I'm meant to be writing a proper update for the "Get Off Your Broom" challenge that Serenity is still hosting. I'm meant to weigh and measure myself, then I'm meant to tell you how good - or bad - of a week I've had when it comes to eating right, drinking properly, and exercising regularly. And when I'm done with that I'm meant to decide if I'm participating in this week's mini challenge, and if I am post about it.
But I'm not going to do that.
And now I suppose you want to know why?
Here's the thing...
I joined the challenge to have others standing beside me while I tried to lose weight and get back the healthy habits I used to have. I wanted to blog hop with those people and offer them encouragement while at the same time getting some in return.
At first this was working for me, but then I started thinking too much. It's good to conciously be thinking about adopting healthier habits; everyone knows that. But I started worrying about it and obsessing over it. My mind was filled with thoughts like, "it's Saturday; I need to do my weight and measurements... What if I haven't lost anything? Or, worse, what if I've put weight or inches back on?" and "why are all of those people on the challenge? I wish I was as light as they are; they don't need something like this to lose weight, do they?" The result was that a combination of this and a few other things I've been dealing with made me ill, which caused me to not be in any fit shape to do any exercise anyway, and - as a result - caused me to put back on some of the weight I had managed to lose since the start of the year.
Anyway...
I'm still going to be working on adopting healthier eating habits, trying to drink better, and getting exercise on a more regular basis; even if I didn't need to lose weight, I'm sure my body would thank me for looking after it better, after all. But I wont be doing regular posts about my weight loss attempts any more, because all they're doing is making me feel bad, and causing me to stress over what people will think if I've had a bad week, gained weight or inches, etc. I mean, I'll probably throw the odd post in about weight loss and such, but only if I feel the need or desire to do so. The thing is, I don't see how that stress would benifit me, and I'm sure it would be better to illiminate the stress if at all possible. After all, the challenge was about getting healthier, and stress isn't healthy, is it?
Showing posts with label Get Off Your Broom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Get Off Your Broom. Show all posts
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday 26th November: 3:03 pm
I'm sorry for not being around the blogs over the past few days; well, most of this week, actually. I planned to catch up on things Thursday evening or Friday, but I got in to listening to my new Jean M Auel book, and I ended up not really doing much else. And then I spent a large part of yesterday watching episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer while laying on the sofa, because I just didn't feel up to doing much else.
I'm supposed to do a "Get Off Your Broom" update post today, but there's little point in me doing one; I've had a rough week, and I didn't even bother weighing or measuring today, because I don't care if I lost weight or inches or whatever this week. Well, no, that's not entirely right. I do care, but... Well, right now my head is too full of other things to consider jumping on the scales or grabbing the measuring tape to be anything worth doing today. So I'm not doing it; simple as that!
I'm supposed to do a "Get Off Your Broom" update post today, but there's little point in me doing one; I've had a rough week, and I didn't even bother weighing or measuring today, because I don't care if I lost weight or inches or whatever this week. Well, no, that's not entirely right. I do care, but... Well, right now my head is too full of other things to consider jumping on the scales or grabbing the measuring tape to be anything worth doing today. So I'm not doing it; simple as that!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Get Off Your Broom Update (FD)
Time for my "Get Off Your Broom" update:
So, how has my week been? Well...
I did have two take-aways and food out at the start of the week to celebrate my birthday, but the rest of the week I was eating proper home cooked meals. Yesterday, for example, I had stir fry vegetables with tofu in a lemon and ginger sauce, served with a baked potato; all of it made from scratch by me at home.
My drinking is... Well, it's "OK"... Not great, but OK. I'm probably drinking about 4 to 5 pints of liquid, 2 or 3 pints of which is "technically" water (herbal tea, but that's basically just water with herbs in it for flavouring; I don't even put sugar in it any more). Some days I'll drink more... I think I may have even made it to the 8 pints the other day! Considering how little I was drinking before even an average of 4 to 5 pints a day is pretty good for me though.
Due to still not feeling too great, and being exhausted just doing what I need to for food preparation, etc, I haven't done much in the way of exercise though. Kelly's been walking Kero for me most of the time, and I only managed to get up the energy to get the yoga mat out once. I hate that I feel so lousy and haven't been able to go on the walks. I'm not quite so bothered about the yoga, but I love to be outside, and it's frustrating barely having the energy to make it through the day, so being too exhausted to walk far enough to make it worthwhile me going with Kelly and Kero. It wouldn't be so bad if I could turn back after a bit and take myself home while they carry on, but I can't do that yet, so it's not fair on them for me to go while I'm feeling this drained; it's not fair to make them cut their walk short.
No change to weight and measurements, so I guess things balanced themselves out enough that at least I didn't put anything on, which is the main thing, right?
Anyway, visit Serenity and the rest of the Get Off Your Broom participents to see how they did this past week.
NOTE: Serenity's website has changed from "http://www.thedomesticpagan.com" to "http://www.thedomesticpagan.net" recently, so if you haven't yet changed your links to the "dot net" address then you'll want to do so in order to continue visiting her.
So, how has my week been? Well...
I did have two take-aways and food out at the start of the week to celebrate my birthday, but the rest of the week I was eating proper home cooked meals. Yesterday, for example, I had stir fry vegetables with tofu in a lemon and ginger sauce, served with a baked potato; all of it made from scratch by me at home.
My drinking is... Well, it's "OK"... Not great, but OK. I'm probably drinking about 4 to 5 pints of liquid, 2 or 3 pints of which is "technically" water (herbal tea, but that's basically just water with herbs in it for flavouring; I don't even put sugar in it any more). Some days I'll drink more... I think I may have even made it to the 8 pints the other day! Considering how little I was drinking before even an average of 4 to 5 pints a day is pretty good for me though.
Due to still not feeling too great, and being exhausted just doing what I need to for food preparation, etc, I haven't done much in the way of exercise though. Kelly's been walking Kero for me most of the time, and I only managed to get up the energy to get the yoga mat out once. I hate that I feel so lousy and haven't been able to go on the walks. I'm not quite so bothered about the yoga, but I love to be outside, and it's frustrating barely having the energy to make it through the day, so being too exhausted to walk far enough to make it worthwhile me going with Kelly and Kero. It wouldn't be so bad if I could turn back after a bit and take myself home while they carry on, but I can't do that yet, so it's not fair on them for me to go while I'm feeling this drained; it's not fair to make them cut their walk short.
No change to weight and measurements, so I guess things balanced themselves out enough that at least I didn't put anything on, which is the main thing, right?
Anyway, visit Serenity and the rest of the Get Off Your Broom participents to see how they did this past week.
NOTE: Serenity's website has changed from "http://www.thedomesticpagan.com" to "http://www.thedomesticpagan.net" recently, so if you haven't yet changed your links to the "dot net" address then you'll want to do so in order to continue visiting her.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Thoughtfully advancing another year in life (LBE... R/WP)
Yes, I know this is my second post today; I published the other one earlier since I wasn't sure if I'd have time to do a post today. But I have time, and I wanted to write this post, so - in case you didn't notice - here I am!
I think there's something about your birthday being on the horizon that makes you think; about the past, about the present, and about the future. I've noticed it a lot with people. This is the first year my birthday approaching has really made me think though. Perhaps because I'm now entering my late 20s? Or, perhaps because of the type of ritual I did for Samhain? Perhaps a bit of both?
In my samhain ritual I - as planned - meditated on those who have passed; letting them know they were remembered, and sending out a hope that they were at peace wherever they were. But I ended up doing a bit more than that.
You see, I'm one of those who tends to prefer to work from a basic plan for a ritual, but follow my instincts as to what happens. The result being that I found myself asking for guidance from any who could offer it about a particular thing that was troubling me. It wasn't a big thing, and I'd had no intention of asking anyone for guidance, but I found myself doing so as I reached out to those who had passed on, and went withh it since it felt right. And I "knew" I was heard. I can't explain how... It was just a feeling. Then I sat up to supervise the candle as it burned, since it seemed right to me to let it burn itself out.
A couple of days ago I was thhinking about the ritual, and I was wondering what kind of sign - if any - I'd get. I knew I'd know it when I "saw" it, but I couldn't help being curious. And I went to bed that night thinking about the ritual and the thing I'd been asking for guidance withh during the ritual.
I woke a few hours later feeling as though "something" was near me. A nice something, but something. I was going to dismiss it as Kero, but I could hear him at his water bowl lapping up water; his tags on his collar making the slight chinking noise they do against the bowl. So, it wasn't Kero.
The "something" seemed to move closer; if it hadn't been such a nice feeling presence, I'd have been afraid. Then I swear I felt the silkyness of Chance's fur, and an image of him flashed in to my mind (which, by the way, isn't something I can force any more; getting a vivid image of something has to happen as it wants, and any attempts to force it leave me with only a headache). That's when I knew... Chance was there. I know they say Samhain night is the easiest time for spirits to cross over, but I guess he felt that night was a better time?
My issue was that I was confused. You see, my recent adventures in attempting to join Kelly for ritual had confused me about some things. We are both of the same path, but our way of practising is so different. It's rare for me to bother with such trivial things as names of Gods. To me it's the spirits and energy in all things around that matter. Kelly, on the other hand, needs a name to call upon. I like my ritual plans to be basic and have room to adapt as I feel is right while I'm doing them. Kelly prefers a structure, and rarely deviates from the "script" if he can help it (his apple juice substitution was a rare occurance; he usually prefers to have the exact things on the list). I never noticed them before, but it was as plain as can be when we tried to do rituals together, and one of the reasons we only did those two then decided to go back to doing our rituals as solitaries again.
So I asked for guidance; was I lost?
Anyway, as I lay there a few nights ago - not daring to move in case Chance took it as a sign to leave - the phrase "nature witch" came in to my mind. "Is that a real thing?" I wondered. "Does it matter?" came the reply. "I suppose not," I thought.
Only it bothered me, so - long after Chance's presence had left me - I was still laying there with the phrase repeating itself, "nature witch, nature witch." And I couldn't take it any longer; I had to know what would happen if I searched for "nature witch" on Google. So, I got up, turned on my laptop, and - when it finally was loaded and ready to go - typed "nature witch" in to the box up the top there.
And what, you may be wondering, came up? Well, I'll tell you...
A whole lot of things about Wicca and witches; all of which said more or less the same thing about how every wiccan/witch you meet will give you a different definition of what it is to be a wiccan/witch. How Wiccans/witches all practice differently, especially those who prefer to do their rituals as solitary activities. And about how some wiccans/witches lean more towards the Gods and Goddesses of old myths, where as others refer only to the energies in all living things and the power of the elements.
Basically, it told me what I already knew, but had forgotten in my confusion about how - having shared sources and walked our path side by side for so long - we had such different ways of practising our rituals. In short, it reminded me of how differently even the same information can be viewed, even by like-minded people.
I don't know why it felt important to share this, but it did, so I did.
Perhaps it's because of how all the thinking I was doing as my birthday approached was intertwined with my thoughts on this? Because I want to share a little about my thoughts...
In just three years time I'll be 30. I've been to Canada and Cyprus, I've owned several pets and lived in several houses, and I've been happily married now for 9 days short of eight and a half years. But I don't feel I've achieved much in my lifetime.
Yes, I know there's plenty of life in me yet, but I thought maybe I'd have done something by now. I mean, I'd hoped by now to have at least one child. I'd hoped that by my 27th birthday I'd have a littleone running in to me in the morning; perhaps with a card she or he had made for me - saying, "happy birthday Mummy," while attempting to thrust a poorly wrapped present in to my barely responding (since I'd still be half asleep) hands. But I don't... And, yes, it bugs me that I don't even have that to show for the fact I was here. I want to do something, but what?
Well, all this thinking got me thinking about the "30 before 30" list that Stephanie wrote (an idea which she got from someone else). So, I decided to write a list of my own of goals I would like to achieve by the time I reach 30. My list is shorter, but it's mine, and it works for me. Anyway, here it is; in no particular order:
1. Have a baby; everyone knows that's been on my list for a while.
2. Write a book and submit it for publication.
3. Visit Stonehenge; preferably on the Summer Solstice.
4. Join some sort of a group that I can go to regularly to mix with people; something like a drama group (since I always loved drama and would like to get back in to it) or a writing group like the one I used to be in.
5. Meet some of my online friends; I wont put a number on it, but it would be nice to at least meet one or two of the people I speak to online so often. This could be tricky due to most of them living the other side of the world to me, but I'd still like to try and achieve it.
6. Participate in some kind of big event for charity; a walk for charity, or one of those all day events for charity, or something.
7. Get myself to a point where I can take myself to town whenever I want.
I made the list its very own page, which you can see by clicking here, or clicking the link to it up with my other pages.
I'm already trying desperately to make the first one come to pass; I've even jumped off my broom with Serenity and the others in order to try and give my body the wake-up call it needs to get in shape and try and make it happen. Maybe the fact my biological clock is ticking ever closer to the time when things will become tougher - and my chances slimmer - will be enough to keep me off my broom and on my feet?
And, I still don't know why I felt the need to write this post, but I did, so I wrote it, and here it is; I hope you didn't find it too boring and rambly.
Although, the fact that reflecting on why you got off your broom was part of the challenge Serenity set last week might have been part of why I felt the need to write this post. After all, what better reason could there be than getting your body in shape to be able to try and create the greatest miracle there is... Life!
I think there's something about your birthday being on the horizon that makes you think; about the past, about the present, and about the future. I've noticed it a lot with people. This is the first year my birthday approaching has really made me think though. Perhaps because I'm now entering my late 20s? Or, perhaps because of the type of ritual I did for Samhain? Perhaps a bit of both?
In my samhain ritual I - as planned - meditated on those who have passed; letting them know they were remembered, and sending out a hope that they were at peace wherever they were. But I ended up doing a bit more than that.
You see, I'm one of those who tends to prefer to work from a basic plan for a ritual, but follow my instincts as to what happens. The result being that I found myself asking for guidance from any who could offer it about a particular thing that was troubling me. It wasn't a big thing, and I'd had no intention of asking anyone for guidance, but I found myself doing so as I reached out to those who had passed on, and went withh it since it felt right. And I "knew" I was heard. I can't explain how... It was just a feeling. Then I sat up to supervise the candle as it burned, since it seemed right to me to let it burn itself out.
A couple of days ago I was thhinking about the ritual, and I was wondering what kind of sign - if any - I'd get. I knew I'd know it when I "saw" it, but I couldn't help being curious. And I went to bed that night thinking about the ritual and the thing I'd been asking for guidance withh during the ritual.
I woke a few hours later feeling as though "something" was near me. A nice something, but something. I was going to dismiss it as Kero, but I could hear him at his water bowl lapping up water; his tags on his collar making the slight chinking noise they do against the bowl. So, it wasn't Kero.
The "something" seemed to move closer; if it hadn't been such a nice feeling presence, I'd have been afraid. Then I swear I felt the silkyness of Chance's fur, and an image of him flashed in to my mind (which, by the way, isn't something I can force any more; getting a vivid image of something has to happen as it wants, and any attempts to force it leave me with only a headache). That's when I knew... Chance was there. I know they say Samhain night is the easiest time for spirits to cross over, but I guess he felt that night was a better time?
My issue was that I was confused. You see, my recent adventures in attempting to join Kelly for ritual had confused me about some things. We are both of the same path, but our way of practising is so different. It's rare for me to bother with such trivial things as names of Gods. To me it's the spirits and energy in all things around that matter. Kelly, on the other hand, needs a name to call upon. I like my ritual plans to be basic and have room to adapt as I feel is right while I'm doing them. Kelly prefers a structure, and rarely deviates from the "script" if he can help it (his apple juice substitution was a rare occurance; he usually prefers to have the exact things on the list). I never noticed them before, but it was as plain as can be when we tried to do rituals together, and one of the reasons we only did those two then decided to go back to doing our rituals as solitaries again.
So I asked for guidance; was I lost?
Anyway, as I lay there a few nights ago - not daring to move in case Chance took it as a sign to leave - the phrase "nature witch" came in to my mind. "Is that a real thing?" I wondered. "Does it matter?" came the reply. "I suppose not," I thought.
Only it bothered me, so - long after Chance's presence had left me - I was still laying there with the phrase repeating itself, "nature witch, nature witch." And I couldn't take it any longer; I had to know what would happen if I searched for "nature witch" on Google. So, I got up, turned on my laptop, and - when it finally was loaded and ready to go - typed "nature witch" in to the box up the top there.
And what, you may be wondering, came up? Well, I'll tell you...
A whole lot of things about Wicca and witches; all of which said more or less the same thing about how every wiccan/witch you meet will give you a different definition of what it is to be a wiccan/witch. How Wiccans/witches all practice differently, especially those who prefer to do their rituals as solitary activities. And about how some wiccans/witches lean more towards the Gods and Goddesses of old myths, where as others refer only to the energies in all living things and the power of the elements.
Basically, it told me what I already knew, but had forgotten in my confusion about how - having shared sources and walked our path side by side for so long - we had such different ways of practising our rituals. In short, it reminded me of how differently even the same information can be viewed, even by like-minded people.
I don't know why it felt important to share this, but it did, so I did.
Perhaps it's because of how all the thinking I was doing as my birthday approached was intertwined with my thoughts on this? Because I want to share a little about my thoughts...
In just three years time I'll be 30. I've been to Canada and Cyprus, I've owned several pets and lived in several houses, and I've been happily married now for 9 days short of eight and a half years. But I don't feel I've achieved much in my lifetime.
Yes, I know there's plenty of life in me yet, but I thought maybe I'd have done something by now. I mean, I'd hoped by now to have at least one child. I'd hoped that by my 27th birthday I'd have a littleone running in to me in the morning; perhaps with a card she or he had made for me - saying, "happy birthday Mummy," while attempting to thrust a poorly wrapped present in to my barely responding (since I'd still be half asleep) hands. But I don't... And, yes, it bugs me that I don't even have that to show for the fact I was here. I want to do something, but what?
Well, all this thinking got me thinking about the "30 before 30" list that Stephanie wrote (an idea which she got from someone else). So, I decided to write a list of my own of goals I would like to achieve by the time I reach 30. My list is shorter, but it's mine, and it works for me. Anyway, here it is; in no particular order:
1. Have a baby; everyone knows that's been on my list for a while.
2. Write a book and submit it for publication.
3. Visit Stonehenge; preferably on the Summer Solstice.
4. Join some sort of a group that I can go to regularly to mix with people; something like a drama group (since I always loved drama and would like to get back in to it) or a writing group like the one I used to be in.
5. Meet some of my online friends; I wont put a number on it, but it would be nice to at least meet one or two of the people I speak to online so often. This could be tricky due to most of them living the other side of the world to me, but I'd still like to try and achieve it.
6. Participate in some kind of big event for charity; a walk for charity, or one of those all day events for charity, or something.
7. Get myself to a point where I can take myself to town whenever I want.
I made the list its very own page, which you can see by clicking here, or clicking the link to it up with my other pages.
I'm already trying desperately to make the first one come to pass; I've even jumped off my broom with Serenity and the others in order to try and give my body the wake-up call it needs to get in shape and try and make it happen. Maybe the fact my biological clock is ticking ever closer to the time when things will become tougher - and my chances slimmer - will be enough to keep me off my broom and on my feet?
And, I still don't know why I felt the need to write this post, but I did, so I wrote it, and here it is; I hope you didn't find it too boring and rambly.
Although, the fact that reflecting on why you got off your broom was part of the challenge Serenity set last week might have been part of why I felt the need to write this post. After all, what better reason could there be than getting your body in shape to be able to try and create the greatest miracle there is... Life!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Get Off Your Broom: Week 6 reviewed (FD)
OK, I'm doing this later in the day than planned, and don't have much time, so I'll get to the point... I did hardly any exercise - The Yoga mat never came out, and I only walked Kero twice (Kelly walked him the rest of the time) - due to still feeling very unwell; I'm feeling a bit better now, but still not 100%. But I did reasonably well with eating; some chocolate due to the leftover treats from Samhain, but that's about it. And I drank really well (I usually do when I'm not well).
I somehow lost 1lb, lost half an inch from my chest, and lost half an inch from my arm.
And that's my week in a nutshell... Now I have to go.
Visit Serenity and the other get off your broom participents to see how everyone else has done this week.
I somehow lost 1lb, lost half an inch from my chest, and lost half an inch from my arm.
And that's my week in a nutshell... Now I have to go.
Visit Serenity and the other get off your broom participents to see how everyone else has done this week.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Get Off Your Broom: week 5 reviewed
It is week 5, right? *Looks a little confused*
Don't mind me, I'm not feeling too well, so a few things are a bit fuzzy in my head today.
I do know a few things for certain though:
*I had a bad week with food; I ate poorly.
*I drank really well (for me) this past week.
*I barely made it for 5 days of exercise.
*I put on 2lbs, but I'm too relieved that it wasn't more to be bothered about it.
*I lost half an inch from my hips.
*I lost half an inch from my waist.
*I lost 1.5 inches from my chest.
*I started measuring my thigh and arm last week; no change to my arm, but I lost half an inch from my thigh.
*I still can't figure out how I can have lost 3 inches from me and put on 2lbs.
And that's all you're getting today, sorry!
Don't forget to visit Serenity and the other Get Off Your Broom participents.
Happy bonfire night to all; if you're somewhere that celebrates it and having fireworks, be safe and sensible!
Don't mind me, I'm not feeling too well, so a few things are a bit fuzzy in my head today.
I do know a few things for certain though:
*I had a bad week with food; I ate poorly.
*I drank really well (for me) this past week.
*I barely made it for 5 days of exercise.
*I put on 2lbs, but I'm too relieved that it wasn't more to be bothered about it.
*I lost half an inch from my hips.
*I lost half an inch from my waist.
*I lost 1.5 inches from my chest.
*I started measuring my thigh and arm last week; no change to my arm, but I lost half an inch from my thigh.
*I still can't figure out how I can have lost 3 inches from me and put on 2lbs.
And that's all you're getting today, sorry!
Don't forget to visit Serenity and the other Get Off Your Broom participents.
Happy bonfire night to all; if you're somewhere that celebrates it and having fireworks, be safe and sensible!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Witchy Tea Party 2011: Part 1
***Scroll down for this week's "Get Off Your Broom" update***
When I found out that Anna was hosting a Witchy Tea Party this Samhain/Halloween/All Hallows Eve (whichever you would prefer to call it) my first thought was of Chance. Chance was a special cat who I loved dearly, and miss very much. But, as much as I miss him, Chance can wait a bit; come back tomorrow to read more on him.
The topic of this post is Zack. "And who is Zack?" I hear you ask. Zack is a very special young man who left this world just a couple of months ago. I knew Zack as a youngster; he was an adorable little boy who always seemed to be happy. I knew him because I knew his Mother. Zack was the 5th born child of 6 children; 3 boys (Zack being the youngest) and 3 girls. I lost touch with the family during the time I've been married, but recently found them again. I wish it had been under happier circumstances, but it was not. Anyway, I wanted to take the time to celebrate a young man who was much loved by many, and who is dearly missed, so I asked Carrieann (his Mother) if it would be OK, and for a bit more information on the teenage Zack, since it had been so long since I saw him. And here's what she had to say: "He was famous for wearing his beanie hat, always smiling...... his smile could light the world on a cloudy day,randomly hugging people, making people laugh, playing his guitar and X box, and caring for his little sister. He was a lovely boy who was always happy during his 15 yrs here on earth."
She also said that if anyone should receive a message from him then she's happy to take it, so if you should, please pass it on and I will tell her. Also, she has a message for him: "Tell him I love him loads & I miss him everyday."
We could all learn a lot from Zack; live each day to the fullest while you have the oppertunity to do so, make someone's day by giving them a hug, and keep on smiling!
Rest in peace Zack, and know you are missed. Yes, the world is missing a remarkable young man, and the Summerlands have gained a beautiful soul!
****
Don't forget to come back for part 2 tomorrow. In the meantime, click on the button below to see who else is invited to the party and visit them:
Thank you to Anna for hosting this tea party.
And, perhaps most importantly, thank you to Carrieann for helping me with the information for this post, and for allowing me to share Zack with the world.
***
Finally, a note to all other party guests: If you want me to comment on your blog, please remove the word verification thing. I can't work it due to the fact that it's hard enough to work when you can see, and next to impossible when you can't (the listen and type thing never works). And it's not fair to bug someone every time I want to leave a comment. So, if you have the word verification thing then I will be visiting, but will be unable to comment. If you decide to keep word verification on your blog, that's fine; your blog, your choice. I'm just saying that people like me can't comment on your blog with that on, so if I seem to only be commenting on a couple of blogs, that's why; you'll notice a lack of word verification on the blogs I comment on. I don't want to be difficult; like I said, your blog, your choice. I'm just posting this for your information, and because I don't want you to just think I'm ignoring you or whatever, because I wouldn't do that... I plan to visit everyone on the list, and comment where possible!
When I found out that Anna was hosting a Witchy Tea Party this Samhain/Halloween/All Hallows Eve (whichever you would prefer to call it) my first thought was of Chance. Chance was a special cat who I loved dearly, and miss very much. But, as much as I miss him, Chance can wait a bit; come back tomorrow to read more on him.
The topic of this post is Zack. "And who is Zack?" I hear you ask. Zack is a very special young man who left this world just a couple of months ago. I knew Zack as a youngster; he was an adorable little boy who always seemed to be happy. I knew him because I knew his Mother. Zack was the 5th born child of 6 children; 3 boys (Zack being the youngest) and 3 girls. I lost touch with the family during the time I've been married, but recently found them again. I wish it had been under happier circumstances, but it was not. Anyway, I wanted to take the time to celebrate a young man who was much loved by many, and who is dearly missed, so I asked Carrieann (his Mother) if it would be OK, and for a bit more information on the teenage Zack, since it had been so long since I saw him. And here's what she had to say: "He was famous for wearing his beanie hat, always smiling...... his smile could light the world on a cloudy day,randomly hugging people, making people laugh, playing his guitar and X box, and caring for his little sister. He was a lovely boy who was always happy during his 15 yrs here on earth."
She also said that if anyone should receive a message from him then she's happy to take it, so if you should, please pass it on and I will tell her. Also, she has a message for him: "Tell him I love him loads & I miss him everyday."
We could all learn a lot from Zack; live each day to the fullest while you have the oppertunity to do so, make someone's day by giving them a hug, and keep on smiling!
Rest in peace Zack, and know you are missed. Yes, the world is missing a remarkable young man, and the Summerlands have gained a beautiful soul!
****
Don't forget to come back for part 2 tomorrow. In the meantime, click on the button below to see who else is invited to the party and visit them:
Thank you to Anna for hosting this tea party.
And, perhaps most importantly, thank you to Carrieann for helping me with the information for this post, and for allowing me to share Zack with the world.
***
Finally, a note to all other party guests: If you want me to comment on your blog, please remove the word verification thing. I can't work it due to the fact that it's hard enough to work when you can see, and next to impossible when you can't (the listen and type thing never works). And it's not fair to bug someone every time I want to leave a comment. So, if you have the word verification thing then I will be visiting, but will be unable to comment. If you decide to keep word verification on your blog, that's fine; your blog, your choice. I'm just saying that people like me can't comment on your blog with that on, so if I seem to only be commenting on a couple of blogs, that's why; you'll notice a lack of word verification on the blogs I comment on. I don't want to be difficult; like I said, your blog, your choice. I'm just posting this for your information, and because I don't want you to just think I'm ignoring you or whatever, because I wouldn't do that... I plan to visit everyone on the list, and comment where possible!
Get Off Your Broom: Week 4 reviewed (FD)
It's time for this week's Get Off Your Broom update.
But first; the challenge that Serenity set last week...
Part 1 was to think about - and look at - your diet, and figure out if you're eating a balanced diet. So, I thought about it, and I looked at the Vegetarian Food Pyramid Serenity linked to, and came up with the answer... Most days. I have a couple of days where I'll eat too many things from one food group, and not enough from another. But most days I eat a decent balanced diet; I just have to learn to bear my activity level in mind a bit more, and remember that on my less active days I shouldn't eat for an active person, if you know what I mean. I definately wasn't eating a proper balanced diet before, but since I started this challenge - well, from week 2 anyway, because week 1 wasn't a great example due to all the take-aways I had during moving - I've been doing pretty well at eating a balanced diet.
Part 2 was about making my Get Off Your Broom posts more witchy. My first thought here is, "do I need to then?" Magaly mentioned on her blog recently about how your witchyness would show through if you are a witch, because your posts will be about you. And, quite frankly, I'm happy to let that be the case. However, in the interests of witchyness showing through in my posts, I'll mention the meditation sessions I do after my Yoga session; partly as a sort of, "OK, now relax and get ready for the day," type of thing, and partly because I feel I need to get back in the habit of regular meditation sessions, and think that going from yoga exercises to a meditation session is an easy - and natural - thing to do. I also "try" to get a meditation session in before I settle for bed, but don't always manage it... Not that I always manage the morning yoga and meditation thing at the moment either, but at least the reason I don't always get to the morning one isn't because I fall asleep, which is what happens sometimes during the evening sessions. LOL!
OK, on to a review of this week...
Eating:
Not too bad; I did cheat for dinner two nights this week and have take-away though; Tuesday because by the time we were able to start sorting dinner I was just really tired (should have done the prep work for dinner before my rehabilitation officer arrived) and last night... Well, I have no excuse, I was just lazy! But the rest of the time I've been pretty good, I think.
Drinking:
Some days I've done great and had plenty to drink, but other days... Yeah, not so much; some days I just forget and end up only having maybe 4 small drinks all day. If only I could forget to eat when I'm bored as easily as I forget to drink. ;)
Walking:
Most days, great; 40 minute or longer walk in the morning, 20 minute walk in the evening. Except... There have been a couple of very wet days here this week, and Kero doesn't like to go out in the rain, which makes it difficult for me to, especially right now when I can't go by myself yet (still not had my mobility lessons). So since Kero refuses to go far and can't be left home by himself, and I can't go by myself... Well, some of the walks have been practically non-existant. I did try and persuade Kero to go for a walk, but he wasn't having it; we "maybe" made it for a 5 minute walk a couple of times. Like I said though, most of the time the weather has co-operated, and I've been able to do my walks just fine.
Yoga:
I think I did it maybe 3 times this week; better than I had been sometimes, but not what I was aiming for. But, at least I did it those few times, so at least it wasn't totally forgotten. What? I'm trying to think positive! ;)
Measurements:
I lost half a pound, lost half an inch from my waist, lost an inch from my hips, and lost an inch from my chest. So a total of half a pound and 2.5 inches lost this week!
Goals for next week:
*Drink better.
*Get the Yoga mat out more.
*Find something to do indoors in place of walking when walks aren't possible.
Other than that it's just a case of trying to avoid the take-aways, and trying to get walks in when I can. I'n still aiming for the long walk in the morning and short one in the evening, but sometimes the weather wont allow it.
***
The "Get Off Your Broom" chhallenge is hosted by Serenity over at "The Domestic Pagan"... Why not visit her? And don't forget to visit the other participents too!
Note to other participents: I've been visiting your blogs, but I can't comment due to word verification; it's nothing personal, it's just the way things are (the "listen and type" thing very rarely works, and is a lot of hastle to try and use anyway). So, please know that I'm 100% behind you in your quest to get off your broom and become a healthier you, but can't comment to say so.
But first; the challenge that Serenity set last week...
Part 1 was to think about - and look at - your diet, and figure out if you're eating a balanced diet. So, I thought about it, and I looked at the Vegetarian Food Pyramid Serenity linked to, and came up with the answer... Most days. I have a couple of days where I'll eat too many things from one food group, and not enough from another. But most days I eat a decent balanced diet; I just have to learn to bear my activity level in mind a bit more, and remember that on my less active days I shouldn't eat for an active person, if you know what I mean. I definately wasn't eating a proper balanced diet before, but since I started this challenge - well, from week 2 anyway, because week 1 wasn't a great example due to all the take-aways I had during moving - I've been doing pretty well at eating a balanced diet.
Part 2 was about making my Get Off Your Broom posts more witchy. My first thought here is, "do I need to then?" Magaly mentioned on her blog recently about how your witchyness would show through if you are a witch, because your posts will be about you. And, quite frankly, I'm happy to let that be the case. However, in the interests of witchyness showing through in my posts, I'll mention the meditation sessions I do after my Yoga session; partly as a sort of, "OK, now relax and get ready for the day," type of thing, and partly because I feel I need to get back in the habit of regular meditation sessions, and think that going from yoga exercises to a meditation session is an easy - and natural - thing to do. I also "try" to get a meditation session in before I settle for bed, but don't always manage it... Not that I always manage the morning yoga and meditation thing at the moment either, but at least the reason I don't always get to the morning one isn't because I fall asleep, which is what happens sometimes during the evening sessions. LOL!
OK, on to a review of this week...
Eating:
Not too bad; I did cheat for dinner two nights this week and have take-away though; Tuesday because by the time we were able to start sorting dinner I was just really tired (should have done the prep work for dinner before my rehabilitation officer arrived) and last night... Well, I have no excuse, I was just lazy! But the rest of the time I've been pretty good, I think.
Drinking:
Some days I've done great and had plenty to drink, but other days... Yeah, not so much; some days I just forget and end up only having maybe 4 small drinks all day. If only I could forget to eat when I'm bored as easily as I forget to drink. ;)
Walking:
Most days, great; 40 minute or longer walk in the morning, 20 minute walk in the evening. Except... There have been a couple of very wet days here this week, and Kero doesn't like to go out in the rain, which makes it difficult for me to, especially right now when I can't go by myself yet (still not had my mobility lessons). So since Kero refuses to go far and can't be left home by himself, and I can't go by myself... Well, some of the walks have been practically non-existant. I did try and persuade Kero to go for a walk, but he wasn't having it; we "maybe" made it for a 5 minute walk a couple of times. Like I said though, most of the time the weather has co-operated, and I've been able to do my walks just fine.
Yoga:
I think I did it maybe 3 times this week; better than I had been sometimes, but not what I was aiming for. But, at least I did it those few times, so at least it wasn't totally forgotten. What? I'm trying to think positive! ;)
Measurements:
I lost half a pound, lost half an inch from my waist, lost an inch from my hips, and lost an inch from my chest. So a total of half a pound and 2.5 inches lost this week!
Goals for next week:
*Drink better.
*Get the Yoga mat out more.
*Find something to do indoors in place of walking when walks aren't possible.
Other than that it's just a case of trying to avoid the take-aways, and trying to get walks in when I can. I'n still aiming for the long walk in the morning and short one in the evening, but sometimes the weather wont allow it.
***
The "Get Off Your Broom" chhallenge is hosted by Serenity over at "The Domestic Pagan"... Why not visit her? And don't forget to visit the other participents too!
Note to other participents: I've been visiting your blogs, but I can't comment due to word verification; it's nothing personal, it's just the way things are (the "listen and type" thing very rarely works, and is a lot of hastle to try and use anyway). So, please know that I'm 100% behind you in your quest to get off your broom and become a healthier you, but can't comment to say so.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Get Off Your Broom: Week 3 reviewed and week 2's challenge (LBE and FD)
Time for my weekly check-in for the Get Off Your Broom challenge; which I would link to on Serenity's blog, but with the issues with commenting I keep having on embedded comment forms, and the word verification accessability issues... Well, we've been through this before. But, for any new readers, if either of those things causes issues with me commenting on your blog, then that will explain the lack of comments from me. I will do my best to comment on the blogs I can of my fellow Get Off Your Broom challenge members though; just bare with me people, and remember... Word verification is an issue for even sighted people, and nothing but a cause of headaches and frustration for the blind blogging community! Just saying!
Anyway...
This past week, Serenity set us the challenge of learning about food cravings and deciding if we should give in to them or just try and ignore them.
So, what are food cravings?
According to this article on Wise Geek:
"Food cravings are intense yearnings for a certain type of food. Sweet or salty
foods are common food cravings as are protein foods such as meat or cheese. Most food cravings are thought to be caused by hormones, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, emotional and psychological reasons or sometimes by nutritional deficiencies."
The article goes on to say that:
"We do not always crave foods that are good for us. Stress, depression and a lack of sleep can cause "junk" food cravings. We sometimes may turn to "comfort foods" that we associate with pleasant feelings and overeat these foods when we are stressed, depressed or tired. Food cravings for quick sugar energy, alcohol or foods or drinks containing caffeine or carbohydrates are common when we are tired and want to feel energized.
Fluctuation in blood sugar levels may cause food cravings. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be caused from not getting enough calories or not eating at regular intervals. Hypoglycemia's affect on the body can be food cravings as the body feels as though it is starving.
Food cravings tend to lessen if we eat regular balanced meals and get all the vitamins and minerals that we need in our diets. Exercise may also help control food cravings by keeping the body in a more relaxed and fit state. Regular exercise has been shown to increase endorphins in the blood and this often leads to a feeling of well being and lowered tension in the body."
In other words, cravings are our body's way of telling us something is lacking from our diet. For example - as mentioned in the article I've taken quotes from above:
"Some nutrition experts state that some food cravings for chocolate may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency."
So, what does this all mean?
It means that, in my opinion, you shouldn't ignore food cravings, but should try to take the following steps when cravings occur:
1. Think about why you could be having the craving; are you tired and in need of energy? Are you bored? Are you feeling overly emotional?
2. Think of alternative ways you can deal with the craving; would a substitute food item work? Do you just need to find something else to occupy yourself for a bit?
As an example:
You have dinner at 5:00 pm, and about 6:00 pm you're craving some chocolate. Ask yourself what you had for dinner. Let's say it was a full roast dinner; meat (or meat substitute) with roast potatoes and a variety of mixed vegetables. Chances are you covered the main vitamins in there, so you probably don't need the chocolate for that. And chances are the dinner was nice and filling, so you aren't just hungry. This means you're probably just bored. The result? Go and find something to do, and see how you feel in an hour or two. It's quite likely that if you find something to do then you'll forget about your chocolate craving anyway.
However:
Say you had breakfast at 7:00 am, and it's now 10:00 am. You had a bad night, and you're tired, and now you're craving something sweet, and desperate for some coffee. Alright. It's been a few hours since breakfast, and you need something for energy, so what can you have? How about a nice fruit smoothie? Make sure it's full of berries, which are naturally sweet, full of all sorts of vitamins and such, and they'll help to give you the energy to make it through the rest of the morning.
See what I'm saying here?
It's all about eating regularly, evaluating whether a craving is valid or should be ignored, and trying to act on it in the best way you can while also trying to eat healthily.
Of course, I'm sure you'll agree that this is all easier said than done (and I'm personally rubbish at it; when I'm craving chocolate I usually have some). That's the theory of how things should go though, I think.
OK, on to the review of how this week has been for me:
Eating:
I've done really well with eating. I did make some cookies on Wednesday, and - I admit it - I ate a couple. But I'm still impressed with my eating this week. Why? Because I'm doing a lot better than I expected to. I've had homemade meals all week (as you'll see if you read yesterday's post, I even made my own bread) and they've been "proper" meals (no microwave meals, no chips and, etc). Plus, I only had a couple of the cookies, and only took them one at a time. In fact, there are still some left, and I only made a small batch (I think there ended up being about 18 cookies). Besides, I did say the goal here was to learn moderation and not to diet, which means there's nothing wrong with me having the cookies, because I had them in moderation; only 1 at a time, and I only ate 2 each day, despite passing the cookie plate every time I went in the kitchen. So, I think that was pretty good! Also, I didn't snack much between meals, because I was so busy; I'm trying to break the habit with smaller regular meals anyway. But - as I said last week - I'm a boredom and comfort eater. Well, I've been happy and busy, so everything I've had has been planned. Even those cookies were worked in to my meals (1 was part of an afternoon snack, another part of my supper, etc). In fact, this week I've had more trouble listening to my body reminding me it's time for my meal than anything. Maybe - while I get used to the eating routine I'm trying to set for myself - I should set an alarm for when it's time for my next meal? It would help me break up activities anyway!
Drinking:
I've done better; still not the amount I should be, but better... I remember to get a drink when I go in the kitchen most of the time; it's just a shame I then forget to drink it a lot of the time. Seriously! Several times I've made a drink, left the cup on the worktop while putting away the juice, or putting the spoon from the herbal tea in the washing up bowl, and forgotten all about my drink until a little while later when I'll either remember it, or be reminded about it by Kelly when he goes out there and asks if I plan on drinking my drink any time today. I've definately gotten a lot more fluid in me this past week though, which I'm sure my body is greatful for. And, before anyone says anything; try and get me to drink plain water, and you'll be fighting a losing battle... I have to be desperate to drink plain water, so the way to encourage me to drink more is not to shove plain water under my nose. Make me herbal tea or give me fruit juice and I'll do my best to drink well for you, but say it has to be plain water and you can forget it! Water doesn't taste like anything, and I like to taste what goes in my mouth - and enjoy the taste. So, I'm sticking to drinks with taste to them, thank you very much!
Walking:
I originally wanted to aim for three walks a day, but I was left with a choice; a decent length walk in the morning, then a shorter one in the evening, allowing me to be able to spend time enjoying trips to the park and the seaside, or go in to town. Or, three shorter walks, and not really much time to enjoy outings, because there's no time to do much around the walks. I went for the first option. So, in the morning (after the postman comes) we've been going for a decent walk (40 minutes plus; often more, like a couple of times when I was walking by the seaside for about 90 minutes with Kero) and in the evening a shorter walk (about 20 minutes). OK, I didn't go yesterday (if you read yesterday's post you'll know why; I was hurting and feeling unwell after ending up with a bruised hip from a run in with a door, a headache from a run in with a wall, and a bad knee that I don't remember how I hurt), but every other day - yes, including today - I've gone for the walks!
Yoga:
I actually got the mat out a couple of times this week. I would have done it more, but I was feeling awful, and was hurting so bad from the run in with the door that I didn't dare (and hurt too much to care what anyone thought of that). I don't hurt as much today though, so I've promised myself I'll allow myself the weekend to get to feeling better, then the mat comes out each morning again.
Measurements:
I did put 1lb back on (I blame the extra drinks), but I lost 1.5 inches from my hips, 2 inches from my waist, and 1 inch from my chest (all of which were much needed). So, despite the 1lb weight gain, I'm OK with my measurements this week. I mean, I lost a whole 4.5 inches from me this week, that has to count for something, right?
Goals:
My goals for this week are as follows:
*Make sure to get the 1 long walk and 1 short walk in every day.
*Get the yoga mat out every day.
*Remember to drink those drinks.
*Work on meal routine; set alarm if necessary.
OK, that's it from me... Go visit the other participents of the Get Off Your Broom challenge! And - to those people - I hope you're doing well with the challenges you've set yourself. I also hope you know I'm right here beside you, routing for you; we can do this... We can reach our goals!
Anyway...
This past week, Serenity set us the challenge of learning about food cravings and deciding if we should give in to them or just try and ignore them.
So, what are food cravings?
According to this article on Wise Geek:
"Food cravings are intense yearnings for a certain type of food. Sweet or salty
foods are common food cravings as are protein foods such as meat or cheese. Most food cravings are thought to be caused by hormones, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, emotional and psychological reasons or sometimes by nutritional deficiencies."
The article goes on to say that:
"We do not always crave foods that are good for us. Stress, depression and a lack of sleep can cause "junk" food cravings. We sometimes may turn to "comfort foods" that we associate with pleasant feelings and overeat these foods when we are stressed, depressed or tired. Food cravings for quick sugar energy, alcohol or foods or drinks containing caffeine or carbohydrates are common when we are tired and want to feel energized.
Fluctuation in blood sugar levels may cause food cravings. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be caused from not getting enough calories or not eating at regular intervals. Hypoglycemia's affect on the body can be food cravings as the body feels as though it is starving.
Food cravings tend to lessen if we eat regular balanced meals and get all the vitamins and minerals that we need in our diets. Exercise may also help control food cravings by keeping the body in a more relaxed and fit state. Regular exercise has been shown to increase endorphins in the blood and this often leads to a feeling of well being and lowered tension in the body."
In other words, cravings are our body's way of telling us something is lacking from our diet. For example - as mentioned in the article I've taken quotes from above:
"Some nutrition experts state that some food cravings for chocolate may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency."
So, what does this all mean?
It means that, in my opinion, you shouldn't ignore food cravings, but should try to take the following steps when cravings occur:
1. Think about why you could be having the craving; are you tired and in need of energy? Are you bored? Are you feeling overly emotional?
2. Think of alternative ways you can deal with the craving; would a substitute food item work? Do you just need to find something else to occupy yourself for a bit?
As an example:
You have dinner at 5:00 pm, and about 6:00 pm you're craving some chocolate. Ask yourself what you had for dinner. Let's say it was a full roast dinner; meat (or meat substitute) with roast potatoes and a variety of mixed vegetables. Chances are you covered the main vitamins in there, so you probably don't need the chocolate for that. And chances are the dinner was nice and filling, so you aren't just hungry. This means you're probably just bored. The result? Go and find something to do, and see how you feel in an hour or two. It's quite likely that if you find something to do then you'll forget about your chocolate craving anyway.
However:
Say you had breakfast at 7:00 am, and it's now 10:00 am. You had a bad night, and you're tired, and now you're craving something sweet, and desperate for some coffee. Alright. It's been a few hours since breakfast, and you need something for energy, so what can you have? How about a nice fruit smoothie? Make sure it's full of berries, which are naturally sweet, full of all sorts of vitamins and such, and they'll help to give you the energy to make it through the rest of the morning.
See what I'm saying here?
It's all about eating regularly, evaluating whether a craving is valid or should be ignored, and trying to act on it in the best way you can while also trying to eat healthily.
Of course, I'm sure you'll agree that this is all easier said than done (and I'm personally rubbish at it; when I'm craving chocolate I usually have some). That's the theory of how things should go though, I think.
OK, on to the review of how this week has been for me:
Eating:
I've done really well with eating. I did make some cookies on Wednesday, and - I admit it - I ate a couple. But I'm still impressed with my eating this week. Why? Because I'm doing a lot better than I expected to. I've had homemade meals all week (as you'll see if you read yesterday's post, I even made my own bread) and they've been "proper" meals (no microwave meals, no chips and, etc). Plus, I only had a couple of the cookies, and only took them one at a time. In fact, there are still some left, and I only made a small batch (I think there ended up being about 18 cookies). Besides, I did say the goal here was to learn moderation and not to diet, which means there's nothing wrong with me having the cookies, because I had them in moderation; only 1 at a time, and I only ate 2 each day, despite passing the cookie plate every time I went in the kitchen. So, I think that was pretty good! Also, I didn't snack much between meals, because I was so busy; I'm trying to break the habit with smaller regular meals anyway. But - as I said last week - I'm a boredom and comfort eater. Well, I've been happy and busy, so everything I've had has been planned. Even those cookies were worked in to my meals (1 was part of an afternoon snack, another part of my supper, etc). In fact, this week I've had more trouble listening to my body reminding me it's time for my meal than anything. Maybe - while I get used to the eating routine I'm trying to set for myself - I should set an alarm for when it's time for my next meal? It would help me break up activities anyway!
Drinking:
I've done better; still not the amount I should be, but better... I remember to get a drink when I go in the kitchen most of the time; it's just a shame I then forget to drink it a lot of the time. Seriously! Several times I've made a drink, left the cup on the worktop while putting away the juice, or putting the spoon from the herbal tea in the washing up bowl, and forgotten all about my drink until a little while later when I'll either remember it, or be reminded about it by Kelly when he goes out there and asks if I plan on drinking my drink any time today. I've definately gotten a lot more fluid in me this past week though, which I'm sure my body is greatful for. And, before anyone says anything; try and get me to drink plain water, and you'll be fighting a losing battle... I have to be desperate to drink plain water, so the way to encourage me to drink more is not to shove plain water under my nose. Make me herbal tea or give me fruit juice and I'll do my best to drink well for you, but say it has to be plain water and you can forget it! Water doesn't taste like anything, and I like to taste what goes in my mouth - and enjoy the taste. So, I'm sticking to drinks with taste to them, thank you very much!
Walking:
I originally wanted to aim for three walks a day, but I was left with a choice; a decent length walk in the morning, then a shorter one in the evening, allowing me to be able to spend time enjoying trips to the park and the seaside, or go in to town. Or, three shorter walks, and not really much time to enjoy outings, because there's no time to do much around the walks. I went for the first option. So, in the morning (after the postman comes) we've been going for a decent walk (40 minutes plus; often more, like a couple of times when I was walking by the seaside for about 90 minutes with Kero) and in the evening a shorter walk (about 20 minutes). OK, I didn't go yesterday (if you read yesterday's post you'll know why; I was hurting and feeling unwell after ending up with a bruised hip from a run in with a door, a headache from a run in with a wall, and a bad knee that I don't remember how I hurt), but every other day - yes, including today - I've gone for the walks!
Yoga:
I actually got the mat out a couple of times this week. I would have done it more, but I was feeling awful, and was hurting so bad from the run in with the door that I didn't dare (and hurt too much to care what anyone thought of that). I don't hurt as much today though, so I've promised myself I'll allow myself the weekend to get to feeling better, then the mat comes out each morning again.
Measurements:
I did put 1lb back on (I blame the extra drinks), but I lost 1.5 inches from my hips, 2 inches from my waist, and 1 inch from my chest (all of which were much needed). So, despite the 1lb weight gain, I'm OK with my measurements this week. I mean, I lost a whole 4.5 inches from me this week, that has to count for something, right?
Goals:
My goals for this week are as follows:
*Make sure to get the 1 long walk and 1 short walk in every day.
*Get the yoga mat out every day.
*Remember to drink those drinks.
*Work on meal routine; set alarm if necessary.
OK, that's it from me... Go visit the other participents of the Get Off Your Broom challenge! And - to those people - I hope you're doing well with the challenges you've set yourself. I also hope you know I'm right here beside you, routing for you; we can do this... We can reach our goals!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
About 6:00 am on Carl's birthday
Why am I up?
I don't know.
No. Wait. I do know.
It's because I fell asleep early.
I was meant to be doing dishes, but I fell asleep listening to the distant sounds of fireworks. Why were there fireworks? Because of the Hastings week celebrations (an anual celebration in the Hastings sort of area; I'll tell you more in another post).
Kelly went out and "hopefully" got me some photos to post. I didn't go though. Why? Because of Kero.
He's scared of fireworks; he has been afraid of them ever since the inncident when he was about 18 months old and some idiot threw a firework in to our garden just as I was about to take the dogs outside. Stupid idiots where we lived at the time!
Anyway, we got him these special calming dog treats; they work fantastically! I've never seen him so mellow; he spent the evening sprawled on the sofa with not a care in the world (normally fireworks send him running for cover while shaking with fear). Thing is, with how mellow and dopey he was there's no way he could have done the walk. And I wasn't going to leave him home alone in case the effects of the treats wore off (or his anxiety got too bad for the treats to work or whatever, since he has anxiety issues normally, so he never gets left totally by himself for more than a few brief moments). But if I stayed quiet I could hear the fireworks from home (YAY for good hearing).
Except that I was tired, and sitting still and quiet, and... Well, you can guess the rest!
So I've been up since 3:00 am.
The good news though is that I finished reading all the posts for the Grim Blog Party, so can start later on reading this week's posts for the Get Off Your Broom challenge.
Also, I got out of doing the dishes, because Kelly did them for me (although, I do feel a bit bad about that, because he cooked dinner so I was meant to do them).
The bad news is that I'm still not sleepy, and I need to get up in a couple of hours so I can start my day, and so I can have done all my morning routine - get washed and dressed, have breakfast, walk Kero, etc - before 10:00 am. Why before 10:00 am? Because it's my brother (Carl)'s birthday today, and I said I was calling him at 10:00 am to wish him a happy birthday. He probably wont mind if I call a bit later, but I will. When I say I'm calling at a certain time, I like to do so.
No, I don't know why it matters, but it does to me.
Anyway, I'm going to go and check some blog posts until it's time to actually get up. LOL! Then I'll go through my morning routine, call Carl, do a bit more unpacking, and go check out some of the Get Off Your Broom posts (and any blog posts I don't get to from blogs I follow before my alarm clock goes off at 8:00 am).
Have a great Sunday, and check back later for the first post about our move. Yeah, I know... Finally; sorry for the delay... So many things I want to post! ;)
I don't know.
No. Wait. I do know.
It's because I fell asleep early.
I was meant to be doing dishes, but I fell asleep listening to the distant sounds of fireworks. Why were there fireworks? Because of the Hastings week celebrations (an anual celebration in the Hastings sort of area; I'll tell you more in another post).
Kelly went out and "hopefully" got me some photos to post. I didn't go though. Why? Because of Kero.
He's scared of fireworks; he has been afraid of them ever since the inncident when he was about 18 months old and some idiot threw a firework in to our garden just as I was about to take the dogs outside. Stupid idiots where we lived at the time!
Anyway, we got him these special calming dog treats; they work fantastically! I've never seen him so mellow; he spent the evening sprawled on the sofa with not a care in the world (normally fireworks send him running for cover while shaking with fear). Thing is, with how mellow and dopey he was there's no way he could have done the walk. And I wasn't going to leave him home alone in case the effects of the treats wore off (or his anxiety got too bad for the treats to work or whatever, since he has anxiety issues normally, so he never gets left totally by himself for more than a few brief moments). But if I stayed quiet I could hear the fireworks from home (YAY for good hearing).
Except that I was tired, and sitting still and quiet, and... Well, you can guess the rest!
So I've been up since 3:00 am.
The good news though is that I finished reading all the posts for the Grim Blog Party, so can start later on reading this week's posts for the Get Off Your Broom challenge.
Also, I got out of doing the dishes, because Kelly did them for me (although, I do feel a bit bad about that, because he cooked dinner so I was meant to do them).
The bad news is that I'm still not sleepy, and I need to get up in a couple of hours so I can start my day, and so I can have done all my morning routine - get washed and dressed, have breakfast, walk Kero, etc - before 10:00 am. Why before 10:00 am? Because it's my brother (Carl)'s birthday today, and I said I was calling him at 10:00 am to wish him a happy birthday. He probably wont mind if I call a bit later, but I will. When I say I'm calling at a certain time, I like to do so.
No, I don't know why it matters, but it does to me.
Anyway, I'm going to go and check some blog posts until it's time to actually get up. LOL! Then I'll go through my morning routine, call Carl, do a bit more unpacking, and go check out some of the Get Off Your Broom posts (and any blog posts I don't get to from blogs I follow before my alarm clock goes off at 8:00 am).
Have a great Sunday, and check back later for the first post about our move. Yeah, I know... Finally; sorry for the delay... So many things I want to post! ;)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Get Off Your Broom: Week 2 reviewed (LBE and FD)
This is my post for this week for the Get Off Your Broom witchy fitness challenge that Serenity over at The Domestic Pagan is hosting. Before I begin it though...
A note to my fellow participents: I am 100% behind you, and supporting you with your goals for weight loss and healthier lifestyles. The reason for the lack of commenting on my part on your posts is purely due to a combination of the issues Blogger seems to keep having with the embedded comment form (fixable if you change your blogger comment form to a different type; like the full page one), and word verification, which is impossible for me since I'm blind and the "listen and type" thing rarely works, and is a lot of hastle anyway. The other reason I may not be commenting on your updates is if they're on Facebook, which I gave up on, or if - since after writing comments on several posts, only to find I couldn't comment because of word verification - I had given up commenting as a lost cause and resorted to just reading the posts by the time I got to your blog, or if your blog was difficult to navigate in general, so I couldn't even find the post. Anyway, it's nothing personal; if I could I would comment on every single post; it's frustrating when so many sites aren't accessable though. I'm not complaining, just letting you know so that you know why I'm not returning comments, and not checking in on Serenity's blog, or whatever.
Anyway, on to my own post...
The challenge set last week was to look at the where, when, why, etc, of bad eating habits, and research/think about ways to improve things. Well, I didn't do it last week, because I had so many things to catch up on, so I'm doing it today instead.
Not that I need to think too much about it. I know my problem, and I know what I should do to fix it. Actually doing it is the hard part...
My problem is that I'm a boredom eater and a comfort eater.
If I'm bored, I reach for something to eat; because it's something to do.
If I'm upset, angry, etc, I reach for something to eat... Usually something sweet, or some crisps/potato chips; because they taste good, so I feel better (well, for a while).
As for what I should do about it...
Find other things to do when I'm bored; craft projects, or whatever... Anything that keeps my hands busy, and - if possible - my mind off food.
Find other things to satisfy my cravings when I'm upset or whatever; meaning healthier options... Things that are naturally sweet, and not full of sugar, fat and chemicals.
Also, find alternative ways to deal with the feelings that don't involve eating.
Now I just need to actually do those things... *Sigh*
Anyway, on to my stats and a review of this past week.
The review first...
Eating:
Much better; I think so, anyway...
I haven't had a take-away since Tuesday night, and then only had one because I needed to (no way of cooking, nobody else here... I had to eat something somehow). Since then I've eaten better; proper meals, etc. I did have a couple of chocolate bars and a French pastry this past week, but only the one pastry, and two chocolate bars.
Drinking:
Not so good; I really don't drink enough! I have been drinking herbal teas and fruit juices basically all week (I just had the 1 500ml bottle of fizzy drink), but not enough of them... I think the most I've had to drink on any given day has been about 3 pints of liquid; I need to work on that... That can't be good for my kidneys!
Exercise:
I'm pretty pleased with the exercise too...
I still haven't started back with the Yoga exercises, but I've been doing plenty of walking. I haven't done 3 walks every day, but I've definately walked more than I used to:
Three 20 minute walks on Sunday
A 20 minute walk and a 40 minute walk on Monday
A 30 minute walk on Tuesday
Three 20 minute walks on Wednesday
A 20 minute walk and an hour walk on Thursday
An hour and a half walk on Friday (yesterday)
An hour walk today, with another walk planned later (which should be a 20 minute walk)
Bearing in mind my walks used to be anything from 0 to 4 short 10 minute walks each day; so sometimes no walking, and a maximum of 40 minutes, if I could be bothered. So the fact that the least amount of walking has been the 30 minute walk on Tuesday is, I think, a good improvement. Not great, but better.
I think Kero's appreciating the extra walks too!
I have had quite a workout with dragging boxes about and getting things unpacked though... Does that count for anything? It's exhausting work, if that helps you decide. LOL!
The Stats:
No change to my measurements, but I lost 2lbs., which - considering the... Erm... Time of the month - is fantastic, I think; I normally put on about 2lbs at this time of the month, so I'm sure you can imagine how excited I was to hear the scales announce a lower number when I stepped on to them this morning!
To sum up:
I'm pretty pleased with this week, and only hope I can keep it up; and find some way of avoiding the temptation of chocolate bars, and stop the boredom and comfort eating!
My goals for this week:
* Drink more.
* Find healthier options for those sweet tooth moments.
* Find alternative anger and stress relief to eating.
* Find alternative boredom busters; have healthy snacks on hand for when they don't work.
* Finish unpacking so there's room to use the Yoga mat; actually use it.
* Stop making excuses for avoiding the 3 walks a day.
OK, I think that covers everything for this week... Besides, I need to go have my dinner, get some things done around the house (OK, flat), get that other walk in, and - if I can stay awake long enough after all that - catch up on blogs, and read some more of the posts for the Grim Blog Party that Magaly from Pagan Culture is hosting.
A note to my fellow participents: I am 100% behind you, and supporting you with your goals for weight loss and healthier lifestyles. The reason for the lack of commenting on my part on your posts is purely due to a combination of the issues Blogger seems to keep having with the embedded comment form (fixable if you change your blogger comment form to a different type; like the full page one), and word verification, which is impossible for me since I'm blind and the "listen and type" thing rarely works, and is a lot of hastle anyway. The other reason I may not be commenting on your updates is if they're on Facebook, which I gave up on, or if - since after writing comments on several posts, only to find I couldn't comment because of word verification - I had given up commenting as a lost cause and resorted to just reading the posts by the time I got to your blog, or if your blog was difficult to navigate in general, so I couldn't even find the post. Anyway, it's nothing personal; if I could I would comment on every single post; it's frustrating when so many sites aren't accessable though. I'm not complaining, just letting you know so that you know why I'm not returning comments, and not checking in on Serenity's blog, or whatever.
Anyway, on to my own post...
The challenge set last week was to look at the where, when, why, etc, of bad eating habits, and research/think about ways to improve things. Well, I didn't do it last week, because I had so many things to catch up on, so I'm doing it today instead.
Not that I need to think too much about it. I know my problem, and I know what I should do to fix it. Actually doing it is the hard part...
My problem is that I'm a boredom eater and a comfort eater.
If I'm bored, I reach for something to eat; because it's something to do.
If I'm upset, angry, etc, I reach for something to eat... Usually something sweet, or some crisps/potato chips; because they taste good, so I feel better (well, for a while).
As for what I should do about it...
Find other things to do when I'm bored; craft projects, or whatever... Anything that keeps my hands busy, and - if possible - my mind off food.
Find other things to satisfy my cravings when I'm upset or whatever; meaning healthier options... Things that are naturally sweet, and not full of sugar, fat and chemicals.
Also, find alternative ways to deal with the feelings that don't involve eating.
Now I just need to actually do those things... *Sigh*
Anyway, on to my stats and a review of this past week.
The review first...
Eating:
Much better; I think so, anyway...
I haven't had a take-away since Tuesday night, and then only had one because I needed to (no way of cooking, nobody else here... I had to eat something somehow). Since then I've eaten better; proper meals, etc. I did have a couple of chocolate bars and a French pastry this past week, but only the one pastry, and two chocolate bars.
Drinking:
Not so good; I really don't drink enough! I have been drinking herbal teas and fruit juices basically all week (I just had the 1 500ml bottle of fizzy drink), but not enough of them... I think the most I've had to drink on any given day has been about 3 pints of liquid; I need to work on that... That can't be good for my kidneys!
Exercise:
I'm pretty pleased with the exercise too...
I still haven't started back with the Yoga exercises, but I've been doing plenty of walking. I haven't done 3 walks every day, but I've definately walked more than I used to:
Three 20 minute walks on Sunday
A 20 minute walk and a 40 minute walk on Monday
A 30 minute walk on Tuesday
Three 20 minute walks on Wednesday
A 20 minute walk and an hour walk on Thursday
An hour and a half walk on Friday (yesterday)
An hour walk today, with another walk planned later (which should be a 20 minute walk)
Bearing in mind my walks used to be anything from 0 to 4 short 10 minute walks each day; so sometimes no walking, and a maximum of 40 minutes, if I could be bothered. So the fact that the least amount of walking has been the 30 minute walk on Tuesday is, I think, a good improvement. Not great, but better.
I think Kero's appreciating the extra walks too!
I have had quite a workout with dragging boxes about and getting things unpacked though... Does that count for anything? It's exhausting work, if that helps you decide. LOL!
The Stats:
No change to my measurements, but I lost 2lbs., which - considering the... Erm... Time of the month - is fantastic, I think; I normally put on about 2lbs at this time of the month, so I'm sure you can imagine how excited I was to hear the scales announce a lower number when I stepped on to them this morning!
To sum up:
I'm pretty pleased with this week, and only hope I can keep it up; and find some way of avoiding the temptation of chocolate bars, and stop the boredom and comfort eating!
My goals for this week:
* Drink more.
* Find healthier options for those sweet tooth moments.
* Find alternative anger and stress relief to eating.
* Find alternative boredom busters; have healthy snacks on hand for when they don't work.
* Finish unpacking so there's room to use the Yoga mat; actually use it.
* Stop making excuses for avoiding the 3 walks a day.
OK, I think that covers everything for this week... Besides, I need to go have my dinner, get some things done around the house (OK, flat), get that other walk in, and - if I can stay awake long enough after all that - catch up on blogs, and read some more of the posts for the Grim Blog Party that Magaly from Pagan Culture is hosting.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Bella the Chihuahua
OK, I'll post about the new place soon... Yeah, I know you're dying to hear more about it, but I have a few photos from before we left the old place, and I want to post them first. Besides, I'll need to split the posts about moving in to about three posts to stop them getting too long, and I have something scheduled for Thursday and Friday already, and I want the posts to go one after another. Since Saturday will be my next "Get Off Your Broom" post - with the things in it for this week's mini challenge - I'll start the moving posts on Sunday. You will then get them Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, maybe even Wednesday too. But, back to today's post...
You may remember me mentioning Rita with Bella? Bella has been mentioned in Kero's posts a fair bit, and Rita is the one who helped us rehome Gwydion. Well, Rita stopped by to see us before we left for our new place, and brought Bella - a long-haired Chihuahua - with her. Thinking I knew a few people who would probably love photos, I asked Rita if it would be OK to grab some photos of Bella and post them. She said we could, but Bella's a bit camera shy so she wasn't sure how well we'd do with getting shots. I decided we'd try anyway, and - as it turned out - we did get a couple of photos of her, so it was worth the effort (she was hard to get photos of though; kept hiding from the camera). Anyway, here are the photos we got:
Timid Bella...
"OK, get it over with... Hi... There, I said it, now take the photo so I can go hide again!"
Bella and Kero...
I think Kero will miss Bella. Rita says she'll try and come for a visit in the Summer though, and she'll bring Bella (there's a hotel near here which seems to accept pets) so he'll get to see her then - if they do make it for a visit.
You may remember me mentioning Rita with Bella? Bella has been mentioned in Kero's posts a fair bit, and Rita is the one who helped us rehome Gwydion. Well, Rita stopped by to see us before we left for our new place, and brought Bella - a long-haired Chihuahua - with her. Thinking I knew a few people who would probably love photos, I asked Rita if it would be OK to grab some photos of Bella and post them. She said we could, but Bella's a bit camera shy so she wasn't sure how well we'd do with getting shots. I decided we'd try anyway, and - as it turned out - we did get a couple of photos of her, so it was worth the effort (she was hard to get photos of though; kept hiding from the camera). Anyway, here are the photos we got:
Timid Bella...
"OK, get it over with... Hi... There, I said it, now take the photo so I can go hide again!"
Bella and Kero...
I think Kero will miss Bella. Rita says she'll try and come for a visit in the Summer though, and she'll bring Bella (there's a hotel near here which seems to accept pets) so he'll get to see her then - if they do make it for a visit.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Get Off Your Broom: 1st week reviewed (FD)
OK, first of all, sorry this post is late; too much to catch up on yesterday (I'm still not completely done) and I just got too tired to write it. Anyway...
We're a little over a week in to the "Get Off Your Broom" challenge hosted by Serenity, and it's time to see how things are going. So... Let's see...
Eating:
Considering the fact we're in the middle of moving, I don't think I've done too badly. But here are the good and bad points of my eating in this past week:
Bad: We've been living mostly on take-aways, because it's easier when trying to move (especially with most of what we own not due to arrive here at the new place until Tuesday).
Good: I have tried to make healthier choices and go with smaller portions than I usually would. An example would be the addition of salad to my veggie burger instead of having garlic bread with it, and opting for a pitta full of grilled veggies instead of chips and cheese when presented with the oppertunity to have either.
Bad: I did give in to the temptation to have a chocolate bar three times this past week, and a bag of crisps/potato chips once.
Good: It was only those few times - where as it used to be a daily thing, sometimes more than once a day - and the other time I was looking for something sweet to snack on I had an organic fruit yogurt (even though I was sending hubby to the shop for it, and he did offer me either chocolate or crisps, but I requested the yogurt).
Bad: I had a pastry from the French market.
Good: I considered said pastry to be my breakfast, and I only had one pastry (and not even an iced one), where as before I'd have probably had breakfast too, and would have brought another pastry for later. So having just one - especially when it was my breakfast - is a definate improvement. And the pastry wouldn't have been too bad if it wasn't for the week of take-aways we were ending up having.
Bad: I've probably not been drinking nearly as much as I should, and definately haven't had much in the way of water, in fact I haven't had any plain water.
Good: I have been having more juice than fizzy drinks.
Exercise:
I think I've done quite well with exercise, but here are the good and bad points:
Bad: I haven't gotten in the "at least 10 minutes" I set myself of Yoga every morning.
Good: I did up until Wednesday, but didn't after that because the mat is at the old place, and I'm not doing it on carpet. Also, I did do some of the exercises you can do standing up, I just didn't do the whole "at least 10 minutes" I planned to do. Still, a couple of minutes every day is more than I was doing, so that's a great start.
Bad: I haven't gotten as many walks in with Kero as I'd planned to.
Good: The walks we have had have all been longer ones than usual, in fact one of them each day has been a very long one (we were walking for an hour on Friday, which was when I had the French pastry mentioned earlier in the post).
Weight and measurements:
I have no idea if there's been any change; my tape measure and scales are at the old place and don't arrive until Tuesday some time. I'm going to weigh when the scales are here, but wasn't going to worry about doing proper weight and measurements until Saturday.
New goals:
The goals I've set for this week are as follows:
* Start eating real food again.
* Get rid of the fizzy drinks all together.
* Increase amount I'm drinking.
* Once the Yoga mat is here, make sure to get the 10 minutes of Yoga in.
* Increase walks to 3 times a day (been doing 2).
***
Don't forget to check out the other people who are participating, and leave them some encouragement. I'll visit as many as I can, when I can, but - if you're participating - if I don't leave a comment on your blog, please know it's because I couldn't and that I'm supporting you 100% in your quest to become a healthier you!
We're a little over a week in to the "Get Off Your Broom" challenge hosted by Serenity, and it's time to see how things are going. So... Let's see...
Eating:
Considering the fact we're in the middle of moving, I don't think I've done too badly. But here are the good and bad points of my eating in this past week:
Bad: We've been living mostly on take-aways, because it's easier when trying to move (especially with most of what we own not due to arrive here at the new place until Tuesday).
Good: I have tried to make healthier choices and go with smaller portions than I usually would. An example would be the addition of salad to my veggie burger instead of having garlic bread with it, and opting for a pitta full of grilled veggies instead of chips and cheese when presented with the oppertunity to have either.
Bad: I did give in to the temptation to have a chocolate bar three times this past week, and a bag of crisps/potato chips once.
Good: It was only those few times - where as it used to be a daily thing, sometimes more than once a day - and the other time I was looking for something sweet to snack on I had an organic fruit yogurt (even though I was sending hubby to the shop for it, and he did offer me either chocolate or crisps, but I requested the yogurt).
Bad: I had a pastry from the French market.
Good: I considered said pastry to be my breakfast, and I only had one pastry (and not even an iced one), where as before I'd have probably had breakfast too, and would have brought another pastry for later. So having just one - especially when it was my breakfast - is a definate improvement. And the pastry wouldn't have been too bad if it wasn't for the week of take-aways we were ending up having.
Bad: I've probably not been drinking nearly as much as I should, and definately haven't had much in the way of water, in fact I haven't had any plain water.
Good: I have been having more juice than fizzy drinks.
Exercise:
I think I've done quite well with exercise, but here are the good and bad points:
Bad: I haven't gotten in the "at least 10 minutes" I set myself of Yoga every morning.
Good: I did up until Wednesday, but didn't after that because the mat is at the old place, and I'm not doing it on carpet. Also, I did do some of the exercises you can do standing up, I just didn't do the whole "at least 10 minutes" I planned to do. Still, a couple of minutes every day is more than I was doing, so that's a great start.
Bad: I haven't gotten as many walks in with Kero as I'd planned to.
Good: The walks we have had have all been longer ones than usual, in fact one of them each day has been a very long one (we were walking for an hour on Friday, which was when I had the French pastry mentioned earlier in the post).
Weight and measurements:
I have no idea if there's been any change; my tape measure and scales are at the old place and don't arrive until Tuesday some time. I'm going to weigh when the scales are here, but wasn't going to worry about doing proper weight and measurements until Saturday.
New goals:
The goals I've set for this week are as follows:
* Start eating real food again.
* Get rid of the fizzy drinks all together.
* Increase amount I'm drinking.
* Once the Yoga mat is here, make sure to get the 10 minutes of Yoga in.
* Increase walks to 3 times a day (been doing 2).
***
Don't forget to check out the other people who are participating, and leave them some encouragement. I'll visit as many as I can, when I can, but - if you're participating - if I don't leave a comment on your blog, please know it's because I couldn't and that I'm supporting you 100% in your quest to become a healthier you!
Monday, October 03, 2011
Vegetarian and Vegan friendly places (FD)
You may remember me mentioning - several times - in the past that sometimes it's difficult to find food when you want to eat out and are vegetarian? Well, I don't intend eating out much any more (as part of the "Get Offf Your Broom" challenge I'm going to be eating more home cooked meals and less take-aways and meals out, but you can read more about that in the post I did about the challenge on Saturday). But, anyway...
I did a search on HappyCow.Net - after Stephanie posted the link on her blog a little while ago - for Vegetarian (and Vegan) friendly places to eat at in Hastings - as well as in the exact area we're moving to. And this is what I came up with:
Eat
"Vegan-friendly, Lacto, Non-veg. Serves meat, veg options available. Will cater for special diets and always has vegetarian and vegan options, vegan cake, soya smooties, vegan cheese pizza."
The Hot Potato
"Take-out only, Fast food, English, Non-veg. Serves meat, veg options available. Take away baked potato stall. Topping include vegetarian chili & vegetarian bolognaise (both vegan), vegan margarine, baked beans, salad."
White Rock Hotel
"Vegan-friendly, Lacto, Ovo, Non-veg. Serves meat, veg options available. Restaurant is part of the hotel and is open to the public. Will serve vegan breakfast upon request, and soya milk is available for drinks and cereal. Tea and coffee served is fair trade."
Judges Bakery
"Organic bakery and wholefood store."
Trinity Wholefoods
"Member-owned all vegetarian and cooperative shop. Fresh organic vegetables and fruits delivered twice weekly and local organic produce delivered through spring, summer, and autumn. Organic wine and bread delivered fresh daily. Cruelty free toiletries and cleaning products. Has vegan, gluten free, wheat free savories and cakes available from take-away counter."
BayTree House
"Family-run vegan bed and breakfast."
ShakeAway
"Choice of over 150 ingredients that can be blended into combinations of milkshakes. Hemp milk, organic soya milk with organic soya ice cream are available as a base for 40+ vegan options which are clearly marked on the menu."
Relax
"Serves meat veg options available. Clearly labeled vegetarian vegan menu options. Daily specials. Separate lunch & dinner menus. Uses seasonal fresh vegetable. Has vegan tapas such as flavored salads, spinach rolled in Armenian bread, bozbash Armenian stew served in a clay pot (potatoes, rice, carrots, courgettes, aubergine & onion), mushroom & spinach or lentil Russian blinis, imam bayeldi, various rice & salad dishes, Armenian omelet, bakhlava & dessert blinis. Armenian coffee served."
Gurka Chef
"Serves meat veg options available. Indian and Napalese food. A vegan menu is available on request."
Gurkha Palace
"Serves meat veg options available. A separate vegan menu available. Various set lunch deals and banquet menus with vegan substitutions from the vegan menu permitted. Veg include Nepalese momo (steamed vegan dumplings filled with vegetable and served with chutney), aloo chops (potato and herb cakes, Indian & Tibetan curries, assorted vegetable dishes, rices, noodles & breads."
Also, according to Just Eat there's a place called "Best Kebab Ye" which appears to have a decent selection of items on the menu that are suitable for vegetarians, including vegetarian Kebabs, veggie burgers, humus, dolma (stuffed vine leaves with rice oil and onions), cacik (yogurt dip with cucumber, mint and garlic), mixed salad, and humus and salad in pitta bread. Actually, all the places featured on Just Eat have some kind of vegetarian option, but this place has the best selection of vegetarian items I've seen in a kebab and pizza place in this country before... Ever!
Not a bad selection of places, I think. :)
I did a search on HappyCow.Net - after Stephanie posted the link on her blog a little while ago - for Vegetarian (and Vegan) friendly places to eat at in Hastings - as well as in the exact area we're moving to. And this is what I came up with:
Eat
"Vegan-friendly, Lacto, Non-veg. Serves meat, veg options available. Will cater for special diets and always has vegetarian and vegan options, vegan cake, soya smooties, vegan cheese pizza."
The Hot Potato
"Take-out only, Fast food, English, Non-veg. Serves meat, veg options available. Take away baked potato stall. Topping include vegetarian chili & vegetarian bolognaise (both vegan), vegan margarine, baked beans, salad."
White Rock Hotel
"Vegan-friendly, Lacto, Ovo, Non-veg. Serves meat, veg options available. Restaurant is part of the hotel and is open to the public. Will serve vegan breakfast upon request, and soya milk is available for drinks and cereal. Tea and coffee served is fair trade."
Judges Bakery
"Organic bakery and wholefood store."
Trinity Wholefoods
"Member-owned all vegetarian and cooperative shop. Fresh organic vegetables and fruits delivered twice weekly and local organic produce delivered through spring, summer, and autumn. Organic wine and bread delivered fresh daily. Cruelty free toiletries and cleaning products. Has vegan, gluten free, wheat free savories and cakes available from take-away counter."
BayTree House
"Family-run vegan bed and breakfast."
ShakeAway
"Choice of over 150 ingredients that can be blended into combinations of milkshakes. Hemp milk, organic soya milk with organic soya ice cream are available as a base for 40+ vegan options which are clearly marked on the menu."
Relax
"Serves meat veg options available. Clearly labeled vegetarian vegan menu options. Daily specials. Separate lunch & dinner menus. Uses seasonal fresh vegetable. Has vegan tapas such as flavored salads, spinach rolled in Armenian bread, bozbash Armenian stew served in a clay pot (potatoes, rice, carrots, courgettes, aubergine & onion), mushroom & spinach or lentil Russian blinis, imam bayeldi, various rice & salad dishes, Armenian omelet, bakhlava & dessert blinis. Armenian coffee served."
Gurka Chef
"Serves meat veg options available. Indian and Napalese food. A vegan menu is available on request."
Gurkha Palace
"Serves meat veg options available. A separate vegan menu available. Various set lunch deals and banquet menus with vegan substitutions from the vegan menu permitted. Veg include Nepalese momo (steamed vegan dumplings filled with vegetable and served with chutney), aloo chops (potato and herb cakes, Indian & Tibetan curries, assorted vegetable dishes, rices, noodles & breads."
Also, according to Just Eat there's a place called "Best Kebab Ye" which appears to have a decent selection of items on the menu that are suitable for vegetarians, including vegetarian Kebabs, veggie burgers, humus, dolma (stuffed vine leaves with rice oil and onions), cacik (yogurt dip with cucumber, mint and garlic), mixed salad, and humus and salad in pitta bread. Actually, all the places featured on Just Eat have some kind of vegetarian option, but this place has the best selection of vegetarian items I've seen in a kebab and pizza place in this country before... Ever!
Not a bad selection of places, I think. :)
Sunday, October 02, 2011
October 2nd 2011 - scribbles
The days are just flying by, aren't they? Can you believe we're already in October? Well, we are! And what an October it's going to be this year!
I did start writing a post about the things that would be going on in October - even though I'd mentioned almost all of them at various points recently - but it would end up really long - even compared to how my posts usually get - so I'll say this instead:
This time in three days we would have checked that every single item is packed up ready to come with us, and be getting ready for the almost 6 and a half hour journey we have ahead of us to get to our new home. We leave this place at about 7:40am on Wednesday (October 5th) and will get to the estate agents that are dealing with the property we're moving in to just after 2:00pm Wednesday. By the time we've sorted out the last couple of things we have to sign, paid the rest of the money, grabbed the keys and made it through the door of our new home it's going to be probably at least coming close to 2:45pm. So, in total we're looking at a little over 7 hours from leaving one property to arriving at the other. It's going to be a long day!
I "should" be able to get online Friday evening (October 7th) - providing they don't have any unforseen issues with setting up our internet in the new place, and also providing my laptop plays nice - so I "should" be here in time for next week's Get Off Your Broom check-in. In case there are any issues with me getting online that day and it ends up taking until the Monday (the 10th) instead or something, I have posts set up for you from tomorrow until the 10th; partly to give you something to read, and partly because one of them I'd have been putting up on that day anyway, and the others... Well, I wanted to get them posted soon, and this week seemed like a perfect oppertunity to do so. I'll do my best to keep up with your blogs between now and Wednesday, but we have a couple of last minute things to do (mainly involving cleaning - to make sure the place is left in the best shape we can leave it in - and packing up the items we can't do until the last minute because of needing to use them) so I'm not making any promises about how good of a job I'll do with reading blogs; especially since I now follow a lot of blogs! The good thing is that I wont be distracted with Facebook... Jaws just can't cope with it, and since the updates they did recently even the new Jaws demo that Kelly has on his PC (which is the new Jaws with a 40 minute session limit) can't handle it properly. So - since I was only on there to please others, and a part of me didn't want to be anyway - I've put up a message on my wall saying where people can find me if they want, and will be deleting my account after the move. If people don't like it, too bad! I tried my best to be on there, but it's just not worth the hastle; and not good for my laptop and Kelly's PC to have Jaws give so many error messages that the computers freeze up and have to be forced to shut down by pressing the restart button.
Kero seems to be excited about the new move. I think he is a bit concerned we're leaving him behind though, because he keeps going and sitting with the boxes that are packed as if to say, "don't forget to pack me too!" Bless him! We've told him it's OK, and that he's coming, and about, "walkies by the seaside," and such, but I'm not sure if he's excited because we're making it sound exciting, or excited because he understands. I think he understands, but the fact he keeps putting himself with the packed items makes me wonder if he fully understands.
Right, well, I think this is enough from me for now... Enjoy whatever's left of this weekend, have a good week, stay safe, and enjoy the posts I have set up for you in the coming days! :)
P.S. To those on the Get Off Your Broom challenge with me; I visited what blogs I could, and commented on what I could. However, with a combination of navigation issues, word verification, and the fact that embedded comment forms sometimes give me errors and don't let me post (that last one several people have had issues with over the past few months from what I can tell) it made it difficult to do so. So, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm here supporting you the best I can, and if I didn't comment, it's because I couldn't.
I did start writing a post about the things that would be going on in October - even though I'd mentioned almost all of them at various points recently - but it would end up really long - even compared to how my posts usually get - so I'll say this instead:
This time in three days we would have checked that every single item is packed up ready to come with us, and be getting ready for the almost 6 and a half hour journey we have ahead of us to get to our new home. We leave this place at about 7:40am on Wednesday (October 5th) and will get to the estate agents that are dealing with the property we're moving in to just after 2:00pm Wednesday. By the time we've sorted out the last couple of things we have to sign, paid the rest of the money, grabbed the keys and made it through the door of our new home it's going to be probably at least coming close to 2:45pm. So, in total we're looking at a little over 7 hours from leaving one property to arriving at the other. It's going to be a long day!
I "should" be able to get online Friday evening (October 7th) - providing they don't have any unforseen issues with setting up our internet in the new place, and also providing my laptop plays nice - so I "should" be here in time for next week's Get Off Your Broom check-in. In case there are any issues with me getting online that day and it ends up taking until the Monday (the 10th) instead or something, I have posts set up for you from tomorrow until the 10th; partly to give you something to read, and partly because one of them I'd have been putting up on that day anyway, and the others... Well, I wanted to get them posted soon, and this week seemed like a perfect oppertunity to do so. I'll do my best to keep up with your blogs between now and Wednesday, but we have a couple of last minute things to do (mainly involving cleaning - to make sure the place is left in the best shape we can leave it in - and packing up the items we can't do until the last minute because of needing to use them) so I'm not making any promises about how good of a job I'll do with reading blogs; especially since I now follow a lot of blogs! The good thing is that I wont be distracted with Facebook... Jaws just can't cope with it, and since the updates they did recently even the new Jaws demo that Kelly has on his PC (which is the new Jaws with a 40 minute session limit) can't handle it properly. So - since I was only on there to please others, and a part of me didn't want to be anyway - I've put up a message on my wall saying where people can find me if they want, and will be deleting my account after the move. If people don't like it, too bad! I tried my best to be on there, but it's just not worth the hastle; and not good for my laptop and Kelly's PC to have Jaws give so many error messages that the computers freeze up and have to be forced to shut down by pressing the restart button.
Kero seems to be excited about the new move. I think he is a bit concerned we're leaving him behind though, because he keeps going and sitting with the boxes that are packed as if to say, "don't forget to pack me too!" Bless him! We've told him it's OK, and that he's coming, and about, "walkies by the seaside," and such, but I'm not sure if he's excited because we're making it sound exciting, or excited because he understands. I think he understands, but the fact he keeps putting himself with the packed items makes me wonder if he fully understands.
Right, well, I think this is enough from me for now... Enjoy whatever's left of this weekend, have a good week, stay safe, and enjoy the posts I have set up for you in the coming days! :)
P.S. To those on the Get Off Your Broom challenge with me; I visited what blogs I could, and commented on what I could. However, with a combination of navigation issues, word verification, and the fact that embedded comment forms sometimes give me errors and don't let me post (that last one several people have had issues with over the past few months from what I can tell) it made it difficult to do so. So, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm here supporting you the best I can, and if I didn't comment, it's because I couldn't.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Get Off Your Broom: Challenge #1
I posted about my goals for this challenge already, but I didn't do the rest of the challenge, so this post is to do just that. Serenity asked us to take a photo of ourselves and take measurements and weigh and all that. Well, I did all that (I obviously didn't take the photo... Kelly took it for me), and here it is:
Sorry if it's not good - or if it opens really huge if you click on it or whatever - but because we only took it a short time ago I wasn't able to take the time to send it to Iggy (who usually sorts my photos for me) for him to "sort it out" (I asume "sort it out" means crop it, sort lighting, or whatever) and Kelly doesn't know how to do that stuff. I hope it's at least a relatively decent photo.
Anyway... The measurements... I'm not sure I want to post them... I'll give it some thought and get back to you. I did take the measurements, and I made a note of them for my own benifit, but, like I said, I'm not sure I want to share them. I've looked at some of the other posts, and the couple of people I've seen have put their measurements up are so much smaller than me. I mean, one of them is only a couple of pounds heavier than what I'd set as my ultimate goal weight. So, sorry, but no measurements from me today. Maybe when I get more weight off and start feeling better about myself I'll admit to what I was. Or, maybe I'll either find someone the same size range as me - who has been brave enough to post their measurements - and want to show them they aren't alone, in which case I'll post my measurements soon.
Sorry if it's not good - or if it opens really huge if you click on it or whatever - but because we only took it a short time ago I wasn't able to take the time to send it to Iggy (who usually sorts my photos for me) for him to "sort it out" (I asume "sort it out" means crop it, sort lighting, or whatever) and Kelly doesn't know how to do that stuff. I hope it's at least a relatively decent photo.
Anyway... The measurements... I'm not sure I want to post them... I'll give it some thought and get back to you. I did take the measurements, and I made a note of them for my own benifit, but, like I said, I'm not sure I want to share them. I've looked at some of the other posts, and the couple of people I've seen have put their measurements up are so much smaller than me. I mean, one of them is only a couple of pounds heavier than what I'd set as my ultimate goal weight. So, sorry, but no measurements from me today. Maybe when I get more weight off and start feeling better about myself I'll admit to what I was. Or, maybe I'll either find someone the same size range as me - who has been brave enough to post their measurements - and want to show them they aren't alone, in which case I'll post my measurements soon.
Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge (LBE and FD)
The following is taken from Serenity's post about the Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge on her blog.
"I would like to invite you to join my first Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge!
Over the summer, I stopped exercising and started eating nothing but junk. I have since paid for it. My tummy has gotten as big and round as the full moon. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But what isn't an exaggeration is that my children tell me that I look 6 months pregnant every single day and that I barely have any pants that fit. It's time I got serious and did something!
It's not that I haven't been trying. I've exercised sporadically (usually on Mondays) and resolved to start eating a more plant based vegetarian diet just about every single week. I just can't stick with it. I realized there are probably plenty of of other pagans, witches, and Wiccans out there that are struggling to get in shape too. We need to support each other!
This is why I am calling it "get off your broom." Muggles, to borrow the term from Harry Potter, get off the couch! Us magickal folk get off our broom!
I also want to point out that the subtitle of this challenge is a witchy fitness challenge. This challenge isn't just about losing weight. Losing weight and getting healthy don't always mean the same thing. Fitness experts now say that the number on the scale doesn't matter as much as you think. What's more important is how you feel, how your clothes fit, if you are losing inches not just pounds, and if you are getting stronger. So I want your goals to be more than just lose x amount of pounds.
Here's how the Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge will work:
When is the challenge?
The challenge will begin Oct 1 and run through Dec 31. It is a 3 month challenge because I want to be exercising and watching what I eat all throughout the holiday season. It seems like the holidays from Halloween/Samhain to Thanksgiving to Christmas/Yule are all about food, food, and more food! We also tend to exercise less during the cold, wintery months so getting in shape is even more challenging than at other times of the year. Making the challenge a little longer will allow some leeway.
How do I participate?
Begin by signing up with Mr. Linky below this post or you can leave me a comment. I will then put your name and your blog (if you don't have a blog then you can leave your Facebook or Twitter info) on a page that will list all the participants. My pages have been moved to the sidebar. Most fitness challenges have specific goals that you strive for. Some are to lose a certain amount of pounds, run a certain number of miles, or exercise for s specific length of time each week. One goal does not fit all so you will choose your own goals for this challenge.
Check-ins will be every Saturday
I am starting the challenge on a Saturday, so I will make check-ins then too. I encourage you to share your weekly progress in the comments on check-ins. I want this challenge to help us come together and support one another! Comment on each other's check-ins and give support. I want us to be cheerleaders for each other!
Check-ins won't be the only time I post though! I am going to be posting on diet, fitness, and weight loss, both mundane and magickally throughout the next twelve weeks. I have blogged about nearly every topic a domestic pagan and witch has to deal with, except physical health! Without our health, we don't feel well enough to do anything else. It's vital to maintain our health for our families.
When Do I Have to Sign Up?
You can sign up anytime! It doesn't matter if the challenge has already been going on for weeks, I still want you to participate. That's another reason I decided to make this a 12 week long challenge. Even if you sign up with only a month left, you can still get a lot accomplished!
If you're up for the challenge, sign up using Mr. Linky below this post or leave me a comment. All I ask is that you add the banner to your blog and do the best to make this challenge fun!"
***
You may have noticed it mentioned on my sidebar?
That's because I'm participating (which I think I mentioned yesterday).
My goal is simple; to get in the habit of living a healthier lifestyle - especially when it comes to making food choices - and, in the meantime, shed those pounds that most of my readers will know I've been trying to get rid of since the start of the year. Take-aways will become a treat rather than a once a week or more thing (I have gotten it down from most days to only once a week so far this year, so now it's time to make it a once a month treat), and pre-packaged meals will be a rare addition to the contents of our cupboards and fridge-freezer; we'll be making everything we can from scratch. Also, I'll be making more effort to do the yoga exercises I keep meaning to do, and making more effort to go on longer walks with Kero instead of the short ones we take most of the time.
I would like to point out that I have no intention of completely depriving myself of any food item that I want to be eating. In other words, if I want a bar of chocolate or a piece of cake then I'm going to have it. The whole point behind the way I'm approaching this challenge is that I want to be making healthier choices with what I eat, not that I want to go on a diet. The readers who have been with me from at least the start of 2011 will know my thoughts on diets; they may work initially, but it's easy to cheat and put the weight back on, and then you end up feeling guilty and eating more rubbish to make yourself feel better, and the next thing you know you've entered in to a vicious cycle of eating the wrong things, putting on weight, and feeling bad about it. However, if you make a decission to make healthier food choices - but not deprive yourself of any "treats" - then there's no such thing as cheating, which illiminates the guilt and the vicious cycle the guilty feeling forces you to enter. Therefore, come Samhain, my birthday (mid November) and Yule, I'll still be allowing myself some "treats" while everyone else is enjoying them, but I'll be doing my best to eat them in moderation, and - where possible - will make the stuff myself and do what I can to make them healthier options (e.g. fruit cake rather than chocolate cake, smaller servings of the items, etc).
I have - as mentioned with the take-away part - made a start on these changes from earlier this year; I've greatly decreased my take-aways and sweets, gathered loads of recipes for home made things, and brought more of a variety of fruit and veg in to my diet (which I should have already been doing as a vegetarian, but wasn't). I know how I ended up the weight I am; it's a combination of a lot of time spent not moving about as much as I should, too many take-aways (bearing in mind - as I mentioned the other day - usually when you eat out as a vegetarian you're stuck with chips), and too many sweets and crisps/potato chips. Like I said, I've managed to make some improvements, but it's about time I did more!
It's going to be tough while we finish with the move, but I'm going to try my best. I mean, any positive difference I make to my over-all health and my weight will be a step in the right direction, and worthwhile. And to do it with like-minded people - supporting each other every step of the way - well, that has to be a good thing, right? And I figure I'll just do the best I can manage to during the move, then - once the move is sorted - I know I can do better still, and "should" soon start to see some good results; weight coming off, body slimming down, and over-all health improving.
Since the start of the year I've lost about 20lbs and 2 inches from around my waist. A good start, but I want to do more, so I'm hoping this challenge will help me to achieve the weight loss and better health I would like for myself.
The challenge starts today...
To join in - or to just stop by and show your support to those who are participating -chheck out the list of the other participents by clicking here, and go read any posts they put up about it (or just leave them a friendly comment on some other post).
"I would like to invite you to join my first Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge!
Over the summer, I stopped exercising and started eating nothing but junk. I have since paid for it. My tummy has gotten as big and round as the full moon. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But what isn't an exaggeration is that my children tell me that I look 6 months pregnant every single day and that I barely have any pants that fit. It's time I got serious and did something!
It's not that I haven't been trying. I've exercised sporadically (usually on Mondays) and resolved to start eating a more plant based vegetarian diet just about every single week. I just can't stick with it. I realized there are probably plenty of of other pagans, witches, and Wiccans out there that are struggling to get in shape too. We need to support each other!
This is why I am calling it "get off your broom." Muggles, to borrow the term from Harry Potter, get off the couch! Us magickal folk get off our broom!
I also want to point out that the subtitle of this challenge is a witchy fitness challenge. This challenge isn't just about losing weight. Losing weight and getting healthy don't always mean the same thing. Fitness experts now say that the number on the scale doesn't matter as much as you think. What's more important is how you feel, how your clothes fit, if you are losing inches not just pounds, and if you are getting stronger. So I want your goals to be more than just lose x amount of pounds.
Here's how the Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge will work:
When is the challenge?
The challenge will begin Oct 1 and run through Dec 31. It is a 3 month challenge because I want to be exercising and watching what I eat all throughout the holiday season. It seems like the holidays from Halloween/Samhain to Thanksgiving to Christmas/Yule are all about food, food, and more food! We also tend to exercise less during the cold, wintery months so getting in shape is even more challenging than at other times of the year. Making the challenge a little longer will allow some leeway.
How do I participate?
Begin by signing up with Mr. Linky below this post or you can leave me a comment. I will then put your name and your blog (if you don't have a blog then you can leave your Facebook or Twitter info) on a page that will list all the participants. My pages have been moved to the sidebar. Most fitness challenges have specific goals that you strive for. Some are to lose a certain amount of pounds, run a certain number of miles, or exercise for s specific length of time each week. One goal does not fit all so you will choose your own goals for this challenge.
Check-ins will be every Saturday
I am starting the challenge on a Saturday, so I will make check-ins then too. I encourage you to share your weekly progress in the comments on check-ins. I want this challenge to help us come together and support one another! Comment on each other's check-ins and give support. I want us to be cheerleaders for each other!
Check-ins won't be the only time I post though! I am going to be posting on diet, fitness, and weight loss, both mundane and magickally throughout the next twelve weeks. I have blogged about nearly every topic a domestic pagan and witch has to deal with, except physical health! Without our health, we don't feel well enough to do anything else. It's vital to maintain our health for our families.
When Do I Have to Sign Up?
You can sign up anytime! It doesn't matter if the challenge has already been going on for weeks, I still want you to participate. That's another reason I decided to make this a 12 week long challenge. Even if you sign up with only a month left, you can still get a lot accomplished!
If you're up for the challenge, sign up using Mr. Linky below this post or leave me a comment. All I ask is that you add the banner to your blog and do the best to make this challenge fun!"
***
You may have noticed it mentioned on my sidebar?
That's because I'm participating (which I think I mentioned yesterday).
My goal is simple; to get in the habit of living a healthier lifestyle - especially when it comes to making food choices - and, in the meantime, shed those pounds that most of my readers will know I've been trying to get rid of since the start of the year. Take-aways will become a treat rather than a once a week or more thing (I have gotten it down from most days to only once a week so far this year, so now it's time to make it a once a month treat), and pre-packaged meals will be a rare addition to the contents of our cupboards and fridge-freezer; we'll be making everything we can from scratch. Also, I'll be making more effort to do the yoga exercises I keep meaning to do, and making more effort to go on longer walks with Kero instead of the short ones we take most of the time.
I would like to point out that I have no intention of completely depriving myself of any food item that I want to be eating. In other words, if I want a bar of chocolate or a piece of cake then I'm going to have it. The whole point behind the way I'm approaching this challenge is that I want to be making healthier choices with what I eat, not that I want to go on a diet. The readers who have been with me from at least the start of 2011 will know my thoughts on diets; they may work initially, but it's easy to cheat and put the weight back on, and then you end up feeling guilty and eating more rubbish to make yourself feel better, and the next thing you know you've entered in to a vicious cycle of eating the wrong things, putting on weight, and feeling bad about it. However, if you make a decission to make healthier food choices - but not deprive yourself of any "treats" - then there's no such thing as cheating, which illiminates the guilt and the vicious cycle the guilty feeling forces you to enter. Therefore, come Samhain, my birthday (mid November) and Yule, I'll still be allowing myself some "treats" while everyone else is enjoying them, but I'll be doing my best to eat them in moderation, and - where possible - will make the stuff myself and do what I can to make them healthier options (e.g. fruit cake rather than chocolate cake, smaller servings of the items, etc).
I have - as mentioned with the take-away part - made a start on these changes from earlier this year; I've greatly decreased my take-aways and sweets, gathered loads of recipes for home made things, and brought more of a variety of fruit and veg in to my diet (which I should have already been doing as a vegetarian, but wasn't). I know how I ended up the weight I am; it's a combination of a lot of time spent not moving about as much as I should, too many take-aways (bearing in mind - as I mentioned the other day - usually when you eat out as a vegetarian you're stuck with chips), and too many sweets and crisps/potato chips. Like I said, I've managed to make some improvements, but it's about time I did more!
It's going to be tough while we finish with the move, but I'm going to try my best. I mean, any positive difference I make to my over-all health and my weight will be a step in the right direction, and worthwhile. And to do it with like-minded people - supporting each other every step of the way - well, that has to be a good thing, right? And I figure I'll just do the best I can manage to during the move, then - once the move is sorted - I know I can do better still, and "should" soon start to see some good results; weight coming off, body slimming down, and over-all health improving.
Since the start of the year I've lost about 20lbs and 2 inches from around my waist. A good start, but I want to do more, so I'm hoping this challenge will help me to achieve the weight loss and better health I would like for myself.
The challenge starts today...
To join in - or to just stop by and show your support to those who are participating -chheck out the list of the other participents by clicking here, and go read any posts they put up about it (or just leave them a friendly comment on some other post).
Friday, September 30, 2011
Of blog parties and plans
On the last weekend of October, Anna from Frosted Petunias is hosting a"Witches Tea Party Under A Halloween Moon" and I intend to take part; I think it will be a perfect addition to my Samhain celebrations! :)
Click below to find out more:
I'm really looking forward to October... It's going to be a fantastic - and busy - month; two blog parties (Magaly's Grim Party on the 13th, and Anna's Tea Party on the 29th and 30th), the start of the "Get Off Your Broom: Witches Fitness Challenge" (more on the "Get Off Your Broom" chhallenge tomorrow, but you can check it out yourself by clicking on the little banner on my sidebar if you don't want to wait), the move we're currently in the middle of, all the other posts I plan to share throughout the month, cards to make, and other craft projects to work on... Not to mention the Samhain activities I'm planning in general. Oh yes, October will be a very eventful month!
Click below to find out more:
I'm really looking forward to October... It's going to be a fantastic - and busy - month; two blog parties (Magaly's Grim Party on the 13th, and Anna's Tea Party on the 29th and 30th), the start of the "Get Off Your Broom: Witches Fitness Challenge" (more on the "Get Off Your Broom" chhallenge tomorrow, but you can check it out yourself by clicking on the little banner on my sidebar if you don't want to wait), the move we're currently in the middle of, all the other posts I plan to share throughout the month, cards to make, and other craft projects to work on... Not to mention the Samhain activities I'm planning in general. Oh yes, October will be a very eventful month!
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