This week our intention to get cycle fit for our trip to Europe came into play. On Monday Fixit Guy and I started our "training". He is much fitter than me and has been riding more and has a faster bike so after the first day I told him to go at his own pace and do his own thing and I would do my own thing. So long as he knows my route and can come rescue me if I get into trouble I am happier doing it that way.
Our preferred route is a road out of town that basically only goes to a couple of farms and isn't a through road so there isn't much traffic. Door to door it is 15kms.
Monday I rode to a pokemon stop on the way home so made it 16kms and then I rode to school to teach religion in the afternoon - only a short trip.
Tuesday I rode 17kms by adding a few detours (including a pokemon stop)
Wednesday 20kms was achieved by adding lots of little detours (and a poke stop)
Thursday my legs were tired so I just went door to door 15kms
Friday we declared a rest day. We want to do a longer ride hopefully tomorrow so thought we would give our limbs time to recover a bit more. I did ride up to the Chiropractor (just 3 or 4kms all up... I forgot to check) and we will ride down to church later on to do the cleaning.
I forgot to weigh myself this morning but yesterday I was down to 95.9kgs and was very pleased with that.
I haven't really been tracking my fitbit numbers although
Friday 5 562
Saturday 11 611
Sunday 8 846
Monday 12 015
Tuesday 7 139
Wednesday and Thursday my fitbit didn't record my steps for some reason - showing zero. Not sure why. Its recording again this morning though so
Australian quilter sharing her life's adventures and her passion for quilting
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Friday, February 24, 2017
Friday, December 30, 2016
Fitness Friday
Its been a while since I did an FF post. Here it is at last. ... and my last one for 2016. My fitbit was playing up for a week or so and so I lost the ability to accurately report what my steps were. Its getting late now I to be honest I can't be bothered finding where I left my phone to do a report of my days steps since last I did. My Fitbit is now working perfectly and is syncing in fine so I do have the records there.
I haven't made my steps each day this past week. We only did one walk on Christmas Day and I was sick on Wednesday but still.. have managed to keep pretty active. I did get on the scales this morning and was 96.9 despite all the Christmas goodies that have been tempting me and to which I have been yielding. I am glad we have been keeping active. The dogs don't give us much choice. They like the two walks a day and give us lots of reminders that they are ready to go.
Hope you have had a good end to the year. I know many of you are in northern climes and getting out and about in the cold and snow isn't always possible. With us its more about avoiding the heat!
During this mornings walk by the river we were visited by some sulphur crested cockatoos. It was like they were posing for me. They followed us along the river, resting on various trees and logs. It was delightful.
I haven't made my steps each day this past week. We only did one walk on Christmas Day and I was sick on Wednesday but still.. have managed to keep pretty active. I did get on the scales this morning and was 96.9 despite all the Christmas goodies that have been tempting me and to which I have been yielding. I am glad we have been keeping active. The dogs don't give us much choice. They like the two walks a day and give us lots of reminders that they are ready to go.
Hope you have had a good end to the year. I know many of you are in northern climes and getting out and about in the cold and snow isn't always possible. With us its more about avoiding the heat!
During this mornings walk by the river we were visited by some sulphur crested cockatoos. It was like they were posing for me. They followed us along the river, resting on various trees and logs. It was delightful.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Fitness Friday
Central Queensland, where I live, has been experiencing a heatwave. We have had a week where the maximums have been 40+ (that's Celsius. ) and minimums in the 20s. We have been walking in the mornings early but even so if we are out past 7.30AM we have come home dripping perspiration. Today is positively balmy in comparison... maximum of 36. Tomorrow the maximum will drop to the high 20s and I can't wait. Its been pretty stinking hot.
Our air conditioner has been running all day but today we haven't put it on. It really is hot enough to need it but the difference from yesterday makes it seem not so bad. There is a storm brewing though and rain is expected for the next 4 days. It will be welcome as it will drop the temperature and refresh the lawns and gardens which are becoming very dry and crunchy!
To add to our heat woes my fitbit has stopped syncing. My iphone thinks the battery is flat but it isn't. I will need to go on the website and see what they recommend but I keep forgetting ... so flat strap it slips my mind. I have remembered now but I am writing this blog. By the time I finish it will have slipped my mind again.
I work out my main walks and input that on the app so getting credit still although it doesn't seem to be connecting with the challenge I am currently involved with. Usually I come 2nd (who can ever hope to beat Terje) or occassionally 3rd (who is this Ruth who suddenly popped up and was vying with Terje for the lead last week) This week I am a long long last.
The heat has made food less attractive and drinking water much more attractive and I have chipped away a bit more weight. I didn't weigh myself but yesterday afternoon I was under 97kgs so that means I have lost a little more this week. (we had Thai takeaway last night and I ate a whole serve on my own so not sure what that will have done to my weight) I have also been cooking the last 2 days. Yesterday I made plain sugar coated peanuts and savoury sugar coated peanuts and since it took me a while to get them bottle up a lot more of them got nibbled by me (and my family) that should have.
Today I made smoko biscuits - jam drops and chocolate ones that I sandwiched together with white chocolate icing. A few of them didn't make the jars either. Usually I keep a few back out of the jars that I cut up and let people try before they buy but with a 24 year old son visiting at the moment... the extras got eaten! Never mind. They will have to believe me when I say they are good.
These biscuits are so easy to make. They have just 4 main ingredients.
500gms butter or marg creamed with 1 cup sugar
Add 1 440gm tin of condensed milk (I use the low fat) and beat in till smooth
Add 5 cups SR flour (you can sift if you like but I didn't bother)
For the chocolate ones I added 4 tablespoons cocoa - or 1/4 cup (use 4.75 cups flour)
Roll into balls. For the jam drops I made a dint in the top of the balls with my thumb and added jam.
For the chocolate ones I pressed down with a fork.
Bake at 150-180 C for 10-15 mins
Cool.
For chocolate cream biscuits sandwich 2 biscuits together with icing. I used white chocolate icing.
White chocolate icing. Melt white choc buttons (1.5cups) ( I used the microwave and followed the instructions on the packet) When completely melted I added 1.5 Cup sifted icing sugar, and stirred to combine. Add 1 tsp vanilla essence.
Actually I didn't measure. I added what white choc buttons were left in the packet but figure it was about that. Then I added icing sugar till it was the right spreading consistency. Then I added too much icing sugar and having no more chocolate I added some milk till it was back to the right consistency.
Spread one biscuit with the icing and put another biscuit on top. I put them in the fridge to harden up a bit since its hot today. (Not as hot has it has been but still hotter than chocolate likes)
All this cooking was for a stall Handmade With Love had at our churches Walk Through Bethlehem tonight. There was a bit of rain early on necessitating slight change to our stall. This is our original set up before we moved under shelter
On a sad personal note my uncle died yesterday. He was my dad's younger brother. There was 6 years between them but they were always great mates and loved to tell stories against each other. They obviously loved each other dearly. Goodbye Uncle Jack. A life well lived.
My Fitbit stats for the week
Friday 13 695
Saturday 14 807
Sunday 10 420
Monday 11 632
Tuesday 11 501
Wednesday 11 366
Thursday 10 952
Our air conditioner has been running all day but today we haven't put it on. It really is hot enough to need it but the difference from yesterday makes it seem not so bad. There is a storm brewing though and rain is expected for the next 4 days. It will be welcome as it will drop the temperature and refresh the lawns and gardens which are becoming very dry and crunchy!
To add to our heat woes my fitbit has stopped syncing. My iphone thinks the battery is flat but it isn't. I will need to go on the website and see what they recommend but I keep forgetting ... so flat strap it slips my mind. I have remembered now but I am writing this blog. By the time I finish it will have slipped my mind again.
I work out my main walks and input that on the app so getting credit still although it doesn't seem to be connecting with the challenge I am currently involved with. Usually I come 2nd (who can ever hope to beat Terje) or occassionally 3rd (who is this Ruth who suddenly popped up and was vying with Terje for the lead last week) This week I am a long long last.
The heat has made food less attractive and drinking water much more attractive and I have chipped away a bit more weight. I didn't weigh myself but yesterday afternoon I was under 97kgs so that means I have lost a little more this week. (we had Thai takeaway last night and I ate a whole serve on my own so not sure what that will have done to my weight) I have also been cooking the last 2 days. Yesterday I made plain sugar coated peanuts and savoury sugar coated peanuts and since it took me a while to get them bottle up a lot more of them got nibbled by me (and my family) that should have.
Today I made smoko biscuits - jam drops and chocolate ones that I sandwiched together with white chocolate icing. A few of them didn't make the jars either. Usually I keep a few back out of the jars that I cut up and let people try before they buy but with a 24 year old son visiting at the moment... the extras got eaten! Never mind. They will have to believe me when I say they are good.
These biscuits are so easy to make. They have just 4 main ingredients.
500gms butter or marg creamed with 1 cup sugar
Add 1 440gm tin of condensed milk (I use the low fat) and beat in till smooth
Add 5 cups SR flour (you can sift if you like but I didn't bother)
For the chocolate ones I added 4 tablespoons cocoa - or 1/4 cup (use 4.75 cups flour)
Roll into balls. For the jam drops I made a dint in the top of the balls with my thumb and added jam.
For the chocolate ones I pressed down with a fork.
Bake at 150-180 C for 10-15 mins
Cool.
For chocolate cream biscuits sandwich 2 biscuits together with icing. I used white chocolate icing.
White chocolate icing. Melt white choc buttons (1.5cups) ( I used the microwave and followed the instructions on the packet) When completely melted I added 1.5 Cup sifted icing sugar, and stirred to combine. Add 1 tsp vanilla essence.
Actually I didn't measure. I added what white choc buttons were left in the packet but figure it was about that. Then I added icing sugar till it was the right spreading consistency. Then I added too much icing sugar and having no more chocolate I added some milk till it was back to the right consistency.
Spread one biscuit with the icing and put another biscuit on top. I put them in the fridge to harden up a bit since its hot today. (Not as hot has it has been but still hotter than chocolate likes)
All this cooking was for a stall Handmade With Love had at our churches Walk Through Bethlehem tonight. There was a bit of rain early on necessitating slight change to our stall. This is our original set up before we moved under shelter
On a sad personal note my uncle died yesterday. He was my dad's younger brother. There was 6 years between them but they were always great mates and loved to tell stories against each other. They obviously loved each other dearly. Goodbye Uncle Jack. A life well lived.
My mum and dad at their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1990 with Uncle Jack who was Dad's best man and Aunty Beryl (my Mum's sister) who was her bridesmaid. Mum is wearing her original wedding dress. Aunty Beryl made a replica of her dress. Dad was in the army when they married so he is wearing a army greens and his army hat. Uncle Jack is wearing a suit as he wasn't in the army when Dad married.... he joined up when he was old enough a few years later. Only mum is still alive but the other 3 all lived into their 90s so they did well. Mum is 94 now.
My Fitbit stats for the week
Friday 13 695
Saturday 14 807
Sunday 10 420
Monday 11 632
Tuesday 11 501
Wednesday 11 366
Thursday 10 952
Friday, December 2, 2016
Fitness Friday
I am not feeling very fit today to be honest. I feel a bit icky on the tummy. I'm still on the very tail end of a cold that has been running for almost 3 weeks. I just have the post nasal drip left from that and that tends to make me feel off. Fixit Guy contracted the cold after me (caring is sharing after all) and then he has come down with a stomach bug so now I am not sure if my "not quite right" feeling is the post nasal drip or a different wog.
And Central and Southern Queensland are expecting a heatwave. The temps have been gradually climbing all week and its predicted to hit 41 today (that's Celsius - 110 F) and climb to 42 tomorrow and 41 Sunday and stay up at 40 till Wednesday at least.
Fixit Guy and I have started walking in the morning. Our bedroom is on the Eastern side of the house so we get the morning sun and its light by 5 now and so we tend to wake up earlier. This isn't good when you are going to bed after 11 but does mean we can go for a walk before it gets very hot. The dog still thinks he should get his afternoon walk as well so we have been going at 6pm when it has cooled off somewhat. It does mean that getting my steps hasn't been too much of an issue this week!
On the negative side its Christmas time and there are lots of yummy foods about and so - yeah - healthy eating is way more challenging.
Despite the temptations (and the numerous yieldings to it) I have managed to nudge the scales down just a little bit. I was 97kgs this morning but that was after breakfast so I was happy with that.
I didn't post a FF blogpost last week so this is for 2 week.My steps this week have been good although the previous week I had 2 days when I didn't make target. One day I was furiously busy - it was the craft show. I was on my feet all day but lots of it standing in the one spot so not many steps.
For the last few weeks I have been going in a challenge amongst my Fitbit friends - Workweek Hustle. One of the women in the group always does amazing numbers - usually over 100 000 in her weekly steps and so she creams us. I have been 2nd to her most challenges but this week someone else has been out there in 2nd place.
Anyway My steps for the last 2 weeks
Friday 3 907
Saturday 10 607
Sunday10 132
Monday 10 026
Tuesday 10 096
Wednesday7 835
Thursday 12 249
Friday 14 229
Saturday 10 383
Sunday 10 182
Monday 11 284
Tuesday 12 239
Wednesday 10 524
Thursday 13 986
How have you gone this week with your own fitness challenges and goals? Hope its been great for you.
And Central and Southern Queensland are expecting a heatwave. The temps have been gradually climbing all week and its predicted to hit 41 today (that's Celsius - 110 F) and climb to 42 tomorrow and 41 Sunday and stay up at 40 till Wednesday at least.
Fixit Guy and I have started walking in the morning. Our bedroom is on the Eastern side of the house so we get the morning sun and its light by 5 now and so we tend to wake up earlier. This isn't good when you are going to bed after 11 but does mean we can go for a walk before it gets very hot. The dog still thinks he should get his afternoon walk as well so we have been going at 6pm when it has cooled off somewhat. It does mean that getting my steps hasn't been too much of an issue this week!
On the negative side its Christmas time and there are lots of yummy foods about and so - yeah - healthy eating is way more challenging.
Despite the temptations (and the numerous yieldings to it) I have managed to nudge the scales down just a little bit. I was 97kgs this morning but that was after breakfast so I was happy with that.
I didn't post a FF blogpost last week so this is for 2 week.My steps this week have been good although the previous week I had 2 days when I didn't make target. One day I was furiously busy - it was the craft show. I was on my feet all day but lots of it standing in the one spot so not many steps.
For the last few weeks I have been going in a challenge amongst my Fitbit friends - Workweek Hustle. One of the women in the group always does amazing numbers - usually over 100 000 in her weekly steps and so she creams us. I have been 2nd to her most challenges but this week someone else has been out there in 2nd place.
Anyway My steps for the last 2 weeks
Friday 3 907
Saturday 10 607
Sunday10 132
Monday 10 026
Tuesday 10 096
Wednesday7 835
Thursday 12 249
Friday 14 229
Saturday 10 383
Sunday 10 182
Monday 11 284
Tuesday 12 239
Wednesday 10 524
Thursday 13 986
How have you gone this week with your own fitness challenges and goals? Hope its been great for you.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Fatness I mean Fitness Friday
I've been battling a summer cold this week. Aren't they horrid things? FG was away over the weekend and in my usual way when he isn't here I stayed up even later than usual but with the longer days I woke up even earlier. At first I thought my lethargy on Saturday was the result of not enough sleep/bad sleep pattern (I woke up early for a couple of hours and then went back to sleep and slept till 10.30). Sunday morning though I had a scratchy throat and some mucous which made leading song worship in church problematical at times. However it has progressed through the week... cough, sneezing, watery eyes etc and generally feeling out of sorts.
However the only day I didn't walk was Sunday so have mainly kept up my steps.
Eating has been a bit all over the place. Sunday we had a special Tongan service at our church in the early afternoon followed by a special feast.
And the service itself... that was special. We understood very little of it (of course) but they were worshipping God and at times they did speak English for the benefit of their visitors (there were 7 of us). The singing was amazing. Unfortunately the film is too big for me to upload here.
At the feast afterwards we visitors were sat at the special high table as special guests and they kept pressing the food onto us. Oh man can those Tongan's serve up an amazing amount of food. I ate well. I do enjoy trying food from other cultures and enjoyed trying the different dishes. Some of the others were a little more reticent but there was plenty of fruit and fresh seafood they could enjoy.
Despite that, and the cooking I have done during the week as well (jam drops for the stall tonight and scones for afternoon tea with the residents at the aged care home following our service there) I have managed to not put on any weight which is pleasing. This morning after breakfast even I weight 97.1kgs
My Fitbit steps for the week have been reasonable with only one day on which I didn't make my goal. I think I won't make it today either as I am not going to get my walk in today as I'll be at the craft fair from 6.30 and its too hot to walk much before 6 at the moment. By walking at 6 though we are getting lots of lovely sunsets on our way home
Friday 13 712
Saturday 10 302
Sunday 5 186
Monday 11 541
Tuesday 10 815
Wednesday 11 017
Thursday 11 594
Hope you are making good steps this week and meeting your own fitness goals.
PS Visitors to our back deck this week. The young one was learning to fly but having arrived on the raile was reluctant to take off again.
However the only day I didn't walk was Sunday so have mainly kept up my steps.
Eating has been a bit all over the place. Sunday we had a special Tongan service at our church in the early afternoon followed by a special feast.
And the service itself... that was special. We understood very little of it (of course) but they were worshipping God and at times they did speak English for the benefit of their visitors (there were 7 of us). The singing was amazing. Unfortunately the film is too big for me to upload here.
At the feast afterwards we visitors were sat at the special high table as special guests and they kept pressing the food onto us. Oh man can those Tongan's serve up an amazing amount of food. I ate well. I do enjoy trying food from other cultures and enjoyed trying the different dishes. Some of the others were a little more reticent but there was plenty of fruit and fresh seafood they could enjoy.
Despite that, and the cooking I have done during the week as well (jam drops for the stall tonight and scones for afternoon tea with the residents at the aged care home following our service there) I have managed to not put on any weight which is pleasing. This morning after breakfast even I weight 97.1kgs
My Fitbit steps for the week have been reasonable with only one day on which I didn't make my goal. I think I won't make it today either as I am not going to get my walk in today as I'll be at the craft fair from 6.30 and its too hot to walk much before 6 at the moment. By walking at 6 though we are getting lots of lovely sunsets on our way home
Friday 13 712
Saturday 10 302
Sunday 5 186
Monday 11 541
Tuesday 10 815
Wednesday 11 017
Thursday 11 594
Hope you are making good steps this week and meeting your own fitness goals.
PS Visitors to our back deck this week. The young one was learning to fly but having arrived on the raile was reluctant to take off again.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Fitness Friday
I wasn't game to hop on the scales this morning... well I had breakfast before I remembered to but it would have been a scary thing to do anyway.
I have tried really hard to keep my step count up. I have made it to 10 000 every day except yesterday. We were out yesterday visiting my other brother in law. We left straight after breakfast and got home on dark. I tried to get some steps in but by 9.30 I was too tired to be bothered anymore so went to bed 4000 short of my target. I was going to try to get extra today and I thought I did... but it ended up only being 700 more. Ah well.
And as to eating - yeah. We are on a working cattle station. The meals servings are huge and lots of things were fried... and I can resist anything but temptations. Today friends arrived with fresh buns, great Italian salami, luscious olives... so what could I do. Yeah I over indulged..... AGAIN.
So the scales and I won't be friends this week.
Walks here on the cattle station have consisted of walking along the road for the most part. I did venture off down a side track a few times. There hasn't been much wildlife to photograph but the trees - yeah I have lots of tree photos.
There is also a magpie hanging about protecting his chicks so I get swooped most walks going up and coming back. He warns of his swoops with his chortling call and the flap of his wings.
I love the bark patterns on the trees
and on the old fence posts
The other day my husband (Fixit Guy) came with me for a walk down to the river. Its not easy walking along the bank and there is only a bit you can walk along but it was somewhere different for me to go.
The other side of the river has sandy banks that would be great to walk along... but getting there would involved driving quite a distance so not worth it. We worked out we could get the kayak down there but doubt that we will do that... he is finding plenty of things to keep him busy in the shed and following on behind his brother. I think I am going to go back to the van and crank out a few more items for the sewing stall.
I don't have my phone with me so can't record my daily numbers. I will add them when I get the chance.
Friday 10 073
Saturday 12 301
Sunday 10 887
Monday 11 522
Tuesday 10 468
Wednesday 12 309
Thursday 6 142
I have tried really hard to keep my step count up. I have made it to 10 000 every day except yesterday. We were out yesterday visiting my other brother in law. We left straight after breakfast and got home on dark. I tried to get some steps in but by 9.30 I was too tired to be bothered anymore so went to bed 4000 short of my target. I was going to try to get extra today and I thought I did... but it ended up only being 700 more. Ah well.
And as to eating - yeah. We are on a working cattle station. The meals servings are huge and lots of things were fried... and I can resist anything but temptations. Today friends arrived with fresh buns, great Italian salami, luscious olives... so what could I do. Yeah I over indulged..... AGAIN.
So the scales and I won't be friends this week.
Walks here on the cattle station have consisted of walking along the road for the most part. I did venture off down a side track a few times. There hasn't been much wildlife to photograph but the trees - yeah I have lots of tree photos.
There is also a magpie hanging about protecting his chicks so I get swooped most walks going up and coming back. He warns of his swoops with his chortling call and the flap of his wings.
I love the bark patterns on the trees
and on the old fence posts
The other day my husband (Fixit Guy) came with me for a walk down to the river. Its not easy walking along the bank and there is only a bit you can walk along but it was somewhere different for me to go.
The other side of the river has sandy banks that would be great to walk along... but getting there would involved driving quite a distance so not worth it. We worked out we could get the kayak down there but doubt that we will do that... he is finding plenty of things to keep him busy in the shed and following on behind his brother. I think I am going to go back to the van and crank out a few more items for the sewing stall.
I don't have my phone with me so can't record my daily numbers. I will add them when I get the chance.
Friday 10 073
Saturday 12 301
Sunday 10 887
Monday 11 522
Tuesday 10 468
Wednesday 12 309
Thursday 6 142
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Fitness Friday
Its been a long time since I wrote a Fitness Friday post - and it corresponds with decreased activity on my behalf and wait gain. Sigh. I also had a recurrence of the fatigue virus 6 weeks ago which laid me pretty flat for a fortnight. Have shaken it off now and am consciously trying to make my steps each day.
Now we are travelling and that has always been a sign for me to put on weight but I can't afford to this time as I haven't lost the weight I put on the last couple of times we went away. I have packed the scales in the van with us as my way of keeping in check with how I am going. Wish me luck.
The first weekend of this trip we spent at an Emmaus gathering with the North Queensland community at New LIfe Pastures celebrating their 20th birthday. Emmaus gatherings and weekends are reknowned for the abundance and frequency of feeding. I consciously tried to not over indulge but as Fixit Guy said just have 2 pieces of yummy stuff for morning and afternoon tea at an Emmaus weekend isn't the same as not having anything at home. Surely all the stuff I said no to should count as weight lost. Excercising will power should burn calories instead of just not taking them in.
A weekend of meetings and gatherings doesn't lend itself to much activity. We went for a walk Friday afternoon after we had set up our camp. We drove back into Cardwell and went for an extended walk along the forshore which was beautiful but that was it till Monday apart from walking from our van to the dining room or conference room and back again.
Monday a visit to an excentric Spaniards dream castle involved a fair bit of walking over the grounds and this was followed by a long walk along beautiful Kurrumine Beach. We also visited a winery specialising in wines made from local tropical fruits. We had a tasting so sampled many deliscious wines and then purchased a bottle of mango wine.
Tuesday we shifted camp to Mission Beach where we went for a 6.4 km walk through the rainforest followed by another long beach walk. Clocked up 17 000 steps that day
Wednesday we went for another long walk along the beach and in the afternoon we put our bikes to use and enjoyed a ride to a lookout (only small hill) and all along the foreshore.
Thursday we moved camp to Babinda. En route we went on a chocolate tour of one of the few commercial cocoa plantations in Australia, and the only one that produces and sells its own product. Its only in its early stages but it was a great tour - so enjoyable and of course there were lots of samples and we bought a few bars at the end. We stopped in Innisfail and enjoyed a walk along the Johnston River and beautiful park lands.
After we set up camp we went for a late afternoon walk down to the swimming and day use area and for a walk through the rainforest to a lookout over the falls - just to the first lookout as it was getting dark and in the rainforest dusk is pretty dark.
Friday We went for a walk to the swimming hole again and then walked up the track to both lookouts. It was a popular spot in the morning even though it was a Friday not in school holidays here in Queensland although some of the southern states are on holidays still. Then we drove into town and had a walk around the town. We had packed a sandwich to eat whilst we were out but couldn't find a nice park so we pulled up in the shade at the showgrounds and ate there. As we were driving off of course we saw a lovely park... typical! Then we decided to visit Josephine Falls, It was a bit of a drive but only half an hour or so. Once there we walked up the track and visited all the viewing platforms. The river was interesting and there were lots of mini waterfalls and rapids as well as signs warnings of the dangers associated with swimming there. There have been a number of deaths and serious injuries in the area so they put up lots of warning signs. We didn't bathe there - just enjoyed the view.
We came back to the van and after a relax walked down to the swimming area at The Boulders for a relaxing dip. We weren't energetic at all.
And that is it for our activities for the week.
On the scales this morning I was 97.7kgs so have lost a tiny bit of weight on the trip so far.
My Fitbit stats for the week have been
Friday 9669
Saturday 3704
Sunday 3287
Monday 13076
Tuesday 18326
Wednesday 12517
Thursday 10094
So I've averaged over 10 000 steps and I am happy with that.
Now we are travelling and that has always been a sign for me to put on weight but I can't afford to this time as I haven't lost the weight I put on the last couple of times we went away. I have packed the scales in the van with us as my way of keeping in check with how I am going. Wish me luck.
The first weekend of this trip we spent at an Emmaus gathering with the North Queensland community at New LIfe Pastures celebrating their 20th birthday. Emmaus gatherings and weekends are reknowned for the abundance and frequency of feeding. I consciously tried to not over indulge but as Fixit Guy said just have 2 pieces of yummy stuff for morning and afternoon tea at an Emmaus weekend isn't the same as not having anything at home. Surely all the stuff I said no to should count as weight lost. Excercising will power should burn calories instead of just not taking them in.
A weekend of meetings and gatherings doesn't lend itself to much activity. We went for a walk Friday afternoon after we had set up our camp. We drove back into Cardwell and went for an extended walk along the forshore which was beautiful but that was it till Monday apart from walking from our van to the dining room or conference room and back again.
Monday a visit to an excentric Spaniards dream castle involved a fair bit of walking over the grounds and this was followed by a long walk along beautiful Kurrumine Beach. We also visited a winery specialising in wines made from local tropical fruits. We had a tasting so sampled many deliscious wines and then purchased a bottle of mango wine.
Tuesday we shifted camp to Mission Beach where we went for a 6.4 km walk through the rainforest followed by another long beach walk. Clocked up 17 000 steps that day
Wednesday we went for another long walk along the beach and in the afternoon we put our bikes to use and enjoyed a ride to a lookout (only small hill) and all along the foreshore.
Thursday we moved camp to Babinda. En route we went on a chocolate tour of one of the few commercial cocoa plantations in Australia, and the only one that produces and sells its own product. Its only in its early stages but it was a great tour - so enjoyable and of course there were lots of samples and we bought a few bars at the end. We stopped in Innisfail and enjoyed a walk along the Johnston River and beautiful park lands.
After we set up camp we went for a late afternoon walk down to the swimming and day use area and for a walk through the rainforest to a lookout over the falls - just to the first lookout as it was getting dark and in the rainforest dusk is pretty dark.
Friday We went for a walk to the swimming hole again and then walked up the track to both lookouts. It was a popular spot in the morning even though it was a Friday not in school holidays here in Queensland although some of the southern states are on holidays still. Then we drove into town and had a walk around the town. We had packed a sandwich to eat whilst we were out but couldn't find a nice park so we pulled up in the shade at the showgrounds and ate there. As we were driving off of course we saw a lovely park... typical! Then we decided to visit Josephine Falls, It was a bit of a drive but only half an hour or so. Once there we walked up the track and visited all the viewing platforms. The river was interesting and there were lots of mini waterfalls and rapids as well as signs warnings of the dangers associated with swimming there. There have been a number of deaths and serious injuries in the area so they put up lots of warning signs. We didn't bathe there - just enjoyed the view.
We came back to the van and after a relax walked down to the swimming area at The Boulders for a relaxing dip. We weren't energetic at all.
And that is it for our activities for the week.
On the scales this morning I was 97.7kgs so have lost a tiny bit of weight on the trip so far.
My Fitbit stats for the week have been
Friday 9669
Saturday 3704
Sunday 3287
Monday 13076
Tuesday 18326
Wednesday 12517
Thursday 10094
So I've averaged over 10 000 steps and I am happy with that.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Fitness Friday - back on the horse..well the trail anyway
Very pleased to announce that this week has been a much better week. I have been eating a little better - not scoffing copious amounts of chocolate anyway or drinking plenty of wine so not as many conspicuous calories going in anyway.
This week though I have worked hard at getting my steps up and managed to make it to 10 000 steps most days.
Friday: 13 159
Saturday: 12 325
Sunday: 6 874 (only one walk being Sunday :) )
Monday: 13 276
Tuesday: 13 146
Wednesday: 10 127 (you can get the idea of how busy I was on
Thursday: 10 222 these 2 days when I say I only got one walk in and still made my 10 000 steps)
Last week I set myself the goal of being back in the top 10 of my friends and I made it! It was Saturday or Sunday that I got back in there and have been up as high as 4th amongst my friends.
We've had some beautiful bright blue skies. It would be even better if they were cloud filled rainy ones but they make for lovely pictures, especially with it green around here at the moment. Some gum trees from our walks
This week though I have worked hard at getting my steps up and managed to make it to 10 000 steps most days.
Friday: 13 159
Saturday: 12 325
Sunday: 6 874 (only one walk being Sunday :) )
Monday: 13 276
Tuesday: 13 146
Wednesday: 10 127 (you can get the idea of how busy I was on
Thursday: 10 222 these 2 days when I say I only got one walk in and still made my 10 000 steps)
Last week I set myself the goal of being back in the top 10 of my friends and I made it! It was Saturday or Sunday that I got back in there and have been up as high as 4th amongst my friends.
We've had some beautiful bright blue skies. It would be even better if they were cloud filled rainy ones but they make for lovely pictures, especially with it green around here at the moment. Some gum trees from our walks
The cockies (Sulphur Crested Cockatoos) are out in force at the moment. There are flocks of them about the place and a few times we have had them outside our home
We decided that since they are here long term Fangirl's cats were going to become inside outside cats. Where she lived they had to be indoor only because of the busy road she was on but we are on a quiet cul de sac. I know that the wildlife suffers when cats are allowed outside but we only let them out during the day and so far they aren't much good as hunters. Long may it last. They have enjoyed the experience and go out as soon as they can. Fangirl has moved to Brisbane and as yet doesn't have her own place but is staying with her brothers (Kombi Boy and Boyo) in our town house there or with a friend. (She doesn't want to wear out her welcome with her friend but she needs a bolt hole for when her baby brothers drive her nuts). If she can get a place on her own that she can have the cats at she will take them down with her... and they will become indoor only cats again.
Our big boy cat Pippin was unimpressed when the interlopers invaded his outdoor space as well. Can't you tell?
Friday, November 20, 2015
Friday Fitness - a stationary week
It hasn't been a very active week for me this week. Had a couple of high step days but lots of days were under the 10 000 mark. There were days we only got one walk in and days when we got no walks in. It happens
Preheat oven at 180C
Cream sugar, butter/margarine and condensed milk with mixer on low speed (She says use a wooden spoon)
Add flour,slowly mix to combine (I sifted my flour... cause I always do but Hayley's instructions omit this)
Add desired ingredients to each portion. Some of Hayley's suggestions are - 100&1000′s ,choc chips, smarties, white choc and macadamia, nuts, sultanas, white chocolate; coconut, cornflakes, choc freckles on top, custard and then fill with icing, or keep them plain and cut them into shapes. (I think you would need to refrigerate the dough first as it was very soft) Also suitable to ice.
Have also had a few challenging days. I baked. That is fatal. Not only did I bake I cooked! This weekend "Handmade with Love" is having a stall at a Christmas Craft Fair run by one of the local schools. Its always a huge event. They start off with a wine and cheese night tonight with limited ticket sales (to allow people who pay for the more expensive ticket get first pick of the stalls and the crowds are less) and then it is on all day tomorrow (well 8.30 - 2). I decided to augment our sewing things with some biscuits (cookies) and sugar coated peanuts so... I baked (biscuits) and cooked (sugar coated peanuts). And unfortunately I love both home made biscuits and sugar coated peanuts.
My sister in law Tanya gave me some empty Moccona Coffee jars when I was at her place - some really big ones. I put the biscuits in those and put the sugar coated peanuts in smaller jars. I printed out labels to tie onto the bottles with ribbon and they look very festive. I just hope that someone buys them!!! I put some "hats" ie fabric circles onto some of the jam jars that didn't look as nice but most of the jars I didn't cover.
This is the recipe I used for the biscuits. I got it from Hayley of My Smoko Break on Facebook. It makes heaps of biscuits (she says 100 but I am not sure I have ever got quite that many but you do get heaps) You can freeze the biscuits cooked or freeze the dough. I didn't quite follow Hayley's recipe so these are my instructions but you can find the original on her FB page
Smoko Biscuits
500 gms Butter or margarine (I used butter)
1/2 cup sugar
Can condensed milk (they are around 400 gms)
5 cups SR flour
Preheat oven at 180C
Cream sugar, butter/margarine and condensed milk with mixer on low speed (She says use a wooden spoon)
Add flour,slowly mix to combine (I sifted my flour... cause I always do but Hayley's instructions omit this)
Add desired ingredients to each portion. Some of Hayley's suggestions are - 100&1000′s ,choc chips, smarties, white choc and macadamia, nuts, sultanas, white chocolate; coconut, cornflakes, choc freckles on top, custard and then fill with icing, or keep them plain and cut them into shapes. (I think you would need to refrigerate the dough first as it was very soft) Also suitable to ice.
Hayley says to roll into balls and put on greased trays and flatten slightly. I didn't. I put my mixture into the fridge for a bit then grabbed a handful of it and worked it into a roll that I then cut half inch slices off the end and put them on the trays. I topped some with chocolate buttons, I made jam drops (put a dint in the top of them and fill with jam) I added cocoa to some and worked it in just a bit to make them more like chocolate swirls. I rolled some in coconut
Bake 10-12 mins till golden brown.
Sugar Coated Peanuts.
Equal quantities of sugar, peanuts and water.
Red Food colouring - several drops - enough to give the peanuts a good colour.
Place all ingredients in a saucepan over the heat and stir till the sugar dissolves. Allow to come to the boil and boil gently for AGES stirring occasionally. The mixture gradually thickens. Once it becomes quite thick stir constantly. When the mixture starts to go dry (ie the sugar crystallizes) quickly spread the peanuts out on trays, making sure there are no big clumps of peanuts. Allow to cool and then bottle. Keep in air tight containers (the lid stops them disappearing quite as quickly as well as keeping them fresh)
Sugar coated peanuts are Fixit Guy's favourites and I will make them for his birthday, father's day and Christmas. We all love them actually and they are patently not very nutritious at all!
I was dreading hopping on the scales this morning - limited exercise and lots of nibbling but was pleased to find that my weight has been stationary over the week 95.5kgs
Friday 8 497
Saturday 8 264
Sunday 5 621
Monday 2 634
Tuesday 14 161
Wednesday 8 913
Thursday 4 734
You can tell the only day this week that I got 2 full walks in can't you. Ah well. Every day is a new day. Even when I have been snacking on sugar coated peanuts, biscuit dough and fresh biscuits I haven't reall over done it. I haven't been a total guts. yesterday I did have a slice and a scone (with butter, jam and cream) but that was all. So I am not beating myself up about it. So long as I continue to make lots of good choices I know I will continue to become healthier.
How about you? How have you gone this week?
Friday, November 13, 2015
Fitness Friday - Up and Down but you get that
This week has been much smoother sailing for me in the eating department. No where near as many challenges for me - no Melbourne Cup lunches, no Engagement Parties of 60th Birthday celebrations. That has made making sensible choices a lot easier.
Yesterday for some reason I did have a lolly (candy) craving and had a couple of the Fantales that my husband keeps in his car. I was in his car because our youngest son Boyo is home from university and has started his holiday job - working out at a farm where they are currently harvesting grapes. He has my car. Letting him take my car is the easy alternative as otherwise I'd probably have to drive him out there each day. As they start work at 5.30 AM that really isn't attractive.
Fantales are his "Staying Awake" lollies - what he eats when he is driving that help him stay alert for a bit longer - or what I eat cause I get bored or because I know they are there and occasionally cause I am actually hungry... who'd a thought it. He used to eat peppermint lollies as they stayed fresh for ages and weren't affected by heat. He finds now that he reacts to peppermint so he can't eat them. Its a pity. I could leave peppermints alone... Fantales are much yummier
Fantales are an Australian lolly and they get their name because on the wrapper are interesting facts about various movie and tv stars. They have a semi hard caramel centre and a chocolate coating. They are VERY good
In the course of driving over to a shopping centre yesterday afternoon I ate a couple - well 3 maybe. And then in the evening I ate a few of the peppermint lollies we had been given by Beauty when she visited with The Beast (our oldest son and his girlfriend in case you aren't used to my nicknames for my family). They have been here largely untouched since late September but yesterday... they had to be nibbled.
So ... that isn't bad and I don't beat myself up about it. I am allowed to eat treats I just have to do so in moderation.
My weight has been coming down. I was 97.3 last Friday and this morning I was 95.6kgs. I am really really pleased with that. It means I am basically back to where I was before we went away. I feel that I have flicked that magical switch in my head and am committed to loosing the weight I have stacked on over the last year. My ultimate aim is 80kgs (which is STILL 5 kgs over what the charts tell me I should be) but not sure if I will make that but at the moment I am heading for 90kgs. I will be thrilled to get back to that. Its challenging times ahead with Christmas parties already rolling around - the next 6 weeks before Christmas there will be lots of goodies on offer at parties and with all the deliscious cooking one can do in the lead up to Christmas.
Our immediate family is going to be scattered this Christmas. Fangirl is going to the UK for a month over Christmas. Kombi Boy and his partner Gamer Girl are going to be having Christmas here in town with her parents and Fixit Guy and Boyo are going to be in Sydney to have Christmas with my extended family. The Beast is going to join us there from Melbourne for a few days. We are going to have a Christmas Dinner with Fangirl here at home before she leaves. KB won't be home from university by then but will be here a for a few days before we leave for Sydney so we are going to have Christmas Dinner with him and Gamer Girl as well. That means we are going to have 2 extra Christmas Dinners this year. Talk about temptation! Still as I am the cook for 2 of those dinners I can exercise some self control... I can ... can't I. It doesn't stop with Christmas Day though as we have 2 weddings and a 21st birthday to attend as well in January. You will understand why I am trying so hard to pull back the weight now.
As for Exercise....well that has been more the problem this week. My girlfriend is away. I was going to walk anyway... but....I have stayed up late at night a good few times ... mostly working on the talk that I have to give tomorrow and the powerpoint that goes with it. When you are up till 1 AM there is not much incentive to get up at 6 or even 7 and then I don't have time to walk before my day time commitments. We have walked at night... well most days I have apart from the one time when I was just getting into the rhythm of what I wanted to say in my talk so didn't want to stop. That day was very poor step results.
My more regular walking efforts has seen my ranking amongst my fitbit friends pull up a good bit. I have gone from being in the high teens 18th or 19th to being back in the top 10 most days. I even got back to 6th one day. I'm 12th this morning thanks to not going for a walk this morning.
My watch stopped working this week. It wasn't the battery and I was told that it would have to be sent away and cleaned. The cost would probably be $100+. Its a pretty old watch and the catch is playing up and the surfaces are all worn. Its not really worth repairing and so I have suggested that I get a new one for Christmas. Meantime I am relying on my phone as my watch. I don't sleep in my watch but happily sleep with my fitbit. It hasn't ever worried me. But this week... with no watch to take off at bedtime I have become really conscious of my fitbit around my wrist. Its amused me somewhat. I look at my wrist constantly when checking the time and then have to go for my phone. We really are creatures of habit.
Friday 11 180
Saturday 7 093 (only one walk)
Sunday 12 151 (2 walks even though it was Sunday)
Monday 13 457 (actually got 2 walks in)
Tuesday 3 839 (no walks at all this day)
Wednesday 7 871
Thursday 15 462 (got 2 walks in as well as walking up to the aged care home to do the service there)
Friday, September 18, 2015
Friday Fitness
I've been up and down this week diet wise... good days where I haven't eaten too much empty food (ie high calorie, low nutrition) but others where I did over indulge in various goodies. Still the weight has started to come down a little.... 1 kg so its a start (17.2 to go)
Walking has continued apace and I have managed 2 walks a day most days. Missed out on Sunday but managed it even on Saturday which is unusual for us. We have walked most days with our friend Maree, sometimes accompanied by her dog and sometimes Chloe has stayed home. Chloe is a big dog and not well trained to the lead and so she pulls constantly and Maree's arm and shoulder get very sore. Jack is hilarious when we walk with Chloe, especially when Chloe is allowed off the lead to run when we are down by the river. Usually he is off exploring everywhere, especially if we have Digby with us. But when Chloe is charging about Jack stays really close to us and he monitors where she is all the time. He is such a tiny dog that she would knock him flying so easily. He stays close cause he knows Chloe can see us and so not run into us... but he's another story.
Even when Fixit Guy hasn't been able to walk in the evening because of his commitments I have still taken Jack out.. usually with Digby to take Dig home. I've made my 10 000 steps every day without having to do any on the spot jogging, apart from Sunday when it was only a couple of hundred I've had to do. It does feel good.
I've been making my way up the Fitbit stats too... it was only a couple of weeks ago I was excited to make it into the teens of my Fitbit friends and then I made it into the top 10 albeit the bottom half of them. This week I have made it into the top 5 consistently.... and even got to 3rd and 2nd one day... for a little while.
Mind you today is going to be a low day. Maree was away today so we didn't have to get up to walk at 6 and ended up sleeping in late and then it was 9 and we both had things to do so... no morning walk. Oops. Hopefully we will get an evening walk. Must make my 10 000! I'll jog till midnight if I have to. He he he
I have been wondering about trying to jog again and maybe restarting C25K again... but then I wonder if my hips and knees really need to thumping. I might give it a go... but then Fixit Guy and I go together for our walks and it is great to have some us time. I also thought about getting a tread machine but again... going out walking is great so maybe not.
Steps for this week
Friday: 15 398
Saturday: 13 880
Sunday: 10 036
Monday: 12 148
Tuesday: 13 873
Wednesday: 12 036
Thursday: 14 886
TOTAL for the Week 92 257
Walking has continued apace and I have managed 2 walks a day most days. Missed out on Sunday but managed it even on Saturday which is unusual for us. We have walked most days with our friend Maree, sometimes accompanied by her dog and sometimes Chloe has stayed home. Chloe is a big dog and not well trained to the lead and so she pulls constantly and Maree's arm and shoulder get very sore. Jack is hilarious when we walk with Chloe, especially when Chloe is allowed off the lead to run when we are down by the river. Usually he is off exploring everywhere, especially if we have Digby with us. But when Chloe is charging about Jack stays really close to us and he monitors where she is all the time. He is such a tiny dog that she would knock him flying so easily. He stays close cause he knows Chloe can see us and so not run into us... but he's another story.
Even when Fixit Guy hasn't been able to walk in the evening because of his commitments I have still taken Jack out.. usually with Digby to take Dig home. I've made my 10 000 steps every day without having to do any on the spot jogging, apart from Sunday when it was only a couple of hundred I've had to do. It does feel good.
I've been making my way up the Fitbit stats too... it was only a couple of weeks ago I was excited to make it into the teens of my Fitbit friends and then I made it into the top 10 albeit the bottom half of them. This week I have made it into the top 5 consistently.... and even got to 3rd and 2nd one day... for a little while.
See I have proof!! It happened twice!!
Yeah, I know it was cause Sam's Fitbit was playing up and didn't record her steps properly but for 12 hours I was coming 2nd to the amazing Terje. Between Sam and Terje who average high teens daily for the steps I will never get back to number 1 but still... its great to have 80 000 to 90 000 steps for the week. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be back to 4th soon. Another friend Jody is usually way ahead of me too but her jogging partner is away this week so her steps are a bit down. Still ...Mind you today is going to be a low day. Maree was away today so we didn't have to get up to walk at 6 and ended up sleeping in late and then it was 9 and we both had things to do so... no morning walk. Oops. Hopefully we will get an evening walk. Must make my 10 000! I'll jog till midnight if I have to. He he he
I have been wondering about trying to jog again and maybe restarting C25K again... but then I wonder if my hips and knees really need to thumping. I might give it a go... but then Fixit Guy and I go together for our walks and it is great to have some us time. I also thought about getting a tread machine but again... going out walking is great so maybe not.
Steps for this week
Friday: 15 398
Saturday: 13 880
Sunday: 10 036
Monday: 12 148
Tuesday: 13 873
Wednesday: 12 036
Thursday: 14 886
TOTAL for the Week 92 257
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Friday Fitness
Running late this week... got the blog written but hadn't gotten the photos uploaded so it took till today... sorry
Diet has been less than ideal all week - we had chocolates in the house as well as the cheesecake I had made my husband for Fathers Day. We've been eating it all week but the last slice has now been served up so that temptation has gone however we now have a box of chocolates to go through...
I haven't managed to make 10 000 steps every day this week... close but no cigar... well a couple of thousand under. One evening I was busy quilting getting a project finished and worked till 1 AM and it was after midnight when I remembered I was still short on steps. Another evening I realised I hadn't made my goal but was tired so went to bed.
But on a positive note I have managed to start walking again in the mornings again. My friend Maree was keen to restart our morning walks and even when she hasn't been able to make it Fixit Guy and I have stepped it out. Jack dog is loving it. Means I get more opportunities to take photos too. The pelicans (well one anyway) is back at the river and so are the ibis and ducks.
The roos are back too. I managed to get this photo on my phone before he bounded away
Its still very dry here. There was rain about 10 days ago and so there is some green shoots about but its dry and parched
Even though I haven't made 10 000 each day I have made over 70 000 steps this week. I have also crept up my friends lists and am lodged pretty firmly in my top 10 friends. I doubt that I am going to get much higher than 7... some of my friends get crazy step numbers.
Fitbit Stats
Friday 12 786
Saturday 10 561
Sunday 8 183
Monday 11 664
Tuesday 8 111
Wednesday 13 514
Thursday 15579
Diet has been less than ideal all week - we had chocolates in the house as well as the cheesecake I had made my husband for Fathers Day. We've been eating it all week but the last slice has now been served up so that temptation has gone however we now have a box of chocolates to go through...
I haven't managed to make 10 000 steps every day this week... close but no cigar... well a couple of thousand under. One evening I was busy quilting getting a project finished and worked till 1 AM and it was after midnight when I remembered I was still short on steps. Another evening I realised I hadn't made my goal but was tired so went to bed.
But on a positive note I have managed to start walking again in the mornings again. My friend Maree was keen to restart our morning walks and even when she hasn't been able to make it Fixit Guy and I have stepped it out. Jack dog is loving it. Means I get more opportunities to take photos too. The pelicans (well one anyway) is back at the river and so are the ibis and ducks.
The roos are back too. I managed to get this photo on my phone before he bounded away
Its still very dry here. There was rain about 10 days ago and so there is some green shoots about but its dry and parched
Even though I haven't made 10 000 each day I have made over 70 000 steps this week. I have also crept up my friends lists and am lodged pretty firmly in my top 10 friends. I doubt that I am going to get much higher than 7... some of my friends get crazy step numbers.
Fitbit Stats
Friday 12 786
Saturday 10 561
Sunday 8 183
Monday 11 664
Tuesday 8 111
Wednesday 13 514
Thursday 15579
Friday, May 29, 2015
Flabby Friday and Its not all about me
Yes I have had to be honest and change the name of the blog. Not much fitness going on here... but lots of weight. Last time I weighed I was 94.2 kgs. NOT good. I do want to make a change to that but my motivation is still really limited.
Fixit Guy lost his fitbit in Malaysia. It got snagged as he was entering a train and fell down between the train and the track. To make matters worse it was as he was entering the train so by the time he realised the door was shut and we were pulling out of the station. To make matters worse the station has doors on it between the platform and the train... so between trains you can't access the track even if you wanted to. (and no piece of electronic equipment is worth risking your life for by jumping down onto the train tracks even if you could access it... right?)
Since he lost his my motivation to track and get my steps up has gone almost completely. I was always in competition with him - he was usually way out ahead of me but it was fun to chase him and compare our steps each day.
Added to that my fitbit started to play up a bit and wasn't registering all my steps. Days that I knew I had made my 10 000 steps were coming up as 0 whilst we didn't have internet connection and so that in itself was very frustrating.
Now its getting cooler here the motivation to get up early and go for a walk first thing has vanished. Fixit Guy has retired so we sleep in more often and then by the time we are up we don't have time to walk when we have other commitments that morning and so morning walks have become almost non existent. Then the afternoons are closing in and its getting dark earlier... if we are busy and it gets a bit late the time available to walk has diminished or gone. Jack never thinks that is the case and he is always keen so Fixit Guy has often taken him for a quick lap on his own. As I say my motivation has disappeared.
So my fitbit stats aren't worth recording. My plan is to become remotivated... soon... sometime
This week has been a difficult one for our family and so my weight and lack of exercise haven't really registered with me
On Monday the husband of someone who has been a very dear friend since we moved to this town 26 years ago died suddenly. Woody was 50. He was our friend too. Our families shared many times together. He had a heart attack and was gone. Healthwise that should motivate me but at the moment I am too sad to be bothered.
Our children are similar ages, the ones whose ages match more exactly are the same sexes and so were involved in many of the same activities at the same time. My youngest son shares his name... different spelling but same name. Boyo wasn't named after my friend's husband but when we are choosing names for our babies we associate the names with other people we know who share that name so obviously Woody was pretty special.
Av and I even learned to quilt at the same time... she was responsible for dragging me along to the same class (protesting that I really didn't need to learn to cut up perfectly good fabric into little squares and then sew them together again) I told her it wasn't going to take over my life (she often quotes me on this)
The funeral isn't till next Thursday so we have a long delay ahead of us. I am staying close by my friend available but trying not to intrude. I want to be helpful but not a burden. When I have been at her place there have been so many other people there, in and out. I've seen her face, pale and drawn so sad and exhausted. I don't want to be someone else that she has to cope with but want to be there if she needs me. She knows I am here for the long haul. She is in my prayers and in my heart.
Part of me wants to be by her side, asking questions, giving advice, giving love, being part of the moment and the decision making but that is all about me.
And its not about me so I have stepped back confident that my friend knows I am here and will be here when she needs me. Part of me wants to be needed right now but God is helping me to overcome that desire and just be here where she knows she can find me when she needs me.
Fangirl is one of her daughter A's best friends. A lives in Brisbane but flew home immediately she heard. Fangirl is with her after work each day doing what she can, often just sitting and listening and distracting if necessary. So I am being here for my sweet loving daughter who is helping her friend cope with this devastating loss.
I know our sons are also feeling it - and feeling vulnerable cause their dad is older than Woody. And he is a long way away from them right now as they live in Brisbane and Melbourne 1000s of kms away. Boyo sent me a text telling me to keep him safe. I am doing my best.
Fixit Guy lost his fitbit in Malaysia. It got snagged as he was entering a train and fell down between the train and the track. To make matters worse it was as he was entering the train so by the time he realised the door was shut and we were pulling out of the station. To make matters worse the station has doors on it between the platform and the train... so between trains you can't access the track even if you wanted to. (and no piece of electronic equipment is worth risking your life for by jumping down onto the train tracks even if you could access it... right?)
Since he lost his my motivation to track and get my steps up has gone almost completely. I was always in competition with him - he was usually way out ahead of me but it was fun to chase him and compare our steps each day.
Added to that my fitbit started to play up a bit and wasn't registering all my steps. Days that I knew I had made my 10 000 steps were coming up as 0 whilst we didn't have internet connection and so that in itself was very frustrating.
Now its getting cooler here the motivation to get up early and go for a walk first thing has vanished. Fixit Guy has retired so we sleep in more often and then by the time we are up we don't have time to walk when we have other commitments that morning and so morning walks have become almost non existent. Then the afternoons are closing in and its getting dark earlier... if we are busy and it gets a bit late the time available to walk has diminished or gone. Jack never thinks that is the case and he is always keen so Fixit Guy has often taken him for a quick lap on his own. As I say my motivation has disappeared.
So my fitbit stats aren't worth recording. My plan is to become remotivated... soon... sometime
This week has been a difficult one for our family and so my weight and lack of exercise haven't really registered with me
On Monday the husband of someone who has been a very dear friend since we moved to this town 26 years ago died suddenly. Woody was 50. He was our friend too. Our families shared many times together. He had a heart attack and was gone. Healthwise that should motivate me but at the moment I am too sad to be bothered.
Our children are similar ages, the ones whose ages match more exactly are the same sexes and so were involved in many of the same activities at the same time. My youngest son shares his name... different spelling but same name. Boyo wasn't named after my friend's husband but when we are choosing names for our babies we associate the names with other people we know who share that name so obviously Woody was pretty special.
Av and I even learned to quilt at the same time... she was responsible for dragging me along to the same class (protesting that I really didn't need to learn to cut up perfectly good fabric into little squares and then sew them together again) I told her it wasn't going to take over my life (she often quotes me on this)
The funeral isn't till next Thursday so we have a long delay ahead of us. I am staying close by my friend available but trying not to intrude. I want to be helpful but not a burden. When I have been at her place there have been so many other people there, in and out. I've seen her face, pale and drawn so sad and exhausted. I don't want to be someone else that she has to cope with but want to be there if she needs me. She knows I am here for the long haul. She is in my prayers and in my heart.
Part of me wants to be by her side, asking questions, giving advice, giving love, being part of the moment and the decision making but that is all about me.
And its not about me so I have stepped back confident that my friend knows I am here and will be here when she needs me. Part of me wants to be needed right now but God is helping me to overcome that desire and just be here where she knows she can find me when she needs me.
Fangirl is one of her daughter A's best friends. A lives in Brisbane but flew home immediately she heard. Fangirl is with her after work each day doing what she can, often just sitting and listening and distracting if necessary. So I am being here for my sweet loving daughter who is helping her friend cope with this devastating loss.
I know our sons are also feeling it - and feeling vulnerable cause their dad is older than Woody. And he is a long way away from them right now as they live in Brisbane and Melbourne 1000s of kms away. Boyo sent me a text telling me to keep him safe. I am doing my best.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)