[ Christmas Challenge WI Results Week 4 ]

Week 4 has been a really tough week for me. To be honest, with everything that has been going on, i have not paid much attention to my exercise or my eating.

So lets see what has been going on this week and end of last.....

* I have had no heating

* I have had no hot water

* I had a gas leak Saturday morning, had to call the emergency national grid out who then proceeded to totally disconnect my gas supply to my flat which meant no cooker either

* We have had the first snow fall for the year

* I have been trying to get my refund paid by the local council for an overpayment that i made a few months back - like trying to get water out of a rock

* And to top it all off on Tuesday morning i was made redundant with effect immediately!

I have spent the past two days mopping around at home, feeling sorry for myself and eating myself out of house and home. Not such a good idea but at the moment i am picking my battles and food is just not one of them.

On a positive note though i do have an interview this morning for a temp to perm position which will start in one weeks time. That does mean a week with no money and then a week in hand but i will have to make a plan. If i do get this job then i will try to find a weeks work with Office Angels or something like that. Reception work, tea making, filling - i don't care....just something that will bring some money in.

I have also managed to do some painting these past few days. I am currently working on two canvass's and have almost finished my jewellery holder so I have some exciting photos to share soon.

Bearing all the above in mind, my Christmas Challenge WI Result for week 4 was a gain of 0.6lbs. Not bad at all considering how much i have eaten and the fact that i have not made it to the gym once this week or even last weekend.

Seeing as i feel i need to have some sort of pic to brighten things up, how about my little mushroom.

Ok, so its dead now but hey, that is so not the point!

[ Its tough at the moment ]

I have a lot of things going on at the moment and i could really do with your prayers if possible.

With everything that is going on my friend sent me this email today - I thought i would share it with you all.

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
'Why are you spending so much time on this one? '
And the Lord answered, ' Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands. '
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that ' s just on the standard model?
That ' s too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish. '
'But I won ' t, ' the Lord protested.
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days. '
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord. '
'She is soft, ' the Lord agreed,
'but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish. '
'Will she be able to think? ' , asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
'Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate. '
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman ' s cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one. '
'That ' s not a leak, '
the Lord corrected,
'that ' s a tear! '
'What ' s the tear for? ' the angel asked.
The Lord said, ' The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride. '
The angel was impressed.
'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing. '
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don ' t take ' no ' for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They ' ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

[ Christmas Challenge WI Result - Week 3 ]

Week 3 of my Christmas challenge has been a good week for me.

This week i have lost a total of 2 lbs. I had hoped for a little more but i guess that is just being greedy. This brings my total for the Christmas Challenge to a total lose 4.6 lbs.

Overall i have now officially lost 28.6 lbs. I was so happy this morning i was jumping up and down acting like a crazy girl!

I am so proud to say that i have now lost 10% of my total body weight and i can really see and feel a difference. In honour of this great achievement i have awarded myself some bling for my blog.




I now begin the journey towards my next 10% but for today i am just going to focus on the 10% already lost. And of course nothing makes reaching a goal sweeter than getting to reward yourself with something oh so nice. Something that you have been holding off buying, waiting just for this moment in time.

I am going to be buying

for myself tonight!

Way to go ME!

[ Pigs ]

I came across this advert on facebook last night and i just had to share. It really, really made me giggle.

Free Pig*

Choose any card design from pig to patriotic with the Classic Visa Card with up to £2,500 credit. *Actual pig not included with card.

NO WAY!!

[ YouTube Rocks! ]

Sometimes i am just in total awe of today's technology and "normality's" for lack of a better word.

Take YouTube for example. Do you guys realise that you can pretty much get a video of just about anything and everything off of there? I decided that i wanted to have a go at cutting my own bangs so i was doing a search on Google to find out what type of bang would suit my face shape best.

The next thing i know there is this link to a YouTube video and it is a girl showing you how to cut your own bangs! How cool is that!!

So i had a look at a few more videos by different people and finally found one that i thought i would try.

I picked up my scissors and began to cut away - worst case scenario i would have to go to my friends daughter for some emergency hairdressing help.

I am so pleased with how it turned out and now i know that i can save myself a few quid when money is tight. Plus i also now know how to layer my own hair as well as create feathering down the front. Cool or what??

[ 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days ]

Mission:
to complete 101 preset tasks in 1001 days

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focused. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

Start Date: Monday, October 13th, 2008
Finish Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011

Health/Fitness/Outdoors
1. Buy a sports bra 16.10.08
2. Complete a 5K
3. Complete another 5K
4. Go Zorbing
5. Complete a Half Marathon
6. Try a Body Balance Class
7. Get a massage
8. Get into the habit of flossing every day
9. Get to my goal weight of 175 pounds
10. Lose 60lbs
11. Eat at TJ Fridays
12. Go to the cinema 09.11.08
13. Go horseback riding
14. Learn one good joke
15. Lose 30 lbs
16. pay off the loan to dad
17. Write a letter 14.11.08
18. Go to the dentist
19. Have my hair permed
20. Go Air Diving/Sky Diving
21. Participate in the breast Cancer Walk
22. Swap DVDs with a friend
23. Learn sign language
24. Bake something for a friend
25. Buy a new mattress
26. Watch a monster jam show in person
27. Visit a garden centre
28. Take a Pilate's class
29. Take a Body Pump class

Home/Family
30. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle where i can
31. Bake my own pumpkin bread
32. Buy a house/flat
33. Save up for the deposit for the house/flat
34. Buy a flat screen TV
35. Have £1,000 in my savings account
36. Apply for Naturalization
37. Apply for my British Passport
38. Do a new painting for the lounge
39. Get some wall deco up
40. Buy a cupcake display holder
41. Plant a herb garden
42. Make Cupcakes and decorate them
43. Do something with felt
44. Go on a date 09.11.08


Work/Education
45. Get a new job in Leicester
46. Finish and pass DD100
47. Finish and pass a second course
48. Get a pay rise
Hobbies
49. Complete one art journal page
50. Buy the Taking Flight book by Kelly Rae Roberts
51. Take an art class.
52. Take a cooking class
53. Read 24 books
54. Take a cake decorating class
55. Sew my first item of clothing
56. Take a photography class
57. Create a YouTube video
58. Do something with felt
Fun
59. Feed the ducks
60. Go Clay Pigeon shooting
61. Get a makeover
62. Have a cup of hot chocolate with some mini marshmallows
63. Make my own jewellery
64. Go to or throw a Fancy Dress party
65. Go to a Show at Demontford Hall
66. Throw a dinner party
67. Go to a poetry or book reading
68. Go to an art exhibit opening
69. Go to Ireland
70. Go shopping in Market harborough
71. Have a Games Night
72. Have a picnic in the park
73. Have a spa day
74. Have a yard sale
75. Have a girlfriend weekend
76. Make a Jewellery Holder 05.11.08
77. Stay at a lodge in the winter - maybe in Switzerland?
78.Try 1 new restaurant
79. Watch 10 new to me movies
Philanthropy
80. Donate blood
81. Create a Life Mantra
82. Display this Mantra
83. Plant a tree for Arbor Day
84. Volunteer for something
Miscellaneous
85. Buy a new laptop 31.10.08
86. Buy a pair of wellies
87. Buy something vintage
88. Take a First Aid Course
89 Watch one full season of the Gilmore Girls
90. Go on a weekend retreat alone
91. Do a photo shoot
92. Make Christmas gifts of brownie mix in jars
93. Learn to make General Tso Chicken
94. Cook a new recipe
95. Find a church that i like and settle in
96. Make at least three new friends
97. Make my own cheesecake
98. Organise my OU papers and work
99. Repay at least 1 credit card in full.
100. Do my Day in the Life book
101. Write a new 101 List once this one is done

[ Christmas Challenge WI Result - Week 2 ]

Week 2 of my Christmas Challenge and I am very proud of myself for this week just gone.

Scale wise i have stayed the same so neither good nor bad.

Exercise wise it has been great! I did 2 body combat classes and a body jam class. We had new routines that we were learning and i am so please that i can see a really big improvement in my fitness level. Its nice to have some non scale victories.

Talking about Non scale victories i have had two this week: The first was buying a size 18/20. I used to be a 24! And secondly my mom cut 6.5 inches off each of my leg on my tracksuit bottoms. They looked like tents before but now they fit so much better.

Food wise i haven't been all that good. I have had a small pizza, some cookies at the office and two slices of New York style Cheesecake. So very naughty but oh so very nice.

Because i am feeling so proud of myself for the exercise i think i shall reward myself with this little badge from the healthy you challenge blog.

All in all I am pleased with the results. Starting on week 3 I know that i will do better and am hoping to reach my 10% goal next Wednesday.

[ On A Mission For A Sports Bra ]

This weekend I was on a mission! Saturday morning i went to my usual Body Combat class, except that this weekend was the new release, release number 37, for this class. I must be a honest and say that i love this new routine so much more than the old one but man are there a LOT of scissors and jumping and running on the spot. My poor Boobs where getting a real beating even though i was wearing my usual Sports Bra.

After this class, i had a shower and decided to go see what i could find in world of sports bra's. Let me just start by saying that i ended the weekend more confused and overwhelmed than when i started.

How difficult can it be? I want a sports bra. Something that will give me GOOD support and that has got more than the normal bra look at the back. I think they call this type a racerback but I'm not sure. I picked up so many new words this weekend i am not all that sure i have the correct understanding for what they all are.

First off i found the Shockabsorber bras......what on earth makes them shock absorbers? Is it special fabric because they definitely just looked like normal sports bras to me. And to make things worse, and i mean apart from the price of them, level 4 seems to only be done in cup sizes D - I am a C - and they only seem to go up to a 38inch back. I know i am big, that is why i am losing weight and exercising but i still need a good bra.

Size seemed to be a constant problem for me. Most of them only go up to a 38 or a Large. The large was just too tight. The only option that i could find in the 30 or so shops that i went to where the normal back type of bras. I am sure that they are fine, but i want something that i can feel a little more supported in.

Then i decided to look online....Boy oh boy was that a mistake. So many more options and shops but its so difficult to buy over the net. The sizing also seems to be different depending where you go so then i had to try figure out my bra size for each site....arg! what a mission.

So i guess i was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions or thoughts or good articles on sports bras. I just need some direction and guidance without commission being the motivator behind the answers!

[ A jumble of thoughts ]

I have a lot going on in my world at the moment..... a lot of things are going through my head and through my heart. I thought it might help to put them into words so that i can try to make some sense of it all.

* I am missing Pam. So much you wouldn't believe. I miss our chats over a cup of tea. I miss telling her how things are going. I miss laughing over card making. I miss having her in my life. I have been thinking about going to visit her grave over the weekend but i am not sure if that is a good thing. For one, it make me even sadder and two i no longer really belong to her family. When i split up from my ex i guess i feel like i split up from the family as well. I'm not sure if they would be upset if they found out i had been.

* I haven't done any art in about the last three months. I miss it and perhaps that is why i am finding myself so down. I am itching to do some painting, to get my hands dirty but i know i just don't have the time i need. So maybe tonight i should get my art journal out instead and do some painting in that

* I have tooth ache and have been really sick this past week and weekend. My wisdom tooth is coming out and it is killing. I have this unbelievable fear of the dentist which doesn't help so right now i am sucking on painkillers and hoping it will go away.

* I cant get my parcel. I know its not big in the scheme of things but i just want my parcel! I'm never home - i work and live on my own - so if he is going to try to deliver at those times then i wont be there. Plus he seems to have a habit of first time not giving me my parcel number, which stopped me from being able to get it redirected to my folks. And then when he delivered again yesterday he put the parcel number down but put it down incorrectly! Just lovely!

* I need to do some dish washing - desperately! And some cleaning.

* I'm tired. I have a very busy week between working, gyming 4 times a week, studying and living i don't get much time to relax and find that i am often not getting to bed until 11:30. I am an 8 hours sleep kind of gal. I NEED my sleep. I am going to have to figure something out and quickly.

* I am doing my psychology degree, which i totally am loving, but i am a little worried that i have gotten myself in deeper than i originally thought. I am sure i can manage it, its more the time aspect of it.

* I want to do some baking - must make some time to do this.

* I have been being very good eating wise lately but yesterday and today i am in desperate need of sweet stuff. Chocolate, cheesecake...I'm not really fussed. I just want it and i want it all.

Sorry guys i know this post is a little soppy and winy today but sometimes its good just to get it out. I had this quote emailed to me today and thought it was very true.

"There are times when we may fool ourselves. There are times when we can fool others. But we can never fool our body. It is the most sensitive barometer of our inner world." - Sherrill Sellman

Have a lovely weekend everyone

[ Campainging For Creativity - Every Day ]

I have a ton of things going on today....work, cleaning, uni tonight.... so i wasn't going to be posting today.

But, i came across Donnas post this morning and thought i would spread the word.

For me, this is my favourite part -

"we all have a voice. sometimes it speaks to us in a department store, or while reading a catalog, or while walking in nature. it is the voice that stops you and makes you look a things in a different way.

• 
  like the placemats you pass while shopping at Target that inspires your next layout design,
• 
  or the new bedding set you see in a pottery barn catalog that inspires the color pallet for your next collage painting
• 
  or the nature walk that prompts you to pick up fallen branches and twigs that inspire your next home decor project.
  

embracing our creative potential and letting it free to guide our art is the challenge.believing in the power of your passion to create is the gift we all have to share.

"believe in your creative potential,

enjoy the creative process,

try something new,

explore new possibilities,

but most of all believe."

[ Christmas Challenge WI Result - Week 1 ]

This is the end of my first week for the Christmas Challenge and it has been both a good and a bad one.

As much as possible i have eaten well and stayed within my points. I have not done as much exercise as i would have liked as i have been sick for the past five days or so, but last night i went back for my first gym class in about 8 days.

So.....my Week 1 weigh in result is

Start of Challenge: 259.2

Week One: 256.4

Result of: -2.8lbs

I am so pleased with this. My goal for next week is to lose min of 1.4 lbs so that i can reach my first 10% goal! I am so excited about this. I have even decided to treat myself when i reach this goal - oooh, so excited.

[ Knowing your place in this world ]

Last Monday night i decided to try a painting class that was being held at one of our local centres. I was so looking forward to it as i have never been to one before.

The advert described the class as follows:

"A class open to all, whatever your level of experience, from complete beginner
onwards. This is an easy going class where you’ll get the chance to
explore painting, focusing on watercolours and acrylics. All materials
provided."

This is what they actually meant:

A class open to all - that is if you can find it as it is so well hidden,

whatever your level of experience - but please note we do expect you to be very much experienced,

from complete beginner onwards - aaaaaa, yeah right!

This is an easy going class - as long as you don't mind being told that what you are painting is rubbish compared to everyone else (who by the way have been painting for at least the past 10 years)

where you’ll get the chance to explore painting, focusing on watercolours and acrylics- but you are only allowed to use watercolours and you have to paint what i tell you to paint!

All materials provided - in your dreams only! Of course you have to bring your own art supplies or you will be forced to scrap out the old empty dry bits of paints from the bottom of some unwashed plates that were used as mixing pots.

Needless to say i wont be going back this week, but i did come home with this lovely little picture!

[ My Weekend in Pictures ]

Most of my weekend was spent in this lovely bed as i have been so very sick. Surprisingly though, I have seemed to get a lot done as well this weekend.....

I did manage to finish PS I Love You as i was awake from 1am Saturday morning feeling so bad. I got up, made myself a cup of tea and sat and read. By 3am i was in tears, crying because my book was just so sad, crying because i was feeling so sick, crying because i was so sick and all alone and crying because i only had enough milk left for one more cup of tea - which would have had to be kept for my normal morning time cup of tea

Saturday morning i spent some time laying on my couch in my bed socks watching some TV while the washing was in

And this is some of the laundry that i got done over the past two days
I decided to treat myself a little this weekend and bought myself these three DVDs. I cant wait to watch them - especially ONCE. I have heard such great reviews about this film.
I also picked up some new nail polish, eye shadow and lipstick
I stopped by Borders on the way home from my folks on Saturday night to see if i could find a copy of Kelly Rae Roberts new book, Taking Flight.....no luck unfortunately

I made two huge pots of yummy vegetable soup for the week ahead

I bought myself some Asiatic Lilies for my kitchen
I also made a really good start on my University course. I listened to the Audio and familiarised myself with the requirements for my first marked assignment - which is due in two weeks time...eek!
By Sunday night i needed some fresh air so i decided to go for a walk in the little park next to my flat. It was nice to be outside, watching the neighbourhood dogs running around playing fetch.
All in all i would say it has been a good and productive weekend

[ It appears I have become a Fan ]

Of Jack Johnson and Taylor Swift that is! I LOVE their music and as i have been up since 2am feeling absolutely horrible from this flu that i have i have been doing some blog surfing, music downloading among many other things including some washing.....its amaizing how you pass the time in the early hours of the morning..LOL

Oh yeah, and i am trying to get my hands on an ipod so if you know of any great sales going on i would be most appreicative

Have a great Saturday everyone

[ Life goes on ]

So after last nights post i was hoping that i could just stay in bed forever, only ever having to go out to pick up some chocolate and the occasional pint of milk for tea.....but it just doesn't work that way. Last night i went to bed and then this morning my alarm clock went off and i had to drag my sorry butt out of bed and move on with life.

That's the thing with life, no matter what your facing - Life still goes on. Some days its refreshing, other days is just down right annoying!

So, after a long morning of feeling grumpy and frumpy i have decided that i need to "pull myself together" and just "get with it"! And what better way to do this than to have a plan.

On that note - here is my plan from today until Saturday mid morning.

1. Make it through the rest of the day and finish work

2. Either drop by my parents to pick up my study course work or drop by the courier company depending if it has returned yet

3. Clean myself up , have dinner if there is time, and go off to weekly study group.

4. Come back home and do the normal evening things.

5. Get up ON TIME and GO to work.

6. Do a good days work

7. From work head off to the gym for a workout....decide what workout the night before

8. Get up Saturday morning go to Body Combat class.

That is it - that is all that i am going to concentrate on over the next few days.

Oh and in other news - while i think about it - I went and bought myself a new workout shirt. In the hopes that it will make me feel just a little better about myself.

[ Pitty Party for 1 - Be ware, its not a pretty sight ]

This is me tonight, having a pitty part for one. I know i should be polite and invite you (cause we all know just how much you would LOVE to join me) but as i am feeling all sad and pathetic i have decided that i am doing this thing on my own! AGAIN!

Yes, alone and single are two of the things have joined me at my pitty party. It wont be forever i keep being told but right now they are comfy and set on staying.

Then there is the embarrassed and disgusted little fellas who are also joining me.

I went to my gym class tonight and the only place that i could get was directly in front of the mirrors. In a class full of other ladies i looked like an out of syn hippo having a bad day. Tummy and boobs jiggling everywhere, big butt and thighs sticking out like a sore thumb. I know it was only my imagination that every other thin, beautiful woman was looking at me, thinking horrible horrible thoughts but i let it get to me that much that i left the class, halfway through with tears running down my face.

As if that isn't enough i also don't have any chocolate in the house. Well i guess that's a good thing but it means that i have had to resort to raiding my baking cupboard and am currently sitting here eating my hundreds and thousands and half a bag of baking chocolate chips that i cant even remember opening.

Lets hope tomorrow will be a better day hey!

[ The Start of the Christmas Challenge ]

I seemed to have found my mojo once again for this weight lose journey this past week. Don't get me wrong i have been working hard and eating healthily but i haven't been keeping a very close eye on it all.

From today that all changes. I have been reading some very inspiring blogs these past few days and it has really motivated me to get back into this with 100% of my heart.

So, while i was doing my blog surfing I came across the Christmas Challenge and decided that this is exactly what i need to help me. It gives me a goal, keeps me accountable and hopefully i will make a few new friends. I have also done a bit of an update on my blog as well as on my links.

This will run for 12 weeks starting today and my goal is to lose 26lbs. That means that by Christmas I would have lost a total of 50 lbs. That will be brilliant.

My starting weight for this challenge is 259.2lbs.

My plan of action for this is as follows:

* Working out at the gym 4 - 5 times a week

* Staying within my WW points range

* Not eating after 9pm

* Eating a good breakfast every day

When you stop by please feel free to leave a comment if you have any suggestions or anything that you would like to share.