use it within three days of opening I was a bit hesitant about buying it. But then... I had a brainwave. I froze it into individual portions by using an ice cube bag!I knew I was going to need some today for lunch so I popped three in a bowl this morning and by lunchtime they were defrosted and ready to go!
So how does it taste with one less yolk? Definitely not as flavoursome and I felt like I needed to add a touch more salt. However, I think it's a case of getting used to it and maybe adding more nutmeg or something else to give it more taste.
In other news I wanted to show you a dress I bought last April and only wore for the first time last week. I love the colour and the tiny dots on this number, but the way it ties at the back means that any tummy rolls are on show through the synthetic material and so I've not been confident about wearing it till now.
Sorry about the mess in my room- and my hair. It's all over the shop. It's such an Alice and Wonderland dress - love it! It's so synthetic though that I think it'll be too hot for Croatia. Finally. how amazing is this ring! Top shop sale, I salute you.
While it's super healthy, three eggs is quite a lot and so I've reduced the number of eggs to two and I'm adding some of this bad boy.
So how does it taste with one less yolk? Definitely not as flavoursome and I felt like I needed to add a touch more salt. However, I think it's a case of getting used to it and maybe adding more nutmeg or something else to give it more taste.
In other news I wanted to show you a dress I bought last April and only wore for the first time last week. I love the colour and the tiny dots on this number, but the way it ties at the back means that any tummy rolls are on show through the synthetic material and so I've not been confident about wearing it till now.
Sorry about the mess in my room- and my hair. It's all over the shop. It's such an Alice and Wonderland dress - love it! It's so synthetic though that I think it'll be too hot for Croatia. Finally. how amazing is this ring! Top shop sale, I salute you.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Plan of action
What up peeps! Can't believe it's been almost a week since my last post.
Thursday was a crazy busy day with work and I was diving about all over the place (so much so I didn't make it to the gym - shock horror) On Saturday I went away camping with my voluntary thing and only got back last night.
I always find it really hard to eat healthily when I'm away camping as it's all catered for and there are packets of biscuits always on the go. We're outside all day long too which always makes me feel hungrier than normal. I did pretty well on Saturday and the only misdemeanor was the nan bread I munched on with dinner. I had a burger which had been fried, and a sausage at lunchtime on Sunday which was bad too. This wasn't too bad really but then I started munching on biscuits and I had a few coffees with cream! What was I thinking?! Silly, silly, silly.
Monday's meals were pretty good but again - biscuits! I must have eaten about six chocolatey caramel digestivey things - at least. They were SO goood, but I dread to think how much fat there is and the number of calories in them cannot be good. On the positive side, I made everyone a cooked breakfast (including Stornoway black pudding - drool) and didn't eat any of it! I also was on the go lots. Not much sitting about and a lot of walking about, lifting things and generally being active. I just hope it was enough to balance it all out.
However, I'll not be finding out tomorrow. That's right, weigh in will not be taking place tomorrow. I'm off to London town on Friday night as I've got a wedding reception down there on Saturday. I'm then staying with friends from Sunday until Wednesday night when I will be staying at the Travel Lodge at Gatwick as the next morning (Thursday) I fly out to Croatia for 11 days!
This mean the plan for weigh in is all over the place. I'm going to weigh in at home on Friday morning and that will be my last 'true' reading before Croatia. When I'm in London I'm going to stick to my diet and I will also have my trainers with me so no excuses for not exercising. The problem is finding a scale that I can use to show any loss as I'm staying at all three different places. There might be a chance I can use a set on Friday night and Wednesday night - which would be the perfect scenario but I'm not sure it'll come off. I'm just planning to hop on and off just about every set I come across and hopefully I'll have two readings taken at the same time of day on the same scales and at least a few days apart.
Thursday was a crazy busy day with work and I was diving about all over the place (so much so I didn't make it to the gym - shock horror) On Saturday I went away camping with my voluntary thing and only got back last night.
I always find it really hard to eat healthily when I'm away camping as it's all catered for and there are packets of biscuits always on the go. We're outside all day long too which always makes me feel hungrier than normal. I did pretty well on Saturday and the only misdemeanor was the nan bread I munched on with dinner. I had a burger which had been fried, and a sausage at lunchtime on Sunday which was bad too. This wasn't too bad really but then I started munching on biscuits and I had a few coffees with cream! What was I thinking?! Silly, silly, silly.
Monday's meals were pretty good but again - biscuits! I must have eaten about six chocolatey caramel digestivey things - at least. They were SO goood, but I dread to think how much fat there is and the number of calories in them cannot be good. On the positive side, I made everyone a cooked breakfast (including Stornoway black pudding - drool) and didn't eat any of it! I also was on the go lots. Not much sitting about and a lot of walking about, lifting things and generally being active. I just hope it was enough to balance it all out.
However, I'll not be finding out tomorrow. That's right, weigh in will not be taking place tomorrow. I'm off to London town on Friday night as I've got a wedding reception down there on Saturday. I'm then staying with friends from Sunday until Wednesday night when I will be staying at the Travel Lodge at Gatwick as the next morning (Thursday) I fly out to Croatia for 11 days!
This mean the plan for weigh in is all over the place. I'm going to weigh in at home on Friday morning and that will be my last 'true' reading before Croatia. When I'm in London I'm going to stick to my diet and I will also have my trainers with me so no excuses for not exercising. The problem is finding a scale that I can use to show any loss as I'm staying at all three different places. There might be a chance I can use a set on Friday night and Wednesday night - which would be the perfect scenario but I'm not sure it'll come off. I'm just planning to hop on and off just about every set I come across and hopefully I'll have two readings taken at the same time of day on the same scales and at least a few days apart.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Who the hell knows
So tomorrow is yet another weigh in. I have no idea what to expect.
I've really pushed myself with my workouts and tonight at spinning, dear god, it was brutal. But (yup, there is always a but) I drank far far too much on Saturday night. Admittedly I ate jack all but.... well, who the hell knows. I'm wearing clothes that I've unearthed from the back of the wardrobe so I've got nothing to use as a measure.
I gained an unexpected 1.5lbs last week so I'd hope that I'd lose those that at least. I just don't know. All will be revealed soon enough. I've got a mental couple of weeks coming up before I go on holiday which has been the milestone I've had in my head for getting down to a certain weight but until I see what the hell is going on tomorrow I don't know if I'll make it.
I just hope the following exercise was enough to keep me going in the right direction.
Wed: Circuits and 6.5 mile bike ride (with very heavy bag!)
Thurs: 2 miles on bike, gym workout (40 mins cardio mixed with lunges, squats, abs)
Fri: 5km (8.8kmph)
Sat & Sun: Nothing
Mon: Circuits and 6.5 mile bike ride
Tues 6 mile bike ride and spinning
I've really pushed myself with my workouts and tonight at spinning, dear god, it was brutal. But (yup, there is always a but) I drank far far too much on Saturday night. Admittedly I ate jack all but.... well, who the hell knows. I'm wearing clothes that I've unearthed from the back of the wardrobe so I've got nothing to use as a measure.
I gained an unexpected 1.5lbs last week so I'd hope that I'd lose those that at least. I just don't know. All will be revealed soon enough. I've got a mental couple of weeks coming up before I go on holiday which has been the milestone I've had in my head for getting down to a certain weight but until I see what the hell is going on tomorrow I don't know if I'll make it.
I just hope the following exercise was enough to keep me going in the right direction.
Wed: Circuits and 6.5 mile bike ride (with very heavy bag!)
Thurs: 2 miles on bike, gym workout (40 mins cardio mixed with lunges, squats, abs)
Fri: 5km (8.8kmph)
Sat & Sun: Nothing
Mon: Circuits and 6.5 mile bike ride
Tues 6 mile bike ride and spinning
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Secret of my success
I'm feeling a bit negative. Nothing major. I'm going through a 'pissed off with living 100 miles away from TB', moment, I'm a bit hormonal and on top that I didn't have a great weekend food wise. There were no massive binges or anything but I don't think I've been careful enough to see a loss on the scales tomorrow.
I find it really easy to lose sight of the good things and how in control I really am when I feel like this. To feel like a winner, I need to think like a winner and so I here are the secrets of my success*
And here is the week's exercise
Wed: 7 easy miles on the bike. 20 mins lunges/running/squats etc
Thurs: 1 hour badminton singles
Fri: 5km run and 10 mins squats/lunges
Sat: Nothing
Sun: 2 mile walk
Mon: Heavy resistance gym workout
Tues: Spinning and 10 mins cardio.
So not a particularly intensive workout week but a good mix in there none the less. Okay, will report on weigh in tomorrow but to be honest I'd be okay with staying the same.
*so far
I find it really easy to lose sight of the good things and how in control I really am when I feel like this. To feel like a winner, I need to think like a winner and so I here are the secrets of my success*
- Protein, protein and more protein - eggs and fish from a large part of my diet.
- Snacking. Forget crackers, low fat crisps, cereal bars etc. I either have a few slices of cold meat or fruit.
- Exercise. Not only does it make me feel good and help weight loss but when I go to the gym I can see how I look and I'm reminded of how far I've come.
- Mix up the exercise and keep increasing the speed/weight/resistance etc.
- Frylight. I haven't used cooking oil (vegetable or olive in months)
- Frozen grapes - amazing snack
- Cut back on carbs. I rarely eat pasta, bread, rice or cereal. Instead of 2 scrambled eggs and a slice of toast I have 3 eggs and no toast.
- Planning. I plan my week so that I can fit in all my exercise. That is done before anything else gets in the way.
- I love booze. It does not help me lose weight. We've had to scale back our relationship significantly. Definite correlation between consumption and lack of weight loss.
- Squats and lunges. I'm telling you - my legs have never looked so good!
- Keep on keeping on. Consistency is key.
And here is the week's exercise
Wed: 7 easy miles on the bike. 20 mins lunges/running/squats etc
Thurs: 1 hour badminton singles
Fri: 5km run and 10 mins squats/lunges
Sat: Nothing
Sun: 2 mile walk
Mon: Heavy resistance gym workout
Tues: Spinning and 10 mins cardio.
So not a particularly intensive workout week but a good mix in there none the less. Okay, will report on weigh in tomorrow but to be honest I'd be okay with staying the same.
*so far
Sunday, 3 July 2011
A weekend of...
Barbeques
A size 14 French Connection dress
Afternoon tea in the park
Hanging with good friends
Making plans for bike adventures
Family
Rum
Granny chinwags
Compliments
Avoiding banoffee pie
Working out in the sun
A big hangover
Driving around the country
Getting a farmer tan
A cup cake sugar smack down
Loving my life
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Weigh in & possible problems
Goodbye another 1.5lbs of lard.
I was worried about my 'scale time' this morning. The weekend had a fair few naughties and booze in it but I did feel a difference in some of my clothes and so on I jumped to the sodding things hoping for a loss but not too sure what the hell was going to go down - but willing it to be the number.
13 stone 1lb. That's a solid 1.5 off. Pheeeeeewoooooo. It is my 'big loss' week though and I think if I had been more careful at the weekend then it would have been more. But I wasn't. And it isn't. Over the weeks my average loss is 1.3lbs a week and considering I was on holiday for a week of that I'm pretty happy with the whole darn shooting match. Sorry, just went a bit southern American there.
I'm edging ever closer to that hallowed 12 stone bracket (softly, softly catchy monkey) and all I need is 1.25lbs off and I'll be there! Can I do it next week though? Now, there's a question. I'd bloody love to but I'm not sure it can be done. Apart from the fact I ate a choccie biscuit today (whoops) there are a few things coming up that are throwing me off course; and I need my course!
On Saturday I'm taking my best friend from school out for afternoon tea. I couldn't get booked up in time so I'm going to cobble it together myself and take it to hers. This will involve cakes (bought) and sandwiches (made). The plan is to have a very light brekkie and that's my lunch for the day. Quite a lunch, mind you.
Saturday night I'm going to a barbeque at which I am planning to get totally shit faced. I will be sticking to spirits and diet mixers (a lot of them) as for the food? It doesn't worry me too much. I've suggested to my friend (who's barbeque it is) that I bring a big salad with me. Easy - grilled meat and salad for dinner. No picking at crisps. I know what a crisp tastes like. I don't need to eat another one to make sure I know. What will be a challenge is the tablet. You know what tablet is, right? Oh dear god, it's like crack.
Sugar, condensed milk and butter all boiled up, set and then cut into chunks. As a sugar addict this stuff sends me round the bend and into a sugar induced frenzy akin to the best orgasm of my life (Bremen, October 2010). My barbeque friend makes the best tablet I have ever tasted and believe me, I have tasted A LOT. There is no way I cannot not have a piece. Hmmmm - A piece. Singular. Not too sure what my tactic is at this stage for keeping sane about it. I'll need to have a think about that one. Tips and tricks most welcome!
The next problem is Monday and Tuesday. TB (got some interesting posts from the weekend about the next step for us - it's not happening by the way, but I have some updates and I also met his Grandparents which I thought went terribly - not the Love Cat way.) is away camping with the voluntary organisation we help at, for a week. I am going to help out from Monday lunchtime until Wednesday breakfast time. Yes, I know - Wednesday is weigh in! I know! This means I have to get through the best part of two days without a workout, not in control of my food, faced with cooked breakfasts (even though I rebuked them last time, Peridot) and weighing in a day later. There is a lot to think about and a lot of mental strategy to be considered if I am even going to be in with a shout of losing any weight next week, never mind 1.25lbs.
Starting Weight: 204.25 pounds
Current Weight: 183 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 1.5 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 21.25 pounds
I was worried about my 'scale time' this morning. The weekend had a fair few naughties and booze in it but I did feel a difference in some of my clothes and so on I jumped to the sodding things hoping for a loss but not too sure what the hell was going to go down - but willing it to be the number.
13 stone 1lb. That's a solid 1.5 off. Pheeeeeewoooooo. It is my 'big loss' week though and I think if I had been more careful at the weekend then it would have been more. But I wasn't. And it isn't. Over the weeks my average loss is 1.3lbs a week and considering I was on holiday for a week of that I'm pretty happy with the whole darn shooting match. Sorry, just went a bit southern American there.
I'm edging ever closer to that hallowed 12 stone bracket (softly, softly catchy monkey) and all I need is 1.25lbs off and I'll be there! Can I do it next week though? Now, there's a question. I'd bloody love to but I'm not sure it can be done. Apart from the fact I ate a choccie biscuit today (whoops) there are a few things coming up that are throwing me off course; and I need my course!
On Saturday I'm taking my best friend from school out for afternoon tea. I couldn't get booked up in time so I'm going to cobble it together myself and take it to hers. This will involve cakes (bought) and sandwiches (made). The plan is to have a very light brekkie and that's my lunch for the day. Quite a lunch, mind you.
Saturday night I'm going to a barbeque at which I am planning to get totally shit faced. I will be sticking to spirits and diet mixers (a lot of them) as for the food? It doesn't worry me too much. I've suggested to my friend (who's barbeque it is) that I bring a big salad with me. Easy - grilled meat and salad for dinner. No picking at crisps. I know what a crisp tastes like. I don't need to eat another one to make sure I know. What will be a challenge is the tablet. You know what tablet is, right? Oh dear god, it's like crack.
Sugar, condensed milk and butter all boiled up, set and then cut into chunks. As a sugar addict this stuff sends me round the bend and into a sugar induced frenzy akin to the best orgasm of my life (Bremen, October 2010). My barbeque friend makes the best tablet I have ever tasted and believe me, I have tasted A LOT. There is no way I cannot not have a piece. Hmmmm - A piece. Singular. Not too sure what my tactic is at this stage for keeping sane about it. I'll need to have a think about that one. Tips and tricks most welcome!
The next problem is Monday and Tuesday. TB (got some interesting posts from the weekend about the next step for us - it's not happening by the way, but I have some updates and I also met his Grandparents which I thought went terribly - not the Love Cat way.) is away camping with the voluntary organisation we help at, for a week. I am going to help out from Monday lunchtime until Wednesday breakfast time. Yes, I know - Wednesday is weigh in! I know! This means I have to get through the best part of two days without a workout, not in control of my food, faced with cooked breakfasts (even though I rebuked them last time, Peridot) and weighing in a day later. There is a lot to think about and a lot of mental strategy to be considered if I am even going to be in with a shout of losing any weight next week, never mind 1.25lbs.
Starting Weight: 204.25 pounds
Current Weight: 183 pounds
Weight Loss This Week: 1.5 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 21.25 pounds
Sunday, 22 May 2011
There's always a ying...
Damn that bloody chocolate that I got for my birthday. Damn it to hell and back- mmmnnnn... melting chocolate.
I have been eating some of it EVERY SINGLE DAY. For the love of all things delicious, why can I not just leave it alone. I'm pretty cross with myself but on the positive side, not only have I been eating it I've also been giving it away to anyone that crosses my path. I took truffles to my friends for midweek cuppa and let her eat most of them. I took a slab of mud cake chocolate up to TB, which I kind of scoffed most of (whoops) and I took another big slab to another friend I was visiting. Thankfully it's now all gone. Phew. My eating over the weekend wasn't as good as I would have liked and Saturday in particular wasn't great. On the upside I've been exercising loads and the only day off so far has been Saturday. On Friday I got up at 7.15am and was outside pounding along the seafront before brekkie. I would like to make a big deal of the fact it was so windy I felt like I was running on the spot!
Enough of the chit chat here's what's been going on over the past few days.
All in all a really nice weekend with holiday apartment booking, healthy smoothies, window shopping, exercise, gossiping, cuddling, film watching, long lies, papers in bed, I love you's and hanging with my number one boy (the pussycat - of course!).
I have been eating some of it EVERY SINGLE DAY. For the love of all things delicious, why can I not just leave it alone. I'm pretty cross with myself but on the positive side, not only have I been eating it I've also been giving it away to anyone that crosses my path. I took truffles to my friends for midweek cuppa and let her eat most of them. I took a slab of mud cake chocolate up to TB, which I kind of scoffed most of (whoops) and I took another big slab to another friend I was visiting. Thankfully it's now all gone. Phew. My eating over the weekend wasn't as good as I would have liked and Saturday in particular wasn't great. On the upside I've been exercising loads and the only day off so far has been Saturday. On Friday I got up at 7.15am and was outside pounding along the seafront before brekkie. I would like to make a big deal of the fact it was so windy I felt like I was running on the spot!
Enough of the chit chat here's what's been going on over the past few days.
 |
| The amazing view as I sit on yet another train to see TB. |
 |
| A ring that has barely left my fingers since I bought it and some paint your love action. |
 |
| The amazing and evil chocs. |
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| Trying on bridesmaid dresses. Sorry, can't seem to turn the pic! |
All in all a really nice weekend with holiday apartment booking, healthy smoothies, window shopping, exercise, gossiping, cuddling, film watching, long lies, papers in bed, I love you's and hanging with my number one boy (the pussycat - of course!).
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Speedtrain coming through
Shitting hell. Who the fark decided life was going to go radio rental (mental - do try and keep up). I've got all these posts (okay, two) carefully composed in my head and there ain't no time to write them.
I've had three new business enquiries come through all today and two of them are definite go-ers. The other I have to write a proposal for so it's all systems go, and yer granny's systems too. I actually don't know how I am going to do all this work and I am panicking a bit. Yes, that's why spending time blogging. I know, I know!
Apart from taking my car to the garage for an MOT and service first thing tomorrow I've got a whole day at my desk and so I'm going to have to beast on as much as I can before trotting off to spinning at 5.30pm. See, that's part of the problem. Going to the gym takes up valuable time. I was out this evening at a voluntry thing I do and so I HAD to go to the gym at lunchtime today. I'm off up to TB's on Thursday afternoon and so I'm trying to cram as much exercise in as possible while I'm at home. I also cycled to my thing tonight which was 25 minutes each way.
Once I've wrapped this baby up, I need to call my mother and then I'm going to do work for an hour and then it'll be time to do the dishes and then hang the washing up and then go to bed. Oh, and speak to TB as well. So that'll be another 11.30pm bedtime. And then tomorrow morning I get to weigh myself! Lucky me!
In prepartation for possible bad times on the scales tomorrow I've made a note of some non scale victories to keep me in good spirits (not the kind I'd like).
I've had three new business enquiries come through all today and two of them are definite go-ers. The other I have to write a proposal for so it's all systems go, and yer granny's systems too. I actually don't know how I am going to do all this work and I am panicking a bit. Yes, that's why spending time blogging. I know, I know!
Apart from taking my car to the garage for an MOT and service first thing tomorrow I've got a whole day at my desk and so I'm going to have to beast on as much as I can before trotting off to spinning at 5.30pm. See, that's part of the problem. Going to the gym takes up valuable time. I was out this evening at a voluntry thing I do and so I HAD to go to the gym at lunchtime today. I'm off up to TB's on Thursday afternoon and so I'm trying to cram as much exercise in as possible while I'm at home. I also cycled to my thing tonight which was 25 minutes each way.
Once I've wrapped this baby up, I need to call my mother and then I'm going to do work for an hour and then it'll be time to do the dishes and then hang the washing up and then go to bed. Oh, and speak to TB as well. So that'll be another 11.30pm bedtime. And then tomorrow morning I get to weigh myself! Lucky me!
In prepartation for possible bad times on the scales tomorrow I've made a note of some non scale victories to keep me in good spirits (not the kind I'd like).
- Sleeves on a dress I was wearing the other day felt looser around the tops of my arms
- Tummy definitely looks and feels flatter
- Mum said my cheekbones are more prominient and my face doesn't look as round
- Belt is doing up a notch tighter
- Feeling fitter and stronger when exercising
Saturday, 12 March 2011
The Waiting Game
I've been swithering back and forth. Should I blog, or not, about the following topic. Well, the mere fact you're reading this, answers the question.
I'm pretty confident that there is nothing to worry about but something that should have been here three days ago isn't here. And I am knackered. I'm sleeping for hours every night but it's still not enough.
There shouldn't be anything to worry about as I've not taken any risks. I would be the 1% that was unlucky.
Not much more to say really. Will let you know of any developments - as soon as they happen!
I'm pretty confident that there is nothing to worry about but something that should have been here three days ago isn't here. And I am knackered. I'm sleeping for hours every night but it's still not enough.
There shouldn't be anything to worry about as I've not taken any risks. I would be the 1% that was unlucky.
Not much more to say really. Will let you know of any developments - as soon as they happen!
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Missing in Action
I've started a post, a mammoth post, that I just can't quite seem to finish it as other stuff keeps happening!
I've got loads to get off my chest and it's way too much for one post but I need to start somewhere. I will do my darndest to get round to it tonight. In the meantime, couple of pics from my weekend away. They need no explanation.
I've got loads to get off my chest and it's way too much for one post but I need to start somewhere. I will do my darndest to get round to it tonight. In the meantime, couple of pics from my weekend away. They need no explanation.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Trundling Along
So I seem to have lost my blogging mojo somewhat. The fact of the matter is that when I lose the plot with the diet, I'm reluctant to update. It's a bit like sticking my head in the sand, but the sand is replaced with chocolate. So... image me with my head in a bucket of chocolate and you get the idea.
I'm also rubbish at keeping up with other people's blogs when this happens. While I'm in calorie induced fug I don't really enjoy reading about other's attempts to shift the lard. Sorry - totally selfish but that's just the way it is.
While I don't feel too great at the moment size and fat wise, I don't feel too bad either. I know that I've got a couple of weeks of indulgence coming up (and to be honest a lot of those days are booze filled, rather than food filled) and then it'll be New Year and time to get right back on it - again. Yup, again.
The plan of attack come Jan 11 is that even though my Slimming World group has folded (kiss of death from yours truly!) I've still got the info and I'm going to stick with it. And running. I really want to get back into running. I can crack out a 5k without too much bother but it would be good to get up to a 10k or so.
In other life news, work is going really well - although I don't think I'll ever get the hang of working from home and being at my desk at 9am. I'm planning to take off most of Christmas and New Year so looking forward to catching up with my family, friends and of course Toy Boy.
Yes, Toy Boy. What a sweetheart. It's a pain that we only get to see each other at the weekends but so far it's working out pretty well. We actually didn't end up seeing each other last weekend and so it's been almost two weeks since we clapped eyes on each other. We were champing at the bit for yesterday to arrive (when I came to see him) and have been counting down the days. But typically - I arrive and after just a few hours together we end up almost falling out! It was over nothing at all - I felt he was poopoo-ing a suggestion of mine and just generally being a twat (while in the supermarket). I flounced off to the bread aisle. But APART from that.... double thumbs up.
Here is an example of how lovely he is... We were talking about books (pah- check us and our, like, totes intellectual conversation) and I mentioned I had never read The Great Gatsby. The next time he came to mine he brings out a stack of six books from his bag, one of which is The Great Gatsby. He's brought me a selection of his own books that he thinks I should read and that I'd enjoy. And they're in a specific order, lighthearted followed by more serious etc. Revolutionary Road done, now onto Glue. How thoughtful.
His family party is tomorrow night and I'm actually really looking forward to it. Note to self - do not get too drunk and tell his family members things they do not need to know.
Finally, I'm on the verge of saying it. You know - that word. The one that makes this all a bit more serious. Hmm. Don't want to do it first though.
I'm also rubbish at keeping up with other people's blogs when this happens. While I'm in calorie induced fug I don't really enjoy reading about other's attempts to shift the lard. Sorry - totally selfish but that's just the way it is.
While I don't feel too great at the moment size and fat wise, I don't feel too bad either. I know that I've got a couple of weeks of indulgence coming up (and to be honest a lot of those days are booze filled, rather than food filled) and then it'll be New Year and time to get right back on it - again. Yup, again.
The plan of attack come Jan 11 is that even though my Slimming World group has folded (kiss of death from yours truly!) I've still got the info and I'm going to stick with it. And running. I really want to get back into running. I can crack out a 5k without too much bother but it would be good to get up to a 10k or so.
In other life news, work is going really well - although I don't think I'll ever get the hang of working from home and being at my desk at 9am. I'm planning to take off most of Christmas and New Year so looking forward to catching up with my family, friends and of course Toy Boy.
Yes, Toy Boy. What a sweetheart. It's a pain that we only get to see each other at the weekends but so far it's working out pretty well. We actually didn't end up seeing each other last weekend and so it's been almost two weeks since we clapped eyes on each other. We were champing at the bit for yesterday to arrive (when I came to see him) and have been counting down the days. But typically - I arrive and after just a few hours together we end up almost falling out! It was over nothing at all - I felt he was poopoo-ing a suggestion of mine and just generally being a twat (while in the supermarket). I flounced off to the bread aisle. But APART from that.... double thumbs up.
Here is an example of how lovely he is... We were talking about books (pah- check us and our, like, totes intellectual conversation) and I mentioned I had never read The Great Gatsby. The next time he came to mine he brings out a stack of six books from his bag, one of which is The Great Gatsby. He's brought me a selection of his own books that he thinks I should read and that I'd enjoy. And they're in a specific order, lighthearted followed by more serious etc. Revolutionary Road done, now onto Glue. How thoughtful.
His family party is tomorrow night and I'm actually really looking forward to it. Note to self - do not get too drunk and tell his family members things they do not need to know.
Finally, I'm on the verge of saying it. You know - that word. The one that makes this all a bit more serious. Hmm. Don't want to do it first though.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Totes Sozzzzzz
Whoops - been a bit slack on the old blogging. However, I come armed with excuses...
- Double glazing. It's in! Well, one window was the wrong size and so I'm waiting for that one but the other window (I only have two windows) and the front door are in. Love. Them.
- Snow. TB ended up staying an extra night at the weekend cause of all the snow. In case you hadn't noticed GB is pretty much totally covered in snow. He couldn't get home and we were snowed in together for a night! He made the pilgrimage to the shops for some food and came back with supplies and a pair of gloves and earmuffs for me!
- Diet. Ummm... diet? Yeah, kinda have hit a bit of a hurdle there. TB is SUCH a bad influence. That is a crap excuse but there is a reason why I find it hard to slim when in a relationship - a new relationship. I have a whole post in the making about that but mainly it's because it's not FUN. I want to be carefree and spontaneous but saying no to anything fun and interesting that is related to food makes me seem like a total bore. I missed Ess Dubs on Tuesday (was cancelled cause of snow) and can't go next week cause of work but I am going to get my head down till the following week as that's my last real chance to get cracking before Christmas.
- Cold. Got a cold. Boring.
- Hair cut and massage this week- life is hard, eh?
- General chatting to TB on skype and the phone
- Christmas present buying - got a few ideas. Best thing I've bought so far - a pink spotted cake stand from BHS for a tenner for me bezzie.
- Snow - again. Had to dig my car out of the snow and then lent my spade to my neighbour that I've never met before. Although well worth it as they returned it tonight and brought a bottle of wine to say thanks. How nice!
- Christmas party planning. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee - I am excited. Tonight on the phone TB told me his mum and dad are going to have an early Christmas family get together and I am invited! It's going to be the week before Christmas and they were waiting to see if I could make that date before they went ahead. This means we'll see each other every weekend until Christmas. I am happy.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
I love...
- This song. I love Adele's voice and this song is just haunting. Cannot stop listening. If you're emotional at all chances are you will cry. You have been warned!
- Double glazing. I live in an old flat and it is so so cold. I sit next to the window a lot and cold just permeates the glass. Work is going really well and December looks like it's going to be a bumper month and so I've decided to get double glazing. I've got a lovely coloured front door that I'm sad to be losing but it'll be worth it for the warmth of white plastic.
- Weddings. My best friend from school is getting married on Friday. I've got my outfit sorted (just need a massive silver flower for my hair) and TB will be with me as we wish them all the luck and love in the world. Lots of my friends will be there and my bother and his wife so I'm really looking forward to it.
- Legs. I am most certainly not a fan of my legs but over the years my running perseverance has paid off and although they are not skinny by any manner of means and I am a stone heavier than my lightest weight ever, they are shapely and a far cry from the podgy sausages they once were. Feels good to be able to wear skirts and dresses that I once would have balked at.
- My Granny. She is amazing. I was stuck for shoes for my wedding outfit and then remembered these bad boys she gave me a couple of years ago. They are about 30 years old and she used to wear them when she went on cruises. Love it. Love her.
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