tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21488851747323299392024-03-06T17:23:35.109+10:00HAPPINESS WI(THIN)A journal of my daily life trying to lose weight, find happiness and find myself.SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-78660061972202893232010-07-19T10:05:00.000+10:002010-07-19T10:05:13.127+10:00Words to live by<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">... Because I love me more ...</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Oh Samantha from Sex & The City, I couldn't have said it better myself.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Those words are words I am trying to live by. Doing something for me not for someone else or for another reason but for me.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Anyway after that Dr. Phil motto - everything else is going relatively well. Work has been flat out hence no <strike>confessions</strike> posts for 2 months. Relationship with BF, friends & family are going well. Weight.. smeh but getting into good habits again. Starting to remember that my weight doesn't define my happiness, smartness, wealth or worth.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Working from home today so I am going to go to the gym during lunch and have an extended workout because I need to move my ass - actually looking forward to it. Careful don't fall of your chair now!</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">xo</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-67938819038393476332010-05-20T20:41:00.000+10:002010-05-20T20:41:28.142+10:00howdy<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have started a new role within the same company and have been flat out. Absolutely loving it though. Great experience and extremely relevant to what I am studying (ugh full time work and part time study is killing me).</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So work is good but I am so tired lately and went to Dr as I have been feeling so crap.She basically said I have some virus going around but because I have a malabsoprtion problem (thanks band.... NOT!) and my immune system is so low it is just taking me so long to get over it so she said to get as much rest as I can/when I can and no gym for two weeks because my body won't recover and I will just drive it into breakdown mode. So trying to rest and not exercising is actually really annoying because I am just putting weight back on, getting bigger and mentally getting into a funk. Ugh. I honestly thought when I got this band 18mths ago my body and mind would be so different...</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">oh well shit happens. its 30 weeks till my birthday so I am trying to get serious about health now and be feeling better and lighter by then.. 20kg lighter I hope. My eating is good so once I get my booty moving should improve.</span></em>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-75493475156807365052010-05-02T11:06:00.000+10:002010-05-02T11:06:04.664+10:00True Blood<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I think True Blood is fairly big in the US but its only starting to get big here. I just watched two seasons worth in about 3 days.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>AHHHMAAAAAAAZZZZZIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGG! For those who watch it, I hope you know Jason Stackhouse (Sookie's bro) is from down under! God he is hot. Anyway its a great show.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Speaking of blood.... most (well anyone who has read my blog) would know I have had some tests done lately.. all came back fairly clear. My left ventricular (or the left side of my heart) is a little small so my cardiologist said "I need to keep en eye on that"... umm okay I will keep an eye on it. But its not a serious problem and it could explain some other things going on with my brain. What concerned me the most was my blood test results - I got tested for everything!</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I am deficient in:</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Vit A, B, C & D</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Vit B12</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Folate</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Iron</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I am borderline high in:</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>LDL - bad cholesterol</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Thyroid is borderline </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Rheumatoid Factor is borderline high - I don't even know what that is?!</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>So basically my neurologist said I clearly have some malabsorption issues going on and have a few new supplements to take in the morning.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>So even though its annoying and I haven't had these problems pre-band but I'm in this situation now so I need to deal with it. My BF also had some blood tests and his cholesterol is off the rocker so its down to business for us. Did a big fridge and pantry chuck out and have googled lots of new healthy cholesterol-friendly recipes. So time to get down to it. Sick of being fat and unhealthy.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Also being very low in Vit D & B12 explains why I feel so tired, have no energy and physically feel worse after exercise. So I think better eating and supplements will help. Oh also helps that I have a new job (in the same company) so stress wise things aren't so stressful!</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Hoorah!</i></span></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-22383555602379018042010-04-13T22:30:00.000+10:002010-04-13T22:30:17.288+10:00ouchies<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>today was my last day at work and in between meetings all i during the day was 1 sushi role.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Fast forward to dinner time, being home alone and a little emotional I drank too much and boy did i eat too much.. my tummy is ouchie :-( since having some fill out I am still struggling with food but i am giving myself a pass for the past week due to heart tests & work stuff going on.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>here is a shot of my heart monitor just before bed.. looking sexy i know! You should be upset i wasnt wearing my night mouth-guard (yes i am a teeth grinder) - and yes i did have an allergic reaction to the tape which was everywhere... including the 4 other little monitor pads under my lady lumps :-( </i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOdWnZpa0n4nE5qB8nUQoqx5IzhyoB2oU3WVtTg4iaJKjSV71HSVI-niCnbH8z_Fsz8kAyjlkrzPaQVNMYnpWFNno5pFjOr8uv8du9hGusL8GP_IpCQ2iKHXVK-spLoA2ZuiZIrB8Hw5/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOdWnZpa0n4nE5qB8nUQoqx5IzhyoB2oU3WVtTg4iaJKjSV71HSVI-niCnbH8z_Fsz8kAyjlkrzPaQVNMYnpWFNno5pFjOr8uv8du9hGusL8GP_IpCQ2iKHXVK-spLoA2ZuiZIrB8Hw5/s400/untitled.bmp" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-21557537480244563102010-04-06T19:53:00.000+10:002010-04-06T19:53:25.762+10:00Restriction.. Zumba.. Fuzzy Feelings..<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I haven't vomitted for a week.. not once :-)</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Today I ate a toasted sandwich and it was devine. Until the tomato fell out of the sandwich and onto my shirt but it didn't take away the fuzzy sensation I was feeling.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>However.. I feel like I don't have any restriction now and am really struggling to get my eating under control. This is what</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I ate today:</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8am - yoghurt</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9.30am - coffee</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1.00pm - toasted sandwich</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6.00pm - weight watchers mini dinner (yes they have mini dinners now! 3 points and about 230ish calories - amazing!)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6.45pm - easter freaking egg</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">okay that doesn't look too bad really.. just ignore the easter egg though.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I have read a lot of the US blogs and it seems Zumba is massive over there and its taking off down under as well. So I am in the process of downloading (yes I am a naughty pirate, arggh) and I can't wait to get my merengue march on.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Day 1 of heart test</i>s <i>tomo</i>rrow<i> - not too stressed but I am exhausted due to lack of sleep the past 3 weeks but feeling positive about everything (for now).</i></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Is anyone still reading this? please post comments / questions / thoughts? </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ahoy!</span></i>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-25269901103507404742010-04-05T17:13:00.000+10:002010-04-05T17:13:18.886+10:00overwhelmed<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Well on Thursday I saw my band Dr & my neurologist and what an overwhelming day!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Band Dr was interesting - broke down straight away and was honest when I told him how i was feeling... i regret the band, i vomit 9 times out of 10 and nothing is happening and i hate myself more. Since having 1.5ml taken out I haven't vomited once.. HOORAY! I will admit on Saturday I went a little crazy with the eating, I was starving (mentally) and couldn't stop eating but I have calmed down... almost.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>So I had a check-up with my neurologist as I had some MRIs on my brain a few months ago - I was thinking it would be an all clear appointment but apparently not. I have these tiny little white spots on my brain and apparently they can be caused by heart problems such as a hole in the heart or issues with valves. Anyway I am going for a whole bunch of tests later in the week and past few days my emotions have been all over the place and I have been having trouble coping with everything (redundancy, brain, food, band) but I am trying to keep it together.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Well thats all - I just needed to think out loud and I haven't said anything to friends because I hate worry-ing people for no reason. So if you don't mind.. please send positive vibes/prayers/meditation.. whatever you do.. my way :-D please hehe</i></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-71031037351618831362010-03-24T16:03:00.000+10:002010-03-24T16:03:55.194+10:00fingers crossed<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The past</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <i>few days have been all over the place. Last thursday, due to company restructure, my position was made redundant. It was a massive shock and I spent most of Thursday in tears and Friday in shock. After some retail therapy (big savings! new work dress & jacket for $20 - will take pics), getting a massage, having my hair did AND lots of drinking.. I am feeling better.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Surprisingly I am relatively positive since I know the market has improved and I have been given a pretty good redundancy package. I also have an interview with a large energy company tomorrow which I think would have lots of career opportunites for me! So fingers crossed everyone.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Food wise - yeah the past week has been all over the shop, somedays I hardly eat, other days I eat everything. I also haven't done any proper exercise in a week but time to get back to it. Meeting with my Dr next week which I am a little scared about, simply because I haven't lost much weight but oh well.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Fingers crossed for my interview tomorrow everyone!</i></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-46738227133371562922010-03-16T13:02:00.000+10:002010-03-16T13:02:02.741+10:00Week 1: Day 1So last night I started the Couch to 5k program.<br />
<br />
There are lots of different programs on the net but I just decided to go with www.fromcouchto5k.com.<br />
<br />
The BF wants to do it too so it is so much easier having someone go with you and we did it when it was dark so I felt less self conscious. Although we were walking along a normal busy suburban street when I nearly stepped on a baby snake!!! Yes a snake, it was dark and I didn’t get too close to see what it was but the fright got the heart rate up. For any American readers – this is not a normal thing (well not for me anyway as I live 5km from the city).<br />
<br />
I felt GREAT after it and had a really yummy lean cuisine dinner (we are having frozen dinners the past week and the next two weeks because we are both working long hours and have portion control issues so this is easier and healthier). This dinner was probably the first dinner in a while where I haven’t PB’d. I am starting to think I am definitely too tight since I usually PB with every meal :-S and my Dr once said that the tightness he likes is when you can eat a sandwich without PB but feel full afterwards... a sandwich?! I can only eat a sandwich if it is toasted, I have about 30mins spare and a toilet close by.<br />
<br />
It’s amazing how one little happy moment can make your outlook/positivity change so much (or more like how I let it change so much... hmm).SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-42393589346998141862010-03-12T14:51:00.000+10:002010-03-12T14:51:01.402+10:00super skinny me - I wish!<i><br />
So I stumbled across a UK documentary last night titled “Super-Skinny Me: Race to size zero”.<br />
<br />
I was frightening and also intriguing at the same time.<br />
<br />
The interesting part was the effects of extreme dieting on the body and the mind that people may not realise. The frightening part was how I was mentally taking notes and wondering if I could cope for a week the way they are eating/exercising. I also got a little frightened when I realised how I was slightly wishing I had that much “will power” (more like insanity) to be able to starve and force myself into extreme exercising. My only concern was how extreme dieting could affect the band.<br />
<br />
The show (which is a 4 part doc) made me realise how much more obsessed with food & weight I have become since the band and how I now compare & judge myself a whole lot more – e.g. if I normally lost 2kg in a month I would be happy – now that makes me cry. All I ever seem to think about it what I should or shouldn’t be eating, why am I eating, how much I should be exercising, how much I’m not exercising, number on scales, number I want to lose... its ridiculous. Deep inside I think if I have the psych consult before the band there probably would have been a few red flags. Oh well.<br />
<br />
Does anyone else feel the band has made them a little more obsessive about weight/food/body? Or the opposite and they now don’t have to think about food and just eat for nutrition without the mental battle?<br />
<br />
Have a great w.end everyone – I am relaxing after a long week of work & studying and minimal sleep. Ugh!<i></i></i>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-82425409163629537142010-03-06T09:41:00.000+10:002010-03-06T09:41:11.145+10:00Tired & random lightbulb moment<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I.AM.SO.TIRED! It has been a long week with a few ups & downs.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Beginning of week, I was feeling good and noticing some change in the body, keen to stick to exercising & good food. Come Friday, hmm a little bit of a different story. Trying to find something to wear to a formal black tie dinner and wishing I was skinnier is a drain. Plus being busy with school & work commitments means I haven't exercised as much as I planned and now I feel like I am coming down with something. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But don't worry... I am NOT going to let this get me down. Just going to soldier on and try to be gentle on the body by getting lots of rest and stocking up on some good vegies & fruit. Might also do a gentle stroll this morning and perhaps weigh myself (although weighing myself on the Wii doesn't ever seem to see a change on the scales)... ummm LIGHTBULB moment....</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I can feel a change in my body, especially neck/shoulders/chest but the scales seem to be staying the same. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the past 5 weeks I have been lifting and moving boxes everyday and my muscles are growing :-) Even though the boxes are soo mind numbing and boring, I try to think of the extra calories I burn everyday! </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Have a great weekend everyone!</span></i>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-49301083132976464272010-02-25T10:58:00.000+10:002010-02-25T10:58:42.038+10:00Wiiiiiiiiiiiiii<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hullo all</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well I don't really have much to say but I feel like I need to say something or I will just stop blogging completely - maybe thats a good thing.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As usual my rollercoaster of moods is on a different path again! This time its a better one though. I have been exercising a lot more and actually enjoying it! Maybe its because its not at the boring gym but at home playing on the Wii. I know some people believe the Wii isn't really working out and I agree the benefit of going for a walk outside is a lot better... for them (and for anyone but anyway). But for me, getting home and wanting to go for a walk when its 30 - 32 degrees (86 - 89.6 fahrenheit) and the humidity is still around 60%, the wanting is not there. But coming home, turning on the Wii (and a fan) and then walking on my Wii for half hour - always at least 3000 steps, then another half hour of "aerobics" and seeing roughly how many calories I've burnt plus some yoga exercises to un-wind is the perfect 1 hour and 15 minutes for me.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also at work we are conducting an audit and about 250 boxes of files have been coming in the past 3 weeks and now we are sending them back (will take another 4 weeks till it is complete) so my normal work day is so much more active now. I am taping & moving at least 25 boxes a day and walking so much more. I keep forgetting to wear a pedometer and I think I might buy one of those technical heartrate/calorie/steps etc watches to see how much I burn during the day.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Eating has been relatively good too - just watching what/how/when/why I am eating.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Apart from that I have just been working/exercising/studying and its not too bad right now :-) I am going to work on my CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) and really focus on maintaining this positiveness and learning how to better deal with the downward ride of my rollercoaster.</span></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Peace.</span></em>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-86964865521859364062010-02-17T22:02:00.000+10:002010-02-17T22:02:25.861+10:00Short & Sweet.<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So since my last post I have been having constant urges to exercise - and I'm acting on those urges. Exercised for an hour yesterday & today and going to stick with it.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Also I have found a perfect snack - few slices of chicken breast. Low cals, easy to eat & yummy!</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-44344253190605631462010-02-16T11:27:00.002+10:002010-02-16T11:27:54.773+10:00same old storyWell its been a while since I have posted anything but I don’t want to post some rubbish for the sake of it... however this will probably be rubbish.<br />
<br />
So went out for a lovely dinner Saturday night with my BF to celebrate our 2 years – we took some photos and I had to hold back the tears. I honestly just felt so disgusted with myself and it was a bit of a wakeup call. I haven’t lost much weight because I don’t exercise enough and let myself eat crap sometimes and then rationalise it.<br />
<br />
I just have no motivation to go to the gym – I do some exercise at home but not enough and I just don’t care anymore. I still let my lack of self-confidence get in the way and I need to find this mojo somehow. At this point in time I think I just have to force myself to exercise and hope that the enjoyment and wanting to exercise follows.<br />
<br />
Any motivation would be great right now – how have you gotten yourself out of the funk before?SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-33748539367532240392010-02-06T16:31:00.000+10:002010-02-06T16:31:35.424+10:00What a week!<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This week has been long. Very long. Very stressful. Very overwhelming. I have been mentally, physically & emotionally challenged this week but I am trying to see it as a personal challenge. I think if I can remain positive, acknowledge my feelings, work out what and why I am feeling the way I can do I will be able to deal with it better.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"School" (my night class) is going to be harder than I thought but I think if I work hard I will do well. The next few months are going to be a good challenge on how to balance work/school/life together.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Also something that has really lifted my mood today (apart from massage & cleaning) is I/my blog was a topic on an American Weight Loss Surgery channel. WOW! If anyone wants to check out the little mention the link is <a href="http://ow.ly/14fIJ">http://ow.ly/14fIJ</a>. Have a great weekend everyone - I have cleaning and studying to do!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peace</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">xo </span></i>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-64488133701659024912010-02-02T19:44:00.000+10:002010-02-02T19:44:37.747+10:00Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49F_DhDbffh2P7u3e3fedvypUA4QA3sBRa23af0YuGfasIVu27mnw5T8PEHaeMe26CgwriKJAVCN-vu0Srh1lYMzA-EC4Vex84bLxxj2ubFB4lyhXg_j2rZOGssvB9tdVR8nzsTXaNKOg/s1600-h/Hayley_Lewis_bio_277x390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49F_DhDbffh2P7u3e3fedvypUA4QA3sBRa23af0YuGfasIVu27mnw5T8PEHaeMe26CgwriKJAVCN-vu0Srh1lYMzA-EC4Vex84bLxxj2ubFB4lyhXg_j2rZOGssvB9tdVR8nzsTXaNKOg/s320/Hayley_Lewis_bio_277x390.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Right now, this is my motivation (in no particular order):</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>- The Biggest Loser (Aust): I know that their weight loss isn't realistic and for most of them even attainable, but I can't help to be inspired & motivated by it.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>- <a href="http://cheeseandsunkist.blogspot.com/">Amy</a> & <a href="http://chroniclesfrombandland.blogspot.com/">Catherine</a>: awesome.inspiring.honest. enough said. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>- Haley Lewis (picture): host of biggest loser. She is a former olympic swimmer who has had a weight battle but is now looking so freaking fit & fine.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>- Attending a beach wedding in 13 weeks.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>- My best-super skinny who loves to run and eat well-friend who is visiting in 12 weeks. I haven't seen her in about a year and I want her to notice an actual difference.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>- myself: I want to look back on this year and be close to goal and know I worked hard no matter what size I am or what the scales say. I don't want to feel like a "failure" anymore.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Have my first night class tomorrow - kind of nervous but excited. Next few months will be hard with getting into a decent routine and money wise but it will be worth it. I can do it. </i></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-49246720937049344332010-01-28T19:23:00.000+10:002010-01-28T19:23:02.638+10:00Control<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today has been good.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had my work performance review which went great! Was so happy to hear such positive and encouraging feedback and even though my boss doesn't know about the band and is probably underweight (she has a few control/food issues) but I said how I really think this is going to be a hard but good year and I really want to focus on myself - work, study & fitness and she said she would support me in any possible way and reminded me to have more confidence.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Went to dentist to get the impressions for my splint - firstly she was great and explained how a lot of the facial and tension headaches are from my grinding/clenching and my splint should make a dramatic improvement and secondly I was only out of pocket $50!</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So this arvo I have the worst jaw pain & headaches and probably feeling a little sorry for myself and just started to think about that old friend of mine who I no longer get to talk to - I guess this is a good time to learn how to take control of my feelings and not let myself get too down - and to try to move on from the friendship and acknowledge how much I have put it and put up with.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh well - I've been feeling happy & motivated today so not going to let it get me down. Shit happens and its not always my fault :-) </span></i>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-17944760856724434632010-01-27T16:50:00.001+10:002010-01-27T16:51:27.203+10:00Happiness today is dentists & stationery!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>This morning I went to the dentist - which doesn’t bother me and I know I am lucky that I don’t have dentist issues. The most I’ve had done to my teeth were getting all 4 wisdom teeth out when I was 16 which wasn’t too painful (had a bad experience with the dental practice I went too but apart from that all good).</em></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>So the lovely dentist is checking my teeth and commenting on how great they are and look like they have had orthodontic work because they are basically perfect (hahaha cmon I have to have something to brag about) and then asks me how I feel when I wake up. That reminded me to tell her how I have a sore jaw and headaches in the morning all the time the past few months and how it seems to be getting worse. Well unfortunately I am a grinder and have done some decent grinding the past few months and worn some of my teeth down, fortunately it gives me relief knowing I have a actual reason for the way I’ve been feeling lately and I have something to address this – I’m getting a splint/night mouth guard mmmmm sexy night time apparel – am I right?!</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>They gave me a quote for $720 (aus dollars) and even with private health cover I would have been out of pocket around $400! After some ringing around I found a nice dental place in the city (well looks nice on the net) and they gave me a quote for $466 and because they are a preferred provider with my private health fund I should only be out of pocket $94, but wait... there’s more. I mentioned where I work and since I am a social club member I get a $100 voucher to use once a year with this dental practice – WOO HOO! So really I should be out of pocket umm NOTHING! And since I was the 93rd caller for the day they are throwing in a free pair of steak knives – not really.</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Also I spoke to my boss this morning about my further study and she is super excited for me and thinks it would be perfect for me and I would be great at it * big big smiles here *. Even though I would have done it without her glowing thoughts, it is really nice to have someone I admire (professionally) give me such great encouragement. So to celebrate I went and bought a really cute pencil case and some new pens and funky note pads – oh how I <strong><span style="color: red;">heart</span></strong> stationery.</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Plus over the w.end the BF & I got into some “serious discussion” (aka fight) because we double booked ourselves for 4 things in one night – don’t ask me how because clearly we are stupid sometimes – anyway I was looking over my personal commandments and No 4 is Identify the Problem. So I was thinking about how to do this for this issue and it hit me like a ton of obvious freaking bricks – buy a calendar for us! So I bought a $3 calendar and have already filled in dates when either of us will be away, things we have already planned and some other special dates. I know how obvious this would be but I am new at the whole living with someone special and I am so excited to go home and show him our own little calendar with a pink pen for my stuff, and blue pen for his stuff and a red pen for OUR stuff – awww.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I haven’t exercised properly in forever so I am off the gym tonight and am going to weigh myself – hmm.</em></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-29202640817279670932010-01-24T12:51:00.000+10:002010-01-24T12:51:45.399+10:00Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx22pHcjfxTNQs_ePnfjxcH8DsfAvUXW0fkwagMUZTdc-jRmx-yanD2_M4ePsLjteDHd8Osxd0rXZbCrLB8-mOo392Fb2UCWPCddIehUJsiE68AXOl9P9Y_Nq7M8VETkgP6OBGMz6qlpj/s1600-h/up-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx22pHcjfxTNQs_ePnfjxcH8DsfAvUXW0fkwagMUZTdc-jRmx-yanD2_M4ePsLjteDHd8Osxd0rXZbCrLB8-mOo392Fb2UCWPCddIehUJsiE68AXOl9P9Y_Nq7M8VETkgP6OBGMz6qlpj/s320/up-1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Lately I have been feeling a little down but I feel like things are starting to look Up (and yes I feel like that grumpy old man sometimes hehe but he is so adorable awww). <br />
</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I have just enrolled to do a night course so at the end of it I will have my Certificate IV in Project Management and then right after that I am starting my Advanced Diploma in Project Management. And one of the great parts is work has verbally agreed (at this stage) to help fund my further education. Woohoo!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I am starting to feel like February is the month that I will get everything on a roll. My knee is better and the UTI (urinary tract infection) I "got" last week is all cleared and now I feel like I can actually walk without the feeling of barbed wire on fire down there but moving on.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>It's Australia Day on Tuesday (26th Jan) and I took Monday (25th) off as well so yay long weekend for me. BF & I have decided to go for a hike tomorrow in some beautiful mountains so I shall take my camera and get my photography on and maybe post some pics of me getting my hike on (and I still need to post some pics of those nice cheap dresses I got I know).</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Have a great w.end ya'll.</i></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-2790359942475446872010-01-20T21:55:00.000+10:002010-01-20T21:55:29.287+10:00oopsie<i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Late home from work. </i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Home alone. Forgot to take salmon out of the freezer.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dinner was 2 hot cross buns (its not EVEN close to easter yet but damn supermarkets are selling them already) and 2 small glasses of vino.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I now feel sick. Committed absolute carbocide, sugarcide and boozacide.<br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Goodnight.</span></i>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-63310085863058667222010-01-19T10:27:00.000+10:002010-01-19T10:27:17.646+10:00GaurangaHello all my 50 followers – woohoo :-D<br />
<br />
So last night I went to part 1 of a “discovering meditation” course – I am in love. (and my BF came along and he enjoyed it too which is great).<br />
<br />
It was such a welcoming, loving, open and relaxing atmosphere. The teacher was great and he had a lot of great and interesting stuff to say about meditation.<br />
<br />
First we worked on our breathing, then some mindfulness meditation (which was great because we were guided through it) and then my fave part of the evening – group mantra meditation. Basically the dude pulled out his guitar and then played a beautiful melody whilst singing our mantra (gaur–ra–ang–ga) and then the group would sing the mantra back. The first few group responses were a little out of time and off but once everyone was singing the mantra it was a pretty moving feeling. I can only imagine what it would be like in an experienced group.<br />
<br />
The second part of the course is next week and I already can’t wait. This is something I want to start including in my everyday life and deeply believe it is going to be extremely beneficial to me mentally, spiritually and physically.<br />
<br />
I would recommend anyone to try it (haha I am already sounding like some guru). If anyone wants some info about it – here is the link - http://www.asm.org.au/locations/qld/brisbane/west-end/ The centre is the Australian School of Meditation & Yoga and they have centres in NSW, VIC, SA & QLD and 95% of the classes are free (donation only) so give it a go.<br />
<br />
On the exercise front though – that hasn’t been too good. I really hurt my knee about a week ago and it was super swollen and sore so the Dr said not to do any exercise for at least a week and until it feels completely fine and it now feels about 95% better so am hoping to start off tomorrow with some gentle exercise (and meditation hehe).<br />
<br />
It is now 15 weeks until my (defacto)-sister-in-law gets married so I have set myself a goal for the wedding and have decided when my BF goes away for work (every 4 weeks for about 4/5 days usually) I am going to do a mini-detox & shakes for the time he is away just to keep the body refreshed and help move things along – so please send my positive vibes (or comments) my way.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone has a wonderful week and if anyone ever has any Q’s please ask – I sometimes don’t know what to write about and then tend to ramble and I want my blogs to not only be meaningful/inspiring/interesting to myself but for at least 1 other person as well hahaSkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-45089357529006149482010-01-11T13:53:00.000+10:002010-01-11T13:53:06.992+10:00Holidays are over...<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>And I am kind of glad. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>I struggle without routine and still have serious issues with self-discipline (which I talked about with my psychologist yesterday so trying to work on that) but I am glad to be going back to work because it means that when I am bored I won't have a fridge near me and I will be doing a lot more incidental exercise.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i> <br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Weight loss has stopped but I haven't gained at all which I guess is a miracle considering the amount of booze and ice cream I have had but back on the fitness wagon now and I still have that new year positive "this is the year" glow so I am going to try to hold onto that for as long as I can.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>I bought 2 new dresses the other day - both silk and cheap!!! First was originally $229 and down to $49 and the second was originally $249 down to $59!!! So happy and feel great in them - will take pics soon!</i></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-28858806762877785792009-12-29T15:04:00.000+10:002009-12-29T15:04:50.148+10:00Happy Festivus<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you watch Seinfield you will know what festivus is.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hope everyone had a wonderful xmas or holidays. I had a great xmas day and loving being on holidays. I haven't been to the gym in about 3, maybe even 4 weeks but I kind of don't care which isn't too good but once I am back from my little 4 day coast trip it is straight back into it.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have an appointment with my surgeon on the 7th which I am dreading but oh well. No idea whether I should get a fill or not but will talk to him on the day.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have had so much booze the past few weeks I am kind of looking forward to NYE being over and being sober.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I also bought a sarong and cute little beach skirt to go swimming in (since I can't find my boardies, which I think don't fit anyway...so if I am game I might posts some pics with my new camera :-D)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br />
</i></span>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-42063236829016430612009-12-22T22:25:00.000+10:002009-12-22T22:25:36.462+10:00Glamour Puss<span style="font-size: small;"><i>So I bought a new blouse yesterday and was a little sure whether I could pull it off but I wore it today and decided I need to at least try to flaunt it</i></span> <i>if I am going to wear it and I am SO glad I did. </i><br />
<br />
<i>I had so many wonderful comments and one lady in particular told me I looked like some 50's glamour puss.. ahh I love her haha. Anyway I thought I should post some pics because I know some bigger girls feel like they can't carry off "nice / special" clothing and don't make a lot of effort (I have those days) but its the days when I make a lot of effort I feel good. And just because we're bigger doesn't mean we can't look good.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCfDIBGFtbmVPrKgYSgJi1H0UoysfnEtlhs8ud0xxBcwfg9lFhGTWUfqVxRpmCKkj4prav1j0cXkXfEC3jHb7SDJrxpbL7VPfLn5DaDiehlSDIRP8LGZt_gOGdo0Oe7FY_hhUaIGju9lN/s1600-h/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCfDIBGFtbmVPrKgYSgJi1H0UoysfnEtlhs8ud0xxBcwfg9lFhGTWUfqVxRpmCKkj4prav1j0cXkXfEC3jHb7SDJrxpbL7VPfLn5DaDiehlSDIRP8LGZt_gOGdo0Oe7FY_hhUaIGju9lN/s200/photo-2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy5rhfN67E4_J1MtABWgSkJd4piuzvdLRCETEkoIsdS8iH1LMdQzkhv0od8VP7OQnRaFUbRle2BOQUUGjGmUYRim3MHj4Hz5HUGZ5EWd9-uJB5giJdVyP3rRvxbUhjyMMNDpMXnhKjNJ_/s1600-h/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy5rhfN67E4_J1MtABWgSkJd4piuzvdLRCETEkoIsdS8iH1LMdQzkhv0od8VP7OQnRaFUbRle2BOQUUGjGmUYRim3MHj4Hz5HUGZ5EWd9-uJB5giJdVyP3rRvxbUhjyMMNDpMXnhKjNJ_/s200/photo1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJWwiBrHHNh2deVgvqoueEGYBfiwbtVvCUtO8eZgx_cJSH7T29tInvUHAyZymVGg0_t5KlLkShIe9STOm8Tdl1BwJkZDMJCOVEQ3gzKlM0TJ9cZFmW4lyB8vPe5uWTlRYagMV8NC0TeHl/s1600-h/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJWwiBrHHNh2deVgvqoueEGYBfiwbtVvCUtO8eZgx_cJSH7T29tInvUHAyZymVGg0_t5KlLkShIe9STOm8Tdl1BwJkZDMJCOVEQ3gzKlM0TJ9cZFmW4lyB8vPe5uWTlRYagMV8NC0TeHl/s200/photo-3.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Just ignore the mess and my hair - I swear it was straight and shiny this morning, 14 hours ago!</i> <br />
</div>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-47551925666821366702009-12-21T12:27:00.000+10:002009-12-21T12:27:34.249+10:00My 2010 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS<em>Here are my NYR... Please share yours!</em><br />
<br />
<strong><em>1. I am going to lose a minimum of 2 kg every month by:</em></strong><br />
<em>- Exercising whenever I can (at least 4 times a week)</em><br />
<em>- Keeping a food journal</em><br />
<em>- Eating more fruit & vegetables everyday</em><em><br />
</em><br />
<strong><em>2. I am going to save enough money to buy a house or travel overseas by:</em></strong><br />
<em>- Bringing my lunch to work 9 times a fortnight</em><br />
<em>- Cutting back on morning coffee – only buy on Monday, Wednesday & Friday (then eventually Monday & Friday only)</em><br />
<em>- Following a weekly dinner menu</em><br />
<em>- Only buying clothes if I have the money in my normal account – no credit card purchases</em><br />
<em>- Moving any left-over fortnightly pay to paying off my loan</em><br />
<br />
<strong><em>3. I am going to learn and incorporate meditation into my life by:</em></strong><br />
<em>- Read a book about meditation by 25 January 2010</em><br />
<em>- Attend a free workshop in January</em><br />
<em>- Start practising meditation/quiet time at least once a week</em><br />
<br />
<strong><em>4. I will become more positive by:</em></strong><br />
<em>- Writing in my gratitude journal every day (3 entries)</em><br />
<em>- Focus on putting positive thoughts into the universe – working on CBT<br />
</em>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2148885174732329939.post-38495087169446278272009-12-21T12:20:00.000+10:002009-12-21T12:20:35.875+10:00Resolutions?<em>Hi everyone</em><br />
<br />
<em>The past few days have been pretty busy with work, BFs birthday & Christmas shopping (all done, I think...) but I’ve somehow managed to sit down and really think about some New Years Resolutions and whether in fact I was going to make any. Every year I make the “lose weight” resolution but never sit down and work out how I am going to do it. Well I found a great article about NYR (new year resolutions) and how to make good NYR which you will be able to stick to. So here are her tips</em>...<br />
<br />
1. Ask: “What would make me happier?” It might having more of something good – more fun with friends, more time for a hobby. It might be less of something bad – less yelling at your kids, less nagging of your spouse. It might be fixing something that doesn’t feel right – more time spent volunteering, more time doing something to make someone else happier.<br />
<br />
2. Ask: “What is a concrete action that would bring about change?” One common problem is that people make abstract resolutions, which are hard to keep. “Be more optimistic,” “Find more joy in life,” “Enjoy now,” are resolutions that are hard to measure and therefore difficult to keep. Instead, look for a specific, measurable action. “Distract myself with fun music when I’m feeling gloomy,” “Watch at least one movie each week,” “Buy a lovely plant for my desk” are resolutions that will carry you toward those abstract goals.<br />
<br />
3. Ask: “Am I a ‘yes’ resolver or a ‘no’ resolver?” Some people resent negative resolutions. They dislike hearing “don’t” or “stop” or adding to their list of chores. If this describes you, try to find positive resolutions: “Take that dance class,” “Have lunch with a friend once a week.” Or maybe you respond well to “no.” That’s my situation. A lot of my resolutions are aimed at getting me to stop doing something or to do something I don’t really want to do. There’s no right way to make a resolution, but it’s important to know what works for you. As always, the secret is to know your own nature.<br />
<br />
4. Ask: “Am I starting small enough?” Many people make super-ambitious resolutions and then drop them, feeling defeated, before January is over. Start small! We tend to over-estimate what we can do over a short time and under-estimate what we can do over a long time, if we make consistent, small steps. If you’re going to resolve to start exercising (one of the most popular resolutions), don’t resolve to go to the gym for an hour every day before work. Start by going for a ten-minute walk at lunch or marching in place once a day during the commercial breaks in your favorite TV show. Little accomplishments provide energy for bigger challenges. Push yourself too hard and you may screech to a halt.<br />
<br />
5. Ask: “How am I going to hold myself accountable?” Accountability is the secret to sticking to resolutions. That’s why groups like AA and Weight Watchers are effective, and there are many ways to hold yourself accountable. Accountability is why #2 is so important. If your resolution is too vague, it’s hard to measure whether you’ve been keeping it. A resolution to “Eat healthier” is harder to track than “Eat salad for lunch three times a week.” <br />
<br />
<em>So after reading her tips I made my resolutions and a plan for each one which I will post in a separate post.</em><br />
<br />
<em>I actually feel optimistic about my resolutions and believe I can do it (and I won’t lie, there is a little grey cloud trying to hang around but I am doing my best to tell him to buzz off).</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>xo</em>SkinnieMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341860873829005743noreply@blogger.com0