Monday the 7th Jan was my first day back at work in 2 weeks and was also the first weigh in for Weight Watchers (WW). I was really hoping that I had been able to maintain over the Christmas and New Year period. I had eaten well and drank copious amounts of wine, champagne and vodka, and failed to do any exercise (apart from some shopping).
My clothes certainly over the last 10-12 weeks have gotten baggier and I even had to go out and buy new cargo pants and 3/4 denim pants over the holiday season. I just had this horrible feeling that all the alcohol was going to bite. That and fact I ate fish and chips for lunch on New Years day.
I tentatively stood on the scales and was told well done you lost 0.8kg. That pushed my total loss to 5.4 kg, meaning I got a bookmark for my first 5kg and I reached my goal weight!!! At the meeting I got presented with a keyring and had to talk about my experience and changes I had made. All rather embarrassing as I am sure they all look at me like I don't need to lose weight.
Anyway, I just can't believe that I (the one who loves fatty snacks of shapes biscuits and chips and chocolate) has lost 5kg and dropped a size in clothing. I am now a size 10, but even had the pleasure of buying a size 8 skirt from Rockmans, but trust me it is incorrectly sized.
I have had numerous comments about the weight loss - mostly from the usual suspects (you know who you are), but I have also had comments from work colleagues (including some of the blokes) and some of my male friends. Thank you all for kind comments, they inspire me a bit more to keep at it and not pig out on that cake or chips. I am also feeling more confident and a bit sexy!
I will now be on a maintenance plan with WW, however I have spoken with my leader and have agreed that I will aim for a total of 7kg, maybe 8. That will make about a 10% loss. I don't want to look too skinny, but feel like 60kg would be a nice round number.
Thank you all for your support and kind words. I hope this inspires those of you who are currently on your own weight loss adventures. The journey continues..........
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Monday, December 10, 2007
Season 5 Final Poker Tournament
On Sunday the 9 December Pam and I attended the season 5 Grand Final for Poker at Fremantle Oval. This event catered for 200 pro-league players and 65 free-league players. The pros were playing for a first prize of $20,000. I qualified to play by being in the top 80 free-league players and Pam got in on standby.
It was a tough day especially for Pam who was massively hungover. I myself had not indulged so much as I wanted to have a clear mind at the game. It was a slow process to register and the game didn't start until 1pm despite us being there at 10.30am, so we went for food and some shopping.
As usual we ended up on separate tables, but we both managed to still be in the game after the first break (4 rounds of 15 mins). After the break both of us were pretty low on chips and after I had been moved to another table I ended up on the same table as Pam. We didn't last long after that. Not sure where Pam finished, but I was about 30th.
We went to leave and Frank stopped us and said we had to stay. I argued the point that I needed to get to the city before the shops shut at 5pm and that is when he said that he needed to present me an award. So to cut a long story short I was presented with the Rookie of Season 5. How embarrassing having to collect my award from Frank who was on a stage, whilst he bragged about how I had placed six times at final table and that I had an average score that most players would be envious of (396). Hmmmmm, but I have scanned my award for all to see as secretly I am a bit proud. Still think I am crap at poker, but will be looking for an improvement next season, which starts on 13 Jan 2008 (for anyone who wants to come along - as Pam and I will help you).
Just quickly want to add that although I had the day off today to get my hair done, I did pop into work for my weight watchers weigh in. OMG!!!!! I lost 1.8 kg this week!!! I have no idea how as I had a work Xmas do on Friday and drank heaps on Sat too. I now only have 100g to hit my goal weight. My next target will be 10% body weight loss as I tried the size down in my work pants and they were just a little too tight.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
What a crap week - & only 3 days in!
Today sealed the crappiest week I have had in ages. It is full moon and I strongly believe that the universe has plotted against me. Today the tears flowed yet that has failed to relieve anything.
Monday - I get a phone call from my real estate agent (the one I rent from, not the one who looks after my apartment) to ask about the lease as it expires in mid January. The conversation went a bit like this (shortened version):
Aaron (estate agent): Do you want to renew the lease?
Me: Yes, definitely.
Aaron: How long do you want to sign for?
Me: I would be happy with 12 months again.
Aaron: Great as that is what the owner is keen on.
Me: Great.
Aaron: Now about the rent. You are paying $300 per week and the owner has had the property valued recently as you know.
Me: Yes
Aaron: He wants to increase the rent to $360 per week.
Me: What!!!!!!
At this point the conversation deteriorated, however I never swore. I argued that I was a great tenant (reliable, pays on time without fail, maintained the property) to which Aaron replied that market values put the place a lot higher etc etc - you can imagine how I felt! I argued extensively about being an owner of a rented property that it does not all boil down to money, but rather tenants that suit your needs.
To cut a long story short I made a counter offer of $330 and was told by Aaron to rethink my offer and call back in 2 days. I have since researched and hate to say that although I know rents had increased I didn't realise how much. Anyway I saw him today in his office and discussed at length my situation in that I have a house mate to consider and that they (Aaron still thinks that Antonia still lives here, not the new guy Aaron) will move out if it goes up to $360 per week. My offer of $330 was given again with this explanation and now I am waiting for a counter offer.
Monday night - was poker night. For those in the dark I play in the WA Poker League (No limit Texas Hold 'Em) on Monday nights. It was a huge night on Monday with 55 players - a record for the Poker Den! I was knocked out in 22nd position, so missed out on points for the season. Must have been thinking about the rent and not the game. That and I got dealt crap that never matched the flop or anything else. I only won one hand and ended up getting blinded out. Sounds all tech I know, but I will explain this all in another blog soon. I am ranked 5th at the den's ladder as you can see here. They also have photos, so if of the nights and you will find Pam's and my photo on this site.
Wednesday - I had a dentist appointment at 8.00am. I was really worried as my dentist, Zac Chami had died since my last visit. Very tragic as he is my age with 3 kids under the age of about 5 or 6. Details are sketchy, but there is a coroners report pending. So a new dentist call Michael, who is sort of standing in until the practice is sold. I am told that I grind my teeth and as a result a molar which has a rather deep filling has cracked. That explains the occasional pain I get in my jaw. I am advised I need a crown and the process will start now. After an hour and a half in the chair and numerous tears of fear and stress the temporary crown is on. It took 6 needles (3 lots of 2) before I stopped feeling the drill - especially where the crack was. The cost................................... $1300! I didn't have the money so have made a down payment of $400 with the rest due in 2 weeks when I go back and get my new crown fitted.
No worries as I have health insurance and this price will be reduced. WRONG!!!!!! A phone call to HBF to see how much I would get back in order for me to budget this soon resulted in my finding I am not covered for "major" dental work. All I could say was holy crap! Last thing I needed, plus the girl at HBF and my work mates said that $1300 was really expensive. Not like I can shop around now for the best price!!!!!! I have increased my cover to include major dental, as I need a root canal, however there is a 12 month exclusion claim time. ARGH!!!
So my credit card has just about been maxed and I am about to take a midnight horror flight to Victoria with Pam to visit Karen tomorrow night. Bloody typical! Looks like a budget holiday for me and no factory outlet shopping for me at all. Plus my new temp crown has a scratchy bit on it that needs drilling off (discovered this after the anaesthetic wore off).
All I can say is NOT HAPPY JAN!
Monday - I get a phone call from my real estate agent (the one I rent from, not the one who looks after my apartment) to ask about the lease as it expires in mid January. The conversation went a bit like this (shortened version):
Aaron (estate agent): Do you want to renew the lease?
Me: Yes, definitely.
Aaron: How long do you want to sign for?
Me: I would be happy with 12 months again.
Aaron: Great as that is what the owner is keen on.
Me: Great.
Aaron: Now about the rent. You are paying $300 per week and the owner has had the property valued recently as you know.
Me: Yes
Aaron: He wants to increase the rent to $360 per week.
Me: What!!!!!!
At this point the conversation deteriorated, however I never swore. I argued that I was a great tenant (reliable, pays on time without fail, maintained the property) to which Aaron replied that market values put the place a lot higher etc etc - you can imagine how I felt! I argued extensively about being an owner of a rented property that it does not all boil down to money, but rather tenants that suit your needs.
To cut a long story short I made a counter offer of $330 and was told by Aaron to rethink my offer and call back in 2 days. I have since researched and hate to say that although I know rents had increased I didn't realise how much. Anyway I saw him today in his office and discussed at length my situation in that I have a house mate to consider and that they (Aaron still thinks that Antonia still lives here, not the new guy Aaron) will move out if it goes up to $360 per week. My offer of $330 was given again with this explanation and now I am waiting for a counter offer.
Monday night - was poker night. For those in the dark I play in the WA Poker League (No limit Texas Hold 'Em) on Monday nights. It was a huge night on Monday with 55 players - a record for the Poker Den! I was knocked out in 22nd position, so missed out on points for the season. Must have been thinking about the rent and not the game. That and I got dealt crap that never matched the flop or anything else. I only won one hand and ended up getting blinded out. Sounds all tech I know, but I will explain this all in another blog soon. I am ranked 5th at the den's ladder as you can see here. They also have photos, so if of the nights and you will find Pam's and my photo on this site.
Wednesday - I had a dentist appointment at 8.00am. I was really worried as my dentist, Zac Chami had died since my last visit. Very tragic as he is my age with 3 kids under the age of about 5 or 6. Details are sketchy, but there is a coroners report pending. So a new dentist call Michael, who is sort of standing in until the practice is sold. I am told that I grind my teeth and as a result a molar which has a rather deep filling has cracked. That explains the occasional pain I get in my jaw. I am advised I need a crown and the process will start now. After an hour and a half in the chair and numerous tears of fear and stress the temporary crown is on. It took 6 needles (3 lots of 2) before I stopped feeling the drill - especially where the crack was. The cost................................... $1300! I didn't have the money so have made a down payment of $400 with the rest due in 2 weeks when I go back and get my new crown fitted.
No worries as I have health insurance and this price will be reduced. WRONG!!!!!! A phone call to HBF to see how much I would get back in order for me to budget this soon resulted in my finding I am not covered for "major" dental work. All I could say was holy crap! Last thing I needed, plus the girl at HBF and my work mates said that $1300 was really expensive. Not like I can shop around now for the best price!!!!!! I have increased my cover to include major dental, as I need a root canal, however there is a 12 month exclusion claim time. ARGH!!!
So my credit card has just about been maxed and I am about to take a midnight horror flight to Victoria with Pam to visit Karen tomorrow night. Bloody typical! Looks like a budget holiday for me and no factory outlet shopping for me at all. Plus my new temp crown has a scratchy bit on it that needs drilling off (discovered this after the anaesthetic wore off).
All I can say is NOT HAPPY JAN!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Quick update
Just a quick update on my world seeing as though it is 10.35pm and getting to my bed time. I have also just started reading the last Harry Potter (at last) and want to get a few chapters in.
Where to start...... I went for my regular blood donation today, but it didn't go as expected. My haemoglobin level was right on the lowest acceptable level of 120, which disappointed me a bit as I have always had good levels. I got the experienced nurse as my veins are crap. Basically they are small, hard to find and tend to collapse if they don't get me on the first go. All was going ok as I joked about trying to beat my last donation time of 5 min 22 sec. She was impressed and said lots of people did this, but they have upgraded their machines and she said peoples times had slowed down. She got the needle in and then the machine wasn't setting up correctly, so she asked for help from some one else. This new person said not to worry - why ........ the vein was pierce (or what ever) and no blood was coming out, but it was filling my arm instead. I have never heard any one apologise so much. I bled a bit and they gave me a bruise cream (to take home) and an icepack. Still got my snacks, which I ate as I felt sorry for myself, then felt guilty about the weight watchers points. (They added up to 7.5 points!!!!!!)
So aquaerobics was out completed as advised by the nurse. Pam and Bradley still came for dinner, which was yummy Thai Chicken with red capsicum and bok choy. At least I had heaps more time to prepare and cook. We played scrabble and Brad beat us convincingly. Took my bandage off my (attempted) donation arm and it started bleeding again, so the bandage was put back on. Its a bit sore, but manageable.
I also have a new housemate called Aaron. He moved in on Sunday. He is a 32 year old pilot. Seems like a nice guy - very quiet, but I am sure we will talk more once we get to know each other. Guess we are still getting used to each other, plus he has just moved out of a house with 4 people to just me, so he is enjoying the peace and quiet. I will give more details about this later.
Work is still crap and stressing me out, but at least I am being paid. Don't feel like talking about it now, so more to come later too. Actually I am tired now so might head to bed. At least a short crappy post is better than no post!
Where to start...... I went for my regular blood donation today, but it didn't go as expected. My haemoglobin level was right on the lowest acceptable level of 120, which disappointed me a bit as I have always had good levels. I got the experienced nurse as my veins are crap. Basically they are small, hard to find and tend to collapse if they don't get me on the first go. All was going ok as I joked about trying to beat my last donation time of 5 min 22 sec. She was impressed and said lots of people did this, but they have upgraded their machines and she said peoples times had slowed down. She got the needle in and then the machine wasn't setting up correctly, so she asked for help from some one else. This new person said not to worry - why ........ the vein was pierce (or what ever) and no blood was coming out, but it was filling my arm instead. I have never heard any one apologise so much. I bled a bit and they gave me a bruise cream (to take home) and an icepack. Still got my snacks, which I ate as I felt sorry for myself, then felt guilty about the weight watchers points. (They added up to 7.5 points!!!!!!)
So aquaerobics was out completed as advised by the nurse. Pam and Bradley still came for dinner, which was yummy Thai Chicken with red capsicum and bok choy. At least I had heaps more time to prepare and cook. We played scrabble and Brad beat us convincingly. Took my bandage off my (attempted) donation arm and it started bleeding again, so the bandage was put back on. Its a bit sore, but manageable.
I also have a new housemate called Aaron. He moved in on Sunday. He is a 32 year old pilot. Seems like a nice guy - very quiet, but I am sure we will talk more once we get to know each other. Guess we are still getting used to each other, plus he has just moved out of a house with 4 people to just me, so he is enjoying the peace and quiet. I will give more details about this later.
Work is still crap and stressing me out, but at least I am being paid. Don't feel like talking about it now, so more to come later too. Actually I am tired now so might head to bed. At least a short crappy post is better than no post!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Half way to my goal
I have been sick and tired of slowly gaining weight - you know what I mean - the slow creep, so that your clothes get tighter and tighter and eventually you have to buy bigger clothes.
So I have taken the plunge and decided it is time for a life style change. I joined weight watchers (at work) 5 weeks ago and have been taking an aquaerobics class at least once a week. Despite an initial set back, being what I have I let myself into, I have adjusted quite well. That first week brought the realisation of the crap I was eating, and the strong sense I would never be able to eat these things again. However I have learnt it is about moderation..... and point counting! Yes, my cupboard is still half full of crappy food, but I am damned if I am throwing it away and will work on eating it bit by bit. Kinda like rations, but yummy ones!
I have splurged, what with a Melbourne Cup lunch and numerous nights on the grog, but I am learning how to deal with this and adjust the week to save those damn points for those crappy food days. I have changed from Coke to Diet Coke (which surprised me how easy it was) and instead of shapes biscuits when I come home it is celery & carrot sticks with a tablespoon of lite french onion dip. I have also gone back to cooking some basis meals (meat and vegies) which are soooooo yummy after not having them for a while.
The aqua classes are a hoot. I go with Pam and my mum every Wednesday and sometimes Pam and I go on a Friday too. I think I am getting better at it and my mum just cracks me up with her dancing in the pool! The good thing is Pam used to teach so she gets me on the right track in order to get the maximum work out.
So the big question is ...................... is it working?
YES!
My plan was to loose 5 kilos (this may increase depending what I look like when I get there). Today I got weighed and I am at the half way mark. I can't believe I have lost 2.5 kilos! My work pants are getting baggy, which is a bummer as I just bought all new pants. Oh well, better off being healthier than have nice fitting pants.
So I have taken the plunge and decided it is time for a life style change. I joined weight watchers (at work) 5 weeks ago and have been taking an aquaerobics class at least once a week. Despite an initial set back, being what I have I let myself into, I have adjusted quite well. That first week brought the realisation of the crap I was eating, and the strong sense I would never be able to eat these things again. However I have learnt it is about moderation..... and point counting! Yes, my cupboard is still half full of crappy food, but I am damned if I am throwing it away and will work on eating it bit by bit. Kinda like rations, but yummy ones!
I have splurged, what with a Melbourne Cup lunch and numerous nights on the grog, but I am learning how to deal with this and adjust the week to save those damn points for those crappy food days. I have changed from Coke to Diet Coke (which surprised me how easy it was) and instead of shapes biscuits when I come home it is celery & carrot sticks with a tablespoon of lite french onion dip. I have also gone back to cooking some basis meals (meat and vegies) which are soooooo yummy after not having them for a while.
The aqua classes are a hoot. I go with Pam and my mum every Wednesday and sometimes Pam and I go on a Friday too. I think I am getting better at it and my mum just cracks me up with her dancing in the pool! The good thing is Pam used to teach so she gets me on the right track in order to get the maximum work out.
So the big question is ...................... is it working?
YES!
My plan was to loose 5 kilos (this may increase depending what I look like when I get there). Today I got weighed and I am at the half way mark. I can't believe I have lost 2.5 kilos! My work pants are getting baggy, which is a bummer as I just bought all new pants. Oh well, better off being healthier than have nice fitting pants.
Monday, October 1, 2007
The New Housemate
After Neil told me he was moving out to travel I was stressed at the thought of finding a new housemate and relieved that I hadn't had to ask him to move out, as things were not working out as well as they could have. Nice guy, but had no idea how to clean or have respect for other peoples property.
So I first contacted Flatmate Selection and paid $75 for them to look for a housemate for me and have an ad placed on their website. They were quick to take my money, but pretty poor in all respects for their services advertised. They provided me a list of 6 possible housemates. I contacted 4 that met my criteria and all 4 had found places to live at. I checked the website for my ad, but after 10 days it was not there so I emailed them and got some bullshit response that it was the East Vic Park ad. That was a 4x2 place, yet I have a 3x2 place. Not my ad at all, so I emailed again and they fixed it up - no apology for their mistake either. They have since provided me with 2 more possibilities in the last 4 weeks, but both aren't willing to pay as much rent as I asked for.
Fearing Neil moving out on the 13th Sept without a new housemate took it's toll on me. I was very stressed. I placed an ad in the West Australian for the weekend prior to Neil's departure and only 1 girl rang up and checked out the place. She was a definite no-no as she used to live with my ex-housemate Sheryl. Sheryl had warned me about her not paying rent and trying to borrow money of you constantly. Good thing is that she didn't recognise me as I am a brunette now.
The stressed mounted and then I had a call from Bronwyn on Monday evening. She was staying in a hostel and was very keen to look at the place. I had to go to my poker game, so we organised for her to visit at about 9.30pm. Pam stayed to check her out and all I can say is that she seemed perfect. The deal was made that I just needed to confirm the exact date Neil was moving out and perform my reference checks.
Bronwyn passed all checks including a call to her previous real estate agent in Darwin, so she moved in the day after Neil moved out. Talk about timing! It has been 2 weeks since and I could not have asked for a nicer person to move in. Clean, tidy, respectful and intelligent. I hope that she is feeling ok with me as a housemate, and a bit disappointed that she will be leaving in about 6 months to continue her travels around Australia.
So I first contacted Flatmate Selection and paid $75 for them to look for a housemate for me and have an ad placed on their website. They were quick to take my money, but pretty poor in all respects for their services advertised. They provided me a list of 6 possible housemates. I contacted 4 that met my criteria and all 4 had found places to live at. I checked the website for my ad, but after 10 days it was not there so I emailed them and got some bullshit response that it was the East Vic Park ad. That was a 4x2 place, yet I have a 3x2 place. Not my ad at all, so I emailed again and they fixed it up - no apology for their mistake either. They have since provided me with 2 more possibilities in the last 4 weeks, but both aren't willing to pay as much rent as I asked for.
Fearing Neil moving out on the 13th Sept without a new housemate took it's toll on me. I was very stressed. I placed an ad in the West Australian for the weekend prior to Neil's departure and only 1 girl rang up and checked out the place. She was a definite no-no as she used to live with my ex-housemate Sheryl. Sheryl had warned me about her not paying rent and trying to borrow money of you constantly. Good thing is that she didn't recognise me as I am a brunette now.
The stressed mounted and then I had a call from Bronwyn on Monday evening. She was staying in a hostel and was very keen to look at the place. I had to go to my poker game, so we organised for her to visit at about 9.30pm. Pam stayed to check her out and all I can say is that she seemed perfect. The deal was made that I just needed to confirm the exact date Neil was moving out and perform my reference checks.
Bronwyn passed all checks including a call to her previous real estate agent in Darwin, so she moved in the day after Neil moved out. Talk about timing! It has been 2 weeks since and I could not have asked for a nicer person to move in. Clean, tidy, respectful and intelligent. I hope that she is feeling ok with me as a housemate, and a bit disappointed that she will be leaving in about 6 months to continue her travels around Australia.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Stupid Blog!
I am trying to (and getting really annoyed with) uploading a slideshow of the photos taken at Leanne and Chris's 80s Birthday party. I have no idea why it is not working and will probably find tomorrow that every attempt that I made has worked and there are now 3 copies of it.
So now that I have had a quick whinge about it I am heading off to bed as I give up!
Got tomorrow off so I will try again then and update my blog.
Good night!
PS: I have updated my photo to one from the party, so you can have a sneak peak.
So now that I have had a quick whinge about it I am heading off to bed as I give up!
Got tomorrow off so I will try again then and update my blog.
Good night!
PS: I have updated my photo to one from the party, so you can have a sneak peak.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Happy Birthday Ashley
Here is a photo of Ashley cutting his Freddo Frog Icecream Cake on his birthday last Friday night. He had a quiet gathering at his house with a few friends and family. I hate to admit that I drank way too much and got completely blind. I discovered later in the weekend that I was sick and this may have contributed to my glass and a half effort.
I hate to admit but I have been extremely slack at keeping this up to date lately. I have been sick on and off (nothing serious - just viruses) and my memory is just out right failing (must be all that drinking from my younger years). I was supposed to meet a mate for dinner on Tues night and forgot. I didn't realise until they rang me from the restaurant after I had just finished eating dinner at Pam's mum's place. Although I am not blonde any more I am sure I am suffering some residual effects.
I may have found my sporting passion, in terms of participation. Those who know me well know that I hate exercise. I had yet to find the sport or fitness venture that I enjoyed, however I went to aqua aerobics last week with Pam at the Somerset Pool in Vic Park....... and I enjoyed it. At first I wasn't sure as I felt a bit pooped and noticed that only 15 mins had passed of the hour long class. Then before I knew it we were starting a warm down and there was only 5 mins to go. I have purchased a pair of chlorine resistant bathers (which make me look white and fat), but I aint going there to impress any one, and they will last a lot longer than normal bathers. My plan is to go twice a week, but so far I have only managed once a week in the first two weeks.
My house mate is moving out in a couple of weeks. He is off travelling with some friends who are coming over from Ireland. I am now on the lookout for a new housemate and have started by joining Flatmate Selection. However they have given me a bit of the run around by not placing my ad on the net and then when I emailed them they said it was the East Vic Park advert, to which I emailed saying that it wasn't my ad at all as it contained none of the details I gave. I really hate the fact she lied to me and would have preferred if she just fessed up and said sorry. She also gave me 6 people to contact and the 4 that I was interested in and contacted have all found places. I am thinking that I have just wasted $75 and that I might give her a call on Monday to voice my grievances.
Looks like I will have to spend more money advertising in the paper again. The whole thing just shits me!
Anyway good to see that everyone else is keeping their blogs up to date - thanks. I thoroughly enjoying reading what everyone is up to and it sounds like everyone is well and enjoying themselves.
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