Kylie’s Curiosities

Welcome to 2012

2012-01-02T08:49:00.002+10:30

Well, we made it through another year. Lots of changes. Lots of decisions. Lots of fun. 2011 was pretty awesome. 2012 is going to be better. More photos. More time spent with friends. More fun.

I have 2 simple New Years Resolutions:

To increase my fitness to a point where I am cycling 100kms in a day

To make a significant improvement in my photography

I have started a blog dedicated entirely to getting fit. If you would like to the details to follow it please email me at kylieannp@gmail.com and I will send you the link.

Looking forward to sharing with you all this year!

xox

An extra 2 hours a day

2011-12-07T14:47:00.001+10:30

That is all I really need, just an extra 2 hours a day, then I could keep this updated, get my photo time in, my family time, see my friends... No, perhaps I need an extra 4 hours a day. :)

I have some great pics to share from the Mid Summer Masked Fae Ball on the weekend but I am not near a computer that I can upload them on to. Hopefully I will get it done in the next few days.

Till then, here is a pic of my new toy - I am in love....

xox

Personal Photo Challenge 3/1

2011-12-03T09:57:00.001+10:30

Personal Photo Challenge 2/3

2011-12-03T09:53:00.001+10:30

I only went out 3 days last week so this is the last of week 2.

Personal Photo Challenge 2/2

2011-12-03T09:52:00.001+10:30

Personal Photo Challenge 2/1

2011-12-03T09:50:00.001+10:30

Taken on my photography tour last Saturday.

Busy Busy weekend

2011-11-28T14:35:00.001+10:30

Flying in for a quick update. Had an incredibly busy but amazing weekend. Started with a photography tour/workshop on Saturday morning with a professional photographer. It was very full on, very intense, and very amazing. I loved every second although was exhausted at the end. I will upload some of the shots when I have a chance to review them.

The afternoon was spent shopping with friends which is always amazing. I bought a fabulous handbag.

Sunday was shopping (again), Tupperware and dinner with friends. I am exhausted, but happy.

To top it off I finally got sent a copy of the photos from the Steve Parish talks from last month. Here is my favourite.

xox

Personal Photo Challenge 1/5

2011-11-24T17:55:00.001+10:30

It is spring, so expect a lot of flowers for the time being. :)

Personal Photo Challenge 1/4

2011-11-23T08:12:00.001+10:30

I was inside getting ready for work this morning and I heard some birds in the gum tree out the front. I grabbed my camera (with my new lens) and ran out to see what we had. Several Sulphur Crested Cockatoos were sitting high up in the tree.

Personal Photo Challenge 1/3

2011-11-21T12:59:00.001+10:30

Personal Photo Challenge 1/2

2011-11-20T17:14:00.001+10:30

I went out with my Mum taking photos today. We found a beautiful rose garden, went to a very old cemetery, and to the beach. These are the best shots.

Personal Photo Challenge 1/1

2011-11-19T17:47:00.001+10:30

An online photo group I have recently joined has a monthly themed challenge. This month is "Small".

And yes, I did eat the rest of the block to get this pic. The things I will do for my art... :)

xox

Movies and Challenges

2011-11-18T09:47:00.001+10:30

Last night Ross, Sarah and I went to see....

O... M... G.....

I am a fidgeter during movies. Drives Ross absolutely nuts. But I did not move a muscle during this movie. My butt was so numb at the end from staying perfectly still, and of course being so tense. If you like scary moves, check it out. If you get scared easily, don't do it... LOL

I am setting myself a photography challenge. A lot of people do the 365 Day Project, which is where you take a photo every day for a year. I have tried this several times and realised that my life just does not allow for this. At least once a week I will have a day where I leave home at 7 and don't get home till 11 that night, and barely have a chance to breathe during that time. So this does not work.

But I do want to challenge and extend myself. So here is what I am going to do. 5 days a week (at a minimum), for the next 52 weeks, I will find 15-20 minutes a day to get out there with my camera. Any type of shot (not snapshots though as this is about improving my skills). Week 1 starts tomorrow. I may not post the pics each day, but I will try and get them up at least once a week. Hopefully as the weeks go by I will start to see an improvement in what I am putting out there.

I am also looking to join a local camera club. I am in a photography meetup group where we get out with our cameras every month or so, but that is quite a casual group, with no real teaching involved. This is an organised camera club that have competitions, guest speakers, workshops etc. A place where I can hopefully really grow my skills. I went to one this week and am checking out another one next week so I can decide where I want to end up.

Am off to a friends for a "de-stress" night tonight (read - alcohol fuelled entertainment). Am really needing it right now.

xox

I ate some fish and I liked it....

2011-11-13T14:03:00.001+10:30

First things first though. I bought a new car...

I love it! It drives like a dream and is so easy to maneuver. It is awesome. :)

Friday night Ross and I stayed in a fancy hotel in the city. It was awesome. We got the Deluxe Spa Suite. The weird thing though...

Yep, the spa was in the main room... LOL A bit weird but it was fun. It was only the 2 of us after all. :)

For dinner we decided to take the plunge and order a fish dish. We couldn't decide between the Atlantic Salmon and the barramundi..

So we ordered both and shared. :) And Oh. My. God! They were absolutely divine! We have been missing out! LOL Seriously, some of the best fish ever. So soft and succulent. And the good news is, neither one of us felt sick afterwards.

Of course, we had dessert as well.

Pecan pie for me and lemon cheesecake for Ross. This we didn't share because I don't like cheesecake. :)

I have spent today taking photos to turn into Xmas cards. I got a couple that turned out well. It was a really fun morning taking all the shots. I have just finished editing and will head down to drop them at the camera shop to get printed shortly. Will have them on the FB page by the end of the week for anyone interested.

Nothing more to report. Happy Sunday everyone!

xox

Interesting

2011-11-08T15:37:00.000+10:30

I was reading a new friends blog today - Dan's Dabbles - and found a saying that really struck a chord with me....

Ahh... The elusive no fear question. The one we are all too afraid to answer, and sometimes too afraid to ask....

The weird thing is, I read this not expecting the question, and the answer came right to me. Instantly. But it is a scary answer and one I am not sure I am ready to do anything about.

How strange is it that when I think about these things, I can not come up with an answer, but when I am randomly confronted with a question the answer is right there, staring me in the face....

xox

New Stuff, Music, Hexies, Study - Random Ramblings

2011-11-07T18:20:00.002+10:30

I have been on a bit of a spending spree lately. New underwater camera. New lens for my Olympus. New car! Well, I don't have the car yet. I am picking it up on Thursday. I was meant to get it tomorrow, but the Sales man called today and said he got it serviced today and the clutch is on its way out, so they are going to replace it before I pick it up. YAY for an honest used car sales man! :) I bought a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. I balked a bit at spending that amount of money, but the car is fantastic and should last us many many years. I will post a pic when I pick up the car.

Yesterday I went to see my favourite local band - Spiral Dance - at a local pub. We had a fabulous afternoon. Great music. Great venue. Great company. Ended up at a Vegetarian restaurant in the city for dinner which was absolutely fantastic.

My hexie flowers, that as long time readers will know I have been working on for around 16 months, are finally finished! I laid them out (and forgot to take a photo) and have now started adding the green hexies to join them. Once I have a few together I will put a pic up for you.

And lastly my studies. How have they been going? Not too great I am afraid. I seem to have lost my motivation. I am nearly 2 months behind where I should be which is freaking me out quite a bit. But I think (read - hope) I am ready to get back into it. I am going to do one subject at a time so I can focus, and I will apply for a 3 month extension at the end if I need it. The main problem is that I want to do a 6 month photography course, which would be amazing, but I know I need to concentrate on what I am doing as this is what is going to get me away from where I currently am. Yes, it is hard. But I just have to knuckle down, suck it up, and get it done!

xox

And now to completely contradict myself...

2011-11-03T07:59:00.001+10:30

On Monday I talked about being 2 years meat-free and how I was happy with that choice. And I am. But lately I have wanted to eat seafood. Just occasionally. So I have been thinking about becoming Pescatarian - which is a meat-free diet excluding fish and seafood.

There are a few reasons:
- I do not believe fish ever made me ill
- I feel that there are a lot of nutrients in fish that are difficult to get from a plant based diet
- To be honest, it would make eating out a whole lot easier
- I really feel a strong craving for fish

I always said when that if I ever got strong cravings for meat then I would look at eating some. Since I have not done this for "ethical" reasons there is no real need for me to avoid fish if it does not make me ill.

I am still thinking about this, but I am definitely considering the re-introduction of fish and seafood. I will keep you posted.

xox

2 Year Veggie-Versary!

2011-10-31T07:32:00.001+10:30

It is easy to remember my Veggie-Versary - Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

So 2 years ago today I decided to try and go for a few days without eating any meat. Two years later and I am still going. I do miss chicken sometimes, but usually only when I want chicken and chips, or a chicken burrito with lots of gooey cheese or something like that. :) I am actually a bit stunned that I have gone this long. I really enjoy vegetarian food, and have found ways to get through most situations without being obvious about it. Some restaurants make things difficult, but most now offer many alternatives.

Next year we are going overseas for a few weeks, so I understand I may not have a lot of options but to eat a bit of fish or something over there as SE Asian countries (particularly rural Cambodia where we are spending a week hopefully) are not familiar with vegetarianism. I am actually okay with that. But I still aim to get through the next year (Australian time being counted only) as a vegetarian. As always, I will re-assess again, but for now I am happy to stay with it.

xox

Halloween Party

2011-10-30T13:01:00.000+10:30

Last night Ross and I had a Halloween party. It was a really fun night. Everyone got into the spirit and dressed up which was so awesome. Here are a few pics.

Girls Night In

2011-10-16T20:36:00.002+10:30

Last night I held a Girls Night In fundraiser for the SA Cancer Council. I was expecting 15 people. but only ended up with 6. However, we had an absolutely incredible night and raised over $200. There was Zumba, Belly Dancing, Karaoke, wine, great people and lots of laughs. Here are a few snaps of the night.

Excited

2011-10-13T13:40:00.001+10:30

I am so freaking excited I feel like a little kid the night before Xmas...

This weekend I am going to listen to Steve Parish talk about his life as a wildlife photographer. If you don't know who Steve Parish is go here. He is absolutely amazing and is my idol as far as photography is concerned.

He is running 3 talks/workshops over 2 days and I am going to all of them! I feel like a groupie. I am hoping to get his latest book signed on Monday night and I just know I will be a big baby about it. LOL

It is weird, I have never really gotten like this about anyone famous before, but as soon as I heard he was coming here I was like a little kid.

I have also started a new photography challenge for myself. I want to take a new photo every week, one of quality, not a snapshot. I would love to really expand the cards I have for sale, plus I have another project I am working on that needs 42 photos - so far I have none I am happy with for that. I will put my pick here each week and you can let me know your thoughts. Or not. :)

I will definitely let you know how the talks go. :)

xox

PS - Detox bombed. Will try again next week.

Detox

2011-10-11T07:31:00.000+10:30

I am starting a mini detox today. I am aiming for 4 days, but to be honest I would be happy to get through just today. :) It is not a harsh one, here are the rules:

- No caffeine or alcohol allowed. Substitute herbal teas, dandelion root coffee and fresh juices.

- No dairy foods are permitted on the 7-day detox. Milk and cheese increase mucus production and are difficult to digest. Lactose is a common food intolerance. You can replace milk with almond milk, rice milk, oat milk or soya milk. Sheep's and goat's products are easier to digest if you really cannot do without dairy.

- No wheat or gluten-containing grains, such as rye, which have an acid effect on the digestion. This means no bread, pasta or white rice. Choose oats, brown rice, millet and quinoa instead.

- No meat or poultry, because of the antibiotics and food additives they contain. For protein, choose plant sources, organic eggs, tofu or oily fish from organic (non-farmed) sources.

- No processed or ready-made foods whatsoever. Everything should be fresh and cooked without salt, sugar or sweeteners. Use fresh herbs for seasoning.

- Eat three meals and two snacks every day, making sure that you have something to eat every three hours. Most of your food will be vegetables and fruit, whole grains and plant proteins. Within the [What To Eat And Drink] category there are sample menu choices for a 7-day detox.

- Do make sure you get at least 20 minutes of exercise every day.

- Drink 2 litres (3 ½ pints) of water a day and have cups of herbal (non-caffeine-containing) teas whenever you feel like them.

- Dry-brush your skin before a shower or bath at least once a day and, if you can bear it, follow your bathing routine with a cold shower.

(http://www.detoxaustralia.com.au/7_day_detox.htm)

I will let you know how I go...

North Haven Marina

2011-10-03T13:32:00.000+10:30

Yesterday I went out with my photography group for the first time since January. We went to North Haven Marina where we wandered around taking photos of the boats then waited for the sunset. It was wonderful to be out there again.

I Rode to Work

2011-09-26T08:27:00.000+09:30

For the first time since February. :) It felt amazing to be out on the road in the morning again. I have lost so much fitness, but I am not back to where I started so I just need to pick up from where I currently am and move on. It is about 7.5kms. Not sure how long it took. The ride in to work contains a 6km slight but steady uphill stretch that I really felt. But it felt great. I am going to leave the bike here overnight (it is locked in the shed) and will ride home tomorrow. Just until I am used to being back on the bike.

I am back baby!!!!!!!!!!

xox

Post Yoga Update

2011-09-25T09:43:00.001+09:30

It is the day after my first yoga session. Last night I felt like I was starting to stiffen up, which to be honest made me worried about today. However I am feeling pretty good today. I am not stiff at all, which is awesome. But I can feel my muscles, if that makes sense. It is a good feeling, I am just kind of aware of them. Particularly my legs.

I can not believe how much I enjoyed the class and am really bummed that there is no class next week. The recommendation is that you do two classes a week, however their other beginners class is not at a time I can attend. I am going to try to get hold of a beginners yoga dvd so I can do another session by myself in the week.

I am a bit surprised at how much I loved it. It feels good to be excited about something like this. :)

did

A month has passed...

2011-09-24T19:02:00.000+09:30

Jeepers I am a slacker... Rather than having nothing to say there has been too much. But that is all in the past, no point playing catch up.

Two things to talk about today.

I started a "Fat Chick Yoga" class today. Well, they don't actually call it fat chick yoga, that is my spin on it. It is called "Plus Sized Yoga". I have always wanted to do yoga but have always shied away thinking my size would make it difficult. So when this popped up, I was over the moon.

Only 3 people turned up, although 6 paid their deposit. Hopefully more come next week. She took us through some basic poses and breathing exercises, very gently, and teaching us how to modify them for our size.

Can I just say - I LOVED it! It was absolutely incredible. It felt amazing - although I am getting sore now and there is a chance I will not be able to move tomorrow. :) I was so surprised at how much of my flexibility I have retained from my dancing days. I was the biggest person there, but also the most flexible, so that made me feel pretty good. There was only one pose I did not attempt and that was because it was over extending the Achilles, so I did it on my right leg but not my left. But my Achilles did not hurt in any of the poses at all so I was thrilled with that. Unfortunately there is no class next week, but I can not wait for the next class.

The other news is something I have hinted at before.

As you know I am now an Ambassador for the Cancer Council of SA. My goal in taking in this role was to do a big fundraiser. I came up with the idea a few months ago and have been trying to work out if it is "doable".

Well, I have decided that it is, so I am going to go for it.

My goal is to raise $20,000 and to do that I have put together a team of 8 people. 6 of us (3 men and 3 women) are going to ride our bikes from Alice Springs to Adelaide (1550kms) in August 2013. The other 2 team members will be out support crew. As a team we are planning on doing 10 months of intensive fundraising during which time I want to raise a minimum of $20,000 and raise a whole lot more awareness for the Cancer Council and the work they do.

I have 5 definitely riders and 1 definite support crew already, with other people currently considering whether or not they will be involved. I am starting my training this week, since I am basically starting from scratch. The others will determine based on their own fitness when they feel the best time to start their own training will be.

I am excited, but also terrified. The logistics alone is a bit overwhelming. Add to that the thought of riding 1500kms in 12 days, and I am silently freaking out. But I will do this.

I will keep my other blog - http://ridingwithareason.blogspot.com/ - updated with my training and fundraising etc, but will also let you know here when that gets updated.

Hopefully it is less than a month before I see you all again. I do want to get back to my blogging. I miss you all. :)

xox

Food Additives

2011-08-28T12:49:00.002+09:30

I discovered something interesting today doing the grocery shopping. Now we don't do major grocery shopping very often, perhaps once every 6 weeks or so, so it is always a doozie. We stock up as much as possible in one big shop, then just pick up fresh food items weekly until the next big shop.

We are trying as much as possible to go organic and additive/preservative free. So for all of our tinned and jarred goods we read labels. Guess which branch is consistently free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Go on, guess.

Coles Home Brand.

Bet you didn't see that coming. We were sure surprised. Tinned tomatos - the ONLY brand on the shelf without additives is Coles. Tinned legumes. Coles. Baked beans. Coles. The list goes on. I was stunned. But it makes it easier for future shopping trips. Just go for the Coles brand. :)

In other news we went to a fancy ball last night. I had to go out and buy an evening dress, and I even wore make up! here are a couple of pics.

xox

Catching Up

2011-08-21T06:25:00.001+09:30

I got a text yesterday from a friend, checking to make sure I am okay, since I have not blogged for a few weeks now. :) I am here to say that I am okay. Just busy.

When I have time to blog, I don't seem to have anything to say. When I have things to say, I don't seem to have time to blog. :)

A lot has happened in the last few weeks. I finished my first 2 college subjects - and actually passed them too. I have started the next 2 and they are hard. But I just work my way through. Ross got accepted into TAFE to study Retail Management. I am so proud of him. He starts this week and is really nervous, but I know he will do great. Work has been busy. Studying. Been to a few Psychic Development Workshops and Psychic Circles. Been out with the Paranormal Group. Practicing my Psychometry. Studying. Out for dinner for various things. Studying. Sewing. See, lots of things happening, but nothing to blog about.

I got back on the bike yesterday to ride to a friends place. Wow, it felt great. I have missed it so much! I did not ride far, but it was amazing. My Achilles felt great and I loved it. My butt hurt though. Gonna hafta to strengthen that up again.

So until the next update...

xox

Two Weeks!

2011-08-01T09:43:00.002+09:30

I can not believe it has been 2 weeks since I posted. I do apologise. Life gets in the way - you know. I have had exams, finishing assignments, started new subjects, went to Melbourne for the Craft fair (got home late last night and am exhausted), been sewing, housework, work, family.... Phew... Exhausting! I am also planning a very large fundraiser for the Cancer Council SA, which although it will not be happening until 2013 requires a lot of prep work which I am currently doing.

As such I have not had a chance to log on here for the last couple of weeks. I can not guarantee this will improve in the next few weeks either, but I will do my best.

Walking, Healthy Habits, Caffeine, and My Day

2011-07-16T18:34:00.002+09:30

Today I went for the longest walk, and did the most walking, I have done in months. And I mean months. This morning I walked to the tram stop, approx 1.2kms. Then navigated my way through various shops and errands to get where i was going in town. Unsure of the actual distance but at a guess a little over 1 km. Then I walked hom from a different tram stop which was 1.5 kms. The 1.5 is my longest single walk, and the amount of walking I did in total is the most in a day. Since forever ago.

I feel great. My legs are tired though. They are not used to it. This morning the Achilles was tight and sore. But considering it was 0.7 degrees in Adelaide this morning, I am guessing the cold had a lot to do with that. Once it warmed up it felt good. Now I am sitting with my leg up and it is a bit tired and achey, but not sore. This is a good thing. I won't walk again tomorrow, but I will jump on the trainer. Should be a bit less pressure on it.

My week of healthy habits has gone better than last week, but not brilliant. I had breakfast on the go a couple of times. And had some chips. My water and exercise were good. I have one more day left of the week, and even though I did not nail it, I am going to add to it this week. Just need to decide what I will add.

I am still off the caffeine. I just wanted to report in on my little experiment I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. A few weeks back I had some Diet Coke at a party. 48 hours later I was hit with a wave of anxiety that lasted several hours. I was unsure if it was the caffeine, or the chemicals. To test it I decided to have a coffee one day and see how I felt 48 hours later. I have now done this. The result? It is the chemicals. I had absolutely no reaction to the caffeine in the coffee and no anxiety within the next week. So for me this means I can have the occasional coffee and be confident that I will feel fine. I can not have Diet Coke. I am okay with that.

Today I went to a Psychic Development class at the WEA. I have been looking forward to this for a while. Basically it was an introduction to various types of intuitive and psychic abilities by trying them out. I had a great time, and had more success than I expected. There were a few things I had no success at, but that is cool. I was very excited to get to practice some Psychometry, which I recently discovered I had a knack for. I was spot on each time I tried it today and was able to put the feelings into words better than I have in the past, so that was pretty exciting. I am hoping to catch up with one of the ladies again in order to give it another shot.

Tomorrow I have to write an assignment and clean my house, oh what fun... :)

xox

Cancer Council

2011-07-14T15:21:00.000+09:30

Yesterday I received some amazing news. I have been accepted as an Ambassador for the SA Cancer Council. I put in the application last week, and they called and checked my references the same day, then I heard nothing. Yesterday the confirmation came through, although I am still waiting for the details in the mail. Next Tuesday I have my Orientation session at the Cancer Council offices where they will go through all the finer details with me.

I am so excited to be given this opportunity. I am really looking forward to getting out there and being a voice for the Cancer Council and raising as much awareness for the tireless work they do as possible.

As an Ambassador and advocate I need to live my life in a way that is fitting. Which means I need to get my weight under control. This is my choice, not something they are forcing or pushing. But if I am going to be out there spreading the prevention message then I need to show I can practice what I preach.

I am also planning a big fundraiser of my own, but until that is nailed down I will not be announcing what that is. Let’s just say it will be exciting.

xox

Gear Up Girl ride 2011

2011-07-13T09:04:00.002+09:30

Well, despite the fact I am not yet back on the bike I have just registered for the 2011 Gear Up Girl 15km River Ride in November. I figure I have 4.5 months to get myself ready for a 15km ride and that is easily doable. I need a goal, and since I missed this ride last year due to my Achilles I figured it would be the perfect way to come back from that same horrible injury.

So which if you South Australian readers are going to do the ride with me? There is a 15km ride, a 35km ride and a 50km ride, followed by a party in the park afterwards. Would love to catch up with some of you after the event. :)

xox

A New Week

2011-07-11T08:50:00.000+09:30

So it is a new week and a new chance to implement and solidify my new healthy habits. I got up at 5.55am ready to go for a walk. It was cold and I weas tired. But I kinda had no choice because I had made a deal with the Shrinking Sheep that is she got up to run I would get up to walk.
At 6am she messaged me to make sure I was doing it. I did it. It was cold. But I did it.

I came home and had my breaksfast at home. So that is 2 out of 4 for the day. Now I just have to stay away from the chips and drink my water and I am done. :)

While you are here, I would love it if you would check out my new blog over at Riding With A Reason. Not much there yet but it will be exciting...

xox

New Hair Style

2011-07-10T22:06:00.004+09:30

Healthy Habits

2011-07-10T09:36:00.001+09:30

So, this week my healthy habits have not been going so well. Even my water consumption has been down. Not quite sure why though because normally I am good at that.

I have decided not to add anymore habits this week, I need another week to consolidate what I have already started.

So for another week I am:
Drinking 2L a day
Exercising 4 times a week
Not eating breakfast on the run
Not eating chips

I started this morning with a scrumptious breakfast of yogurt, toasted oats, nuts & seeds, mandarin and apple. It was fantastic.

This afternoon I am off to do my first 2 exams. I am completely underprepared. Not assisted by the fact that I spent yesterday afternoon at the hairdressers getting a funky new haircut (pics to come) instead of studying. I am pretty sure I know enough to get through, as long as I have studied the right material. Overall I am relatively confident though.

xox

Wedding Anniversary

2011-07-09T12:08:00.002+09:30

Last night we splurged a little and stayed the night at the Stamford Grand for our 4th Wedding Anniversary. We went to the Goodlife Organic Pizza House for dinner, had hot choccies and Bracegirdles, and splurged on a ridiculously expensive but absolutely fantastic Breakfast that was brought up to the room.

Our room.

Pizza

Hot chocolate

Night view from the room

Morning view from the room

The breakfast selection

Remnants of breakfast

xox

Veggie Box

2011-07-08T16:04:00.001+09:30

Just got a beautiful box of organic fruit and veg delivered to my door by Unley Organic Foods.

Can't wait to get stuck into it all.

xox

Happy Anniversary Ross

2011-07-08T08:10:00.000+09:30

On this day 4 years ago I gained a new husband. One that I love with all my heart. I am so happy and blessed that we found each other through the maze that is our lives.

Although we have never done the anniversary gift thing, this year I decided to surprise and spoil him with this beautiful Swiss Army watch.

I love you Ross.

xox

Study Overload

2011-07-07T08:36:00.000+09:30

I have my first 2 exams on Sunday afternoon for my course. It has been several years since I have done exams. My brain is slightly older, slightly more used, slightly more worn around the edges since then... This week has been study overload. I just hope I am ready. Although, if I fail I get a second shot which is great news. :)

Tonight I am having a facial and massage. I am so excited. I got a voucher from one of those Deal-A-Day thingys that are everywhere. It is a 30 minute facial and foot soak, then a 30 minute head and neck massage. I have never done anything like this before in my life so I am really excited. :)

xox

Hail

2011-07-04T13:00:00.000+09:30

We got our first heavy hail of the year today. He all got excited and went out taking photos. :)

xox

Walking

2011-07-04T08:50:00.001+09:30

Yesterday I decided to take my Achilles out for a test drive. After about 7 hours of study I desperately needed some fresh air. I strapped up my foot, put my dusty old sneakers on, and took myself out for a 20 minute slow walk.

Can I just say, it felt AMAZING to be out there again! I am lucky that I live in a fairly flat area so don’t have to content with any hills just yet. My Achilles held up well. Towards the end my whole ankle started to ache, but not my Achilles specifically. I would say that was just because it really hasn’t been used in so long.

While it felt good, the real test was going to be how it felt this morning.

It felt fine, so I took myself out for another slow 20 minute walk. Wow it feels good to be out there doing some light exercise again. I will definitely be taking it easy while I get my strength back, but I am feeling really confident that I am now in the end stages of the recovery process.

xox

This & That

2011-07-03T08:45:00.000+09:30

Not much has been going on this week. Work, study. The usual.

Yesterday I went to Day 2 of the "Heal Your Life" workshop. I attended Day 1 a couple of months ago. It was a really good workshop. Some of it was quite similar to things I worked on at the Retreat a few weeks ago, but in different ways which was really good. All the same people from the Day 1 course were there, which was great too. A really amazing group of people.

So my Healthy Habits for the week have been going pretty well. I am doing well with the water. I have done well with the chips apart from one day. Friday night we have drinks and nibblies at work to celebrate moving into our new office. There were chip there. I had a few. I am okay with that. A few is not an entire 200g bag in one sitting.

So for this week I need to add one more good habit and remove or replace one more bad habit.

Good Habits
+ 2L of water every day
+ 20-30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week

Bad Habits
- Potato chips
- Eating breakfast on the run

The exercise thing is really important. Since finding out my Achilles was torn back in February I have really done nothing. And boy, can I feel it. My overall energy levels are so low. My fitness is all but gone. I have done up an exercising plan that is really gentle on the Achilles (still having a few issues there). Plus I can do gentle walking, and using the bike hooked up tot he trainer. I will start slow, but it is definitely time to start.

As for breakfast on the run - this is killing me. I eat in the car, in the office as I am firing up the computer, or when I walk to get the mail in the morning. No more. From now on breakfast is eaten at home at the table. At this point I am not being specific about what I eat, just as long as it is not on the run. I started today.

This is yummy Paris Creek Honey & Vanilla Yogurt,

with toasted oats (I toasted them myself), a small banana, and seeds (sunflower, pine nuts and pepitas). It was absolutely delicious, and I am counting on it to get me through till lunch time as I have a day of study planned.

xox

Harvest Box

2011-06-28T17:49:00.000+09:30

Look what arrived today! My very first Harvest Box. :)

They are having a special at the moment where if you sign up and enter a specific code, you can get your first Box for free and your second box for half price. So I decided to give it a go. Basically you get this little tray of treats delivered to your door, as many times a week as you want. I am getting it twice a week. Friday's delivery will come home with me for my weekend study snack, and Tuesday's delivery will stay at work for snacks.

Each box comes with four different mixes. When you sign up you can look through what is available, and anything that contains something you don't like you can just select "no thanks" and you will not get those. They do a mix of seeds, nuts and dried fruits.

Want to give it a go? Click here to sign up and enter the following code - 19456KBL4GU - to get your first box for free. If you hate it, cancel it, and it will cost you nothing.

xox

Anxiety

2011-06-28T10:51:00.000+09:30

I had an interesting revelation on the whole caffeine/diet coke/anxiety issue last night. Last year when I gave up the caffeine I had a terrible bout of intense anxiety that lasted well over 6 months. I can see that I can not blame this on the caffeine withdrawal, it was just the trigger that set off a very terrible time for me.

This time when I gave it up I had mild anxiety for a few weeks. For the last 2 weeks it has been completely gone.

On Saturday night I went to a party and had some Diet Coke. It was okay. Last night 48 hours after the DC, I got hit with a very intense anxiety attack. It lasted all night. It was absolutely horrible.

Thankfully it is gone this morning.

However I don’t believe the caffeine triggered it. I feel it was the chemicals and crap that is in the DC. To test this theory I am going to have some coffee on Friday. If I do not get an anxiety attack on Sunday (48 hours later) then my theory will be confirmed. I will let you know how it goes.

As for my healthy habits, so far so good. I had an interesting comment from Sassy who suggested that instead of eliminating things, I replace them. I actually really like that concept. However I am not going to do that with chips. The reason being, I do not need them, or even like them very much. I never eat them out of hunger. It is a habit only. A habit I have no intention of keeping. So this one I will eliminate. However future unhealthy habits may be replaced. Thanks Sassy for your comment.

xox

Developing Healthy Habits

2011-06-27T10:12:00.000+09:30

It is time for me to really start getting into some healthy habits. I talk the talk but do not walk the walk, and enough is enough. If I want to be a good Naturopath I need to follow what will be preaching and live a healthier life.

Plus, I really want to be the healthiest I can be when I turn 40 next year. I am not talking about losing weight – I am so over wanting to lose weight, I just don’t care. I want to be healthy. If weight loss comes along with that then so be it. If not, then that is okay too. As long as I am happy and healthy.

So in order to do this I am going to start adding healthy habits and eliminating unhealthy habits every week.

Week 1 starts today.

+ Healthy Habit – drink 2L of water every day

- Unhealthy habit – stop eating potato chips. I am having a couple of packets a week again and it is no good.

I will check in periodically on this and each Monday add one more healthy habit and remove one more unhealthy habit. This is not a Challenge or an all or nothing thing. This is just me trying to develop an healthy way of life.

If you have any ideas of healthy habits I could be incorporating or eliminating, I would love to hear them.

xox

Update

2011-06-26T20:13:00.000+09:30

Sorry I have not been around a lot, this week has been dominated by Study. This is my boy Starr. He has made a little burrow for himself in the bushes along the side of the driveway.

Last night, after a looooong day of study, we went to a Solstice party up in the Hills. It was a great night. I made cheese-less mini-quiches to take.

They ended up as cheese-less by accident, I forgot to add the cheese to the mix. But they still tasted pretty good.

The party was awesome. Great people, great conversations, lots of laughs. It was a huge amount of fun.

Today was a bit of a lazy day. I submitted my first assignment this morning which was a great relief. Now I just have to wait for it to be marked. I did a bit more study, unpacked some more boxes from our storage shed, then sat down and watched Friends DVDs.

Ross got home from Archery and decided we were off to the beach for Veggie Burgers for dinner.

Yum!

xox

I Got A Trophy

2011-06-22T05:55:00.000+09:30

The Leukaemia Foundation sent one of their lovely volunteers around to my office this week to give me a little something as a thank you for my fundraising efforts for the Worlds Greatest Shave. They had a Thank You party on Friday night for their Top 20 Fundraisers and I was not able to go (as I was broken down on my way to the Retreat ;) ).

What a lovely surprise. I certainly didn't expect anything, which is what made it extra special.

xox

A Weekend Spiritual Connection Retreat

2011-06-20T08:23:00.000+09:30

I have had - such -an amazing weekend. I am not going to go into it all because to be honest, it is really quite personal, but I'll give you the blurb.

It started Friday night with my fist lesson of the weekend (first of many many lessons).

Listen to your gut.

My car broke down on the way there. And I knew it would. All day I knew there was something wrong, even though the car drove perfectly in the morning. But I convinced myself I was being paranoid. Luckily I got it to a town where I had phone service so I could call the RAA. The car had to be towed to the depot - in the opposite direction to where I was headed. So I let them take it while I sat in the closed up town in the dark trying to figure out how to get to the Retreat.

Luckily for me one of the facilitators was happy to come and get me. So I got there late, but I got there.

I really surprised myself by staying completely calm throughout, and arrived in surprisingly good spirits.

The weekend was filled with meditations, and workshops, and card readings (we were doing for each other), and healings (both done within on ourselves and by the facilitators when needed), and sharing, and the most amazing food imaginable.

The food... Oh the food...

All vegetarian. All organic. All incredible. I was in food heaven. We started Friday night with haloumi & vegetable skewers, with a devine chickpeas salad followed by a banana and tofu pudding. Breakfast on Saturday was a selection of organic muesli's and cereals, fruit, toast, rhubarb compote, yogurts, nuts and seeds. Lunch organic pumpkin soup with the most amazing bread. Afternoon tea was a mouth watering apple and date loaf. Dinner was a devine roasted vegetable lasagne followed by apple pie. But the piece de resistance (for me anyway) was Sunday breakfast. Eggs scrambled with basil pesto and feta on a bed of spinach with tomato and cooked mushroom. It was heavenly. Before we left we had some incredible chocolate brownies to finish off the weekend.

I came away from the weekend feeling amazing. I had revelations and insights and have come away with a stronger sense of who I am and where I need to be headed.

I met some absolutely amazing women. Women who have so much inner strength and light. Women who I really connected with and llok forward to spending time with in the future.

xox

Retreat

2011-06-17T07:58:00.000+09:30

I am very excited. This weekend I am heading off to a Spiritual Retreat. I leave tonight straight from work and will be home Sunday afternoon. It is a weekend of workshops, and meditations, and amazing organic vegetarian food. I am really looking forward to it.

I have wanted to do something like this for the longest time, so I am really pleased I am finally getting to do it. The phone will be off. There is no internet, no TV, no computers. It is going to be amazing. Very "Zen". :)

xox

Caffeine Update

2011-06-16T20:45:00.000+09:30

Thought I would give a caffeine update. It has now been nearly 3 weeks since I quite the caffeine. I have struggled with it more this time than last time. I really really miss the Diet Coke. Not the taste of it. I think it is the chemicals in it, rather than the caffeine. The cravings are starting to lessen thankfully, but they are still there.

The headaches lasted only a few days but I did use a lot of Reiki to get them under control. Because they were caused by a toxin withdrawal and not a physical problem, the Reiki was effective.

Thankfully the anxiety is nowhere near as bad this time as last time. That was my biggest concern, but I am in a better place in my life this year so I am hoping that will help to keep it at bay.

Hopefully this time I will stay off it permanently. I am sleeping better, my poops are better, and I seem to be craving less sugar (that would be coming offthte artificial sweeteners more than the caffeine).

xox

Apologies

2011-06-16T08:36:00.000+09:30

For some reason I can not leave comments on other blogs at the moment. I have been trying to leave comments for Sassy and Mel for 2 days with no success. I apologise and please know I have not been ignoring you.

Hopefully Blogger gets their shit together soon so I can tell you both how much I love you. :)

xox

Camp Quality

2011-06-15T08:16:00.000+09:30

Last night was our first planning meeting for our 2012 Senior Camp. This is going to be a spectacularly awesome camp! I am so thrilled to be able to be part of the planning process.

For those of you who don't know about Camp Quality, it is a not-for-profit organisation whose goal is to create fun times and amazing memories for kids living with or in remission from cancer. We offer support and "Fun Therapy" to the whole family. Click on the image above if you want more info.

I have been involved as a volunteer since 1998. I was a companion in Southern Qld for 5 years before coming back to SA and have been both a companion and part of the leadership teams since being here. I took a couple of years break a few years back, which turned out to be exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries.

Being a volunteer with Camp Quality is without a doubt one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Meeting and getting to know these absolutely amazing and inspiring children is an experience I can not even begin to explain. My life is definitely richer for being involved with this organisation.

xox

Study Day

2011-06-13T17:54:00.000+09:30

That is our oldest kitty, Shiva, snuggling up to Ross.

Well, today was my first full study day. I will probably not have too many full days of study, but because I am away next weekend, and already have commitments most evenings this week, I figured I should get a whole day in.

My two subjects this study block are 'Naturopathic Framework' and 'OH&S'. I was hoping to get stuck into 'Naturopathic Framework' but my text books have not arrived yet. I have everything I need for OH&S from the online portal so OH&S it was.

I got started after breakfast. About 45 minutes later I heard a light knock on the door and in comes Ross carrying...

My favourite tea brewing and some honey to sweeten it with. How amazing is that! I was so blown away.

After a while it was time for my first study break. I went outside to see what Ross was up to and discovered he had set up my trainer.

So I grabbed my shoes and jumped on. My first ride since February. It felt absolutely amazing. I only did 10 minutes because I did not want to overdo it and risk further injury. My Achilles feels absolutely fine now, although a little fatigued, so I am glad I stopped at 10 minutes. It was so amazing to be back on the bike. I figure I will get on a few times a week and slowly increase my time. Once I am up to 30 minutes I will go out on the road for a real ride. As much as I am dying to do that I am going to be patient, and take my time. I am going to heal properly.

The rest of the day has been studying with breaks interspersed throughout. The OH&S subject has 3 topics to read through with quite a few weblinks to read and study activities etc. Then there are 2 assignments and an exam. I have done everything except for the assignments and exam. I can not believe how much I got through. I am tired but feeling a lot more confident about getting through all the work I need to get through.

Back to work tomorrow and a Camp Quality planning meeting tomorrow night, so a long day ahead.

xox

Thinking About Eating

2011-06-13T07:31:00.000+09:30

Last night I was feeling pretty crappy. Earlier I had been feeling great, full of energy, body feeling great. But by last night it had all changed. So I started to think about what I had eaten all day. Some very interesting things came up.

For breakfast I had pancakes from a packet. They tasted a bit bland, but the honey I had on them was great. I spent the morning feeling quite lethargic. I just figured it was because I had not slept well. In reality it was probably related to the pancakes.

For lunch we had fresh bread rolls (additive free) and some home made dahl (also additive free) with lentils and chickpeas. In the afternoon I really perked up. Lots of energy, body feeling great.

For dinner we had pizza from the pizza shop. Undoubtedly full of crap. I ended up bloated and gassy and got tired real quick.

Putting it all together it is pretty clear. The quality of the food I eat directly impacts me, not only how my body feels physically, but also how I am mentally and psychologically.

To most people this is probably a bit of a "duh" moment. But for me it is kind of a revelation as I have never thought about food in this way before. To me food has always been about immediate taste and gratification. But if I change my thinking about food to look at the bigger picture, everything is different. If I think about how I am going to feel in the hours after eating, it will change the choices I make.

Especially considering that I am now studying. I need to have energy and mental alertness. Today for example. I plan on getting about 5 or 6 hours of study in. So I need to make sure my energy levels are up. That means eating a good breakfast, and a good lunch, to get me through the day. If I eat the crap I would normally eat I will not have an effective and productive study session.

Now, more than ever, I need to be thinking about what I am eating. I am working 45-50 hours a week. I am meant to be studying 12-15 hours a week. I am on the planning committee for our next Camp. Plus I have a husband I like to spend time with and other interests that I do not wish to give up. If I want to be able to fit everything into my life I need to have energy. So I need to fuel my body properly.

This is going to take thought and planning. And there will probably be a lot of trial and error, and many mistakes along the way. But both Ross and I are committed to changing how we eat.

Looks like the pizza shop is about to lose some business...

xox

Bread Baking

2011-06-12T17:14:00.000+09:30

I had a great day with Mum. She came over this morning with supplies and her bread machine. I have one (a second hand one I was given and have never used) and we decided to use them at the same time to save time.

We made 2 dozen wholemeal rolls.

We used the bread machines to do all the hard work (mixing and kneading), then let them rise in front of the living room window before baking them in the oven. They taste absolutely delicious. I was surprised at how easy they were to make. I will definitely be doing this again. :)

We also spent some time getting the garden sorted. My entire garden is going to be in pots as we do not know how long we will get to stay here.

So far I have lettuce, bok choy and some herbs coming up. I got some more pots ready and will get some more seedlings next time I am at the Farmers Market.

Tomorrow is a study day.

I love long weekends. :)

xox

Sewing, Food, and Stuff

2011-06-12T09:01:00.000+09:30

That is Kimba. No particular reason, just that she looks gorgeous in this pic. :)

Yesterday morning I was wondering what to do with my free day. So many options. I decided to clear my study desk off...

And turn it into my sewing table. :)

I spent the morning sewing with Friends DVD's playing on the laptop next me. I managed to get the blocks for another quilt for me and Ross finished. I just need to buy the fabric for the sashings now, so that will be next month before it is finished. Then I will have 2 tops finished and just need to quilt them. I am hoping they will be done before the end of winter as they are for snuggling on the couch, but there is a pretty big time factor involved, and with my studies I am not sure if they will be done to use this year.

I also got some filler blocks done for a group quilt I am putting together. This is going to be for a gift, so I will not be able to post any pics until it has been given and received. :)

I spent the rest of the afternoon doing exactly what I had planned. Absolutely nothing. :) It was awesome.

This morning we decided to have pancakes for breakfast. I cheated and used this.

Only because we still had it in the cupboard. Although this says "No Artificial Flavours or Colours" on the container, it does have preservatives including an anti-caking agent (which is nasty stuff) so I will not be buying it again. From now on pancakes will need to be made from scratch.

I was planning on having it them with Maple Syrup, but it had gone off, so I had some lovely organic honey instead.

Yummmmmooooooo. Now I am waiting for Mum to come over to teach me how to make my own bread. I can not wait!

xox

Updated Hair Pic

2011-06-11T07:31:00.000+09:30

Just realised I have not given you an update of how the hair is growing back. This was taken a couple of weeks ago now. It has grown a little since then. :)

I got a call from the Leukaemia Foundation this week. I have been invited to a "Top Fundraisers" Thank you party which I can not go to, so they called to personally thank me. How wonderful is that. :)

xox

Long Weekend

2011-06-11T07:04:00.000+09:30

Oh how I love long weekends. Especially ones like this where I have absolutely no need to leave the house. I plan on being a complete sloth. LOL. Actually, that is untrue. I do have some plans. But I still don't plan on leaving the house. :)

Today I have no plans. Ross is working this mornings then heading to his Archery club this afternoon. I am not sure what I am going to do. A bit of housework. Perhaps some knitting or sewing. But not much. Tomorrow Mum is coming over to help me set up my garden and to show me how to make bread. I can't wait. Then Monday I am devoting to study. It is going to be a great 3 days. :)

xox

Hello Lovely People

2011-06-10T14:02:00.000+09:30

I just realised it has been too long since my last post.

I have been amazingly busy. Brief overview - Friends to dinner, cooking, unloading and unpacking our storage shed, practicing Reiki, Body Mind & Psychic Fair, Camp Quality, out to dinner with friends, started studying, work is insane.

That about covers it. I have loads of photos I keep meaning to upload and just have not had the chance.

College is going to keep me super busy for the next few years, but I will do my best to still post a few times a week and to check in when I can. I do still read all your blogs, but often don't have time to comment.

I will do a better post on the long weekend.

xox

Some Interesting Developments....

2011-06-01T08:11:00.000+09:30

I am now nearly to 100 hours since my last hit of caffeine. On Monday morning the headaches were so bad I thought I would die. I caught the bus to work and spent the entire trip focusing my Reiki energy onto my head and the parts of me that needed help. By 9.15 the headache was gone.

Yesterday I was a bit headachey, and due to an excessively bad day at work really really wanted some Coke. But I didn't.

Today I have no headaches, but am tired and really really thirsty. The anxiety has started as well. The good news is that this time I was ready for it so am not freaked out by it. I can mange it and in time it will go away.

So for the last week or so I have been paying attention to what I have been eating. To the taste, the scent, the texture, and most importantly how my body feels during and after eating. I have discovered some interesting things. Some foods I thought I loved, I don't actually like the taste of. It is the texture that I enjoy. Some foods I thought sat well inside my stomach, do not. Some foods I thought I reacted to, I don't when eaten alone.

This is a really interesting time for me. Especially discovering that I do not actually like the taste of hot chips. It is the texture. So I need to focus on finding something with a similar texture (and none of the fat). I also do not like how I feel after eating them (especially the gas - I owe my Chiropractor an apology for last nights smells...) LOL

On other news I may not have mentioned, on the weekend I became attuned to Reiki level 2. I am now a qualified Reiki practitioner. It takes 21 days for the energies to settle then I can start actually doing this properly. The interesting thing is that on Day 21 I will be in the middle of a weekend spiritual retreat. I am expecting this to be a very powerful day for me (it is also my sister birthday although I am not sure of that will have any impact).

The spiritual retreat is something I have always wanted to do. This one came up only a week ago and I jumped at the chance to participate.

Lastly, in a week and a half I will be starting back in the world of study. I have been accepted into the Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy. I am really looking forward to it. but also nervous abut studying again and the amount of time commitment it will be. But I really want this so I will make it work.

xox

Caffeine

2011-05-30T08:54:00.000+09:30

I am currently deep in Caffeine withdrawal. I was not intending to give it up this weekend, but I was in detox without realising it yesterday and then did not see the point of ending the detox and starting all over again on Wednesday.

My last caffeinated beverage was Saturday morning so I am bout 48 hours in. The headaches are bordering on migraine level and I have been Reiki-ing my little heart out to take the edge off so I can survive at work. So far so good. From memory the headaches only lasted 3 or 4 days so I should be fine by Thursday. I can do this....

xox

Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea

2011-05-29T14:26:00.000+09:30

I had my Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council today. It was a really fun morning. And instead of rambling about it I will say it with photos...

More Thinking About Eating

2011-05-28T20:51:00.000+09:30

The more I think about eating without Additives as much as possible the more I feel this is the right thing for me to try. So the first thing I need to do is look at what I eat now to see what can stay and what needs to go.

The obvious things are the junk food and take away, the Diet Coke, the caffeine etc. No brainers there.

So what else is there to eat?

Well, turns out my usually breakfast is fine. Oats with rice milk. The rice milk I use is organic and contains no nasties at all. I sometimes add honey. I do not currently have organic honey which is usually additive-free. But I will finish the containers I have (1 at home 1 at work) before buying more.

So what sorts of things do I eat?

Tofu – organic tofu contains small amounts of Mineral salts 509 and 511 which are Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride. These are not considered to be dangerous and unlikely to cause reactions. (Fed Up With Food Additives website). Not sure about that. I love tofu and use it in place of meat quite a bit. Needs some thought.

Eggs – completely natural

Soy “bacon style rashers” – these contain some chemicals but nothing listed as a number. Perhaps small quantities only. Need to think on it.

Pasta – nothing wrong with pasta

Pasta Sauce – imagine my surprise to find my favourite brand of pasta sauce – Dolmio – is additive-free. Yay!

Stir-fries – nothing wrong with the veggies I use – need to examine the different sauces.

Bread. Oh how I love my bread. Full of preservatives though. Need to find an alternative (or learn to use my bread maker)

Cheese - hard to say what is in it. There are no additives listed however it contains “cultures”. Need to find out what exactly this is.

Dijonaise – my fave salad dressing and sandwich spread. It has about 9 of those nasty numbered additives. Buggar. That one is out (although to be honest I only have it about once a month). But still….

Legumes – I mostly cook these from dry, so they are completely fine. If I get canned I get organic and they do not contain additives.

Well… This is okay. It is a learning experience really. My biggest issues to start with are going to be the caffeine and Diet Coke, and the junk foods. So these are what I am going to work on first.

I have also started a journal I call “Food Feelings”. This is not my feelings about food, rather how each food/meal makes me feel. Got some very interesting reactions already. Amazing what your body tells you if you actually shut up and listen to it…

I would love to hear other peoples views on all this.

xox

Thinking About Eating Some More

2011-05-27T13:51:00.001+09:30

I just had a really interesting conversation on Skype with a friend that got me thinking (shock, horror, she can think!) LOL

We were talking about skin problems and how a lot of problems with the skin can be related directly back to the foods we consume. Without boring you with the details I have seen cases of people in my life where changing their food intake has completely stopped dis-eases of the skin including psoriasis and eczema.

Now, I do not have these issues. Not to any great extent (a little bit of stress related eczema on my feet) and I am not actually thinking about that.

It got me thinking about when I was a kid. My sister had severe (and I mean severe) eczema and behavioural problems. Turned out she was allergic to all artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. As such, we ate a largely unprocessed, organic diet free from artificial additives. We grew our own veggies, meat back then was not filled with hormones and preservatives, and we did not eat processed food. At least, not at home.

Fast forward 30 years and we have truly become the most over-medicated society there is. Doctors are always pushing drugs on us for anything (I am lucky to have an amazing doctor who is aware of my preference for natural alternatives wherever possible). And 98% of foods now found in the supermarket are highly processed.

I don't want to eat like that any more.

I know eating unprocessed is near on impossible. You can't easily get un-homogenised and pastuerised milks. Even our "natural" sugar and honey is processed. What I want to do is go back to eating how we did as kids. Removing the artifical flavourings, colourings, and preservatives from my diet. I know me well enough to know that I can not do that 100% of the time.

But perhaps I can do it 80% of the time. Imagine how much better my body will feel of I can get rid 80% of the crap I put into it.

It will be a difficult transformation. But one I really feel I want to try to achieve. Bit by bit.

I am starting with caffeine. I hate the stuff and I am addicted. And I will slowly make other changes. As I eat the foods that are in my house (I will not throw things away) I will try to replace them with foods that do not contain these additives.

This is something I feel quite strongly about. This is no longer about losing weight or looking a certain way. This is about making my body the healthiest it can be so that it lasts a very long time.

xox

Breaking News

2011-05-25T10:23:00.000+09:30

For the first time in 9 months my Achilles is feeling strong. I am having no pain, and it feels as though it is ready to take on the world!

Of course, I am going to take it slow, and this weekend I am going to have a go on the bike on the trainer. But based on how it is feeling I am sure it will do really well.

I will keep you updated.

xox

Thinking About Eating

2011-05-23T12:41:00.000+09:30

An any of you who have read this for long enough know, I struggle with my weight. Constantly. It seems to be never ending.

Several years ago I lost quite a lot of weight by calorie counting. But it took over my life and I literally fell apart. I have since gained back quite a lot of that weight.

Despite the fact that I know calorie counting and food restrictions work, it is too easy to lose sight of the rest of your life as you become rolled up in and obsessed with food, breaking it down into calories and nutrients and micro-nutrients. It can be all-consuming.

I have tried many times to get back on the calorie counting bandwagon with little success in the last couple of years. Unfortunately it messes my head up.

I have been reading an amazing blog lately called Sassying It Up. Sassy is all about intuitive eating. I have read about this before. I have the books, but I could never really get my head around it. Until this blog. She makes it a bit more simple (for confuzzled people like me).

I am over wanting to lose weight. I just don't care about the appearance factor anymore. I am who I am. But I do want to be healthy. And while I am reasonably healthy now (although not being able to exercise for the last 6 months has severely dented that) I need to be healthier. I am fast approaching 40 and as I want to live to see 80, I need to look after this body that I have.

So I have decided to experiment. I think it will take me a while to get it right, but so far I have been going okay. On the weekend I had a massive chocolate craving. So I bought some Haighs Peppermint Dark Chocolate Frogs. Normally a chocolate craving would see me devour a block of Cadbury. But one dark, good quality frog, slowly sucked, satisfied my craving. And didn't kill me and far as fat and sugar consumption go.

When I am hungry, rather than reaching for the junk I am trying listen to my body and not my head. My head is the part telling me to grab the junk food. Usually my body is saying carbs, or protein, or veggies. If I listen to my body and make decisions that way, I will be getting what I need, not what I think I want.

This morning I wanted McDonalds Hash Browns and Bacon & Egg McMuffin (hold the bacon). Before driving into the drive through I tried to really listen to my body. It wanted carbs and fibre. I gave it oats. But, I also bought english muffins, cheese and eggs, and made my own Egg & Cheese Muffins for lunch. All cravings satisfied, I can now get through my afternoon without thinking about the foods I "think" I am missing out on.

I have no idea how this will go but I am willing to give it a try.

xox

More Musings

2011-05-23T08:15:00.000+09:30

Yesterday afternoon was my Psychic Circle, which was a group of people who got together to learn and practice different techniques for unlocking their psychic abilities. It was a really fun afternoon in a group with 8 amazing people. Ross came with me and we both really enjoyed it.

From there we went to a bookshop where Ross bought me 2 amazing books.

This one has so many beautiful images and descriptions of Fae from all over the world. It is just beautiful.

This one is a Doreen Virtue book (who I just discovered is married to Steven Farmer, and I have several of his books too). Not sure why I bought it, it was just sitting there asking to be bought. LOL

I am still Fly-Lady-ing (is that a word???? LOL) Day 18 was yesterday and it was to read the Fly-Lady 11 Commandments, which I have copied for you here:

FlyLady's Eleven Commandments

1 Keep your sink clean and shiny.

2 Get dressed every morning, even if you don’t feel like it. Don’t forget your lace-up shoes.

3 Do your morning and before bedtime routine everyday.

4 Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked by the computer.

5 Pick up after yourself. If you get it out, put it away.

6 Don’t try to do two projects at once. ONE JOB AT A TIME.

7 Don’t pull out more than you can put back in one hour.

8 Do something for yourself everyday, maybe every morning and night.

9 Work as fast as you can to get the job done. This will give you more time to play later.

10 Smile even when you don’t feel like it. It is contagious. Make your mind up to be happy and you will be.

11 Don’t forget to laugh everyday. Pamper yourself, you deserve it.

11 Nice little things to live by, I think. :) Day 19, today, is to read a testimonial, which I have duly done. Of course, I am still working through all of my daily tasks, and my home is pretty much always only 10 minutes from being presentable for guests. :)

xox

My weekend

2011-05-22T12:16:00.000+09:30

I have been working on the dishcloths I wrote about the other day. I have now made 5 of them (although I only have 4, my Mum snaggled one of them). I have been using the first one and have washed it. I love it. :) This is the first one I made.

My only concern is that I have used acrylic wool which is all I have, and I am not sure how that will hold up over time. The original patter suggested using pure cotton wool. I will see how these go. If they do not last I will get a better quality wool to make more from. But for now, these are great. :) Here are the other 3 I have made.

Yesterday I went to a little craft fair with my Mum. We thought it was going to be quilts on display, but it was a craft sale. Lots of table of little crafts for sale. I bought a couple of little things like this magnet.

I also got a decision dice. The idea is when you have a hard decision to make you roll the dice and it will give the answer.

I will willing go along with any decision this dice rolls. LOL

This afternoon I am off to a Psychic Development class. Not really sure what it will involve, but I am looking forward to it.

xox

Sorry for the Absence

2011-05-20T08:49:00.000+09:30

Life has been busy.

I had my first inspection on the house earlier this week so had to spend the weekend getting things ready for that. We had only been there a month so it is not like it was dirty, but we were only half unpacked (slack I know) plus we moved into a pretty grubby house - on the outside anyway - and I wanted to get that sorted. Thankfully it is all done now so we now have a sparkling house. :)

Last night I sat down with my knitting needles and made a knitted washable dishcloth. I have been looking for reusable dishcloths I could make rather than buy that would do the job of a chux or scourer. I have a real issue with just how much waste each household creates and have been working on ways to reduce my own waste. There are a few things going on and as I get to try them I will report here. This is my first step to a reduced waste household.

A few days ago I read about knitted ones so decided to give it a try. I finished one last night. It took around 2 hours I guess (maybe a bit less I was up and down doing washing all night). It looks great (will upload a pic on the weekend). But of course, I had to put it to the test. I had left some dishes for this purpose. Firstly I cleaned the benches with it. OMG - so EASY! The on to the dishes.

Well, I am just going to say that I am a convert. As long as it washes up okay (and I am sure it will) then I have found my new dishcloths. I am already halfway through the next one. I figure if I have about 7 or 8 on hand, I can use them for a few days and just put them through the wash with the towels or tea towels. It is not like they take a up a lot of space.

I am also going to do 2 slightly bigger ones in a distinctively different colour that I can use in the bathroom and toilet only.

No more paper towel or disposable cloths for me.

I am still doing the FlyLady although I have not progressed past Day 10. I am shining my sink every night, I have Ross trained to make the bed every morning (I presented it to him that if the bed is made in the morning it will be warmer to get into at night and it worked), I am keeping my "hotspots" under control, and I am doing a 15 minute blitz in one area most days.

Days 11 & 12 are about your "control journal" and de-cluttering your emails. My inbox is always de-cluttered - I hate emails not filed away somewhere. LOL And while I am keeping list of morning and afternoon routines as well as some other stuff, I am not going to put "inspirational quotes" into it. I love quotes, and have them and use them, but I see no need to add it into a folder that is helping me keep my house organised. That is just me though. :)

So if I move to Day 13 it says to pick one of the weeks "Missions" and do it. This week they are focusing on the bathroom and spare rooms. Interestingly I spent about an hour in my craft room (one of the spare rooms) last night getting things sorted. I now have a clear desk in there. I am very happy with that.

Day 14 says to read an essay on the website. Done that.

Day 15 wants us to start making the bed everyday as part of our routine.Well I am already doing that (via Ross who gets up after I leave for work). Day 16 is to read an email from FlyLady. I do that daily.

So as of now I am on to Day 17. Day 17 says to set a specific bed time and stick to it. This is actually a good idea. My bedtime varies a bit but generally it is around 10.30. I am happy to stick with that. So since I have just skipped through a whole week I will stop there. I am doing well with what I am doing so far. My house is remaining tidy (and it only used to take about 36 hours to look like a bomb had gone off). Ross is enjoying the cleanliness and is therefore helping out. I am enjoying it.

Lots of other stuff happening - have done a Louise Hay "Heal your Life" workshop, went and saw a medium, am about to do my Reiki 2, got accepted into college, had a facial (my first ever), and a few more things. I promise I will keep things more up to date here in future. LMK if you want me to expand on anything.

Till next time!

xox

Fly Lady - Day 7

2011-05-05T07:53:00.000+09:30

I did day 7 yesterday since I missed Wednesday entirely. Yesterdays addition to the plan was to get your clothes out for the next day. I do this about half the time anyway. The intention is that it makes the next morning easier. I agree.

So last night (after another episode of Hoarders - yay!) I went to bed with a Hot Spot cleaned, a shiny sink, and my clothes laid out for today. It felt good.

On other news, I made the absolute best Lentil & Chickpea Dahl last night. I am not normally a fan of Indian food, I was more making it for Ross, but it was heavenly! I can not wait to have it again! LOL I will put the recipe up in the next few days.

This weekend I am going to a Lousie hay "Heal Your Life" workshop. I am right into all of her books right now so I am really looking forward to it.

Saturday night we are going to the Roller Derby. I am not even 100% sure what it is, but it sounds like fun so we are off to see it.

Nothing else much happening other than still going through the storage shed. And "Fly-ing" of course... LOL

xox

New Favourite TV Show

2011-05-04T08:23:00.000+09:30

I have a new favourite TV show. It is called "Hoarders" and is on Tuesday nights on gem.

I love it.

I spend most of the show sitting there with my mouth hanging open, completely aghast at what I am seeing.

Last nights episode had a lady who had lost custody of her children because the authorities believed her house was unsafe and unsanitary. Gotta say, I agree with them! Her house was disgusting. To get into rooms you had to climb over crap. There were mice and rats everywhere. And the associated droppings that come with a house full of rats. It was feral. And the smell must have been something out of this world...

They go in for 3 days and clear out. But the owner has to give approval for things to be thrown away. She would not let them throw away anything. At the end they had cleared her house completely, but they had put everything into boxes and into storage.

She had...

Wait for it...

1400 boxes of crap!!!!!!!!!!!! This does NOT include what was left in her house

Made me feel not so bad about the 25 or so I still have sitting in the storage shed... LOL

This show inspires me to be clean. I did not FlyLady yesterday at all. But after this show I went and gave the kitchen a quick once over (didn't do the dishes though, will do them tonight).

I made Ross watch it with me this week as well. Left him a big gobsmacked too. I believe it has inspired him to throw away more stuff as well. I am pleased... LOL

xox

A Friends Achievement

2011-05-02T16:38:00.000+09:30

Yesterday I was lucky enough to be able to go and watch my good friend - the Shrinking Sheep - cross the finish line for her very first Half Marathon! What an amazing atmosphere, people lining the finish line, cheering as they saw their friends come over the last hill and head towards us. SS was absolutely amazing and I was so proud to see her coming over that hill and running up the final stretch. I was completely inspired and am more eager than ever to get over this long-lingering injury so I can get back into my activities.

Other than that I have really just been unpacking and sorting and tidying. Got the first load out of the storage shed. It is actually not as bad over there as I thought. A lot of it is camping gear and Ross's computer stuff. I am sure we will have it emptied out in no time.

Today is Day 6 on Fly Lady (I skipped over Day 5 as it was about writing down your feelings about your house???). So today was to identify your hot spots and tackle one of them for 2 minutes. A Hot Spot is a place in your house where mess and clutter accumulates. I have identified several and did my requisite 2 minutes. You can actually do quite a lot in 2 minutes if you are focussed on one small area. This now becomes part of my daily routine - 2 minutes in a Hot Spot.

The other part of Fly Lady is the daily emails. Each week a specific area of your home is targeted, and each day you are given a 15 minute part of that area to tackle. As I am still doing the "Intro" I have not really been doing that, but I decided to look at it today. I am home sick (gastro) but started feeling better so thought why not. This weeks area is the Front Porch/Entrance/Dining Room. And this is todays "mission".

"Today you are to sweep your front porch area around your front door.

Shake out your welcome mats and wipe down your front door. This

makes a huge difference in how your home looks. We have a tendency

to neglect this area and yet it is the first thing that people see

when they come to your home."

This did not take 15 minutes. My front door was actually filthy, it was on my list to clean it. I don't think the previous tenant ever cleaned it. But now it is lovely. The front porch is small, but it got swept. I was actually quite pleased when it was done.

Now I am making a lentil and barley soup which is smelling delicious. I am sure I will be well enough to go back to work tomorrow.

xox

This & That

2011-04-30T14:51:00.000+09:30

Today is Day 4 of FlyLady. Last night I did NOT shone my sink when I got home at 11pm. But I have done it now and will do it again tonight. Todays task is to start writing all this down, which I am already doing, so Yay! LOL

Last night we went out to dinner for a friends birthday. It was a lot of fun. We did not really know anyone but that was not a problem. The people we were sitting with were a lot of fun and I laughed all night.

Today has been another day of cleaning and unpacking. I have now nearly finished my sewing room. I hope to get it finished today then I will go to the storage shed tomorrow and get a load to start working through. It is nice to be getting sorted so quickly, but the storage shed will take some time as there is an awful lot of crap in there...

Nothing else really going on, but things are good. :)

xox

Fly Lady - Day 3

2011-04-29T10:29:00.000+09:30

Firstly - how did Day 2 go. My only 2 things to do were get dressed and shine the sink. Well, I got dressed... LOL I had full intentions of shining the sink, but I literally fell asleep. I got woken up at 11.10pm by Ross coming home from bowling, and I was not doing it then. In saying that, there are only a couple of things in there, so it is not a big deal.

Day 3 today and all I have to do is keep on doing what I am doing.

But... LOL

I will not be shining my sink today either. From work I am out to dinner with friends, then off to the 9.20 session of "Paul". It will be after midnight before I get home.

But tomorrow is a new day and is also my housecleaning day, so it will get done after I get back from the laundromat (still haven't got the replacement washing machine).

I am enjoying this as if nothing else it has me thinking about things.

Tomorrow is also a cooking day. I have the ingredients for 3 new recipes, and I think tomorrow is going to be pumpkin soup in the slow cooker. I will let you know how it goes. :)

xox

Fly Lady - Day 2

2011-04-28T08:37:00.000+09:30

So Day one of my new organised existence went well. The only thing you have to do in Day 1 is go to bed with a shiny and clean sink. I admit, it did feel nice. :) I will admit there was a mug in it as I had a late hot chocolate, but I am not going to beat myself up over that. One mug is nothing. I will admit I used to often go a whole week without doing dishes. I have been known to either
a) Wash one plate, knife and fork so I can eat a meal, or
b) Order take away because I have no clean dishes.

Eeek! LOL

Luckily I no longer have enough dishes to be able to do that as we have recently given away a lot of things to the Salvos Shop. But even if I did, I don't want to.

The premise of Fly Lady is that it is easier to *keep* a house clean and organised than it is to actually clean and organise it. And it breaks the initial orgnaising process down into baby steps.

So for Day 2 all you have to do (as well as keeping your sink shiny) is get dressed first thing, all the way to shoes, hair and make-up (if I had any hair and if I wore any make up). :)

Now on a week day this is really not an issue. I get up, shower, get dressed, then stumble to work. On a weekend this is more difficult. I have been know to wait until lunch time to shower. And I do NOT wear shoes at home. I hate them.

But... In the interest of being organised on the weekends I will make an effort to shower and get dressed upon waking. :)

The other thing I did last night was a 15 minute blitz. Because I have just moved I have a lot of unpacking and sorting to do. Fly Lady suggest breaking it down into small chunks so it does not seem so impossible. So I set myself 15 minutes in the sewing room. You should start at the door and work your way in.

I was actually amazed at how much I got done in just 15 minutes. The entry is clear, and the path to the shelves is clear. There are things in the shelves and also in the cubes. There is a rubbish bag on the floor that is half full already. I will do another 15 minutes tonight after the grocery shopping.

My plan is to have that room completely clear by Saturday night so Sunday I can do a run to the Storage Shed and bring back a load so I can start unpacking boxes from there. I also plan on taking my things to the Salvos Shop on the weekend as that will clear some space. I will hopefully be there a few times during this process. :)

I am really enjoying setting up this new house, and I truly hope we will be there for a while. :)

xox

Settling In

2011-04-27T14:55:00.000+09:30

Sorry for the long gap between posts. We are all moved in to the new house and are settling in nicely.

Good Friday was moving day. We enlisted our friends (some amazingly hard working people) who helped us get our furniture from all corners of the city and get it all settled into our new home. It ended up being a really fun day and we topped it off with pizza and beer and great conversation.

Saturday we took the truck to my sisters and helped her move. :) By Saturday night we were exhausted... LOL

Sunday morning I was madly unpacking, and cleaning, and arranging. So far i have 2 bags of clothes and 2 boxes of kitchen stuff for the Salvos Shop.

Sunday afternoon was our family Easter afternoon tea (combined with the SIL's birthday and nephews birthday). The kids had an egg hunt and it was actually a really fun afternoon.

Monday I spent organising and unpacking. The 4 main rooms of the house are done - ie, kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom. Ross's computer room and my sewing room are still in states of chaos, but I am working through mine. We also still have a storage shed full of stuff, although to be completely honest most of it is probably going to end up at the Salvos shop or in the bin. Considering most of it has been there for over a year and I can't even remember what is there, I think it is time to let go.

Yesterday was a Jammie Day. I was buggered and just needed to rest. I had Buffy on the DVD player and my stitching, and I was happy. :)

Since I am just setting up my new house and am in the process of cleaning, organising, and decluttering, I figured now was the perfect time to get some expert help and have signed up for Fly Lady emails. I am going to start working my way through the 31 days of Baby Steps that are designed to get you started on the way to being more organised. Day 1 is "Shine your Sink". Since I am already getting myself into the habit of getting my dishes done every night (something I used to be really slack at) this one is going to hopefully be easy. I will do it tonight after dinner.

Things are really good and I promise there will be more posting happening here.

xox

NOTE: Some of you may have noticed there is no longer any weight loss stuff here. Some people who are reading this are people I do not want knowing about this part of my life. I have started a new anonymous weight loss blog. It is just for me to sort through my own crap. So I apologise, but none of that information will be on here anymore.

Moved

2011-04-17T14:31:00.000+09:30

Well, we have moved. Have been here 2 nights so far and it is great. We do not have any furniture here yet, but we have the kitchen unpacked, and we have our clothes unpacked, but that is it. LOL Furniture is coming next Friday.

It is a really comfortable place and I know we will be happy here.

Although I have severely overdone it and am now sick. Am doing nothing today. Have "Sex & The City" on the TV, the lappy one a footstool, some panadol and lots of water.

I'll leave you with some pics of the new house...

xox

Moving tomorrow

2011-04-14T08:48:00.000+09:30

I am so excited about this move. Things are really looking up for me and Ross. We are doing okay financially. We will have our own place tomorrow. We are both getting healthy. My Achilles is healing nicely. We both have definite plans for moving forward, both personally and professionally. It is a good and posititve time.

I will be back online once I am moved and settled. Catch ya on the other side.

xox

Packing

2011-04-12T08:20:00.000+09:30

It seems like all I do is pack and unpack and repack and unpack....

We are moving in 3 days. Our furniture follows a week later. I really really hope we get to stay here for more than a year. I am definitely starting to see the benefits in trying to buy a property.

We are being absolutely ruthless. So much is getting thrown out. More will go when we get everything from the storage shed. We just finished packing out clothes. No 2 people need this many clothes... It is absolutely ridiculous how much we have. Goodwill will be getting a rather large donation when we unpack, that much I can guarantee.

A few items of furniture will be going on ebay. Some kitchen items too. Next time we move there will NOT be as much stuff I can guarantee it.

xox

Sorry for the Absence

2011-04-08T09:17:00.000+09:30

I have been looking for a new place to live, going through the ever-so-tedious rental application procedure. Now have a place and am in the process of organising and packing. Will probably remanin mostly absent for a couple of weeks but once we have moved plan on being back here full force.

I miss you all

xox

My Life

2011-03-28T08:00:00.000+10:30

My life of late has been quite simple...

Work
Physio
Sewing

The only interesting one is the sewing, and yesterday after a great day at the home of one of my C-R-A-F-T girls I finished my quilt top.

Now the photo doesn't really do the colours justice. And it still needs a thin border. But it is pretty much done and I am over the moon about it! It has been way too long since I have finished a top. Of course, it still needs to be quilted, but I am going to wait until I have my new machine to do that. :)

On the Achilles front, it is healing. Slowly, but it is getting there. I am still in the moon boot, but the swelling subsiding, and I am not having any pain. It is a long process but I am willing to take th time.

Oh, I almost forgot....

I went and had a Reiki session done on the weekend. It was fantastic. :) I also had a reading done which was very illuminating. :) I also spoke with her about my eiki 2 and hopefully I will get working on that in the next couple of months. :)

xox

Reiki

2011-03-21T11:25:00.000+10:30

I have decided to move forward with my Reiki and am currently looking for a new Reiki Master to bring me into Reiki 2 level. I am going to have a session with someon on the weekend and if I click with her I will set up a time to do my Level 2.

I loved the person who brought me through my Reiki 1, however she has proved to be difficult to contact and pin down for the next level. So I have made the decision to find someone else, rather than waiting for her as I have been doing for a few months.

I am really excited about this and really feel it is the right time for me to be doing this.

I am focussing on all things spiritual right now, so expect to see more of this type of thing here.

xox

Tattoo's

2011-03-21T07:57:00.002+10:30

One Week Bald

2011-03-18T08:44:00.000+10:30

And how do I feel?

Strange.

It is amazing how quickly I have become accustomed to have next to no hair. Although I swear I can feel my ponytail quite often. I am having phantom ponytail pains... LOL

This week has been a lot about settling back down now that the fundraising is all over.

And about trying to get used to my new look. I have a very cool pink cowboy hat! LOL

I am still a bit all over the place with it all. I miss my hair like you wouldn't believe, but I look at photos and wonder if I should have long hair. It might be easier to manage but is it really me? I guess now is the time to find out who "me" is.

Stay tuned...

Thoughts on Society

2011-03-17T10:21:00.000+10:30

I have been on the invalid list for a few weeks now, and in that time I have developed some very strong opinions about society. Well, stronger than I previously had... :)

People under 30 are rude.

Now if you are under 30 and not rude, I apologise. Please don't take offense. This is based on my observations on my side of town. Here is where my observations come from.

In the 3 weeks I have had crutches or the boot/stick combo I have caught busy public transport no fewer than 10 times. 50% of those trips I had to stand. Not one person offered me a seat. Groups of young (mostly under 25) men and women are more than happy to stare at me, give me odd looks, and talk about me (yes blondie, I heard you talking about the fat, bald chick with the cane) but not one of them thought to offer the invalid with the boot and walking stick a seat.

A few times I did get offered a seat.

One of those times I politely declined the seat being offered as the lady was over 70. Sweet thing thought I should be sitting. I declined saying she should stay there. The other 15 people around us watched the exchange (again, mostly under 30) and not one of them offered me their seat.

The other 4 or 5 times I got offered a seat. Each time I felt guilty as the person doing the offering was over 40 (often over 50), however I gratefully took the seat (it was at night and I was tired).

A few times the tram has not been especially busy and I have been offered a seat near the aisle or door - all by people over 25.

Next...

I keep dropping this blasted walking stick when trying to do a gazillion other things. In the supermarket, restaurants, post office, standing in line, on the tram. Each time that it has been picked up by someone else, that person has been over 40.

Lots of people stare at the thunk it makes as it hits the ground, but can any of them pick it up? No. I have even had people (again, all young) step over it and give me filthy looks for getting in their way!

Now I have always been a seat giver and a picker-upper (both scientific terms) ;) And I don't expect everyone to be the same. I also don't expect a seat on public transport, I am capable of standing for 30 minutes, although it is uncomfortable.

What has astounded me is the consistency of the ages that have offered me assistance, and who have ignored me. I have not once had a parent ask their child to stand so I could sit (we were ALWAYS made to stand for elders, even if they were not on a stick). And not one person under the age of 30 has ever offered anything in the way of assistance.

I know not all people under 30 are like this. I have many close friends in this age bracket who I know would happily stand or offer assistance. I just find these results interesting and wanted to share.

:)

This'n'That

2011-03-16T13:00:00.000+10:30

Well, not much has been happening in the world this way of late. The Shave was so full on and took so much out of me in the lead up that I am taking some time to chill and to get used to the new "do". :)

I spent a lot of the weekend with Ness and her girls who came over from Melbourne to support me in my Shave. It was so great to see them and to have that support.

I have been doing lots of sewing finally. I am really enjoying getting back into it. Today a few packs of Charm Sqaures arrived that I forgot I had even ordered! I love it when that happens. :)

My Achilles is slowly healing. I am still wearing the boot and still using a walking stick. But the pain and the swelling are decreasing. Which is good.

I have been reading lots of spiritual and self-help books of late and am using this to try and get the insides all fixed so I can then focus on the outsides.

I am not posting much as I am really pretty boring at the moment. Between Physio appts and work, there isn;t a whole lot happening. And I am loving it. :)

xox

Worlds Greatest Shave in Photos

2011-03-11T16:44:00.000+10:30

Random Facts About Kylie

2011-03-10T12:21:00.002+10:30

In an effort to alleviate boredom and to try to keep my mind off of tomorrows Shave, I decided to share a list of rand tidbits about me.

Enjoy!

- I have a dolphin tattoo on my shoulder

- I am afraid of all spiders, even the little teeny ones.

- I hate buttons. Hate them. Won’t touch them if possible

- I love ice cream. I could eat it all day every day and never get sick of it.

- I have been to Uni twice and TAFE 4 times and still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up

- My little toenails are shaped like claws and if I let them grow can not cut them unless I use pruning shears

- I love office supplies and stationery

- Pink is my favourite colour

- My house is in a constant state of disarray. I can never seem to get on top of it.

- I have been a vegetarian for 17 months

- I have always wanted to sky dive but think bungy jumping is nuts

- I have a ghost cat that lives with me. She has been with me for the last 4 places I have lived in.

- I was hit by a car when I was 5

- I have a brother and a sister

- My husband and I collect Beanie Kids. Between us we probably have over 40 of them

- My dad died when I was 8

- I only learnt to cook a couple of years ago

- I love to bake cookies (unfortunately I also love to eat them)

- I love hippie clothes but am too embarrassed to wear them because of my size

- I have 3 cats and one of them hates me

- I love cheese

- I wear glasses at work

- I hate wearing shoes

- My favourite flowers are calla lilies and tulips

- I hate driving. I can do it and do do it, but I would rather walk, ride or catch public transport where possible

- When I was little I wanted to be a Radio DJ. As a teen I was on our school radio program but I do not have a good radio voice

- I really want to see a UFO

I am going BALD!!!!!

2011-03-08T10:10:00.000+10:30

Well, I did it.

I raised over $5000 for the Leukaemia Foundations Worlds Greatest Shave and on Friday afternoon my head is being shaved!

Thank you to everyone for your support. You are all amazing, and yes there will be photos.

It is not too late to send a donation. Please click here if you still want to help out.

xox

8 Days and Counting

2011-03-03T09:18:00.000+10:30

Well, with only 8 days to go I am only $759 away from my goal of raising $5000 for the Leukaemia Foundation via the Worlds Greatest Shave. I have to admit, I am a bit stunned that I have made it this far, but I am confident that I will raise the money needed to hit my target. In some ways I am really really excited that I have been able to do this amazing thing for the Leukaemia Foundation. In other ways I am scared shitless about being bald... LOL

The good news is that less than 2 weeks after dying my hair blonde, I can see quite significant black roots, so as least I know my hair will grow back reasonably quickly. :)

This weekend - since I had to pull out of the scheduled Rogaine due to crutches - I am going to spend a day at my Mums to get some sewing done. I haven't worked on the 2 quilts I am doing for quite a while (since December I think) so it is time to get a few more blocks done. I am half way through the first sewing of the blocks. Once they are done I need to cut them into 4 and resew them up in different orders. How I love quilting. Cut it up, sew it up, cut it up again. LOL. Quilters will get that. :)

Lots of other things going on over here, but nothing really worth reporting in on. Will take some pics of the progress of the sewing on the weekend. :)

xox

Just call me Crutches Girl

2011-03-01T10:54:00.000+10:30

Yep, I am on crutches for the next 2 weeks. I decided to go to a new Physio (since my old one seemed to suck big time). He is getting an ultrasound done to check the damage (something the other guy did not do) and has put me on crutches for 2 weeks to take me completely off of it. They suck, but it has to be done.

Back at work after my long weekend and it is busy as. I need a new career.

Speaking of new careers... :)

One of the decisions I made while away was about study. As you know I was enrolled to do a BA in Visual Culture through OUA. I was doing it out of interest, not to make a career change.

I have decided to withdraw from this course and am now going to be studying in the field of natural health. Naturopathy to be exact. I am really excited about it. I have been interested in Natural Health for ages (as in 15-20 years) but never did it because of the $$ involved. Now a lot of it is covered by VET FEE-HELP which means I can study now and pay later (which is what I was going to do at Uni anyway).

I am excited to start learning and to start putting what I learn into practice.

I am actually going to a Naturopath tomorrow as well. The appointment has been booked for a couple of weeks.

It is time to get this body healthy. If I can't exercise I will eat well. I will do as the Physio says and the Naturopath says. And I will be healthy. :)

xox

Flying Visit

2011-02-28T08:57:00.000+10:30

Hi All

Sorry for the absence. Been on holidays. Had an great time and will share pics when I get a chance.

Fundraising is going really well - am up to $3231 as of this morning. Not far to go now. Please click on the link to your right if you would like to help out.

I added some colour to my hair yesterday - tell me what you think...

xox

Blonde

2011-02-21T07:35:00.000+10:30

Well, as of yesterday I am a blonde. Enjoy this pics... :)

How I looked in the morning...

First lot of bleach/peroxide is on...

After first bleach/peroxide

Second round of bleach/peroxide

Waiting for the toner...

This is as blonde as it gets...

xox

Uni

2011-02-18T15:55:00.000+10:30

I think I may have enrolled for the wrong Uni course...

Oh my...

I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Visual Culture. I am doing it because I like art and things like that. I really have no intention of using it to change careers...

But I NEED to change careers. And to that I need some study behind me.

Ever since I was young I have wanted to study Natural Therapies, with a specific interest in Naturopathy. I never have because of the cost.

Well it turns out you can now do an Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy under the FEE-HELP scheme...

I have been getting prospectuses sent out to me for Naturopathy, Western Medicine, and Aromatherapy for years. I probably have ever prospectus from every place in Australia that offers Natural Therapy courses.

So why the hell am I studying Art????

xox

Question Day

2011-02-17T10:11:00.000+10:30

1) Do you have any pets?

2) What was the last book you read?

3) Do you like to cook?

4) What's your favorite food?

5) Do you have brothers and sisters?

xox

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T09:18:00.000+10:30

Ross and I did our pressies last night.

He got...

a lava lamp. :)

I got...

Betty - I love Betty

A Beanie Kid - A Dancer one. :)

And a very funky wall hanging.

Tonight we are going to the beach for a picnic, which is what we did on our very 1st V-Day, 5 years ago. :)

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!

xox

This'n'That

2011-02-11T10:04:00.003+10:30

Sorry I have been absent. No real reason except there hasn’t been an awful lot going on. I am quite obsessed with my fundraising for the Worlds Greatest Shave – and I can’t blog about that every day because it gets boring. In saying that, there is only 4 weeks left. It has come up quite quickly. And yes, I am starting to freak out… :)

Tuesday night saw us at the emergency vet clinic until the wee hours with one of our kitties. We think she got “bumped” by a car. We say bumped because nothing is broken or dislocated. But she is sore and wobbly… It cost us $742 to find out she is fine… sigh…

Other than that – just same ole, same ole. Ya know.

Have some head stuff going on that I am trying to work through. Nothing too serious – just need some time to sort through it all. Uni starts in 2 weeks and I am really excited. Also looking for a house to rent. There is not a lot out there in the price range we are after, so this may take some time. But I guess there is no real rush.

Tonight – if the rain lets up – we are going to the Garden of Unearthly Delights, which is always a good time. Tomorrow I am delivering fundraising chocolates to all and sundry. Hopefully will get rid of all the boxes so I don’t have them in my office anymore. Sunday is a chillax day intermixed with house cleaning. Oh joy of joys.

Hope everyone has a great weekend planned.

A rainbow from my walk this morning for you to finish your read with...

xox

Achilles Update

2011-02-08T09:07:00.001+10:30

I do believe I am on the road to recovery. I have had little to no pain for days. The swelling has gone down. And it is feeling really good.

I have been riding lots and walking and have been to the gym. Saturday morning I was wandering the city completely laden with shopping bags, and nothing. Didn’t even feel it.

I know it is a process and I still have a way to go, but I am feeling really positive. Am hoping the Physio will give me the all clear to start hiking again soon. I know running is still a way off, but if I can start doing the other stuff I won’t feel so stifled. Will go and see him again in a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed it is good news. :)

xox

My weekend

2011-02-06T15:22:00.000+10:30

Hope you are all having an awesome weekend.

Yesterday was the best day ever. :) I had a few things to do in the city in the morning. Every single sales person I spoke with was friendly and helpful. It was fantastic. :) I got everything I needed, and a few things I didn't. :)

I went early to pick up Ross from work so I could get fitted for a new pack. I had no idea that you had to get fitted for these, but apparently you do. It actually makes a massive difference to how comfy they are. I ended up with a 75 Litre one. Now I have to make sure my Achilles is ready for our Heyson trek in September.

From there we headed down to Goolwa to get my brand new (old) bike. :) It is even more gorgeous than it looked on ebay. It rides beautifully, is really comfy, and just has so much character. I really can't wait to do her up properly.

From there we went for a drive around the area. I took Ross to a childhood holiday spot and showed him where we used to play. It was really nice. We ended up at Victor Harbor. We wandered up and down the main street and through shops. It was great. Spent some time in the tattoo parlour where we both found the perfect designs. Ross wants to get his first tattoo, and I have been looking for the perfect dragonfly for my 2nd one. We'll probably head down there in a few weeks to get them.

We went into a chocolate shop while we were there and I was so excited to find....

I haven't seen this in so long - and it still tastes great. I also saw (and bought)

The only reason these jumped out at me is that Jillian Michaels used to talk about these on her radio show all the time and I decided they needed to be tasted. Meh... Not overly impressed. Wouldn't spend the money on them again. But I am glad I tried them.

We ended up wandering over to Granite Island and saw dolphins and babies swimming in the cove. It was awesome. :)

After the best pizza in the history of the world for dinner we stopped at some good friends house for drinks on the way home. We were planning on stopping for an hour or so, but ended up staying for 5! LOL I shouldn't have been surprised, that is usually what happens when we stop at their place.

This morning I have been stuffing softies. I am really pleased with how they are turning out. Still quite a few to go, but I am working through them.

xox

Question Day

2011-02-03T08:22:00.001+10:30

1) What was the last thing you broke?

2) What is your favorite room in your house/apartment?

3) How much do you exercise daily/weekly?

4) If you were on a deserted island what 3 things would you want to have with you?

5) How many times did you fail your driver's test?

xox