January 31, 2011

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Mr C (aged 8) -

"I'm allergic to bad squirrels".

"They make me vomit".



January 30, 2011

I need an overhaul.

I need a back replacement. Any takers?

I've had a fairly shitty day. My back ached from the moment I woke up. I was in tears of frustration this morning, thinking about all the things I have to do which will hurt my back.

These include building our house, shaving my legs, cleaning the shower, playing tennis with my kids, painting my toenails, standing at the sink while washing the dishes or standing for any length of time.

I also got my period today with a healthy dose of pelvic pain and back pain. I resisted the urge to take a strong painkiller and instead took some nurofen.

Funnily enough the pain subsided to tolerable in the afternoon, which leads me to believe it had alot to do with the time of the month.

I'm looking into pilates classes this week and of course some physio with Ben tommorrow.

January 29, 2011

Battle of the Blogger Butts Week 4


Here are some words to describe my week.

Back. Pain

Panedeine Forte

Stretching

Huge Frustration

Doctors Visit

CT Scan

Disc Disc Disc!

So you can see that I decided to have a CT Scan on my back as I was in pain and even the stretching wasn't helping.

I have discovered that I have two disc bulges and there is no space between my lowest disc and my tailbone (and there should be space), so I kinda have bone against bone.

No wonder I'm pissed off and cranky.

I'm like a dog with a sore foot. Don't bother talking to me, I'll chew your head off..

I'm glad in a way that I have found out that there is a problem and I know where to go from here.

I know that I will need to stretch and strengthen for the rest of my life.

I know that I need to do pilates which is great for core strength.

I know that I need to buy a fitball and sit on it.

I know I have to go to physio and let Ben deep tissue massage the crapola outa my back.

I know that this is something that I now have to live with and adapt to.

I know that my focus is shifted from high impact, quick weightloss to slow and steady weight loss, and core strengthening to protect my back.

I know I can't put on weight (thanks Doc) and I have to find my stomach muscles to again protect my back.

I know I have to remember my posture and walk and stand as if I have a pole stuck up my bum. Seriously.

So my weight loss is:-

Start 70.5 kg
Week 1 69.7 kg
Week 2 69.9 kg
Week 3 69.3 kg
Week 4 69.9 kg

Here's hoping I have some better news next week. I'm so happy to have you guys to motivate me because I probably would have given up by now because of my stupid back...

January 26, 2011

Aussie Aussie Aussie! ! !

Proud to be an Aussie...

Happy Australia Day!

January 22, 2011

Battle of the Blogger Butts Week 3


Saturdays come around so fast when you know you have to post about your weeks weight loss!

I've had a very busy week. I've been working full time hours to catch up on work, while The Hubbster has been home to stay with the kids. I take my hat off to full time working mothers because I am exhausted!!

I work all day, get Miss D to dancing somehow for the workshop she had this week, get home, cook dinner, spend time with the kids, and flop on the couch at night, refusing to go to bed early because I need some chill out time.

My back is not too bad at the moment. I've been stretching twice a day and have been doing some crazy core strengthening exercises that I continue to do although I feel quite ridiculous at the time. I know they are good for me.

I"ve done no other exercise because it's the last week of school holidays and I've been so busy with work, and covering school books...I am hoping that next week I will become more focused when our routine begins again.

On the eating front, well I've eaten too many mint slice biscuits, one night of pizza, two chicken kievs and some vegetables thrown in there somewhere. And way too much bread.

My weight loss for the Saturday weigh ins are:-

Start 70.5 kg
Week 1 69.7 kg
Week 2 69.9 kg
Week 3 69.3 kg

I'm not sure how I've actually lost weight this week but I have and I'm not complaining.

I have two mini goals and they are to stay out of the 70's....and to have a slow and steady weight loss each week so it stays off!

How did you guys do this week? I can't wait to read your stories....


January 20, 2011

Dislocated shoulder anyone?

I'm just not getting this.

Click the link and watch the video.....

You'll have a What The Fuck moment and think "this chick should really have a drink and chill out".

January 14, 2011

Battle of the Blogger Butts


Well another week has passed in the world famous Battle of the Blogger Butts challenge..and again it has been an interesting one for me......

As you know, I basically wrecked my lower back and so this week I have done no exercise as recommended by my physio...

Instead I have been stretching, stretching and stretching several times a day and my back has definately improved. No more muscle spasms or shooting pain around my arms and legs each time I move....

I have been to physio twice this week and I have promised to stretch my back every day of my life from now on...it really does make a difference.

I plan to start doing my walks again beginning tommorrow and get back to the gym when the kids start school the following week.

On the diet side, well...umm..that hasn't gone too well either. The floods have cut off deliveries of fresh milk (for protein shakes) fresh vegies and fruit and meat, so I've been basically living off too much bread, and whatever else we could buy during this shortage.

I've had some chicken kiev, packet rice (the horror) and some vegies that I already had so my healthy diet has not been so healthy....

That will also change from now.

So as I gathered my wits to jump on the scales this morning, I didn't expect a big weight loss, if any at all.....

Last Saturday I weighed 69.7

During the week my weight went from 69.7 to 70.0 to 69.4

And this morning I weighed 69.9.....

So after my crappy non healthy week I've put on 200 grams, which I'm totally ok with because I wasn't focused....and I didn't go back to the 70's which is very comforting.

I hope our participants had an awesome week and I can't wait to read about everyones progress.


January 13, 2011

Writers Workshop

Mama Kats Writers Workshop

Prompt number 1:- Scarred.

Scarred - 'deeply affected or marked by mental or physical pain or injury'

2010-2011 Queensland Floods.......












January 11, 2011

Queensland In Crisis

Our beloved state of Queensland is in its darkest hour and the worst is still yet to come.

And that is the most horrific, unbelieveable thing....

Please read this which explains how it all unfolded.

We are in a flood crisis. A chaotic, disaster of immense proportions.

Countless people dead and missing. As I write, 10 people have lost their lives and 78 are unaccounted for.

Children swept away in the tsunami like wall of wall that devastated countless towns and communities.

Homes being ripped from their foundations and carried along the torrent of water, which has been described as an "inland tsunami".

Dozens of people atop their roofs, waiting for rescue. The helicopters winch them to safety while others sit and wait.....

It's like something out of a blockbuster movie, except it is real. The wall of water is amazingly strong and is picking up whatever is in its path and taking it.

We have seen footage of cars, of shipping containers and debris being carried along in the surging water, and of cars being sucked underneath with people still inside. How could this be real?

From Rockhampton to Toowoomba and now Brisbane..and communities in between......people have lost their homes and their businesses and must deal with the aftermath of having no belongings and in alot of circumstances no beloved pets.

As the wall of water moves down the state, the city of Brisbane is in evacuation mode - bracing itself for the worse to come on Wednesday and Thursday (how could it be any worse?)

We are safe here....the highway and roads are cut so we have no fresh food, milk or meat coming through so we will make do with what we have.

Emergency services are advising people to move to higher ground now and not wait until it's too late. I can't even imagine how it feels to be in this situation.....

To know that it is coming and there is nothing to be done to stop it.

I can't stop thinking about the little 4 year old who drowned during a rescue attempt and the little 3 year old boy ripped from his mothers arms by the raging water..

In the midst of this we must stop and think about and appreciate the amazing job being done by emergency services and volunteers who are in some cases risking their own lives to make sure people are safe.

And to our Prime Minister and Premier who have remained calm and reassuring whilst coordinating a massive job under a lot of pressure.

Australians are tough and will get through this. We stand shoulder to shoulder, mate with mate, helping each other through the tears and the sorrow, rebuilding lives and businesses but never forgeting...

You can donate to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal here.

January 10, 2011

Storm and Sunset

I took these photos last week..the first one was of a dark and sinister storm rolling in over the mountains and the water. You can see the rain coming closer and the sky looking angry.

The air was very still and you could feel the anticipation in the air......the calm before the storm.



This next photo actually took me by surprise. I had walked out of the shed to the bathroom and it was just on sunset.

I actually stopped in my tracks and just stared at what was in front of me.

The gum trees were silouetted against the backdrop of the fiery orange sunset, and the clouds were in a particular agreeable formation.

I couldn't move for a few moments and just drank in the visual feast before me.


Little gifts given to us that we may not always appreciate in our busy lives.

We carry on our day oblivious to the fact that things can happen to make the ground beneath us fall away........


It makes me stop. And ponder.




January 9, 2011

Battle of the Blogger Butts


Well week one of the challenge is over, and I must say it has been eventful..for me.

Naomi and I are thrilled that so many bloggers have joined with us and we really look forward to reading about your progress.......

My week one begins like this:-

Saturday - weighed in at 70.5 kg - this sounds as if I am announcing a wrestler

Went for a jog/walk/jog/walk today, keeping my heart rate up. It's called High Intensity Interval Training and it's great for boosting the metabolism. I feel very motivated.

Sunday - Weighed myself this morning, I've put on 300 grams..hmm I don't like that! Another run down, I worked really hard and came home sweating - I love that feeling.

Monday - 70.0kg ..well that's more like it! Another run and I love this sweating......

Tuesday - did a walk today to let my muscles rest. 70.3 kg - I must stop weighing myself everyday..I know my weight will fluctuate from day to day but I just can't help it!

Wednesday - I lost 700 grams overnight! I'm now at 69.6! My back is quite sore though - I hurt my lower back several years ago and it has never fully recovered. I have times when it is just so sore..I must stretch but of course when I am feeling good I don't worry about stretching.

Thursday- So to put it bluntly.........I've completely "stuffed" my back. I am so cranky that I can't even do some gentle jogging without my back giving out on me....

I am in pain. My lower back is stiff and sore, and I have muscle spasms shooting around my body. Every time I move my legs or arms, I walk, or sit or stand or lay down! I am in pain.

I am in tears. I just cannot believe this. My first week of exercising and this happens. It's my own fault for not stretching my back - when it is good.

I take myself off to physio today for some traction which is always fun and a good scolding from my physio for not doing my stretches.

Friday - I'm still in pain but I take the kids to the movies, along with a pillow. Thank you Mr Codeine for getting me through. In the afternoon I start to feel a little better, I've been stretching about 5 times a day and putting ice on my back when it feels sore.

Saturday - I feel alot better and can actually see myself "walking" without pain. Weigh in days sees me at 69.7 - I am happy with my small loss as I haven't exercised for a few days and I want this weight loss to be slow and steady - 1 kg a week would be great.

So now my focus has completely changed. Instead of going like a bull at a gate, I am taking things slow....I am promising to stretch everyday and I am working on my core strength to protect my back and to regain my flexibility.

I will start walking again next week and when the kids go back to school in two weeks time, I will hit the gym..weights for my back and for fat loss...it has worked before and I really enjoyed it.

It will be low impact...from now on.

Thank you everyone for participating and for joining Naomi and I in this "frustrating at times" journey.....

January 7, 2011

Lori

I've been thinking about Lori all day.

Her hubby is in intensive care fighting for his life.

We are all here for you Lori and we are praying for you and your babes and for Tony...

January 6, 2011

This...Moved Me.

I've been thinking alot about the following video clip, and how amazing it is that people can be given second chances.

This is the story of Mr Ted Williams , a homeless man with the most beautiful smooth velvety radio voice, who has been given that second chance because of his appearance on You Tube.

He had fallen on hard times, but now has more job offers than he knows what to do with, and his life is now changed forever.

I suppose there will be wowsers who will think he doesn't deserve this...but I am quite moved by his story. Just listen to him.......



January 5, 2011

Pretty faced wallaby baby

You may remember a recent post about the pretty faced wallaby and her baby in the pouch who visits everyday to munch on our delicious grass? You can read about her here.

I was lucky enough to spot the baby fully out of the pouch the other day...isn't she the sweetest thing.....



January 1, 2011

Battle of the Blogger Butts

For the last month or so I've been thinking about fitness - or my lack thereof - and pondering what to do about it.

You see, when I was pregnant in the middle of last year, I put some weight on..and I haven't lost that weight. And I"ve not been too worried about it - until now.

I think being a busy blogger has added to my blogger butt blowout - I could possibly even have a butt imprint on my couch. Oh the shame.....

Three years ago I hit the gym in a big way. I lost alot of weight, I looked and felt fantastic, I felt happy and I felt strong.

In fact, I'd never felt or looked better. We moved to the farm, away from the gym and I slowly stopped going.

I've had a couple of false starts along the way, but now I am ready to get serious! And I've been wondering how I could get that mindset back, as I struggle with motivation and need the support of others - and I need goals to help me achieve what I want to..

And now two things have happened. The first is the Aussie Bloggers Conference that I am attending in March. What a great goal to work towards..to lose weight and gain my fitness back to look trim and gorgeous! at the conference while meeting all of my new bloggy friends.

And the second thing has come in the form of my new friendship with Naomi from Seven Cherubs. We were chatting online the other day and as we have so much in common, we started talking about our weightloss and fitness goals and came up with the idea of a challenge.

Both Naomi and I love a bit of healthy competition so we have called it our:-

Battle of the Blogger Butts

We are challenging each other to lose 5 % of our body weight before the conference in 11 weeks. It's a realistic goal....and I am so happy and relieved that I have found a buddy to motivate and challenge me.

Naomi is truly amazing and I feel like I have known her forever. I can't wait to meet her in person at the conference where we both will be totally hot mamas!!!!

I've weighed myself today and my starting weight is 70.5 kg.

So my 5% goal is 66.9 kg. I am hoping to get down to 65 kg.

Naomi and I plan to share our journey with you, our challenge and our achievements.

Why not join in the fun..the more the merrier. Or in this case, the less is best!!!

And remember, we are looking at overall fitness and healthy eating - a lifestyle change for the better!

Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY FRIENDS!

I can't believe it's 2011. Where did last year go..I remember Jan 1 2010 like it was yesterday and here I am, 12 months further down the time track...

If you think I get all sentimental and nostalgic at Christmas, you should see me at New Years..I always think back to the year just gone and remember the good and the not so good things that have happened.....and at times wonder why I didn't even see them coming....

Last year at this time, I had no idea that I would get pregnant and lose our much loved baby, or that we wouldn't actually be living in our house, and I didn't even know about the amazing things that happened during the year, the fun times we had with the kids....

So what did you do last night for New Year's Eve? I stayed home and stalked facebook like the party animal (Loser) I am...

I've had some amazing New Years Eve celebrations in the past..

Like the time The Hubbster and I caught a train to Sydney and stayed in a friends apartment overlooking Sydney Harbour...we had the most amazing time and I'll never forget it.

But you know my most favourite new year is the one just gone....at home with my family, the kids swimming, riding their scooters, I went for a walk along our country road, we had dinner together and an early night for the kids and I watched a movie....

It's the here and now that is important to me....and I snuggled down in bed at 1.30am, relieved that I didn't have to wait two hours for a taxi to get me there......