Oh dear. I keep going AWOL. Life is completely mental at the moment, work is crazy and stressful which means I am not really managing to look after myself too well.
I've lost a few pounds without really trying, but exercise is suffering because I have to keep cancelling my gym sessions due to being stuck at work til after 1900 most nights. I'm also on the verge of illness again, but I'm trying to keep the pesky germs at bay with Echinacea and vitamins. Fingers crossed.
I'm hoping things will calm down in the New Year. Only 7 more working days before I get some much needed holiday and then in January, I'll have a new plan of attack. God knows I need to do something.
It's not all doom and gloom though, we spent a lovely weekend in London, went to Jamie Oliver's Fifteen and a Taste of Christmas, both of which were great. This weekend I've a couple of Christmas outings and some relaxation planned. So all in all, life isn't too bad now really, is it?
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
It's been a while
After my last pity party post, I pretty much lost my blogging mojo. Following on from the second cold of the month, I succumbed to Norivirus last week which just about finished me off. Mentally, I don't cope with being ill overly well. I am a doer, I hate sitting around feeling sorry for myself, but after non stop illness since September, I was ready to admit defeat.
I'm starting to worry that I am allergic to being married. However, we've now had a week, germ free (touch wood) and I am hopeful that I can pull myself together and get back on with the task of taking care of myself.
I managed to lose 9 pounds after 2 days of projectile vomiting, clearly that was not sustainable, but I still find myself about 3 pounds lighter. so every gloomy cloud does have a bit of a silver lining.
Work has also been crazily mental. My boss did his yearly disappearing trick (this time only 3 weeks instead of his usual 6) and left me to man the fort. Now bear in mind he usually comes into the office around 1130 am as he works late with our US colleagues and I usually come in for 0730 am. He decided he had no one else to cover the early (we are a team of 7!!), so that meant me working at least 14 hour days for the 3 weeks he was off. Still, it was all worthwhile when he came back and thanked the whole team for their efforts, especially given none of the rest of the team had to work any different to their usual hours. Thankfully his boss appreciated my efforts, but still...
I also worked 3 weekends in a row, which seems to have gone unnoticed, but my boss did send a nice email to the whole team thanking one of my colleagues for putting in 20 minutes of work on Sunday. Seething does not come close. It's probably time to start looking elsewhere before I'm up on an assault charge.
But enough of the doom and gloom, life is all very lovely really. Being married to the funniest man I know is brilliant. We've spent our illness periods planning next years holidays to give us something to look forward to. We've planned our trip up North for Christmas and a weekend in London before that. Now if I can just stay healthy for the next few weeks, I can crack on with the gym and healthy eating and possibly shed a few more pounds before Xmas otherwise I'll need a whole new wardrobe to accommodate my ever expanding backside.
So, here's the plan.
I'm starting to worry that I am allergic to being married. However, we've now had a week, germ free (touch wood) and I am hopeful that I can pull myself together and get back on with the task of taking care of myself.
I managed to lose 9 pounds after 2 days of projectile vomiting, clearly that was not sustainable, but I still find myself about 3 pounds lighter. so every gloomy cloud does have a bit of a silver lining.
Work has also been crazily mental. My boss did his yearly disappearing trick (this time only 3 weeks instead of his usual 6) and left me to man the fort. Now bear in mind he usually comes into the office around 1130 am as he works late with our US colleagues and I usually come in for 0730 am. He decided he had no one else to cover the early (we are a team of 7!!), so that meant me working at least 14 hour days for the 3 weeks he was off. Still, it was all worthwhile when he came back and thanked the whole team for their efforts, especially given none of the rest of the team had to work any different to their usual hours. Thankfully his boss appreciated my efforts, but still...
I also worked 3 weekends in a row, which seems to have gone unnoticed, but my boss did send a nice email to the whole team thanking one of my colleagues for putting in 20 minutes of work on Sunday. Seething does not come close. It's probably time to start looking elsewhere before I'm up on an assault charge.
But enough of the doom and gloom, life is all very lovely really. Being married to the funniest man I know is brilliant. We've spent our illness periods planning next years holidays to give us something to look forward to. We've planned our trip up North for Christmas and a weekend in London before that. Now if I can just stay healthy for the next few weeks, I can crack on with the gym and healthy eating and possibly shed a few more pounds before Xmas otherwise I'll need a whole new wardrobe to accommodate my ever expanding backside.
So, here's the plan.
- stop feeling sorry for myself - life is good
- get back to the gym at least 3 times a week
- stop turning to alcohol after a bad day
- eat less crap
Simples.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Woe is me (Part II)
Ok, enough already. I have another blooming cold and I am, quite frankly, sick of it now. Since I came back from Italy in the middle of September, I have been nothing but ill. It's becoming very boring.
I started back at the gym, all guns blazing, last week. I did a PT session on Thursday, which despite being really hard, felt good. I made a renewed vow on Saturday morning to track everything I ate, no more letting things slip by - which given I was just heading off to a Spa for the night with a couple of girlfriends, seemed fairy bad timing. I photographed everything I ate on Saturday and Sunday to try and remain in control. See the proof below:
I swam at the spa - only 20 lengths, but it was something, then I came back yesterday for another PT session. I was feeling pretty good, a little bit smug that I seemed to be back in some sort of control and expecting a decent loss on the scales. I'd tracked all weekend, I was under my calorie goal. I was invincible.
Clearly, pride very much comes before a fall, because last night, my throat started feeling a bit scratchy, I ignored it because I couldn't possibly have another cold in the space of 4 weeks, right? Today the scratchy throat is a full on cough and runny nose and I am now wallowing in a massive vat of self pity.
I'm aware I've not really been looking after myself for the last few weeks. Work has been very stressful which has meant I've had a few sleepless nights and my diet, up until the end of last week, has been somewhat suspect. My immune system is clearly proving a point.
I'm off to dose up on Vitamin C and feel sorry for myself a little bit more. Here's hoping this is a temporary blip and normal service will resume tomorrow. If anyone wants to take these germs off my hands, they are all yours?
I started back at the gym, all guns blazing, last week. I did a PT session on Thursday, which despite being really hard, felt good. I made a renewed vow on Saturday morning to track everything I ate, no more letting things slip by - which given I was just heading off to a Spa for the night with a couple of girlfriends, seemed fairy bad timing. I photographed everything I ate on Saturday and Sunday to try and remain in control. See the proof below:
Salmon, pear and fig salad
Spinach Gnocchi with parmesan
Rosemary and Garlic Chicken breast with fries (I ate about 2), beans and salsa
Fruit Salad with ice cream (I hate ice cream so that was left)
Help yourself breakfast buffet - restrained for me
(1 sausage, 1 egg, 1 hash brown, streaky bacon and mushrooms)
Stuffed Lamb breast with Sweet potato mash, home made Yorkshire and cabbage
I swam at the spa - only 20 lengths, but it was something, then I came back yesterday for another PT session. I was feeling pretty good, a little bit smug that I seemed to be back in some sort of control and expecting a decent loss on the scales. I'd tracked all weekend, I was under my calorie goal. I was invincible.
Clearly, pride very much comes before a fall, because last night, my throat started feeling a bit scratchy, I ignored it because I couldn't possibly have another cold in the space of 4 weeks, right? Today the scratchy throat is a full on cough and runny nose and I am now wallowing in a massive vat of self pity.
I'm aware I've not really been looking after myself for the last few weeks. Work has been very stressful which has meant I've had a few sleepless nights and my diet, up until the end of last week, has been somewhat suspect. My immune system is clearly proving a point.
I'm off to dose up on Vitamin C and feel sorry for myself a little bit more. Here's hoping this is a temporary blip and normal service will resume tomorrow. If anyone wants to take these germs off my hands, they are all yours?
Monday, 8 October 2012
Woe is me
On the back of the dreaded man flu, I've now developed a chest infection which has put paid to any form of exercise for the last 6 days. I've managed 1 session of PT, which left me barely able to walk, but since then, a combination of antibiotics, a chest like someone who smokes 60 day and an adverse reaction to aforementioned antibiotics has left me somewhat incapacitated.
I've had to cancel 3 PT sessions, which is somewhat frustrating but I guess there is no point until I am no longer sounding like Darth Vadar.
In other news, despite feeling pathetically sorry for myself at the weekend, we managed to have a fairly lovely one. Friday night we went for dinner at the Hotel du Vin in Henley on a Living Social Deal and on Saturday we ended up having a few too many quick ones in our Local. I suspect this may have had something to do with the adverse reaction to the antibiotics! Yesterday was spent looking through our wedding photos and putting together a couple of photo books and a collage which was very pleasant.
So, operation weight loss is temporarily stalled. I'm nowhere near ready to face the cold showers of a morning but I am eating vegetables like there is about to be some sort of massive worldwide shortage.
I think that's me for now. Boring :)
I've had to cancel 3 PT sessions, which is somewhat frustrating but I guess there is no point until I am no longer sounding like Darth Vadar.
In other news, despite feeling pathetically sorry for myself at the weekend, we managed to have a fairly lovely one. Friday night we went for dinner at the Hotel du Vin in Henley on a Living Social Deal and on Saturday we ended up having a few too many quick ones in our Local. I suspect this may have had something to do with the adverse reaction to the antibiotics! Yesterday was spent looking through our wedding photos and putting together a couple of photo books and a collage which was very pleasant.
So, operation weight loss is temporarily stalled. I'm nowhere near ready to face the cold showers of a morning but I am eating vegetables like there is about to be some sort of massive worldwide shortage.
I think that's me for now. Boring :)
Thursday, 27 September 2012
The curse of man flu
Since we got back from Italy (did I mention my wedding already??) life has been pretty hectic. We spent last weekend in the Midlands, visiting friends, watching West Brom beat Reading at the Hawthorns (Matt's birth town versus our current home town) seeing the Mother in Law and Brother in Law and just generally over doing it.
As a result of not stopping for weeks, we've both been struck down with a pretty hideous cold. In fact I'd almost say it was flu. I felt so ill on Tuesday I could barely lift my head off the pillow and my whole body ached. Given I work in a ridiculous environment. I was still expected to work, albeit it from home. This did not make for a happy time Chez Linzerello.
Exercise has very much been off the radar this week, but food has been pretty healthy and there has been no booze at all. An abundance of fresh fruit and veg has been consumed in attempt to stave off the dreaded germs. I've lost a couple of pounds without overly trying, just goes to show that the odd cider after work and assorted treats is not the answer.
I'm back in the office today and feeling a little bit more human. I'm avoiding the gym until my PT session on Sunday and hopefully by then I will be back to fighting fit.
Spurred on by Lesley, I have ordered the OMG diet book. I'm not sure I am ready to embrace it just yet, but I'm going to have a read and see how I get on.
We're at home this weekend and mainly catching up with friends, I expect it to be fairly relaxed. There will be alcohol involved, but I am going to attempt moderation. Let's see how this goes.
To counteract the misery of this post, I'll leave you with some food porn. Check out my Yorkshire!
As a result of not stopping for weeks, we've both been struck down with a pretty hideous cold. In fact I'd almost say it was flu. I felt so ill on Tuesday I could barely lift my head off the pillow and my whole body ached. Given I work in a ridiculous environment. I was still expected to work, albeit it from home. This did not make for a happy time Chez Linzerello.
Exercise has very much been off the radar this week, but food has been pretty healthy and there has been no booze at all. An abundance of fresh fruit and veg has been consumed in attempt to stave off the dreaded germs. I've lost a couple of pounds without overly trying, just goes to show that the odd cider after work and assorted treats is not the answer.
I'm back in the office today and feeling a little bit more human. I'm avoiding the gym until my PT session on Sunday and hopefully by then I will be back to fighting fit.
Spurred on by Lesley, I have ordered the OMG diet book. I'm not sure I am ready to embrace it just yet, but I'm going to have a read and see how I get on.
We're at home this weekend and mainly catching up with friends, I expect it to be fairly relaxed. There will be alcohol involved, but I am going to attempt moderation. Let's see how this goes.
To counteract the misery of this post, I'll leave you with some food porn. Check out my Yorkshire!
Courgette Fritters in the making
Lamb Chops with Courgette fritters and balsamic roasted veg
heaven.
Thursday, 13 September 2012
The wedding
So I'm back to reality with a massive bang. Nearly 3 weeks out of the office means you come back to over 6000 emails and a hell of a lot of work that has been put aside for you during your absence. Happy days!
Anyway, I won't get bogged down with the dullness of daily life and I'll give you a bit more of an update on the wedding. Thanks for all of your lovely comments on my last post. I'll try not to bombard you with too many photos of me in a white frock!
The day was amazing, everything we could have hoped for. The weather was awesome (perhaps a bit too hot for prancing around in a wedding dress, but never mind), the hotel was gorgeous, the food was amazing. I'm going to run out of superlatives soon.
The ceremony took place at the Cloisters which dates back to the 8th Century. It was outdoors, so everyone was hot, but thankfully the ceremony only lasted about 10 minutes. Short and sweet. A truly lovely setting.
We then headed back to the hotel (The Bellevue Syrene) for the reception, processco, a delicious 5 course meal, brilliant speeches and amazing views. It was wonderful.
After 5 courses of food we headed to another venue called the Foreigners Club for more drinks, food and some very bad dancing. I'd planned to stay in my wedding dress all day, but it was fairly uncomfy due to the corset and the fact that I was boiling, so I changed into another dress that I just happened to have handy... I look slightly bedraggled here!
Oh and take a look at this for a honeymoon suite. It was built into the rock - so our very own honeymoon cave. Utterly ridiculous!
My dress was everything I'd hoped for. Ballerina length with the most amazing bodice that sucked everything in and up. I had been disappointed that I'd not lost a bit of weight before the wedding, but on the day it didn't matter at all. I felt lovely. I was hot and sweaty, but then everyone was, I was a fat bride, but nobody cared.
Now, it's back to it. I'm heavier than I am happy with and I've not exercised for 4 weeks. I'm back to eating sensibly and really enjoying it, you can have too much of a good thing (I don't need to eat pizza for a very long time). PT returns tonight and I fear it will be really hard, but I need to get fit again. I'm not planning to join a weight loss class at the moment, I just want to concentrate on cutting down and seeing how I get on. Watch this space!
Anyway, I won't get bogged down with the dullness of daily life and I'll give you a bit more of an update on the wedding. Thanks for all of your lovely comments on my last post. I'll try not to bombard you with too many photos of me in a white frock!
The day was amazing, everything we could have hoped for. The weather was awesome (perhaps a bit too hot for prancing around in a wedding dress, but never mind), the hotel was gorgeous, the food was amazing. I'm going to run out of superlatives soon.
The ceremony took place at the Cloisters which dates back to the 8th Century. It was outdoors, so everyone was hot, but thankfully the ceremony only lasted about 10 minutes. Short and sweet. A truly lovely setting.
We then headed back to the hotel (The Bellevue Syrene) for the reception, processco, a delicious 5 course meal, brilliant speeches and amazing views. It was wonderful.
My dress was everything I'd hoped for. Ballerina length with the most amazing bodice that sucked everything in and up. I had been disappointed that I'd not lost a bit of weight before the wedding, but on the day it didn't matter at all. I felt lovely. I was hot and sweaty, but then everyone was, I was a fat bride, but nobody cared.
Now, it's back to it. I'm heavier than I am happy with and I've not exercised for 4 weeks. I'm back to eating sensibly and really enjoying it, you can have too much of a good thing (I don't need to eat pizza for a very long time). PT returns tonight and I fear it will be really hard, but I need to get fit again. I'm not planning to join a weight loss class at the moment, I just want to concentrate on cutting down and seeing how I get on. Watch this space!
Monday, 3 September 2012
I'm a wife!
Just a quick post to share a few photos from the wedding, there'll be a proper post once I'm back!
It was an amazing day, Sorrento is beautiful and we were so lucky that so many of our friends and family came to join us.
The view from our wedding terrace.
The terrace.
With my dad.
With my husband and bridesmaids!
Posing :)
I'm off to enjoy the Sicilian sunshine.
Mrs. Jones x
It was an amazing day, Sorrento is beautiful and we were so lucky that so many of our friends and family came to join us.
The view from our wedding terrace.
The terrace.
With my dad.
With my husband and bridesmaids!
Posing :)
I'm off to enjoy the Sicilian sunshine.
Mrs. Jones x
Thursday, 23 August 2012
See you on the other side
I'm off to get myself a husband. I shall be back in a little over 2 weeks. Normal service shall then resume!
If you're on instagram, there may be wedding photos there before I get back :) @linzerello
x
If you're on instagram, there may be wedding photos there before I get back :) @linzerello
x
Saturday, 18 August 2012
I'm still here
I'm just in a bit of panic mode as this time next week I'll be in Italy preparing for my wedding!
I seriously can't believe it's come round so quickly. I'm totally not organised whatsoever. Work is crazy at the moment, 4 of my team are off (thanks boss) so any ideas I had of taking it easy and sorting wedding related matters have gone out of the window.
On the positive side, this has led to me losing a few pounds without trying as I've been too busy to eat!
I finally tried on my wedding dress last weekend and it needed taking in and up a bit, but other than that it was perfect. Exactly as I'd imagined. That's one less thing to panic about.
Next week see's me attempting some form of grooming. I've a haircut, massage, manicure and pedicure, bikini wax and an eyelash tint all booked at various stage through the week. I'll then spend the first week in Italy attempting to avoid any form of tan lines as that's seriously not a good look with a strapless dress.
In other news, my ankle is once again buggered. It keeps swelling up to mammoth proportions and is fairly painful. My doc, PT and physio have all told me to go for an X-ray, but there is no way I'm walking down the aisle with a cast on my foot, so I'm just strapping it up for now and ignoring it (stupid??) It's meant I've had to concentrate on rowing in the gym as running is out, but I'm still attempting exercise at least.
So that's me, life is a bit of a whirlwind at the moment. I collect my wedding dress today, we're travelling up North for 24 hours to surprise my Mother for her 60th birthday and then I need to think about packing for my wedding.
I'll leave you with a thing of beauty, my wedding shoes crystallised by my little sister. I'm in love with them.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I seriously can't believe it's come round so quickly. I'm totally not organised whatsoever. Work is crazy at the moment, 4 of my team are off (thanks boss) so any ideas I had of taking it easy and sorting wedding related matters have gone out of the window.
On the positive side, this has led to me losing a few pounds without trying as I've been too busy to eat!
I finally tried on my wedding dress last weekend and it needed taking in and up a bit, but other than that it was perfect. Exactly as I'd imagined. That's one less thing to panic about.
Next week see's me attempting some form of grooming. I've a haircut, massage, manicure and pedicure, bikini wax and an eyelash tint all booked at various stage through the week. I'll then spend the first week in Italy attempting to avoid any form of tan lines as that's seriously not a good look with a strapless dress.
In other news, my ankle is once again buggered. It keeps swelling up to mammoth proportions and is fairly painful. My doc, PT and physio have all told me to go for an X-ray, but there is no way I'm walking down the aisle with a cast on my foot, so I'm just strapping it up for now and ignoring it (stupid??) It's meant I've had to concentrate on rowing in the gym as running is out, but I'm still attempting exercise at least.
So that's me, life is a bit of a whirlwind at the moment. I collect my wedding dress today, we're travelling up North for 24 hours to surprise my Mother for her 60th birthday and then I need to think about packing for my wedding.
I'll leave you with a thing of beauty, my wedding shoes crystallised by my little sister. I'm in love with them.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
The Hen Weekend
I'm aware I've been utterly rubbish at this blogging business of late, life seems to be flying past at an alarming rate of knots. I appear to be getting married this month and I am pretty sure I am not even slightly prepared...
I've just spent the best weekend ever with my friends and family (of the female variety) in York for my hen weekend. We stayed in a 'Boutique' Hostel right in the centre of York which was perfect as we ended up with a whole building to ourselves. 2 of my closest friends organised it so well and I really couldn't have asked for more. There was a lot of alcohol involved (as you'd probably expect with me, starting with the 4 hour train journey), pizza & prosecco on the Friday - along with a lot of bad photos of me from over the years followed by dancing til the early hours.
Saturday involved a champagne breakfast, cocktail making, a Mr & Mrs Quiz (bless Matt he was both very funny and very sweet in his answers), dinner, drinks and more clubbing (and possibly a very naked stripper) and then Sunday saw me really struggling with near alcohol poisoning.
It was deliciously tacky and so lovely to have my friends and family all together and left me very emotional. I had so many lovely messages after the event from people saying how much they'd enjoyed themselves and how much they were looking forward to the wedding, I've been crying at the drop of a hat ever since.
This week has been a struggle. Lack of sleep, plus too much alcohol meant I couldn't even contemplate PT on Monday. I've that pleasure tonight. Booze is off my radar for the foreseeable so that's one blessing and I'm drowning myself in water in an attempt to give my poor liver a break.
I am having a dress fitting next weekend - I really hope I love it because quite frankly it's far too late if I don't and then we are on the home straight. 3 weeks on Friday til we fly out there. I really can't believe it's almost here.
I've just spent the best weekend ever with my friends and family (of the female variety) in York for my hen weekend. We stayed in a 'Boutique' Hostel right in the centre of York which was perfect as we ended up with a whole building to ourselves. 2 of my closest friends organised it so well and I really couldn't have asked for more. There was a lot of alcohol involved (as you'd probably expect with me, starting with the 4 hour train journey), pizza & prosecco on the Friday - along with a lot of bad photos of me from over the years followed by dancing til the early hours.
on the train....
hangover cure
me and my mother making cocktails...
oh dear.......
It was deliciously tacky and so lovely to have my friends and family all together and left me very emotional. I had so many lovely messages after the event from people saying how much they'd enjoyed themselves and how much they were looking forward to the wedding, I've been crying at the drop of a hat ever since.
This week has been a struggle. Lack of sleep, plus too much alcohol meant I couldn't even contemplate PT on Monday. I've that pleasure tonight. Booze is off my radar for the foreseeable so that's one blessing and I'm drowning myself in water in an attempt to give my poor liver a break.
I am having a dress fitting next weekend - I really hope I love it because quite frankly it's far too late if I don't and then we are on the home straight. 3 weeks on Friday til we fly out there. I really can't believe it's almost here.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Catching up
Life has been a bit mental of late. Work is stupid, I'm on countdown to my holiday (and wedding!) as work stress is making me turn to Cider (well that and the sun). 4 weeks tomorrow folks. Eeeeek.
In the meantime, I'm still attempting not to lose the plot completely. PT is still in full flow, although a small walk last weekend in the sun has lead to more ligament damage in my cankle. I've been told to go for an xray, but I am pretending I've not heard, as I really can't be doing with a pot on my leg and a wedding dress. Currently, it's fairly swollen and intermittently painful, so I'm trying to do exercise like rowing (flipping hideous) to avoid any further issues. I guess I just need to keep an eye on it and hope the swelling/ pain disappears. I can't stop exercising or I'll be a hideous, sweaty mess on my wedding day.
Eating is still a tad suspect, I have saintly days and I have sod it days. I'm maintaining currently, but ideally want to get a few pounds off over the next couple of weeks to give me a buffer for the holiday. I'm far too drawn to Cider when the sun shines.
In wedding related news, it's my hen do this weekend. 23 of us are headed to York, which I suspect will be messy. A lot of my friends are newish mum's having their first weekend away, I predict a lot of boozing will take place. I've no idea what is planned, so it will all be a massive surprise to me. Really looking forward to seeing all of my friends in one place. I don't expect to come back from the weekend having lost weight, anyway.
And finally, apparently there is some form of Wedding dress in the making. I'm booked in for a fitting 2 weeks before we fly out and they know they've only a week to make any changes.... what can possibly go wrong?
Right, I'm off to enjoy the sun before it leaves us again. Happy Weekend's folks!
In the meantime, I'm still attempting not to lose the plot completely. PT is still in full flow, although a small walk last weekend in the sun has lead to more ligament damage in my cankle. I've been told to go for an xray, but I am pretending I've not heard, as I really can't be doing with a pot on my leg and a wedding dress. Currently, it's fairly swollen and intermittently painful, so I'm trying to do exercise like rowing (flipping hideous) to avoid any further issues. I guess I just need to keep an eye on it and hope the swelling/ pain disappears. I can't stop exercising or I'll be a hideous, sweaty mess on my wedding day.
Eating is still a tad suspect, I have saintly days and I have sod it days. I'm maintaining currently, but ideally want to get a few pounds off over the next couple of weeks to give me a buffer for the holiday. I'm far too drawn to Cider when the sun shines.
In wedding related news, it's my hen do this weekend. 23 of us are headed to York, which I suspect will be messy. A lot of my friends are newish mum's having their first weekend away, I predict a lot of boozing will take place. I've no idea what is planned, so it will all be a massive surprise to me. Really looking forward to seeing all of my friends in one place. I don't expect to come back from the weekend having lost weight, anyway.
And finally, apparently there is some form of Wedding dress in the making. I'm booked in for a fitting 2 weeks before we fly out and they know they've only a week to make any changes.... what can possibly go wrong?
Right, I'm off to enjoy the sun before it leaves us again. Happy Weekend's folks!
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
A table for two...
Thanks everyone for your lovely comments on my last post. You lot officially ROCK.
I've had a couple of PT sessions since my last post and I am suffering majorly today. My instructor decided we should embrace rowing. It's a bloody massacre - who knew? The good thing about a PT session is that I sleep like the proverbial baby after a session so I always wake up the next day feeling all energised, but also unable to move. Not an ideal combination.
The weekend was lovely, but over too soon. My parents came to stay on Friday for a couple of days so it was lovely to see them. This led to much alcohol on Friday night (but no food, not clever), some walking/ shopping and eating on Saturday and then an afternoon tea on Sunday. Nothing too hideous really and the scales still have me maintaining.
I'm actually finding, since I banished the word 'diet' from my mind, that I am no longer craving the crap. There is something wrong with me, I am sure. I don't have a sweet tooth and rarely want chocolate, cakes or biscuits. Yet, tell me I am on Weight Watchers or something similar, then it's all I can think about. How can I sneak a bar of chocolate into my points and what will I have to give up to accommodate this thing that I absolutely have to eat?
Tell me I can eat what I want, within reason, well I don't seem to want it. Am I alone in this? I am now wondering if a life spent dieting has contributed to my current obese predicament. Obviously this is not the only reason, I'm clearly a little bit greedy and lazy, but the constant denying myself of food only to eat more of it than I wanted, can't have been healthy.
In other, wedding related news, it's 5 weeks til we fly to Sorrento and 6 weeks til we get wed. Where has the time gone? I'm still not in panic mode, but I expect it to hit me some time soon.
We finally submitted our table plans, which caused a little bit of soul searching. After the weekend spent with Matt's mother, we had both decided she was unlikely to be a beacon of joy at the wedding and I was getting myself all worked up at the thought she'd upset/annoy me with her miserable ways.
We originally did the table plans with her on the top table with us, I suspect this is traditional? However, the more we looked at it, the more we both decided it was our day and we really didn't want her moaning throughout and possibly spoiling it. I am not saying she'd deliberately set out to do that, but she can't help herself. She is one of life's moaners. Nothing is ever nice or lovely or fun and the thought of someone pushing their 140 euro meal around their plate and complaining that the beef was too bloody or that they hate pasta, well it was too much.
So, she's been put on the newly organised 'Family Table' which also includes my Auntie, who is of a similar frame of mind. I suspect they will get on like a house on fire complaining at the awfulness of it all and I will be none the wiser.
I suspect the wedding will feel a lot more real next week. My hen do is just over a week away and I cannot wait. There are 23 of us heading to York for the weekend and 2 of my closest friends have organised it all without me really have to be involved at all. They know me pretty well, so I doubt we'll be rock climbing or white water rafting, but I am totally in the dark about any activities.
I think once that is over, I'll really feel like I am getting married (still no dress but I am ignoring that). Eeeek.
I've had a couple of PT sessions since my last post and I am suffering majorly today. My instructor decided we should embrace rowing. It's a bloody massacre - who knew? The good thing about a PT session is that I sleep like the proverbial baby after a session so I always wake up the next day feeling all energised, but also unable to move. Not an ideal combination.
The weekend was lovely, but over too soon. My parents came to stay on Friday for a couple of days so it was lovely to see them. This led to much alcohol on Friday night (but no food, not clever), some walking/ shopping and eating on Saturday and then an afternoon tea on Sunday. Nothing too hideous really and the scales still have me maintaining.
I'm actually finding, since I banished the word 'diet' from my mind, that I am no longer craving the crap. There is something wrong with me, I am sure. I don't have a sweet tooth and rarely want chocolate, cakes or biscuits. Yet, tell me I am on Weight Watchers or something similar, then it's all I can think about. How can I sneak a bar of chocolate into my points and what will I have to give up to accommodate this thing that I absolutely have to eat?
Tell me I can eat what I want, within reason, well I don't seem to want it. Am I alone in this? I am now wondering if a life spent dieting has contributed to my current obese predicament. Obviously this is not the only reason, I'm clearly a little bit greedy and lazy, but the constant denying myself of food only to eat more of it than I wanted, can't have been healthy.
In other, wedding related news, it's 5 weeks til we fly to Sorrento and 6 weeks til we get wed. Where has the time gone? I'm still not in panic mode, but I expect it to hit me some time soon.
We finally submitted our table plans, which caused a little bit of soul searching. After the weekend spent with Matt's mother, we had both decided she was unlikely to be a beacon of joy at the wedding and I was getting myself all worked up at the thought she'd upset/annoy me with her miserable ways.
We originally did the table plans with her on the top table with us, I suspect this is traditional? However, the more we looked at it, the more we both decided it was our day and we really didn't want her moaning throughout and possibly spoiling it. I am not saying she'd deliberately set out to do that, but she can't help herself. She is one of life's moaners. Nothing is ever nice or lovely or fun and the thought of someone pushing their 140 euro meal around their plate and complaining that the beef was too bloody or that they hate pasta, well it was too much.
So, she's been put on the newly organised 'Family Table' which also includes my Auntie, who is of a similar frame of mind. I suspect they will get on like a house on fire complaining at the awfulness of it all and I will be none the wiser.
I suspect the wedding will feel a lot more real next week. My hen do is just over a week away and I cannot wait. There are 23 of us heading to York for the weekend and 2 of my closest friends have organised it all without me really have to be involved at all. They know me pretty well, so I doubt we'll be rock climbing or white water rafting, but I am totally in the dark about any activities.
I think once that is over, I'll really feel like I am getting married (still no dress but I am ignoring that). Eeeek.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Realisations
I've been avoiding the subject of my 'diet' for an age. After much soul searching and inner conflict, I've come to realise that I'm actually ok as I am - ok scratch that, I'm actually pretty cool as I am.
Having spent more than half my life attempting to lose weight, I've pretty much forgotten why I wanted it in the first place. Maybe because I felt like the thing I should be doing, maybe because I've been told all of my life that fat can't be healthy, maybe I just did it because it became the norm.
I've abandoned Weight Watchers, I got completely sick of points and scrutinising every morsel that passed my lips (not that I was overly good at that). I know it works for a lot of people, but it doesn't really work for me.
I don't sit here and stuff my face with all sorts of crap anyway, I'm generally quite healthy. I love good food, rarely eat take-aways or fast food. I enjoy cooking, I eat fruit and veg and drink gallons of water. I exercise. I also like to drink, I like the odd cider on a school night or a glass of wine with my dinner and I don't want to have to forgo this so I can have an extra couple of potatoes or a bag of crisps.
Admittedly, I'm slightly heavier than I am most comfortable with, but I am going to stop stressing over those bloody scales.All it's getting me is a lot of self grief and that's not healthy.
So basically, I'm going to keep doing what I am doing. Keep eating well, keep up the PT sessions and the gym and keep liking myself. Who knows, once I stop thinking about it all the time, I might even get back down to my happy weight. And if not, well it's not really the end of the world.
***EDIT***
I was reminded by Leslie's comment that I still need to keep an eye on things (thanks Leslie). I've been maintaining my weight, unintentionally, for a good few weeks now, but I still need to keep on top of that. The last thing I want is to end up heavier... So I'll still get weighed every week or so, just to make sure I don't end up out of control.
Having spent more than half my life attempting to lose weight, I've pretty much forgotten why I wanted it in the first place. Maybe because I felt like the thing I should be doing, maybe because I've been told all of my life that fat can't be healthy, maybe I just did it because it became the norm.
I've abandoned Weight Watchers, I got completely sick of points and scrutinising every morsel that passed my lips (not that I was overly good at that). I know it works for a lot of people, but it doesn't really work for me.
I don't sit here and stuff my face with all sorts of crap anyway, I'm generally quite healthy. I love good food, rarely eat take-aways or fast food. I enjoy cooking, I eat fruit and veg and drink gallons of water. I exercise. I also like to drink, I like the odd cider on a school night or a glass of wine with my dinner and I don't want to have to forgo this so I can have an extra couple of potatoes or a bag of crisps.
Admittedly, I'm slightly heavier than I am most comfortable with, but I am going to stop stressing over those bloody scales.All it's getting me is a lot of self grief and that's not healthy.
So basically, I'm going to keep doing what I am doing. Keep eating well, keep up the PT sessions and the gym and keep liking myself. Who knows, once I stop thinking about it all the time, I might even get back down to my happy weight. And if not, well it's not really the end of the world.
***EDIT***
I was reminded by Leslie's comment that I still need to keep an eye on things (thanks Leslie). I've been maintaining my weight, unintentionally, for a good few weeks now, but I still need to keep on top of that. The last thing I want is to end up heavier... So I'll still get weighed every week or so, just to make sure I don't end up out of control.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Obsessed with the number....
It's July. How has this happened so quickly? This means one thing - I get married next month. Admittedly, the very end of next month, but still, next month.
This leads me to believe I won't be the 18 pounds lighter I was hoping for (I'm clever like that). Short of cutting off a limb or catching dysentery, I've pretty much buggered that up. However, I had a bit of an epiphany at the weekend - it doesn't matter to anyone other than me (and possibly my mother) what I weigh, I've spent the last few months beating myself up over my lack of weight loss and I honestly don't really know why. Maybe because it's what I think I should be doing.
I've been attempting to lose/control my weight for half of my life, this is quite a depressing thought. When do we get to a point when we stop battling and start accepting who we are? At the moment, I am probably the fittest I've been for a very long time, possibly ever. I'm rarely ill (touch wood), I am eating well (just a bit too much) and I exercise.
I'm in a happy place, I like, no, scratch that, I love my life. I'm marrying the man I love, a man who makes me laugh every single day. My best friends and closest family are coming to share our big day. I will be fat. I have always been fat. I don't think anyone will judge me for not being a size 8 on my wedding day, because it's not me. It's never been me.
The dress I've ordered is exactly what I want and exactly what I would have ordered if I was a size 10 or 12 or 20 (that's if the dress is actually ever made, we'll brush that under the carpet for now). I really can't imagine what losing a couple of stone would add to my day. I am not exactly lacking in confidence, so for now I am going to stop concerning myself so much over the number on the scales.
This doesn't mean I'm off to bulk buy Greggs Steak Bakes. I am still going to exercise, still have PT once a week, still eat lots of fruit and veg and still watch my alcohol intake. But, I am going to stop worrying over the bloody numbers.
And so ends the Sermon according to Linz. Thanks for listening folks.
This leads me to believe I won't be the 18 pounds lighter I was hoping for (I'm clever like that). Short of cutting off a limb or catching dysentery, I've pretty much buggered that up. However, I had a bit of an epiphany at the weekend - it doesn't matter to anyone other than me (and possibly my mother) what I weigh, I've spent the last few months beating myself up over my lack of weight loss and I honestly don't really know why. Maybe because it's what I think I should be doing.
I've been attempting to lose/control my weight for half of my life, this is quite a depressing thought. When do we get to a point when we stop battling and start accepting who we are? At the moment, I am probably the fittest I've been for a very long time, possibly ever. I'm rarely ill (touch wood), I am eating well (just a bit too much) and I exercise.
I'm in a happy place, I like, no, scratch that, I love my life. I'm marrying the man I love, a man who makes me laugh every single day. My best friends and closest family are coming to share our big day. I will be fat. I have always been fat. I don't think anyone will judge me for not being a size 8 on my wedding day, because it's not me. It's never been me.
The dress I've ordered is exactly what I want and exactly what I would have ordered if I was a size 10 or 12 or 20 (that's if the dress is actually ever made, we'll brush that under the carpet for now). I really can't imagine what losing a couple of stone would add to my day. I am not exactly lacking in confidence, so for now I am going to stop concerning myself so much over the number on the scales.
This doesn't mean I'm off to bulk buy Greggs Steak Bakes. I am still going to exercise, still have PT once a week, still eat lots of fruit and veg and still watch my alcohol intake. But, I am going to stop worrying over the bloody numbers.
And so ends the Sermon according to Linz. Thanks for listening folks.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
The angel of doom descends...
I'm still here and still pretty useless at this losing weight business.
We had a fairly stressful weekend - the Mother in Law (to be) came to stay and she is fairly hard work (Matt will tell you himself she is a nightmare, so I'm not being unpleasant).
I've never met such a negative person and after a while it grinds you down, no matter how cheerful you try to be. We tried to do lovely things with her, afternoon tea, shopping (at her request) and a Sunday lunch, but listening to her moan and complain throughout was a little bit depressing. If you have a cold, she has pneumonia, if you are short on cash, she is destitute, if you are tired, she is extremely exhausted - you get the idea. She also announced she hates Italian food and can't stand the heat - so that pleases me that we have paid for her and her husband to spend a week in Italy for our wedding (all inclusive, I hasten to add). It's enough to make my blood boil.
It turned us both to drink - so all weekend involved wine and cider, plus the aforementioned meals. Not overly conducive to weight loss. Couple that with incapacitating myself following a gym session last week - well you have a weight loss disaster.
I managed to get back into the gym for PT last night which was really difficult. I was in a total mess, sweating, swearing and totally aching. I'd had 6 days off exercise due to my bad back and I could really tell. I am making a concerted effort to go more this week.
I've also decided I need to cut out alcohol on school nights, so from now on, my boozing is limited to Friday and Saturday. It's become a very bad habit to go to the pub a couple of nights a week and it's all empty calories. Not to mention bad for me all round.
I can't make WI tonight as we've tickets for Rhod Gilbert, but I will face the scales tomorrow. I don't expect them to like me too much.
In wedding related news, we appear to have a venue sorted for the night time drinks now. It's not exactly what we wanted but to be honest, I was starting to lose the will to live. It also looks like my wedding dress will be ready to try on at some point soon - although I'm not holding my breath on that. Thanks amy for the suggestion of the lace Vivien dress. It's a definite contender if I start to panic!
This week involves a lot of salad and water. Matt is having his stag do at the weekend so I am off to stay with a friend as her hubby is in attendance. She has a child so boozing won't happen. It could shape up to be a decent week.
We had a fairly stressful weekend - the Mother in Law (to be) came to stay and she is fairly hard work (Matt will tell you himself she is a nightmare, so I'm not being unpleasant).
I've never met such a negative person and after a while it grinds you down, no matter how cheerful you try to be. We tried to do lovely things with her, afternoon tea, shopping (at her request) and a Sunday lunch, but listening to her moan and complain throughout was a little bit depressing. If you have a cold, she has pneumonia, if you are short on cash, she is destitute, if you are tired, she is extremely exhausted - you get the idea. She also announced she hates Italian food and can't stand the heat - so that pleases me that we have paid for her and her husband to spend a week in Italy for our wedding (all inclusive, I hasten to add). It's enough to make my blood boil.
It turned us both to drink - so all weekend involved wine and cider, plus the aforementioned meals. Not overly conducive to weight loss. Couple that with incapacitating myself following a gym session last week - well you have a weight loss disaster.
I managed to get back into the gym for PT last night which was really difficult. I was in a total mess, sweating, swearing and totally aching. I'd had 6 days off exercise due to my bad back and I could really tell. I am making a concerted effort to go more this week.
I've also decided I need to cut out alcohol on school nights, so from now on, my boozing is limited to Friday and Saturday. It's become a very bad habit to go to the pub a couple of nights a week and it's all empty calories. Not to mention bad for me all round.
I can't make WI tonight as we've tickets for Rhod Gilbert, but I will face the scales tomorrow. I don't expect them to like me too much.
In wedding related news, we appear to have a venue sorted for the night time drinks now. It's not exactly what we wanted but to be honest, I was starting to lose the will to live. It also looks like my wedding dress will be ready to try on at some point soon - although I'm not holding my breath on that. Thanks amy for the suggestion of the lace Vivien dress. It's a definite contender if I start to panic!
This week involves a lot of salad and water. Matt is having his stag do at the weekend so I am off to stay with a friend as her hubby is in attendance. She has a child so boozing won't happen. It could shape up to be a decent week.
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
No change...
Another weigh in, another stay the same. I'm in limbo at the moment. Exercise is going really well, I've had 2 PT sessions, plus 2 normal sessions since last blogging and I seem to have a renewed enthusiasm for getting sweaty. My running is still not quite where it was pre-hiatus, but I'm building back up slowly, as much as it kills me.
I also seem to have a renewed enthusiasm for alcohol. Work has been a massive ball of stress of late, which leads me to wanting to go to the pub for a couple to wind down. Clearly this needs to stop. Food is going ok (I am definitely thinking about it a lot less with the Slim Pods), but the points are racking up with wine and cider! I need to work on my stress relief techniques somewhat.
Still no news on wedding related items. Matt is sure he can find an alternative for the night time do - so I've given him a week to come up with something, otherwise we are going with the Wedding Planners suggestion. Still no dress news either. I have called them and played 'Merry Hell' as my mother would say, and am assured there will be some sort of update by the end of the week. I have 9 weeks now til we fly out there, so they need to get their bloody fingers out.
This is my current back up plan from Vivien of Holloway. I'm in half a mind to order it anyway, just in case....
Anyway, I can't grumble too much. At the very worst case scenario, I will be getting married in a diifferent dress (in my current size) and drinking late on in the hotel bar. None of it is the end of the world really...
I also seem to have a renewed enthusiasm for alcohol. Work has been a massive ball of stress of late, which leads me to wanting to go to the pub for a couple to wind down. Clearly this needs to stop. Food is going ok (I am definitely thinking about it a lot less with the Slim Pods), but the points are racking up with wine and cider! I need to work on my stress relief techniques somewhat.
Still no news on wedding related items. Matt is sure he can find an alternative for the night time do - so I've given him a week to come up with something, otherwise we are going with the Wedding Planners suggestion. Still no dress news either. I have called them and played 'Merry Hell' as my mother would say, and am assured there will be some sort of update by the end of the week. I have 9 weeks now til we fly out there, so they need to get their bloody fingers out.
This is my current back up plan from Vivien of Holloway. I'm in half a mind to order it anyway, just in case....
Anyway, I can't grumble too much. At the very worst case scenario, I will be getting married in a diifferent dress (in my current size) and drinking late on in the hotel bar. None of it is the end of the world really...
Thursday, 14 June 2012
More wedding traumas....
I know I've managed to plan a wedding relatively stress free, but now I am in a bit of a flap. I got an email yesterday from my wedding planner to tell me that the bar we'd booked for the night time (which is listed on all of our invites) has changed hands and been totally redone. It's nothing like the bar we had booked and is now more of a locals hangout. Our booking still stands if we want to go there, but there won't be a disco and given that was the whole idea, well it's a bit of a blooming nightmare.
Gah. I know this is not that massive in the grand scheme of things, I am hoping most people will be drunk by this point and not care too much, but now we've got to try and find somewhere else otherwise our wedding ends at 8pm. Not ideal.
Still no news on the wedding dress either.
So - anyone know any bars in Sorrento and have a wedding dress to fit a fatty?
Gah. I know this is not that massive in the grand scheme of things, I am hoping most people will be drunk by this point and not care too much, but now we've got to try and find somewhere else otherwise our wedding ends at 8pm. Not ideal.
Still no news on the wedding dress either.
So - anyone know any bars in Sorrento and have a wedding dress to fit a fatty?
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Up again
I suppose it was inevitable, given what I've eaten (and drunk) over the past week, that I'd see a gain. Thankfully it was just one pound, but that officially means I've lost no weight for flipping months. I've no clue what it is that I am playing at.
I get married in 11 weeks (and 2 days). 11 weeks, people. At the rate I am going, I'll be at my heaviest ever weight.
However, this is probably the least of my concerns. It would appear I still don't have anything resembling a wedding dress. Despite being all smug and having ordered it about 8 sodding months ago, it would appear they've not even started making it yet. Now I am no expert, but I feel we are cutting it a bit fine here... especially given the dress maker has now decided I have to travel up North for my fittings... (originally she agreed I could go to her shop in Cheltenham, but now she's decided I can't. Cowbag). The shop owner up North seems to think it will all be fine, but really, I've about 4 spare weekends between now and the wedding where I can conceivably get myself to Morpeth and if they don't hurry up and give me a date, it's going to bankrupt me trying to get up there. I am now looking at 'Operation Back up dress' just in case. Sigh.
In other wedding news, the planner mentioned on Monday she'd need our table plans 15 days before the wedding. Table plans??? This was not something that had even entered my head. I'd very much assumed we'd just let people sit where they want - after all, there are only about 65 guests and as far as I am aware, none of them hate each other. The thought of having to sit and plan who sits with who has my breaking out into a cold sweat.... I've requested we just plan the top table, but had no response yet. Failing that, we'll just sit everyone alphabetically or something, how bad can that be, right? (I joke of course....)
So, once again I am committing to being a little bit better. If I can just lose a stone, I will be happier and it might get rid of this double chin or maybe that's because I am now 36 and everything is sagging?
This week I have to contend with:
I get married in 11 weeks (and 2 days). 11 weeks, people. At the rate I am going, I'll be at my heaviest ever weight.
However, this is probably the least of my concerns. It would appear I still don't have anything resembling a wedding dress. Despite being all smug and having ordered it about 8 sodding months ago, it would appear they've not even started making it yet. Now I am no expert, but I feel we are cutting it a bit fine here... especially given the dress maker has now decided I have to travel up North for my fittings... (originally she agreed I could go to her shop in Cheltenham, but now she's decided I can't. Cowbag). The shop owner up North seems to think it will all be fine, but really, I've about 4 spare weekends between now and the wedding where I can conceivably get myself to Morpeth and if they don't hurry up and give me a date, it's going to bankrupt me trying to get up there. I am now looking at 'Operation Back up dress' just in case. Sigh.
In other wedding news, the planner mentioned on Monday she'd need our table plans 15 days before the wedding. Table plans??? This was not something that had even entered my head. I'd very much assumed we'd just let people sit where they want - after all, there are only about 65 guests and as far as I am aware, none of them hate each other. The thought of having to sit and plan who sits with who has my breaking out into a cold sweat.... I've requested we just plan the top table, but had no response yet. Failing that, we'll just sit everyone alphabetically or something, how bad can that be, right? (I joke of course....)
So, once again I am committing to being a little bit better. If I can just lose a stone, I will be happier and it might get rid of this double chin or maybe that's because I am now 36 and everything is sagging?
This week I have to contend with:
- Dinner and a show tonight with the girls
- Girls night out on Friday
- Hotel stay and dinner with the boy on Saturday.
If I can successfully navigate all of that and stay on track and get myself to the gym, miracles will never cease.
Monday, 11 June 2012
A week in photos
As you may be able to tell, from the radio silence, I have been on holiday. I had planned to post last week, but as soon as I turned my laptop on, I was hit with a load of work emails and Skype messages, far too depressing so that immediately got turned off.
I had a lovely week off, shame the weather was so utterly crapola. It is starting to depress me now. I got all gung ho when we had that nice week and got out all of my summer clothes, I am now sat shivering at my desk with a heater on. Come on UK, sort it out.
So, the week off was spent doing lots of lovely things. We had a couple of nights in a Spa hotel, a lunch with friends, an afternoon tea, a weekend in Stockholm and my 36th Birthday (I am so old).
Probably easier if I just post (a lot) of photos. Since it was my birthday yesterday (did I mention this already??!) There was a lot of nice food and some alcohol involved.... I imagine I'm about 2 stone heavier... but it was worth it.
The last place deserves a mention all of it's own - Matbaren in Stockholm. It was utterly amazing. The dishes are all the same size, so you chose one by one and see how you get on. I managed 4, but I wish I could have done more. Everything was utterly delicious - seriously, that Lemon Sole - out of this world...
We walked loads over the past week, went to the gym a few times and I listened to the Slim Pods every day. I'm definitely more mindful of what I am eating - i.e. less of it, but I am not sure there is a massive change in my behaviour. We will see the damage tomorrow, I guess.
Back to earth with a bang today. Work, miserable weather and PT planned for tonight. Ouch.
I had a lovely week off, shame the weather was so utterly crapola. It is starting to depress me now. I got all gung ho when we had that nice week and got out all of my summer clothes, I am now sat shivering at my desk with a heater on. Come on UK, sort it out.
So, the week off was spent doing lots of lovely things. We had a couple of nights in a Spa hotel, a lunch with friends, an afternoon tea, a weekend in Stockholm and my 36th Birthday (I am so old).
Probably easier if I just post (a lot) of photos. Since it was my birthday yesterday (did I mention this already??!) There was a lot of nice food and some alcohol involved.... I imagine I'm about 2 stone heavier... but it was worth it.
Clockwise top L-R
Hastings beach
Hastings Cliff side railway
Rye
Lamb 3 ways
Rye
Battle
Me & the boy
The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells
Cocktails
Swedish Meatballs
Expensive Swedish Beer
Nasty Swedish Wine
Breakfast
Drinks by the Sea
Sweden
Open Lamb Sandwich
Pressed Pigs head with Mushroom Salad
Tonka Bean Pudding
Lemon Sole
The last place deserves a mention all of it's own - Matbaren in Stockholm. It was utterly amazing. The dishes are all the same size, so you chose one by one and see how you get on. I managed 4, but I wish I could have done more. Everything was utterly delicious - seriously, that Lemon Sole - out of this world...
We walked loads over the past week, went to the gym a few times and I listened to the Slim Pods every day. I'm definitely more mindful of what I am eating - i.e. less of it, but I am not sure there is a massive change in my behaviour. We will see the damage tomorrow, I guess.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Brainwashing
This is my latest attempt to sort my head out - Slim Pods.
I am open to trying most things (well apart from existing on shakes, I managed 2 meals of that once before I wanted to chew my own arm off) and when I read a couple of good reviews on these, I thought why the hell not. What's £29.99 between friends?
I do think I am a completely mindless eater. I obsess over food, I eat when I am bored, sad, happy and also when I am full. I love food, I love nothing more than trying new restaurants and obsessing over the menu. I think about food a lot and then when I eat, I stop thinking and start wolfing.
Unfortunately, food does not love me. Well perhaps that is not true, I think it maybe loves me a bit much so it wants to cling to my hips and bum for dear life.
So, anything that can maybe sort out my head when it comes to eating has to be worth a shot, right? Basically, I listen to this voice talking to me for around 10 minutes a day and it should stop me obsessing over food. I will still eat what I want, but only what I need. Sounds fairly straightforward. I've listened to it the past 2 mornings, so it's a bit hard to say if it's effective since it takes 21 days to change a habit, but we shall see. I've nowt to lose really - other than my 30 quid.
I've definitely felt a bit more mindful of my food, which I am sure is entirely physiological. Last night, for example, we'd planned marinated chicken quarter with oven chips and veg. However, when it came to dinner, I wasn't overly hungry (this never stops me) so I had a sausage sandwich instead. A lot less points and very satisfying. This morning when I got up, I wasn't particularly hungry either, so I had a yoghurt for breakfast and that was enough - this is never enough.
Now I know I am probably jumping the gun severely, I don't think this is the answer to all of my problems, but it definitely can't do any harm. Watch this space.
In other news, I am almost on holiday. I cannot wait for a week off work. We've lots planned, which could cause diet problems, but I'll just take it one meal at a time. You never know, this slimpod could be the answer....
Right people, enjoy the lovely long weekend! x
I am open to trying most things (well apart from existing on shakes, I managed 2 meals of that once before I wanted to chew my own arm off) and when I read a couple of good reviews on these, I thought why the hell not. What's £29.99 between friends?
I do think I am a completely mindless eater. I obsess over food, I eat when I am bored, sad, happy and also when I am full. I love food, I love nothing more than trying new restaurants and obsessing over the menu. I think about food a lot and then when I eat, I stop thinking and start wolfing.
Unfortunately, food does not love me. Well perhaps that is not true, I think it maybe loves me a bit much so it wants to cling to my hips and bum for dear life.
So, anything that can maybe sort out my head when it comes to eating has to be worth a shot, right? Basically, I listen to this voice talking to me for around 10 minutes a day and it should stop me obsessing over food. I will still eat what I want, but only what I need. Sounds fairly straightforward. I've listened to it the past 2 mornings, so it's a bit hard to say if it's effective since it takes 21 days to change a habit, but we shall see. I've nowt to lose really - other than my 30 quid.
I've definitely felt a bit more mindful of my food, which I am sure is entirely physiological. Last night, for example, we'd planned marinated chicken quarter with oven chips and veg. However, when it came to dinner, I wasn't overly hungry (this never stops me) so I had a sausage sandwich instead. A lot less points and very satisfying. This morning when I got up, I wasn't particularly hungry either, so I had a yoghurt for breakfast and that was enough - this is never enough.
Now I know I am probably jumping the gun severely, I don't think this is the answer to all of my problems, but it definitely can't do any harm. Watch this space.
In other news, I am almost on holiday. I cannot wait for a week off work. We've lots planned, which could cause diet problems, but I'll just take it one meal at a time. You never know, this slimpod could be the answer....
Right people, enjoy the lovely long weekend! x
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Things I've learnt this week
- I have lost an inch from my thighs and my waist, gained half an inch on my hips and gained almost 3 inches on my boobs since I was last measured for my wedding dress. Seriously, boobs??
- Going to bed at 415am when I have my nieces staying over is not clever.
- I cannot cope on 3 hours sleep (see above) and it will take me until today to feel human again.
- I will decide to have an afternoon snooze once my nieces have left and my dad will decide that's a great time to mow the lawn.
- I will then decide to have a snooze on the plane back to Heathrow and a baby will scream for the entire journey.
- Despite weeks of Physio, my ankle is still really weak and standing on a pebble will cause it to give way and I will hit the ground like I've been snipered whilst on a visit to a data centre with 2 colleagues.
- This will be embarrassing.
- My fiancé does not cope with being ill and will lie around like a dying swan all week.
- I don't cope well with his pathetic behaviour and am considering putting him out of his misery.
- Eating 2 packets of Weight Watchers sweets in one day is a very bad idea. They do make you ill. (VERY ill).
- Exercising when the weather amazing is a real struggle. Who wants to be in the gym when its beautiful outside?
- Even if I am saintly for 90% of the week on WW, that 10% makes all the difference and I will stay the same at the scales.
So, as you can tell, I'm just feeling a bit 'meh' this week. I had a lovely weekend at my parents, spent time with my family, sunbathed, BBQ'd and saw friends. Very pleasant indeed.
However, I've decided I've developed a double chin and this is upsetting me. Really, in the grand scheme of things, I have nothing to be meh about. I have next week off and we've lots of lovely things planned, so I am just counting down the days left at work and hopefully I will be a lot less meh soon.
Too much 'meh'?
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Where is my head?
My head is so not in the game. I faced the music on Tuesday and it was 1.5 on. This I can cope with, the fact that yesterday went down the pan after I had committed to giving it a good go, annoys me massively.
There is just something about the sun that makes me want to be out enjoying myself and not slogging my guts out in a gym, so instead of the gym as I'd planned, we went for a walk. Not quite the same but something I suppose.
I ended up having a pint of cider last night, post walk (so worth 7 points) and a couple of Buffalo Burgers.
This would have been fine, had my lunch not have been far worse than I had imagined. A jacket spud with Tuna? 18 flipping points and not even worth one. Massively frustrating. I must be more prepared.
Once again, I am committing to doing better. I'm heading up North to the Parentals tonight, so that is always tricky, but I've committed to a long walk with my Mother tomorrow and I am going to take photos from here on in of everything that passes my lips. Might help me in the right direction.
Seriously, I've 14 weeks to make a difference so why the hell am I messing around??
There is just something about the sun that makes me want to be out enjoying myself and not slogging my guts out in a gym, so instead of the gym as I'd planned, we went for a walk. Not quite the same but something I suppose.
I ended up having a pint of cider last night, post walk (so worth 7 points) and a couple of Buffalo Burgers.
This would have been fine, had my lunch not have been far worse than I had imagined. A jacket spud with Tuna? 18 flipping points and not even worth one. Massively frustrating. I must be more prepared.
Once again, I am committing to doing better. I'm heading up North to the Parentals tonight, so that is always tricky, but I've committed to a long walk with my Mother tomorrow and I am going to take photos from here on in of everything that passes my lips. Might help me in the right direction.
Seriously, I've 14 weeks to make a difference so why the hell am I messing around??
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Weekend Woes
I started to write a post yesterday, before realising it was a misery filled one and to be honest, I've absolutely no reason to be miserable. Monday mornings definitely bring out the worst in me.
Another weekend, another mixed bag. Friday night was fairly restrained by my usual standards. The gym didn't happen - which was not a real surprise, but I managed to avoid eating in the pub so I could maintain a small bit of control.
Saturday was not so good. I was meant to be having a girls lunch (previously a night out) with my best girlfriends. It'd been planned since March so the 6 of us could coordinate diaries & plan babysitters (3 have kids) and I was looking forward to a proper catch up. I don't see them all together very often - in fact the last time was December so you can imagine how pee'd off I was that in the end, it didn't happen. Very disappointing and to be honest, I am done now with trying to organise any more. I guess people move on in life and previously valued friendships no longer hold quite the same importance. Something I've been trying not to accept for the past few years.
So, I was in a mood. My friend Alex, whose first jaunt out this was going to be since the birth of her child, was also similarly annoyed. In the end, me and Matt went round there for a BBQ where we all drank far too much and probably ate too little. Sunday then was a bit of a write off which saw me struggling to move as Alex and I had insisted on Jiving for a fair proportion of Saturday. Ouch.
A good day WW wise yesterday and a very full on PT session. I was actually so exhausted that even the cool down exercises had me gasping for air. My trainer upped my running intervals to 3 minutes at a time - which I think lead to the exhaustion, but the fact I can see an improvement was enough for me to carry on. Today hurts a lot. I expect tomorrow will be worse.
I am not sure what the scales will tell me tonight, but I've not been weighed officially for 2 weeks so I don't expect it will be overly pretty, but I will suck it up. I'm getting remeasured on Friday for my wedding dress, so I will be able to see if, despite the lack of weight loss, there may have been some inches lost with the exercise. Wishful thinking, perhaps?
Another weekend, another mixed bag. Friday night was fairly restrained by my usual standards. The gym didn't happen - which was not a real surprise, but I managed to avoid eating in the pub so I could maintain a small bit of control.
Saturday was not so good. I was meant to be having a girls lunch (previously a night out) with my best girlfriends. It'd been planned since March so the 6 of us could coordinate diaries & plan babysitters (3 have kids) and I was looking forward to a proper catch up. I don't see them all together very often - in fact the last time was December so you can imagine how pee'd off I was that in the end, it didn't happen. Very disappointing and to be honest, I am done now with trying to organise any more. I guess people move on in life and previously valued friendships no longer hold quite the same importance. Something I've been trying not to accept for the past few years.
So, I was in a mood. My friend Alex, whose first jaunt out this was going to be since the birth of her child, was also similarly annoyed. In the end, me and Matt went round there for a BBQ where we all drank far too much and probably ate too little. Sunday then was a bit of a write off which saw me struggling to move as Alex and I had insisted on Jiving for a fair proportion of Saturday. Ouch.
A good day WW wise yesterday and a very full on PT session. I was actually so exhausted that even the cool down exercises had me gasping for air. My trainer upped my running intervals to 3 minutes at a time - which I think lead to the exhaustion, but the fact I can see an improvement was enough for me to carry on. Today hurts a lot. I expect tomorrow will be worse.
I am not sure what the scales will tell me tonight, but I've not been weighed officially for 2 weeks so I don't expect it will be overly pretty, but I will suck it up. I'm getting remeasured on Friday for my wedding dress, so I will be able to see if, despite the lack of weight loss, there may have been some inches lost with the exercise. Wishful thinking, perhaps?
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Sigh
You can probably guess from my silence that I've been a bit, well, crap.
The appointment with the registrar went well, we remembered each others names, jobs and dates of birth, so that was handy. Then to celebrate (seriously?!) we went for breakfast afterwards. Quite what we were celebrating, I've no idea.
My plan for the breakfast had been egg on toast, but on a week day it's The Breakfast Club and you get a Full English, plus a cuppa for a fiver and it seemed rude not to.
Once I got home, had a little lie down (I had the morning off, what else is there to do?) and then remembered it was actually weigh in that night, well the damage was done. A hop on the scales showed that I could either be 6 months pregnant (I assure you this is not the case), carrying a small child on my back or that aforementioned breakfast was weighing really bloody heavily and I was on for a very definite gain.
This lead to my dummy being monumentally spat out. I didn't go to WW and I spent the rest of the day berating myself. I know this was not big it clever an I should have gone and faced the music, but I seriously couldn't face it.
Anyway, things have improved somewhat since then. I had a virtuous day yesterday, another PT session (which was harder than ever last night) and today I've come in bang on points.
The plan for tomorrow is gym after work, no pub and then WW friendly lasagne for dinner.
Saturday I've a girls lunch (was meant to be a boozy night out but that's gone out of the window, I won't go into details as I'm in danger of combusting due to annoyance) but I've already planned for that and should have all of my weekly points at my disposal.
I've only got 15 weeks til the wedding, I can at least get a stone, maybe a stone and a half off by then so my dress is just that little bit more comfortable to wear.
Wish me luck. I fear I may need it.
Especially after discovering this:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The appointment with the registrar went well, we remembered each others names, jobs and dates of birth, so that was handy. Then to celebrate (seriously?!) we went for breakfast afterwards. Quite what we were celebrating, I've no idea.
My plan for the breakfast had been egg on toast, but on a week day it's The Breakfast Club and you get a Full English, plus a cuppa for a fiver and it seemed rude not to.
Once I got home, had a little lie down (I had the morning off, what else is there to do?) and then remembered it was actually weigh in that night, well the damage was done. A hop on the scales showed that I could either be 6 months pregnant (I assure you this is not the case), carrying a small child on my back or that aforementioned breakfast was weighing really bloody heavily and I was on for a very definite gain.
This lead to my dummy being monumentally spat out. I didn't go to WW and I spent the rest of the day berating myself. I know this was not big it clever an I should have gone and faced the music, but I seriously couldn't face it.
Anyway, things have improved somewhat since then. I had a virtuous day yesterday, another PT session (which was harder than ever last night) and today I've come in bang on points.
The plan for tomorrow is gym after work, no pub and then WW friendly lasagne for dinner.
Saturday I've a girls lunch (was meant to be a boozy night out but that's gone out of the window, I won't go into details as I'm in danger of combusting due to annoyance) but I've already planned for that and should have all of my weekly points at my disposal.
I've only got 15 weeks til the wedding, I can at least get a stone, maybe a stone and a half off by then so my dress is just that little bit more comfortable to wear.
Wish me luck. I fear I may need it.
Especially after discovering this:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 14 May 2012
Last minute panic
Why do the weekends persist in going by so quickly? I awoke in a full on foul mood this morning, I had a dreadful night's sleep and then, the return of the rain, along with a 2 hour journey to work (it's 14 miles...) didn't do much to lift my spirits.
I can't say things have improved overly since getting to work. It's days like today when I considering emigrating and running a beach bar. That has to be preferable?
The weekend was another mixed bag. I had PT on Friday where I upped my running to 10 whole minutes. I felt in my breathing that I could have carried on, but my thunder thighs had other ideas so we had to slow down to a fast walk, but 26 minutes in total and I felt very proud of myself. The good thing about PT on a Friday is that I then don't want to drink any from of booze, it feels like a waste.
Saturday I was up fairly bright and early (the joys of not boozing) and headed over to collect my friend to get ourselves to the Spa hotel where we'd be spending the night. Lovely, lovely, lovely. The 2 girlfriends with whom I do this on a fairly regular basis, both have small children, so they love to make the most of their 24 hours of freedom. Hence this happened:
and that was only the half of it.
Still, I swam approximately 6 lengths and spent some time in the steam room, so that has to counteract any badness, right?
Yesterday was fairly good, despite a full English for breakfast. When I got home, we met some friends for lunch, and I had a salad - no starter or dessert like everyone else. Still, that's not really a massive win and I am not expecting anything good tomorrow night at the scales.
And so, I've been a bit quiet on the wedding front. I'm suddenly finding myself stressing because it feels like it is really soon (14 weeks til we fly, 15 weeks til the big day, no time at all to be 3 stone lighter).
First of all, my brother in law has severely annoyed me. He is not going on Matt's stag do. The reason from him and my sister was lack of cash, specifically as coming to my Wedding (with the 2 kids) is bankrupting them. Let's not mention the 10 day all inclusive holiday they are having next month, apparently a weekend in Italy is the most expensive thing ever.
Now Matt's stag do is a weekend in London, my dad and other brother in law are travelling down on the Saturday for just the one night, but apparently BIL no. 1 cannot afford this. So imagine my delight when I see on the dreaded Facebook that he was in Barcelona for the Grand Prix at the weekend. Skint indeed.
Matt is not at all bothered that he is not in attendance (in all honestly, he is probably a bit relieved) but I am annoyed out of a sense of family. I think he should be there - he went to my other BIL's a couple of years ago and as far as I am concerned, my sister should have told him to be less selfish. Of course, I don't want to cause any family upset, so I will remain quiet. I just don't understand why people can't put their own wants aside at these times - he wanted to bring a load of his mates, but they are idiots (they fight etc. after a few drinks) so Matt said no. Next thing we know, he is too poor to come. I'd can't be doing with people telling lies. Just say you don't want to go and be done with it.
Anyway, I am in danger of going off on one so I shall leave it there.
Tomorrow we've got our appointment with the Registrar to give notice and get our Certificate of No Impediment. I've had a massive panic as none of our paperwork was in order, so I've had to pay extortionate amounts to get it. Strangely, Matt didn't have his original Marriage Certificate (and really not appropriate to ask his ex wife) and neither of us had our 'long' Birth Certificates, so that was the blind panic last week.
I've also discovered that I am not on any of the utility bills, so I am hoping beyond hope that they accept my driving licence as proof of address. They don't make these things easy, do they? I am strangely nervous about this appointment in case they think we are having some sort of sham marriage, why they'd ever believe that, I don't know, but I am not content unless I am worrying!
I'm also having a few wedding dress issues - no one seems to know when I should be getting measured again or where, so chances are, I will be wearing a bin bag on the big day - although this would probably be a bit on the sweaty side. I am not going to start panicking about this just yet, but it's in the back of my mind that I really need to get a grip on all things wedding related.
So, assuming all goes well tomorrow and we get the go ahead to marry, I shall endeavour to be a bit more Bridezilla over the next few weeks. We've now had 50 acceptances, so I really should be a bit more in control. I may have to fake a wedding in Italy if I am not careful!
Friday, 11 May 2012
Did you spot the deliberate mistake?
My last post was on Tuesday, I was happily bragging about my running, blah blah blah. Did you notice the glaring omission? Tuesday is WI day and I was totally oblivious, in fact I didn't even realise I had missed WI til I got an email on Wednesday morning from my leader. As lovely as a Bank Holiday is, it has left me all confused as to my whereabouts.
Seriously, how blonde can one girl be?
So, I don't know where I am at with the scales really. I've been to the gym a few times this week (more running) and I've got PT tonight. Tomorrow I am off to a spa hotel with a couple of girlfriend's for the night. We get a 3 course meal and a Full English, both of which are likely to be hard to resist but hopefully I can be good for the rest of the time (although there is a lot of Prosecco chat, so who knows). I will attempt to make use of the pool to earn a couple of activity points.
Lots more wedding stuff happening over the next few weeks, it's actually seeming quite close now. Gulp. Perhaps this will give me a kick up the behind?
Seriously, how blonde can one girl be?
So, I don't know where I am at with the scales really. I've been to the gym a few times this week (more running) and I've got PT tonight. Tomorrow I am off to a spa hotel with a couple of girlfriend's for the night. We get a 3 course meal and a Full English, both of which are likely to be hard to resist but hopefully I can be good for the rest of the time (although there is a lot of Prosecco chat, so who knows). I will attempt to make use of the pool to earn a couple of activity points.
Lots more wedding stuff happening over the next few weeks, it's actually seeming quite close now. Gulp. Perhaps this will give me a kick up the behind?
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
run fat girl, run.
I have a confession.
My name is Linz and on Saturday, I ran. I ran for 6 whole minutes. To most people, I realise this is not earth shattering, but bearing in mind my previous record was 30 seconds, I am very proud.
I was so not feeling the love for the gym on Saturday. I only agreed to go to shut Matt up. I got there in a huff, put on my headphones and thought I'd have a little stomp on the treadmill and head home. Something strange happened. Once I was listening to my music, I kind of forgot where I was and it just seemed appropriate to run. Very odd. I felt like a normal person, I felt like I could run instead of that ridiculous speed walking I've been used to. Let's hope it wasn't a one off.
I am supposed to have PT tonight, but I've been up most of the night with some very strange chest goings on. During the night, in my totally OTT way, I was convinced the end was nigh so I've not really had much sleep and today I am finding breathing a bit of a struggle, so PT is probably not the answer. If it ever stops raining, I may go for a walk later.
In other news, the eating is still very on and off. I have had a couple of really good days and some pretty terrible ones, but I am still thinking about it which I suppose is half the battle. I've planned most of the week and don't have many social outings, so fingers crossed.
One meal at a time, one day at a time.
My name is Linz and on Saturday, I ran. I ran for 6 whole minutes. To most people, I realise this is not earth shattering, but bearing in mind my previous record was 30 seconds, I am very proud.
I was so not feeling the love for the gym on Saturday. I only agreed to go to shut Matt up. I got there in a huff, put on my headphones and thought I'd have a little stomp on the treadmill and head home. Something strange happened. Once I was listening to my music, I kind of forgot where I was and it just seemed appropriate to run. Very odd. I felt like a normal person, I felt like I could run instead of that ridiculous speed walking I've been used to. Let's hope it wasn't a one off.
I am supposed to have PT tonight, but I've been up most of the night with some very strange chest goings on. During the night, in my totally OTT way, I was convinced the end was nigh so I've not really had much sleep and today I am finding breathing a bit of a struggle, so PT is probably not the answer. If it ever stops raining, I may go for a walk later.
In other news, the eating is still very on and off. I have had a couple of really good days and some pretty terrible ones, but I am still thinking about it which I suppose is half the battle. I've planned most of the week and don't have many social outings, so fingers crossed.
One meal at a time, one day at a time.
Friday, 4 May 2012
Emotional eating
Yesterday was not a good day and I totally let my emotional state get the better of me - which resulted in a massive use of points last night.
I came into the office early and despite pretty much always being the first person in the office, my alarm key fob decided not to work and I had to endure the world's loudest alarm for 30 minutes, plus a visit from the Police, so that was nice.
So, the day didn't get off to the best of starts. I then had to put up with a member of the Consulting team at work speaking to me like I was some form of idiot. He was patronising, condescending and downright rude. I almost lost my temper, so had to spend 5 minutes trying to regain my composure in the loo's. Couple that with so much going on that everyone kept telling me was urgent, well I was in the mood to end all moods. Savage I think was the description Matt used.
Stupidly, this meant I sacked off the gym in favour of the pub. When will I learn?
The result is despite having a healthy tea which had already been planned, I drank far too much using loads of points and I feel like cack today.
I am struggling not to eat everything in sight. I've had an egg sarnie and some crisps and I've resorted to a fat Coke to try and perk myself up. Nothing is working. I think the only answer is to go home to bed!
I am going to try and get to the gym tonight, although it might not be a winner if I still feel fragile. So I'll have to go Saturday and Sunday. Boo.
Anyway, one small blip does not mean the rest of the week has to be a write off. I'm not out tonight (good job really) we've one social event tomorrow - A Cinco de Mayo party, but other than that, I should be fairly restrained.
I tried being really angelic last week and I lost 1lb, maybe this week I will lose loads and I can market my new diet and make a fortune.
Happy weekend everyone, enjoy the Bank Holiday.
I came into the office early and despite pretty much always being the first person in the office, my alarm key fob decided not to work and I had to endure the world's loudest alarm for 30 minutes, plus a visit from the Police, so that was nice.
So, the day didn't get off to the best of starts. I then had to put up with a member of the Consulting team at work speaking to me like I was some form of idiot. He was patronising, condescending and downright rude. I almost lost my temper, so had to spend 5 minutes trying to regain my composure in the loo's. Couple that with so much going on that everyone kept telling me was urgent, well I was in the mood to end all moods. Savage I think was the description Matt used.
Stupidly, this meant I sacked off the gym in favour of the pub. When will I learn?
The result is despite having a healthy tea which had already been planned, I drank far too much using loads of points and I feel like cack today.
I am struggling not to eat everything in sight. I've had an egg sarnie and some crisps and I've resorted to a fat Coke to try and perk myself up. Nothing is working. I think the only answer is to go home to bed!
I am going to try and get to the gym tonight, although it might not be a winner if I still feel fragile. So I'll have to go Saturday and Sunday. Boo.
Anyway, one small blip does not mean the rest of the week has to be a write off. I'm not out tonight (good job really) we've one social event tomorrow - A Cinco de Mayo party, but other than that, I should be fairly restrained.
I tried being really angelic last week and I lost 1lb, maybe this week I will lose loads and I can market my new diet and make a fortune.
Happy weekend everyone, enjoy the Bank Holiday.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Weigh in
I think I've inadvertently gone a bit AWOL of late, not intentional but I usually blog from work (naughty, I know) and I've had one of my friends shadowing me the past week as she starts with us soon. I can't really therefore sit and bang on about my latest weight traumas whilst I'm meant to be showing her the ropes. I don't think blogging is part of the job spec.
Thanks also to those who've nominated me for blog awards. Will try and do those posts soon.
So anyway, what's news? Well I've been pretty smug as I managed 3 PT sessions in 5 days. Yes people, 3. That's 3 hours of full on exercise to the point I can't speak.
I have to admit that I was massively struggling with any form of movement on Saturday - I had to resort to rolling instead of walking, but no pain no gain, right?
I'd also had a reasonably good week WW wise, hardly any booze, healthy meals, limited treats, couple that with a shed load of activity points (i.e 60!!!) and well I felt like She-Ra.
I am however still lardy. 1lb off this week, while I know last week was a sheer fluke and I shouldn't have lost a thing, I can't help but feel slightly bloody annoyed. I mean I temporarily lost the ability to bend my legs and where does it get me? Ok yes, I'm fitter, but I've still got 2 chins. I've consoled myself with a curry and some wine and I wonder why I'm treading water....
I need to have a dress (of the wedding variety) fitting soon and I'm actually thinking I'm bigger than I was when I had my measurements taken. Ho hum. I was happy where I was back then, so I just need to get back there and maintain that.
Oh well, at least I'll have a pretty Tatty Devine necklace to wear on the evening. How wonderfully tacky?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thanks also to those who've nominated me for blog awards. Will try and do those posts soon.
So anyway, what's news? Well I've been pretty smug as I managed 3 PT sessions in 5 days. Yes people, 3. That's 3 hours of full on exercise to the point I can't speak.
I have to admit that I was massively struggling with any form of movement on Saturday - I had to resort to rolling instead of walking, but no pain no gain, right?
I'd also had a reasonably good week WW wise, hardly any booze, healthy meals, limited treats, couple that with a shed load of activity points (i.e 60!!!) and well I felt like She-Ra.
I am however still lardy. 1lb off this week, while I know last week was a sheer fluke and I shouldn't have lost a thing, I can't help but feel slightly bloody annoyed. I mean I temporarily lost the ability to bend my legs and where does it get me? Ok yes, I'm fitter, but I've still got 2 chins. I've consoled myself with a curry and some wine and I wonder why I'm treading water....
I need to have a dress (of the wedding variety) fitting soon and I'm actually thinking I'm bigger than I was when I had my measurements taken. Ho hum. I was happy where I was back then, so I just need to get back there and maintain that.
Oh well, at least I'll have a pretty Tatty Devine necklace to wear on the evening. How wonderfully tacky?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 26 April 2012
A lesson learnt
If you've only eaten a salad all day (not due to diet, due to ridiculous day at work) and then you go for PT, you may feel like you will projectile vomit after 25 minutes on the running machine. Thank God for an emergency banana. I also learnt that doing press ups on a TRX machine may lead to you fearing for the safety of your teeth.
I actually ran last night for 1 minute intervals. Now I know this is not a big deal, but for a lard arse like me, it's pretty good going. Last night's session really hurt. I would have thought my body would be getting used to this shizz by now.
Stupidly I've another PT session tomorrow night. I think Saturday may be spent in a full body cast.
I actually ran last night for 1 minute intervals. Now I know this is not a big deal, but for a lard arse like me, it's pretty good going. Last night's session really hurt. I would have thought my body would be getting used to this shizz by now.
Stupidly I've another PT session tomorrow night. I think Saturday may be spent in a full body cast.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Miracle diet and a wedding disaster
By some form of miracle, I lost 2lbs. This cannot be at all real unless I am suffering severe dehydration so I need to be extremely careful this week. Or perhaps I am about to become a new diet guru with my weight loss plan of pints and fried food....
So, today has gotten off to a fairly decent start. Lots of salad and fruit, snacks of Yoghurt and Space Raiders (not together obviously) and I have PT tonight. I'm out for dinner tomorrow night as well as Friday, but there are no social plans for the weekend. This could be the new start that actually works. I have PT again on Friday and am planning to hit the gym on Sunday. This exhausts me at the mere thought.
In other wedding related news, I had one task that was necessary for the wedding to go ahead and I seem to have effed that up somewhat. We need a 'Certificate of No Impediment' to allow us to marry in Italy. My wedding planner needs that 1 month before we get married. I presumed I still had loads of time.
This would not appear to be the case. The next possible date for an appointment with the Registrar is 15th May - all well and good except Matt is in Germany with work... and for some ridiculous bureaucratic reason, he then needs to be back in the country for 9 days before we can have another appointment. That takes us to the 28th May. Then it takes around 28 days for the certificate to be issued... you see my trauma here. I've had over a year to sort this and I leave myself a leeway of about 2 weeks. Here's hoping all of our paperwork is in order when we go to the appointment otherwise we are in all sorts of trouble,
I foresee a fake wedding occurring. Oh well, at least everyone will have a nice holiday.
So, today has gotten off to a fairly decent start. Lots of salad and fruit, snacks of Yoghurt and Space Raiders (not together obviously) and I have PT tonight. I'm out for dinner tomorrow night as well as Friday, but there are no social plans for the weekend. This could be the new start that actually works. I have PT again on Friday and am planning to hit the gym on Sunday. This exhausts me at the mere thought.
In other wedding related news, I had one task that was necessary for the wedding to go ahead and I seem to have effed that up somewhat. We need a 'Certificate of No Impediment' to allow us to marry in Italy. My wedding planner needs that 1 month before we get married. I presumed I still had loads of time.
This would not appear to be the case. The next possible date for an appointment with the Registrar is 15th May - all well and good except Matt is in Germany with work... and for some ridiculous bureaucratic reason, he then needs to be back in the country for 9 days before we can have another appointment. That takes us to the 28th May. Then it takes around 28 days for the certificate to be issued... you see my trauma here. I've had over a year to sort this and I leave myself a leeway of about 2 weeks. Here's hoping all of our paperwork is in order when we go to the appointment otherwise we are in all sorts of trouble,
I foresee a fake wedding occurring. Oh well, at least everyone will have a nice holiday.
Monday, 23 April 2012
Lovely Liverpool
We've spent a rather lovely weekend in Liverpool with one of my best friends and her husband. An excuse for Matt to attend the Liverpool v West Brom game (c'mon the Baggies!!) and a lovely catch up with my friend, drinking, laughing a lot, eating lovely food and exploring Liverpool.
It has not been in the slightest WW friendly. I jumped on the scales this morning to see just how bad it had been in order to prepare myself for WI. Well I was 4 lbs down from Friday, so clearly that's a load of old tosh. Why do the scales insist on playing tricks? Or perhaps I've found the answer to my weight loss woes.
There was a lot of this:
Some of this:
All in all, a delightful weekend.
So here I am, Monday morning and I am refocussing once again. Are you bored of my Monday morning restarts yet? Because, I am starting to bore the hell out of myself.
I ate a lot of rubbish at the weekend which is good in a way as it's totally sickened me. If I don't see any more chocolate for the rest of my life, that's probably not going to upset me too much.
Today has mostly involved fruit and this:
As with all lower fat Macaroni Cheese's, I found the sauce a bit too runny, but it's probably my favourite of reduced fat Macaroni Cheese to date (the WW one is like tasteless slop).
Unfortunately my trainer is ill today, so PT tonight is cancelled. I'm going to the gym anyway and hopefully we can reschedule for tomorrow. If not, I've a session with him Thursday anyway and I am determined to get back into the swing of it all this week.
18 weeks til the wedding. Eeeeeeek. I can make a difference if I stop messing about.
It has not been in the slightest WW friendly. I jumped on the scales this morning to see just how bad it had been in order to prepare myself for WI. Well I was 4 lbs down from Friday, so clearly that's a load of old tosh. Why do the scales insist on playing tricks? Or perhaps I've found the answer to my weight loss woes.
There was a lot of this:
Some of this:
We went to see these (Sea Odyssey):
And we both looked very squinty.
All in all, a delightful weekend.
So here I am, Monday morning and I am refocussing once again. Are you bored of my Monday morning restarts yet? Because, I am starting to bore the hell out of myself.
I ate a lot of rubbish at the weekend which is good in a way as it's totally sickened me. If I don't see any more chocolate for the rest of my life, that's probably not going to upset me too much.
Today has mostly involved fruit and this:
Macaroni Cheese is possibly my most favourite thing in the world, add in some Leeks and I was jumping up and down with joy like a crazy lady in M&S. 10 PP's for this lot, which for someone like me on a gazillion a day, is not bad for lunch.
As with all lower fat Macaroni Cheese's, I found the sauce a bit too runny, but it's probably my favourite of reduced fat Macaroni Cheese to date (the WW one is like tasteless slop).
Unfortunately my trainer is ill today, so PT tonight is cancelled. I'm going to the gym anyway and hopefully we can reschedule for tomorrow. If not, I've a session with him Thursday anyway and I am determined to get back into the swing of it all this week.
18 weeks til the wedding. Eeeeeeek. I can make a difference if I stop messing about.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
A loss
2lbs off. I really don't think I deserve it, but I'm not going to complain too much. I actually resorted to removing my dress in class (thankfully I was wearing leggings and a vest) as I was convinced that my dress weighed at least half a stone. Then I got soaked on my way to class, so I was further convinced wet hair would add a few pounds. Anyway, all ridiculousness aside I was over the moon with that result.
I celebrated with a kebab and some wine, so it's probably back on again this morning. (Don't judge me, you can't beat a good old Donner every now and then).
Anyway, today is a new day and I've planned the next few days down to the last bite. We're off to Liverpool for the weekend so that's a massive gap in the plan but I do have 2 PT sessions booked in, so the exercise part is sorted plus another gym session tomorrow.
PT on Monday was hideous as expected. I could really feel that I'd not been for a couple of weeks and have been walking like an 80 year old since. My instructor has given me a plan to follow on the days I go it alone, so I don't slack and spend 20 mins having a leisurely pedal and convince myself I've done enough.
So, here's hoping for some fresh fat next week. I'm getting a bit bored of this yo-yo business.
I celebrated with a kebab and some wine, so it's probably back on again this morning. (Don't judge me, you can't beat a good old Donner every now and then).
Anyway, today is a new day and I've planned the next few days down to the last bite. We're off to Liverpool for the weekend so that's a massive gap in the plan but I do have 2 PT sessions booked in, so the exercise part is sorted plus another gym session tomorrow.
PT on Monday was hideous as expected. I could really feel that I'd not been for a couple of weeks and have been walking like an 80 year old since. My instructor has given me a plan to follow on the days I go it alone, so I don't slack and spend 20 mins having a leisurely pedal and convince myself I've done enough.
So, here's hoping for some fresh fat next week. I'm getting a bit bored of this yo-yo business.
Monday, 16 April 2012
A Mixed bag
As usual, the weekend was a mixed bag. I don't understand how I can be saintly during the week and then Friday night comes and any last remaining ounce of sense is removed from my brain.
It wasn't a complete write off, but it certainly wasn't text book by any stretch of the imagination. I think with tonight's PT session (which I am dreading) I will just about scrape in on points. The fact that I've attempted to track the weekend is progress, but I really need to stop eating and drinking with abandon. There was a bit too much wine creeping back into my diet instead of the Gin & Slimline tonic I'd been consuming.
I made it to the gym on Saturday and did around 35 minutes of cardio plus some kettle bells. Given I've been more than a bit lapse of late, I didn't struggle as much as I'd expected. I am however expecting the worst from tonight's PT session. I've not been for 2 weeks, so I am pretty sure I will be completely wiped out.
Once again (as per every Monday morning) I am refocussed. It's just a shame I can't retain that focus when I am not at work.
I've a fairly busy week coming up, so I need to be very strict with myself. Fingers crossed the scales don't hate me tomorrow!
It wasn't a complete write off, but it certainly wasn't text book by any stretch of the imagination. I think with tonight's PT session (which I am dreading) I will just about scrape in on points. The fact that I've attempted to track the weekend is progress, but I really need to stop eating and drinking with abandon. There was a bit too much wine creeping back into my diet instead of the Gin & Slimline tonic I'd been consuming.
I made it to the gym on Saturday and did around 35 minutes of cardio plus some kettle bells. Given I've been more than a bit lapse of late, I didn't struggle as much as I'd expected. I am however expecting the worst from tonight's PT session. I've not been for 2 weeks, so I am pretty sure I will be completely wiped out.
Once again (as per every Monday morning) I am refocussed. It's just a shame I can't retain that focus when I am not at work.
I've a fairly busy week coming up, so I need to be very strict with myself. Fingers crossed the scales don't hate me tomorrow!
Friday, 13 April 2012
Nothing much about nothing much
There is very little to report here, except I am being very good. I've had 2 days where I came in slightly under points - and I'm not going to eat for the sake of it. Today is shaping up well too, Matt is in Frankfurt (or somewhere else in Germany, I get confused he is away that often) and won't be back til gone 10pm tonight. This means no trip to the pub so no sneaky alcohol points.
I've not exercised as I managed to put my back out on Wednesday in a sleep related injury. It's pretty bloody painful just sitting still, but seems to have eased off a bit today so I am DEFINITELY (if I put that in capitals it means I have to go) going to the gym tomorrow. My trainer being on holiday and Matt being out of action due to his operation has been a disaster for me. I've not been to the gym for 2 weeks. Bad Linz.
We've a couple of social engagements to potentially put a spanner in the works this weekend. Dinner tomorrow night with friends and a lunch on Sunday which hopefully won't be too raucous as there are children involved. I will have all of my weeklies in reserve if required however, plus PT on Monday so all in all, it should be good.
Happy weekend people.
I've not exercised as I managed to put my back out on Wednesday in a sleep related injury. It's pretty bloody painful just sitting still, but seems to have eased off a bit today so I am DEFINITELY (if I put that in capitals it means I have to go) going to the gym tomorrow. My trainer being on holiday and Matt being out of action due to his operation has been a disaster for me. I've not been to the gym for 2 weeks. Bad Linz.
We've a couple of social engagements to potentially put a spanner in the works this weekend. Dinner tomorrow night with friends and a lunch on Sunday which hopefully won't be too raucous as there are children involved. I will have all of my weeklies in reserve if required however, plus PT on Monday so all in all, it should be good.
Happy weekend people.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Yo Yo
3lbs on. Not the end of the world I guess, but bloody annoying all the same. I was half tempted to skip WI as I knew it'd be bad news, but that's where I started on the slippery slope last time. How can I cope with a 10 day holiday and gain 1.5lbs, but a long weekend sees me double that? Annoying.
I didn't end up staying for class as I was in such a foul mood (a mixture of work and WI) so came home, had a glass of pink fizz as a little treat and then sat and planned the rest of the week. I've no social outings until Saturday, so in theory I should be able to avoid any unmitigated disasters.
Exercise needs to make a reappearance, so I'm either going to hit the gym tonight or go for a long walk if the weather stays dry. I've brought any remaining chocolate into work so I am not tempted to sit at home eating it with endless cups of tea.
I don't suppose I'll find it as easy to lose these 3lbs as I did to put the buggers on, but we'll give it a good go this week.
I didn't end up staying for class as I was in such a foul mood (a mixture of work and WI) so came home, had a glass of pink fizz as a little treat and then sat and planned the rest of the week. I've no social outings until Saturday, so in theory I should be able to avoid any unmitigated disasters.
Exercise needs to make a reappearance, so I'm either going to hit the gym tonight or go for a long walk if the weather stays dry. I've brought any remaining chocolate into work so I am not tempted to sit at home eating it with endless cups of tea.
I don't suppose I'll find it as easy to lose these 3lbs as I did to put the buggers on, but we'll give it a good go this week.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Child minding
Happy Tuesday people. Hope you've all had a lovely long Easter weekend. Mine has completely flown by and I feel more shattered than when I started. I had my nieces come to stay with my parents, which has been totally lovely, but utterly exhausting!
Things I've learnt this weekend:
Things I've learnt this weekend:
- Children don't do quiet.
- Children need a lot of entertainment.
- When you are occupied with an endless stream of child related activities, it's really difficult to eat well if you aren't completely prepared (which I was not).
- I'm not a massive fan of Peppa Pig.
So, my eating has been utter shizz since Friday. I am dreading WI tonight. I found myself, far too often, picking at rubbish, left over chicken nuggets, chips, bits of Easter eggs etc. I've not pointed a thing, I've not been to the gym for over a week (unless you count the swimming yesterday, but I managed 4 lengths as I was on child duty). It's not going to be pretty. I've walked a lot, but that's about my only saving grace.
I guess when you actually have children, you are used to the constant stream of demands, activities and running around. I am not. Any form of plan I had to deal with my eating and exercise went totally out of the window. I found myself eating bits of their left over breakfasts and not making myself anything 'proper' hence I was famished by 11am and eating something quick and easy (rarely healthy). My plan to cook meals went out of the window as it was easier just to eat if we were already out. I've a fridge full of vegetables which will need to be consumed this week in an attempt to mitigate the crap I've consumed.
My nieces are adorable and I love them to bits, but I don't think I was ever fully aware of just how much hard work it is having a child. Of course, it's rewarding, when they are laughing and smiling and giving you cuddles or telling you they love you, but the rest of it - well it's just non stop. I completely applaud all you parents out there.
I'm back focussed on WW again today and hopefully there will be no more major blips for the foreseeable. We've a flat full of chocolate which I need to palm off on work and I need to get myself back to the gym. I fully expect a hefty gain tonight, which while very disappointing, will be fully deserved.
I'm expecting a very quiet flat when I get home tonight which will be very odd. I will miss having their gorgeous little faces around.
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