Some days I don't know what I will find on my desk, besides old shopping receipts.
Hidden treasures that have been tucked away in a rush to put them somewhere.
Todays mini treasure is #Daisy by #MarcJacobs and a lovely lace tin from #IKEA.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Thursday, May 07, 2015
It seems time flies and we are already into May 2015
May 2015
So here I am back again at the "Where is everything again?" stage - hence the title it will be Somewhereonthedesk!
It is 5 months since my last post, in that time I have been dabbling in learning how to use other Social Media platforms, including Twitter (@genangel14), Instagram (genj68), Yelp and Flickr. So far the L plates are still on display.
January saw a visit to the Lego exhibition at the beautiful Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne. It also found myself and my family sitting in a the rain at the Melbourne Zoo, listening to the Zoo Twilights and the awesome music of Bernard Fanning and Little May and the first of an upgrade in accomodation to the top floor and penthouse of the hotel we were staying at overlooking the Crown Casino area.
As 2015, was to be my year of new experiences and some life experiences for my children we embarked on a P & O Cruise in February on board the Pacific Jewel for 3 nights. Leaving Melbourne Friday night as the band played on the top deck as the city disappeared in the distance and we headed out through the heads and towards Burnie in Tasmania for a day. I can now say I have been to Tasmania, albeit a very short visit and for one day only, which included a bus trip to Devonport to see some of the sites and an hour visiting Burnie's art precinct and museum in the rain. Further experiences were had when we decided to learn to ride the Segways on the ship, only after the ship was able to turn out of the gale force winds, with King Island sheltering its return back to Melbourne. We all managed successfully to stay upright on the Segways in the wind, as the boat rocked and we traversed through the obstacles supplied to test out our skills. It was so much fun, almost like having the cold wind on your face from snow skiing in winter time.The cruise was very enjoyable and fantastic entertainment,in the bars and the atrium and throughout the ship. A new experience for the following week was still feeling the motion of the boat for a few more days even though we were back on land.
I became unemployed, through an involuntarily redundant a few weeks ago.
Since then I have had a lovely time catching up with friends I don't otherwise see very often when I am working full time. With a day trip to Echuca on the Murray River and a trip to Melbourne for womens business networking with Samara Magazine.
Hence my love of good food and nice red wines of my local area has become a bit of a passion recently.
I celebrated my birthday in style with a night at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne (@ParkHyattMelb)with my husband. Where we explored the city at night and found some fantastic bars and restaurants to visit, including Siglo rooftop bar, Lui bar in the Rialto Tower, Federation Square for breakfast and cafe Duomo in historic Block Arcade for lunch.
Once we overcame the shock and amazement at the accomodation upgrade that we received - An Ambassador Suite, we enjoyed the gas log fire and relaxed in front of it until it was time to adjourn to the Executive Lounge for evening drinks and canapes. Absolutely everything at this hotel was spectacular and the service and attention to details grately appreciated by us and made our stay memorable.
Join me for my next blog where I take you through some of the trials of job searching.
Cheers for now
Thursday, January 01, 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome in 2015
This is my Happy New Year post... while i have been enjoying a few days off work, and getting my desk back into order and ready to start another busy year. The Xmas period has flown by.
It has been spent visiting my husbands family for a quiet Christmas lunch and boxing day visits.
With a quick visit to Beechworth and Stanley in North East Victoria where I grew up and we had a lovely visit with a friend I have known since kindergarden. It is always nice to catch up amidst the chaos that is life and family and work commitments. This was followed by a visit to Albury where we had dinner at Hogs Breathe Cafe with some other friends, it was entertaining as always and the food and wine were very enjoyable. I also got some time to catch up on the after xmas sales for a few bargains. It is always relaxing to visit this area, where the towns are surrounded by the hills and mountains of the North East, although there are areas that are very dry as it is the middle of summer and rain is far between.
The last 2 months since my last post have seen the busy Christmas rush and xmas parties come and go. With my work xmas party having a fantastic live band, endless homemade pizzas out under the stars on a beautiful Australian summer night. My husbands xmas party resulted in him receiving a Safe Driving Award for the last 26 years of driving a truck on the major highways between Melbourne and Sydney. So in all both work xmas parties were an enjoyable way to end 2014.
November saw a fun girls weekend away partaking in a variety of wines and wine bars in Melbourne. Always good fun for the spirit to have fun and shopping in the city.
I enjoyed a fun time playing twilight tennis for the 8 weeks leading to xmas, we had a couple of wins , a few wines, and social BBQ's to end the night. All in all it was a fun way to fill in a Wednesday night and exercise as a bonus. I look forward to participating in a mixed doubles team after the holidays finish.
The kids continued to have a great Saturday morning tennis season and continue to improve each week and I look forward to the last few weeks being played in 2015.
2015 will see me with High School students only , as my youngest starts his adventure to a new school and a new bus trip to school. There will be a big learning curve and change to the morning routine as previously a 4 minute walk was all that was required every morning to school.
I am excited for him to be going to high school but also apprehensive to look back and see how quickly the last 11 years of an association with the local Primary school have come to an end. Primary school was ended on a high note with my youngest being awarded a certificate for Information Technology. So proud of him and look forward to seeing him bloom in a new environment.
Exercise and the pursuit of Happiness and a Healthy body.
If you have read my previous posts from 2 years ago, I have participated in a few rounds of Michelle Bridges 12 WBT. I had fun, lost some weight , met lots of lovely ladies and had a few great weekends away. 2014 saw me start off the year on the wrong foot, until July when i received a health warning shake up and since then have seen 8 kg's disappear, dropped a dress size and making shopping for clothes pleasurable again. Increase in the desire to exercise. I am the lightest I have been since I had my last child 13 years ago, to me this is an achievement to make me smile. My foot improved and I have been enjoying regular walks out and about my neighbourhood. It feels great to be able to get out in the morning and see the sun rising and hear the birds in the forest starting their day as well. Or in the evening strolling around being free to get out and about. I will never take my feet and their importance for granted. New Brooks sneakers arrived in the mail this week, and they are like walking on air.
Swimming has become my new best friend. I have a long way to go but going from 2 laps to now being able to do 12 laps , is improving my breathing and stamina. Another exercise that I find I am enjoying and meeting other like minded people with the occasional Water aerobics attended on the weekends.
Creativity - Craft
By the time I work full time, creating driver schedules around the countryside, accomodation and flights, and playing tennis and swimming . I finally finished photo calendars 2 weeks before xmas.
My garden corner has been utilised regularly for afternoon teas during the year, the Spring flowers have all now finished and it all needs a big weeding session to keep it under control. This is next on my to do list.
My desk is clean again ready for a new year. I may still be able to find things Somewhereonthedesk.
Wishing everyone a fantastic and safe New Year for 2015.
It has been spent visiting my husbands family for a quiet Christmas lunch and boxing day visits.
With a quick visit to Beechworth and Stanley in North East Victoria where I grew up and we had a lovely visit with a friend I have known since kindergarden. It is always nice to catch up amidst the chaos that is life and family and work commitments. This was followed by a visit to Albury where we had dinner at Hogs Breathe Cafe with some other friends, it was entertaining as always and the food and wine were very enjoyable. I also got some time to catch up on the after xmas sales for a few bargains. It is always relaxing to visit this area, where the towns are surrounded by the hills and mountains of the North East, although there are areas that are very dry as it is the middle of summer and rain is far between.
The last 2 months since my last post have seen the busy Christmas rush and xmas parties come and go. With my work xmas party having a fantastic live band, endless homemade pizzas out under the stars on a beautiful Australian summer night. My husbands xmas party resulted in him receiving a Safe Driving Award for the last 26 years of driving a truck on the major highways between Melbourne and Sydney. So in all both work xmas parties were an enjoyable way to end 2014.
November saw a fun girls weekend away partaking in a variety of wines and wine bars in Melbourne. Always good fun for the spirit to have fun and shopping in the city.
I enjoyed a fun time playing twilight tennis for the 8 weeks leading to xmas, we had a couple of wins , a few wines, and social BBQ's to end the night. All in all it was a fun way to fill in a Wednesday night and exercise as a bonus. I look forward to participating in a mixed doubles team after the holidays finish.
The kids continued to have a great Saturday morning tennis season and continue to improve each week and I look forward to the last few weeks being played in 2015.
2015 will see me with High School students only , as my youngest starts his adventure to a new school and a new bus trip to school. There will be a big learning curve and change to the morning routine as previously a 4 minute walk was all that was required every morning to school.
I am excited for him to be going to high school but also apprehensive to look back and see how quickly the last 11 years of an association with the local Primary school have come to an end. Primary school was ended on a high note with my youngest being awarded a certificate for Information Technology. So proud of him and look forward to seeing him bloom in a new environment.
Exercise and the pursuit of Happiness and a Healthy body.
If you have read my previous posts from 2 years ago, I have participated in a few rounds of Michelle Bridges 12 WBT. I had fun, lost some weight , met lots of lovely ladies and had a few great weekends away. 2014 saw me start off the year on the wrong foot, until July when i received a health warning shake up and since then have seen 8 kg's disappear, dropped a dress size and making shopping for clothes pleasurable again. Increase in the desire to exercise. I am the lightest I have been since I had my last child 13 years ago, to me this is an achievement to make me smile. My foot improved and I have been enjoying regular walks out and about my neighbourhood. It feels great to be able to get out in the morning and see the sun rising and hear the birds in the forest starting their day as well. Or in the evening strolling around being free to get out and about. I will never take my feet and their importance for granted. New Brooks sneakers arrived in the mail this week, and they are like walking on air.
Swimming has become my new best friend. I have a long way to go but going from 2 laps to now being able to do 12 laps , is improving my breathing and stamina. Another exercise that I find I am enjoying and meeting other like minded people with the occasional Water aerobics attended on the weekends.
Creativity - Craft
By the time I work full time, creating driver schedules around the countryside, accomodation and flights, and playing tennis and swimming . I finally finished photo calendars 2 weeks before xmas.
My garden corner has been utilised regularly for afternoon teas during the year, the Spring flowers have all now finished and it all needs a big weeding session to keep it under control. This is next on my to do list.
My desk is clean again ready for a new year. I may still be able to find things Somewhereonthedesk.
Wishing everyone a fantastic and safe New Year for 2015.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
2014 and its nearly over already
Wow , how the last 16 months have flown past again.
With another finale in November in Sydney with a group of 12 wbt girls from Shepparton, a fantastic weekend was had. Followed by a cruise on a tall ship on Sydney Harbour, a lovely way to see the sites of the harbour. I can't believe it was 12 months ago.
An adventure to Brisbane for Xmas to visit family, it was a lovely time but very busy. Highlights included the cruising on the Brisbane river on the city cats, the kids catching a fish with Grandpa. Catching up with my nieces and siblings.
We had a long drive to get there and a very long drive home along the Eastern coast , stopping in Sydney for two nights.
In Sydney we spent the day on the Parramatta river ferries and spent the afternoon visiting the Maritime museum which included going inside the submarines and warships, these are really fascinating. A lovely visit followed by the end of the Xmas holiday period and back to work again.
My creative spirit came out at the end of the summer with the removal of the kids cubby house, which had been in the garden for 12 years and I spent the last couple of weeks before xmas in 2000 painting the cubby in 30 degrees while 8.5 mths pregnant, with my youngest child.
So it has now become time to say farewell to the cubby and create my own garden room, where it can be used by everyone and we can start to enjoy the backyard again.
I created an arbour using the cubby house roof, and lifted it up onto four posts to give it some height. Some paint and it was ready to go, during my April holidays I spent paving around the area and building up the garden on the sides of the paved area.
I have enjoyed shopping in the garden centres and finding nice things for my garden. Lots of lanterns and pretty pots and a marble table to go in the corner. A trip to Ikea to purchase foldable chairs and a table.
This spring saw the garden bloom with lovely tulips, daffodils, irises and freesias making it very rewarding for the work that I had done to create this garden.
This winter saw a visit to Falls Creek for 2 nights, where we had the most perfect snow, it had been stormy and the resort had a lot of snow, the day we arrived so did the sun, and there was not much more snow for the season. The ideal conditions allowed me to get back on my skiis and feel the wind fly past my face and the feeling of freedom (and aching legs) was fantastic. Thank god for the bike riding we had done during the winter as preparation to keep fitter and prepare for the snow skiing, this made the skiing less painful. The youngest child had a ski lesson and had fun learning to ski.
It was nice after many years of not visiting the snow to spend time in the mountains , its like a world away from reality.
I am working full time and enjoying what I do, hence my blog is not updated regularly.
Recently I spent a wonderful weekend in Sydney having a get together with my mothers cousins. It was fantastic to be in a group of people and have different stories to tell and somehow are all related along the way. This is the 3rd get together and the 4th will be eagerly awaited for 2015.
Tennis, is big in the family with the youngest playing Saturday mornings, and this year the parents help score but the games are actually quiet entertaining and fun to watch. I have joined a twilight group and having a fantastic time having a hit and giggle, and sometimes the balls actually go over the net.
Life is good at the moment, a few health issues have seen me try to get back on track again, and recently get back to the goals I achieved last year and had since gone a bit haywire. My husband is home more often at night as he is no longer doing long haul truck driving, allowing me to go out at night to enjoy a bookclub and tennis nights, and the occasional movie out.
Where do I want to be in 3 mths time, enjoying the warm summer ahead, being able to walk comfortably on my sore foot, healthy and to progress with being fitter.
I have a craft cupboard full of things and a patchwork quilt that has not yet been finished, maybe these will get completed in the near future, along with Photo calendars to make for xmas, and photo books for 2014 to be completed.
Until next time
Cheers for 2014
With another finale in November in Sydney with a group of 12 wbt girls from Shepparton, a fantastic weekend was had. Followed by a cruise on a tall ship on Sydney Harbour, a lovely way to see the sites of the harbour. I can't believe it was 12 months ago.
An adventure to Brisbane for Xmas to visit family, it was a lovely time but very busy. Highlights included the cruising on the Brisbane river on the city cats, the kids catching a fish with Grandpa. Catching up with my nieces and siblings.
We had a long drive to get there and a very long drive home along the Eastern coast , stopping in Sydney for two nights.
In Sydney we spent the day on the Parramatta river ferries and spent the afternoon visiting the Maritime museum which included going inside the submarines and warships, these are really fascinating. A lovely visit followed by the end of the Xmas holiday period and back to work again.
My creative spirit came out at the end of the summer with the removal of the kids cubby house, which had been in the garden for 12 years and I spent the last couple of weeks before xmas in 2000 painting the cubby in 30 degrees while 8.5 mths pregnant, with my youngest child.
So it has now become time to say farewell to the cubby and create my own garden room, where it can be used by everyone and we can start to enjoy the backyard again.
I created an arbour using the cubby house roof, and lifted it up onto four posts to give it some height. Some paint and it was ready to go, during my April holidays I spent paving around the area and building up the garden on the sides of the paved area.
I have enjoyed shopping in the garden centres and finding nice things for my garden. Lots of lanterns and pretty pots and a marble table to go in the corner. A trip to Ikea to purchase foldable chairs and a table.
This spring saw the garden bloom with lovely tulips, daffodils, irises and freesias making it very rewarding for the work that I had done to create this garden.
This winter saw a visit to Falls Creek for 2 nights, where we had the most perfect snow, it had been stormy and the resort had a lot of snow, the day we arrived so did the sun, and there was not much more snow for the season. The ideal conditions allowed me to get back on my skiis and feel the wind fly past my face and the feeling of freedom (and aching legs) was fantastic. Thank god for the bike riding we had done during the winter as preparation to keep fitter and prepare for the snow skiing, this made the skiing less painful. The youngest child had a ski lesson and had fun learning to ski.
It was nice after many years of not visiting the snow to spend time in the mountains , its like a world away from reality.
I am working full time and enjoying what I do, hence my blog is not updated regularly.
Recently I spent a wonderful weekend in Sydney having a get together with my mothers cousins. It was fantastic to be in a group of people and have different stories to tell and somehow are all related along the way. This is the 3rd get together and the 4th will be eagerly awaited for 2015.
Tennis, is big in the family with the youngest playing Saturday mornings, and this year the parents help score but the games are actually quiet entertaining and fun to watch. I have joined a twilight group and having a fantastic time having a hit and giggle, and sometimes the balls actually go over the net.
Life is good at the moment, a few health issues have seen me try to get back on track again, and recently get back to the goals I achieved last year and had since gone a bit haywire. My husband is home more often at night as he is no longer doing long haul truck driving, allowing me to go out at night to enjoy a bookclub and tennis nights, and the occasional movie out.
Where do I want to be in 3 mths time, enjoying the warm summer ahead, being able to walk comfortably on my sore foot, healthy and to progress with being fitter.
I have a craft cupboard full of things and a patchwork quilt that has not yet been finished, maybe these will get completed in the near future, along with Photo calendars to make for xmas, and photo books for 2014 to be completed.
Until next time
Cheers for 2014
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Round 1 2013 Melbourne Finale
Michelle Bridges 12WBT Finale Melbourne Crown Casino 4th May 2013
This is me, I enjoyed celebrating getting through round 1 2013.
Albeit not a very successful round again, I gained 2 kgs through the 12 weeks and managed to remove the 2 kgs by the end of the 12 weeks. So I started and ended at the same weight. Easter had a bit of an impact and although i tried to be good, somehow the chocolate kept appearing and just had to be eaten. My bad.
I have however, been pursuing a better level of exercise in my life, I had a trial for 21 days at the local Fernwood Gym. I enjoyed trying out the Body Balance classes and learning how to do pushups and use my inner core again. Which is a nice feeling.
During my birthday week of holidays, i also had 3 person training sessions, after the initial shock and wanting to punch the trainer , cause my thighs hurt a lot, I can now work out harder and the impact on my muscles subsides quicker, doesnt take a week to be able to move again.
I am continuing on my path with the personal trainer once a week. It is so nice to feel my muscles being used. My legs are way stronger than they were 3 weeks ago, I can do squats, 20 squats is nothing now, compared to a couple of weeks ago, where i would struggle to do them without the wall or ball behind me.
I enjoyed joining in the Michelle Bridges finale workout, after volunteering at the finale last year in Sydney I decided that it looked almost like fun, and people worked at their own pace. Mine being a beginner stage and low impact. So I gave it a go, Melbourne turned on the weather, cold wind and sprinkling of rain, nothing unusual in that. The sun finally came out near the end of the workout.
My goal for myself in the next 12 weeks, is to keep meeting with the personal trainer and not giving up, when it is too cold to get out of bed in the morning but JFDI.
To try to cut out chocolate at least for a week and then see how i go after that, reducing my sugar intake to try to make my body move again.
I am not joining in the round 2 of 12WBT but am going to try to move my body on my own.
My next goal is to be able to fit into a smaller dress size at the end of these 12 weeks, or to have lost 2-5 kgs. But to do this i will need to stay focused and continue on with my exercise quest. If I really work hard who knows I might be able to go to the finale as a +1 if I can find a ticket, but to do that I will need to lose weight and reach my goals by the end of July.
Keep moving forward.
Am I focused? I dont know!!!
Cheers
Thursday, April 11, 2013
2013 so far...
Welcome back to my blog.
Today I have entered the next year in my lifes journey - so I thought I'd write down my thoughts.
I have been struggling to continue with the Michelle Bridges 12WBT. Some weeks it comes together and some weeks it doesn't. I am about to finish my fourth round in 3 weeks time.
The weeks where following my change of employment in December from Part time to full time had quite an impact on my progress. And last week after Easter and an abundance of chocolate eggs, I realised I had got out of control.
This week I have been able to take a step back , while i have had a weeks holiday at home with my kids.
I booked myself in to see a Personal Trainer and oh my, am i hurting all over. First session found some thigh muscles that hadn't been used properly for quite a while and my second session found the calf muscles and a few more upper arm muscles that I hadn't fully utilised in quite a while. And with another session to occur this week, I'm not sure how I will go next when i can only fit in one session during the week.
I have been going to the gym when i get there sometimes once or twice a week, walking around my neighbourhood, but with not so healthy eating choices I have not made a move forward in my exercise and weight loss.
This week I have also attended a Body Balance class. Some things I struggled with but I gave it ago and got to the end of it and was happy that I made it through.
A walk up the local telecom tower in the middle of town, saw me climb successfully to the top, and down again. While I watched the kids run up and see them throw popcorn to see how far it would fall from the top.
Sometimes I feel I'm not getting anywhere, but tonight I decided to have an overall look at where i have come. I have kept off 7 kgs from the time before I started the program to today. I have lost and kept off 39cm off my entire body. 1-2 kgs still keep bouncing like a rubber ball, but just don't seem to get going on the downward spiral permanently.
These are small figures but they are my figures and the start, and continuation of my journey.
I have learnt to get back into the kitchen, my hubby loves it that there are now fruit and veges in the fridge when he goes looking for something to eat. He has enjoyed the new meals that i have been learning to create. I still haven't quite convinced the kids that what I make is all that they will get, I still make them something that I know they will eat, rather than wasting food on them.
I'm concentrating on more exercise this week to try to get my body moving again.
How will I go once I am sitting at my desk all day at work next week? I honestly dont know, but knowing now how a PT session works, I am determined to fit at least one of these in a week to push myself that extra bit.
I watch some of my friends and family preparing for the Tough Mudder and SpartanWarrior races and can't understand the pleasure they get from them, i suppose it is their personal challenges in their fitness.
I can't see myself attempting these events but can see myself as improving my fitness for my own health and wellbeing, continuing on as a life style change.
My kids notice the changes, when we go bike riding or walking, they are not having to wait for me anymore and I can keep up with them. Making family outings much more pleasant.
My goal for this month is to attend the finale workout and participate fully in the workout and make it to the end. (In Sydney I volunteered and enjoyed it thoroughly but realised that everyone participates at their own pace and level). To get to this goal I am going to fit in one PT session a week and get to the gym as often as I can fit it in. Playing a game of tennis on a Thursday evening with my child.
I'm looking forward to the end of this round and being part of the Finale Cocktail party, and looking forward to getting dressed up for a change and having a weekend away.
I'm not disappointed in my progress although it goes slowly sometimes, but every little bit forward eventually adds up to the big picture.
I'm fitter and healthier for it.
Until next time.
Cheers
Today I have entered the next year in my lifes journey - so I thought I'd write down my thoughts.
I have been struggling to continue with the Michelle Bridges 12WBT. Some weeks it comes together and some weeks it doesn't. I am about to finish my fourth round in 3 weeks time.
The weeks where following my change of employment in December from Part time to full time had quite an impact on my progress. And last week after Easter and an abundance of chocolate eggs, I realised I had got out of control.
This week I have been able to take a step back , while i have had a weeks holiday at home with my kids.
I booked myself in to see a Personal Trainer and oh my, am i hurting all over. First session found some thigh muscles that hadn't been used properly for quite a while and my second session found the calf muscles and a few more upper arm muscles that I hadn't fully utilised in quite a while. And with another session to occur this week, I'm not sure how I will go next when i can only fit in one session during the week.
I have been going to the gym when i get there sometimes once or twice a week, walking around my neighbourhood, but with not so healthy eating choices I have not made a move forward in my exercise and weight loss.
This week I have also attended a Body Balance class. Some things I struggled with but I gave it ago and got to the end of it and was happy that I made it through.
A walk up the local telecom tower in the middle of town, saw me climb successfully to the top, and down again. While I watched the kids run up and see them throw popcorn to see how far it would fall from the top.
Sometimes I feel I'm not getting anywhere, but tonight I decided to have an overall look at where i have come. I have kept off 7 kgs from the time before I started the program to today. I have lost and kept off 39cm off my entire body. 1-2 kgs still keep bouncing like a rubber ball, but just don't seem to get going on the downward spiral permanently.
These are small figures but they are my figures and the start, and continuation of my journey.
I have learnt to get back into the kitchen, my hubby loves it that there are now fruit and veges in the fridge when he goes looking for something to eat. He has enjoyed the new meals that i have been learning to create. I still haven't quite convinced the kids that what I make is all that they will get, I still make them something that I know they will eat, rather than wasting food on them.
I'm concentrating on more exercise this week to try to get my body moving again.
How will I go once I am sitting at my desk all day at work next week? I honestly dont know, but knowing now how a PT session works, I am determined to fit at least one of these in a week to push myself that extra bit.
I watch some of my friends and family preparing for the Tough Mudder and SpartanWarrior races and can't understand the pleasure they get from them, i suppose it is their personal challenges in their fitness.
I can't see myself attempting these events but can see myself as improving my fitness for my own health and wellbeing, continuing on as a life style change.
My kids notice the changes, when we go bike riding or walking, they are not having to wait for me anymore and I can keep up with them. Making family outings much more pleasant.
My goal for this month is to attend the finale workout and participate fully in the workout and make it to the end. (In Sydney I volunteered and enjoyed it thoroughly but realised that everyone participates at their own pace and level). To get to this goal I am going to fit in one PT session a week and get to the gym as often as I can fit it in. Playing a game of tennis on a Thursday evening with my child.
I'm looking forward to the end of this round and being part of the Finale Cocktail party, and looking forward to getting dressed up for a change and having a weekend away.
I'm not disappointed in my progress although it goes slowly sometimes, but every little bit forward eventually adds up to the big picture.
I'm fitter and healthier for it.
Until next time.
Cheers
Monday, December 03, 2012
Round 4 12WBT Challenge
Welcome to my update as I start my next journey through my challenge to lose weight and get fit. With the guidance, encouragement and support of the 12WBT, Round 4.
I have started off super motivated on my return from the Round 3 finale in Sydney, what a weekend I had, I enjoyed my participation as a volunteer at the finale. It gave me the opportunity to see what the finale work out was all about but also feel part of a team, by helping set up and handing out water to the participants. I got to meet lots of fantastic people and very inspirational people and their stories, about there journeys along the way. To end the day with a lovely cocktail party in Sydney. It was all fantastic.
Other highlights of my weekend were meeting relatives and friends who I havent seen for a long time.
I came home motivated, even got up and went for a morning walk. (Well that lasted all of one day), but the intention was there.
I struggle through the menu plans with the lovely menus and recipes supplied, but there are just some things I am not able to eat, so time is necessary to sit and reorganise my menu for the week. It is time consuming but necessary to have a smooth running week, from this comes a grocery list, which then enables me to have a variety of healthy food in the fridge and cupboard. Opposed to the box of chocolates that came with my flowers last week and had EAT ME !! all over them. I did eat them but not all at once, and not all in one day, they were consumed over a week in rations. But I had so much enjoyment from them, and reminded me of the person who had given them to me throughout the week.
I get there in the end.
Now I face a new challenge, a new job, and with that the new location of work, new routines, new hours at work, I will have to become very organised during the weekend to make sure my next week runs smoothly. I will have to change the times i exercise around my work etc. This all takes time to get used to again until the routines settle down.
I Will not give up.
But without 12WBT I probably wouldn't have had the confidence to get in there and apply for the new job that I am about to start, new challenges to tackle and JFDI attitude will keep me going and see out the end of the year of 2012. SO I thank Mish and her 12WBT for the support and encouragement from the program to move forward and prepare me for further challenges and not to give up.
Next
Ready for the xmas challenge.
I have started off super motivated on my return from the Round 3 finale in Sydney, what a weekend I had, I enjoyed my participation as a volunteer at the finale. It gave me the opportunity to see what the finale work out was all about but also feel part of a team, by helping set up and handing out water to the participants. I got to meet lots of fantastic people and very inspirational people and their stories, about there journeys along the way. To end the day with a lovely cocktail party in Sydney. It was all fantastic.
Other highlights of my weekend were meeting relatives and friends who I havent seen for a long time.
I came home motivated, even got up and went for a morning walk. (Well that lasted all of one day), but the intention was there.
I struggle through the menu plans with the lovely menus and recipes supplied, but there are just some things I am not able to eat, so time is necessary to sit and reorganise my menu for the week. It is time consuming but necessary to have a smooth running week, from this comes a grocery list, which then enables me to have a variety of healthy food in the fridge and cupboard. Opposed to the box of chocolates that came with my flowers last week and had EAT ME !! all over them. I did eat them but not all at once, and not all in one day, they were consumed over a week in rations. But I had so much enjoyment from them, and reminded me of the person who had given them to me throughout the week.
I get there in the end.
Now I face a new challenge, a new job, and with that the new location of work, new routines, new hours at work, I will have to become very organised during the weekend to make sure my next week runs smoothly. I will have to change the times i exercise around my work etc. This all takes time to get used to again until the routines settle down.
I Will not give up.
But without 12WBT I probably wouldn't have had the confidence to get in there and apply for the new job that I am about to start, new challenges to tackle and JFDI attitude will keep me going and see out the end of the year of 2012. SO I thank Mish and her 12WBT for the support and encouragement from the program to move forward and prepare me for further challenges and not to give up.
Next
Ready for the xmas challenge.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
My bumpy journey through my fitness challenge
As I near the end of my 2nd round of participation in the 12WBT, I try to focus on what I have achieved over the last 12 weeks, and I then need to look back and accept that the last 12 weeks didnt go along quite as planned.
When i reflect on my last 6 months to know I have lost 9kgs, and put only one back on over the last 12 weeks, due to a few bumps in my routines and health along the way. I have lost a total of 34 cms off my body.I have dropped a dress size. I am the lightest I have been since 2004. I am happy that I have made this change to my life, so far.
My fitness has improved slightly in the right direction and i have worked out this week that my aching and sore hip is from trying to run on the road. So I have resolved that walking is better in the long run and that any exercise I get out to do is for the benefit of myself and my mood and body.I can still walk and talk, and my chest doesnt burn anymore. I struggle to attend the gym but when i get there I feel a lot better for it.
I managed to get one big work out in for the 12 weeks, a free PT workout near our local lake, and sponsored by 24 FIT gym . I made it, slowly and couldn't move my legs for the next 3 days, but felt an achievement, in that i had actually got out of bed and made it to a class.
As I get ready to have a fun weekend in Sydney to celebrate with the other participants in the Round 3 of 12WBT, I will be also thinking about what my new goals will be for the next 12 weeks and what I am hoping to achieve. I am hoping from the enthusiasm from the 12WBT workout and challenges I will become more motivated to get it together and bring home some of the motivation with me, so that I can start moving forward again in my challenge to get fit.
During this current round, I didnt join in the weekly challenges, I struggled to keep up with the planned menus, I struggled to just get everything together.
Goals for the next 12 weeks, include getting some motivation back, to increase my exercise routine and get to gym at least twice a week. With a couple of walks in between. To learn how to do the exercise routines as suggested in the program.
To try to get back on track with my meals and to reduce the chocolate and sweets that keep creeping back when things don't go right or I feel depressed or frustrated.
To get through the silly season of the year with an increase in fitness and a reduction in size and weight will be an achievement within itself.
To enjoy some more active time with my kids and husband with bike rides and outings together.
TO SMILE WHEN THINGS ARE NOT GOING WELL and JFDI.
When i reflect on my last 6 months to know I have lost 9kgs, and put only one back on over the last 12 weeks, due to a few bumps in my routines and health along the way. I have lost a total of 34 cms off my body.I have dropped a dress size. I am the lightest I have been since 2004. I am happy that I have made this change to my life, so far.
My fitness has improved slightly in the right direction and i have worked out this week that my aching and sore hip is from trying to run on the road. So I have resolved that walking is better in the long run and that any exercise I get out to do is for the benefit of myself and my mood and body.I can still walk and talk, and my chest doesnt burn anymore. I struggle to attend the gym but when i get there I feel a lot better for it.
I managed to get one big work out in for the 12 weeks, a free PT workout near our local lake, and sponsored by 24 FIT gym . I made it, slowly and couldn't move my legs for the next 3 days, but felt an achievement, in that i had actually got out of bed and made it to a class.
As I get ready to have a fun weekend in Sydney to celebrate with the other participants in the Round 3 of 12WBT, I will be also thinking about what my new goals will be for the next 12 weeks and what I am hoping to achieve. I am hoping from the enthusiasm from the 12WBT workout and challenges I will become more motivated to get it together and bring home some of the motivation with me, so that I can start moving forward again in my challenge to get fit.
During this current round, I didnt join in the weekly challenges, I struggled to keep up with the planned menus, I struggled to just get everything together.
Goals for the next 12 weeks, include getting some motivation back, to increase my exercise routine and get to gym at least twice a week. With a couple of walks in between. To learn how to do the exercise routines as suggested in the program.
To try to get back on track with my meals and to reduce the chocolate and sweets that keep creeping back when things don't go right or I feel depressed or frustrated.
To get through the silly season of the year with an increase in fitness and a reduction in size and weight will be an achievement within itself.
To enjoy some more active time with my kids and husband with bike rides and outings together.
TO SMILE WHEN THINGS ARE NOT GOING WELL and JFDI.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Week 7
Going into Week 7 is hard work, going backwards a bit, but trying to keep going forwards.
Tomorrow will tell me how far behind i fell this week. I have upped the exercise more than last week from nothing to some the last 2 days so far for this week.
This weeks challenge is to create a tshirt logo, I will share with you my 2 designs that i have submitted.
I have had fun putting these together.
Tomorrow will tell me how far behind i fell this week. I have upped the exercise more than last week from nothing to some the last 2 days so far for this week.
This weeks challenge is to create a tshirt logo, I will share with you my 2 designs that i have submitted.
I have had fun putting these together.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A month has nearly gone by
The time flies so quickly, a few weeks have gone by since i last made notes on this page. Since then my total weight loss has come down to 6kgs, I am so happy that it is going in the right direction. I am naughty and have not been as dilligent as i would like to be, but I am a mum and also only human and when I see chocolate in front of me , well that habit hasn't yet gone, but is being curbed a bit.
I am enjoying my occasional visits to the gym and my walks around the neighbourhood with my kids. I do realise that it is going to get harder soon, and that I will have to up the exercise to get things moving.
I had a lovely day at Falls Creek, in the Victorian mountain ranges, playing in the snow with my kids, we had a beautiful sunny day to toboggan down the toboggan run. I have achieved one of my goals this year and that was to take my kids to the snow, I handled walking up with the toboggan a lot better now than i would have a few months ago.
I love the meals that are in the meal plans, and my husband enjoyed having real meals again, he has started to loose weight as well.
Here's to another week and hoping it isnt going to be as hard as the last week I just go through.
Until next time
cheers
I am enjoying my occasional visits to the gym and my walks around the neighbourhood with my kids. I do realise that it is going to get harder soon, and that I will have to up the exercise to get things moving.
I had a lovely day at Falls Creek, in the Victorian mountain ranges, playing in the snow with my kids, we had a beautiful sunny day to toboggan down the toboggan run. I have achieved one of my goals this year and that was to take my kids to the snow, I handled walking up with the toboggan a lot better now than i would have a few months ago.
I love the meals that are in the meal plans, and my husband enjoyed having real meals again, he has started to loose weight as well.
Here's to another week and hoping it isnt going to be as hard as the last week I just go through.
Until next time
cheers
Thursday, June 21, 2012
My experiences so far on the 12WBT as I head into the end of week 3. I have started out slowly following the meal plans supplied, the suggested meals are fantastic. I have been adventurous and I have been introduced to two new meals that I would not normally indulge in, using red curry paste. I have been enjoying being in the kitchen and preparing meals. Unlike a few weeks ago where it was a big effort not to get something frozen out of the freezer and quickly microwave it. I have been preparing really nice meals from scratch, so even if I don't reduce my size hugely over 12 weeks, I will at least know I am able to cook tasty meals for myself.
My exercising is taking off slowly, having a few walks around my neighbourhood, a new membership to a gym, which I have been using and setting myself realistic goals that I know I can start out and maintain. Looking forward to spending time this week and starting a new gym program to keep myself motivated. My start with some exercise DVD's did quite keep going as I had hoped I might, but at least I know they are there when the crunch comes to get things moving, if I cant get outside or to the gym.
It is actually nice to see stretch marks, and feel a bulge less around the stomach as the last 3 weeks have progressed. Will be interesting next week when the 4 weekly measure up takes place.
The weekly inspirational videos have been a really great boost in the middle of the week, for motivation and to keep on track. I love that I dont have to make an appointment to see anyone to help me set up this program and that I am in control of how much or little I put into my efforts.
I am very happy that I took the step to change my lifestyle for myself, no packaged products, no merchandising endoursements that have to be purchased to take part in the program, the menus can be adapted to meet any budget (with a little bit of time and preparation).
Overall I have been feeling really well for the last couple of weeks and my chocolate addiction is slowly changing to a mini chocolate addiction.
Cheers until next time.
My exercising is taking off slowly, having a few walks around my neighbourhood, a new membership to a gym, which I have been using and setting myself realistic goals that I know I can start out and maintain. Looking forward to spending time this week and starting a new gym program to keep myself motivated. My start with some exercise DVD's did quite keep going as I had hoped I might, but at least I know they are there when the crunch comes to get things moving, if I cant get outside or to the gym.
It is actually nice to see stretch marks, and feel a bulge less around the stomach as the last 3 weeks have progressed. Will be interesting next week when the 4 weekly measure up takes place.
The weekly inspirational videos have been a really great boost in the middle of the week, for motivation and to keep on track. I love that I dont have to make an appointment to see anyone to help me set up this program and that I am in control of how much or little I put into my efforts.
I am very happy that I took the step to change my lifestyle for myself, no packaged products, no merchandising endoursements that have to be purchased to take part in the program, the menus can be adapted to meet any budget (with a little bit of time and preparation).
Overall I have been feeling really well for the last couple of weeks and my chocolate addiction is slowly changing to a mini chocolate addiction.
Cheers until next time.
Monday, June 18, 2012
I will be changing the tune of this blog a bit for the next few weeks. I am currently working, but not in the Graphic Design field, so I feel it is time to move on and change this blogspot.
I have commenced a new journey with the help of Michelle Bridges 12 WBT I am setting myself goals to become fitter and healthier during 2012.
This blog is going to be about my journey over the coming weeks. So far, I have started to feel healthier by eating the wonderful meals set out in the menu plans, remembering how to use the kitchen again and eating the lovely salads and fresh vegetables that are available and trying new tastes.
I have joined a gym, and have actually used it over the last couple of weeks in my pursuit for fitness, along with DVD's and the kids WII machine and PS3, I am aiming to vary my activities along with the usual walk around the neighbourhood and family bike rides together and social tennis games with my family.
This journey is for me, and myself alone. If anyone wishes to join me they are most welcome. My husband has been enjoying the new dishes being served to him as well.
I have participated in the goals that have been set by Michelle Bridges and have found them to be very helpful, the weekly inspirational videos are very motivational.
I have guidelines and goals and support and together with this I will succeed.
Cheers
Genevieve
I have commenced a new journey with the help of Michelle Bridges 12 WBT I am setting myself goals to become fitter and healthier during 2012.
This blog is going to be about my journey over the coming weeks. So far, I have started to feel healthier by eating the wonderful meals set out in the menu plans, remembering how to use the kitchen again and eating the lovely salads and fresh vegetables that are available and trying new tastes.
I have joined a gym, and have actually used it over the last couple of weeks in my pursuit for fitness, along with DVD's and the kids WII machine and PS3, I am aiming to vary my activities along with the usual walk around the neighbourhood and family bike rides together and social tennis games with my family.
This journey is for me, and myself alone. If anyone wishes to join me they are most welcome. My husband has been enjoying the new dishes being served to him as well.
I have participated in the goals that have been set by Michelle Bridges and have found them to be very helpful, the weekly inspirational videos are very motivational.
I have guidelines and goals and support and together with this I will succeed.
Cheers
Genevieve
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Sunday, August 14, 2011
White Lego at Brisbane art gallery
White lego display at Brisbane Art Gallery in March 2011. We had a lovely time playing with the lego and in the air conditioned gallery.
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