Well I slipped a little today and didn't get tea in the oven before going to the gym, but I have an excuse,,,,,,, we had to leave early to drop daughter off for one of the gardens she does and if I'd put the chicken in the oven then it would have been cooking for over 4 hours - pizza night was a good alternative and with 40mins swimming along with a serious weights session at the gym, I reckoned I'd get away with it lol!
I can finally say that my dumbell weights are now 7kg for all exercises which isn't too bad considering I started on 4kgs in Jan and had a very inconsistent record for a while but even with the holidays I'm managing 4 sessions a week, 2 are weights ones and the other 2 are cardio, along with lots of swimming with the youngest when the older 2 are in the gym.
It's been a different summer but we've managed to have quite a lot of fun and I've kept track of my eating and exercise. It'll be very tricky next week when Al's in hospital but I can only do my best with such a worry - rhinoplastic surgery isn't very pleasant or pain-free so lots of TLC will be needed but I'll be doing lots of special cooking which actually means not much eating - I often find that by the time everything's ready I've gone off the idea!!
Friday, 30 July 2010
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Wednesday and Thursday
Had a great day y/day, spent it at a friends house with the children helping to clear the monoblock driveway of weeds. We took our garden hose and extention cable so we could get the powerwasher going as it's a long driveway but we hit a snag, the hose attachment for the outside tap didn't fit, awwwww, so they had to do it the old-fashioned way with a stiff brush and little gardening fork. But they rose to the challenge and got half of it done, which was pretty good going in amongst the showers and daughter got some more of the wall she's biuulding done - so all in all we got lots done and had a great blether at the same time!
Today's task was to get them all down to the hairdressers for serious levels of tidying up, youngest was 'tidied up' by his sister with our hair clippers last week but it was needing some help as our clippers are pretty knackered and she struggled, Daughter's and eldest's hair was needing a decent chop but the instructions for daughter was feminine short with soft edges as the last time it was far too boyish and as she's very slim and nearly 6ft tall it didn't really flatter her at all - this time was much more sucessful and she got exactly what she wanted befoire she goes off on her holiday. Eldest is fairly straighforward - much shorter than it is now, thanks and you've guessed it, he's happy with his cut too.
So I have lovely, smart children who are willingly doing chores as I actually remembered to get real cash out and pay them for their efforts at the weekend - now they've got actual cash to count and want more, bless them:)
Today's task was to get them all down to the hairdressers for serious levels of tidying up, youngest was 'tidied up' by his sister with our hair clippers last week but it was needing some help as our clippers are pretty knackered and she struggled, Daughter's and eldest's hair was needing a decent chop but the instructions for daughter was feminine short with soft edges as the last time it was far too boyish and as she's very slim and nearly 6ft tall it didn't really flatter her at all - this time was much more sucessful and she got exactly what she wanted befoire she goes off on her holiday. Eldest is fairly straighforward - much shorter than it is now, thanks and you've guessed it, he's happy with his cut too.
So I have lovely, smart children who are willingly doing chores as I actually remembered to get real cash out and pay them for their efforts at the weekend - now they've got actual cash to count and want more, bless them:)
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Tuesday :)
Well things are going well today too, started off a bit late and had tow tiny petit filous for brekky before running out to the hairdressers where I was much more relaxed for a change, something I'm not famous for!
After that it was lunch and then kids to the gym for a workout and swim, youngest sat with me for 30mins until the older ones were ready for swimming and they didn't appear for another hour, longest swim session ever. My ankle's still very achey so last day of rest for it, looking forward to getting some rowing done tomorrow when youngest's at mini-cirkids, and showing eldest some weights exercises that I can do now always a good boost for my confidence and for his when he realises he can do them too!!
So the list is complete for today, I even remembered to take the meter readings for the gas and electric as we're changing suppliers, an extra to tick off the list yay!!
After that it was lunch and then kids to the gym for a workout and swim, youngest sat with me for 30mins until the older ones were ready for swimming and they didn't appear for another hour, longest swim session ever. My ankle's still very achey so last day of rest for it, looking forward to getting some rowing done tomorrow when youngest's at mini-cirkids, and showing eldest some weights exercises that I can do now always a good boost for my confidence and for his when he realises he can do them too!!
So the list is complete for today, I even remembered to take the meter readings for the gas and electric as we're changing suppliers, an extra to tick off the list yay!!
Monday, 26 July 2010
Monday!
How I love Mondays now, used to dread them with a passion as it would be the first day of dealing with tricky adults, then trying to teach children that had somehow lost the rule book on civility never mind reasonable behaviour and finding that break and lunchtimes didn't come quick enough or last long enough. I recently spent an afternoon with some kids and really, really enjoyed myself and I really think I need to get back to the positive relationship I used to have before it all got ruined but not yet, might see what I can do volunteer-wise after the holidays.
Today's tasks were to have a long lie reading a Jodi Picoult, then a leisurely breakfast, followed by a mammoth ironing session that's been put off for weeks, shower, lunch and off to the gym. Quick stop at Tesco for milk and bits, then home, eldest making tea, and watch something good on telly - actually *Galaxy Quest*. (www.traileraddict.com/trailer/galaxy-quest/trailer)
I can safely say I did everthing on my list, yay, and I just love that film 'never give up, never surrender', lovely escapism!!!!
Today's tasks were to have a long lie reading a Jodi Picoult, then a leisurely breakfast, followed by a mammoth ironing session that's been put off for weeks, shower, lunch and off to the gym. Quick stop at Tesco for milk and bits, then home, eldest making tea, and watch something good on telly - actually *Galaxy Quest*. (www.traileraddict.com/trailer/galaxy-quest/trailer)
I can safely say I did everthing on my list, yay, and I just love that film 'never give up, never surrender', lovely escapism!!!!
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Who owns BP??
Who owns BP??? Just watched Barrack Obama blethering on telly and decided to check why the British are getting this in the neck. Innocent or guilty, the company have been skating on thin ice for years with health and safety issues but I took a dim view of the british % being made the bogyman when the american % is only 1point less!
UK investors 40%, US investors (inc JPMorgan) 39%, Rest of Europe 10%, Rest of World 7%,
Miscellaneousc 4%
Feel free to criticise the company BP but it's a mistake to think the letters stand for British Petroleum!
My apologies for the mini-rant but one gets tired of listening to others aportioning blame where it should be shared.
Oh and just as an aside, very few people I know think the Lockerbie bomber should have been released but would be very interested in seeing the documents from both UK and US govts on that one, ours for all the use they were, have been published already!
Need to get to the gym later, far too grumpy today, grrrr!
UK investors 40%, US investors (inc JPMorgan) 39%, Rest of Europe 10%, Rest of World 7%,
Miscellaneousc 4%
Feel free to criticise the company BP but it's a mistake to think the letters stand for British Petroleum!
My apologies for the mini-rant but one gets tired of listening to others aportioning blame where it should be shared.
Oh and just as an aside, very few people I know think the Lockerbie bomber should have been released but would be very interested in seeing the documents from both UK and US govts on that one, ours for all the use they were, have been published already!
Need to get to the gym later, far too grumpy today, grrrr!
Saturday, 24 July 2010
When kids come for tea,,,,
Youngest's friend was invited over so they could both go to football at the gym, then he came for tea and a play and ended up staying over night - his mother was in shock as he never stays anywhere - she can never get rid of him, lol, but he's really comfy and relaxed here. I think it's because everybody's older than him and nobody hassles anybody, it was Friday which is a pretty relaxed day esp in the hols but I don't mind why, just pleased he enjoyed himself. His mum came round this morning to get him, as he requested, at 10.40am - safely missed his swimming training that started at 10.30 - very smart but in time for us to leave for youngest's karate so not annoying me!!
We had a good time there, youngest was really sweaty when he was finished so his work out was a tough as mine, then we had lunch and came home to chill. I really enjoy having him all to myself, with the youngest it's always tricky getting time just with them but we've got it sussed just now - he likes cooking so the twice weekly cooking sessions are proving popular, with all three of them actually, and another opportunity for one on one with all sorts of subjects coming up for discussion!!
We had a good time there, youngest was really sweaty when he was finished so his work out was a tough as mine, then we had lunch and came home to chill. I really enjoy having him all to myself, with the youngest it's always tricky getting time just with them but we've got it sussed just now - he likes cooking so the twice weekly cooking sessions are proving popular, with all three of them actually, and another opportunity for one on one with all sorts of subjects coming up for discussion!!
Thursday, 22 July 2010
It's a family thing!
We have got a temporary membership going for eldest so he can come to our gym with us and it's given us all a new level of enthusiasm for our exercise there. Youngest's pal is coming to one of his classes tomorrow too so we're making full use of the facilities with our dodgy weather!!
Oh and I've finally made it into the stone below - been stuck for a long time but the weight's finally going down properly and *I feel good, nana, nanah*:)
Only another week or so before Al's back but daughter might go off to Islay with a pal now we can't go as a family - it'll be a first but I'm gently encouraging her, spreading wings is what being a teenager is all about and she definitley needs to get hers flapping, lol!
Oh and I've finally made it into the stone below - been stuck for a long time but the weight's finally going down properly and *I feel good, nana, nanah*:)
Only another week or so before Al's back but daughter might go off to Islay with a pal now we can't go as a family - it'll be a first but I'm gently encouraging her, spreading wings is what being a teenager is all about and she definitley needs to get hers flapping, lol!
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
This week's progress so far.....
Well the hall is nearly done, just need to dig out the sewing machine to get the curtains sorted and hang some pictures and it'll be completely finished, yay! I still managed my session at the gym this eveining with the wee guy and survived th cold shower afterwards too, something's wrong with the water in that place the spa was off limits and the pool was freezing, then the cold showers - not amused but I did mention it s, supposed to be o at least they might have a chance of getting fixed. Lots of people on their way out tonight and nobody but me mentioned it, strange!
Did a good shop y/day £61, supposed to be £60 for the week but I've got stores in for this and next week so still on track for my TMS challenge!!
Did a good shop y/day £61, supposed to be £60 for the week but I've got stores in for this and next week so still on track for my TMS challenge!!
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
That was a surprise that wasn't!
Hubby was told on Friday that he was being sent home early to get his broken nose fixed and because he wasn't needed on the ship in dry dock, but somebody has changed the rules and they need him now, :(
I have a to-do list that was getting too long for one week so I'm trying not to be too pleased he's staying aboard. The other thing is that he needs to stay out of the country for more than 6months each year to keep his tax money, so although it would have been good to see him, he would have had to stay out of the country at another time to make the right percentages
We were frantically painting the hall a light, supposed cream colour but it's pretty white, to give him a surprise but the steam's gone out of that now, no panic but I've a few ideas on new curtains that used to be in the lounge for the front door and to line the bathroom and bedroom doors as the frosted glass is a bit too see-through, oops!
So I've ended up with plenty of time to get these things done, must dig the sewing machine out of it's box and see how it actually works!!
I felt really pleased when I could tick off several items at once on my to-do list, yay:):)
I have a to-do list that was getting too long for one week so I'm trying not to be too pleased he's staying aboard. The other thing is that he needs to stay out of the country for more than 6months each year to keep his tax money, so although it would have been good to see him, he would have had to stay out of the country at another time to make the right percentages
We were frantically painting the hall a light, supposed cream colour but it's pretty white, to give him a surprise but the steam's gone out of that now, no panic but I've a few ideas on new curtains that used to be in the lounge for the front door and to line the bathroom and bedroom doors as the frosted glass is a bit too see-through, oops!
So I've ended up with plenty of time to get these things done, must dig the sewing machine out of it's box and see how it actually works!!
I felt really pleased when I could tick off several items at once on my to-do list, yay:):)
Saturday, 10 July 2010
What's $200 in £????
Over on the motivation station they're trying to see how far $200 will get you buying groceries, some posters hope to make it last 5 weeks, but I'll need tofind a currency converter to try this out- maybe about £300, need to check that but it's a challenge I can't resist!
Our second holiday over to Islay has had to be cancelled because after hubby's run in with head-butting thug, he needs rhinoplastic surgery and it has to be done when he's next home - so the ferry has been cancelled and all arrangements scrapped :(
The police have got nowhere finding the guy who did it and we're left with hubby needing surgery and a nasty taste in our mouths - not been back to Asda since it happened but should go to see if they've removed the sail-boards on the ceiling so the CCTV could be used to help others! So frustrating, grrrrr!!!!
Onto better thoughts, I've binned formal dieting and am using controlled eating, which mainly means thinking about what I'm doing *do I really want this?* *do I really need this?* and so far have lost another 2lbs in 2 weeks so having more success at the moment but still weighing snacks and carbs, eating loads of veg but less fruit - don't think the fructose was helping my quest for a fitter bod!
Oh and I've taken up running, only on the treadmill but I can sustain 11.5kms for minute bursts, I know I'm better at rowing but I can do 1km in 7.58mins which is mince but can only get better, 6months ago it took me 22.35mins to do 2kms so it's improving slowly but took my eye off the ball whilst concentrating on other things and have decided to work on improving my speed and style to speed up my weightloss too!
Right off to find a currency converter to see how far $200 will take me in Scotland, lol!!!
£303.03, I was pretty close so off to work out some menus:)
Our second holiday over to Islay has had to be cancelled because after hubby's run in with head-butting thug, he needs rhinoplastic surgery and it has to be done when he's next home - so the ferry has been cancelled and all arrangements scrapped :(
The police have got nowhere finding the guy who did it and we're left with hubby needing surgery and a nasty taste in our mouths - not been back to Asda since it happened but should go to see if they've removed the sail-boards on the ceiling so the CCTV could be used to help others! So frustrating, grrrrr!!!!
Onto better thoughts, I've binned formal dieting and am using controlled eating, which mainly means thinking about what I'm doing *do I really want this?* *do I really need this?* and so far have lost another 2lbs in 2 weeks so having more success at the moment but still weighing snacks and carbs, eating loads of veg but less fruit - don't think the fructose was helping my quest for a fitter bod!
Oh and I've taken up running, only on the treadmill but I can sustain 11.5kms for minute bursts, I know I'm better at rowing but I can do 1km in 7.58mins which is mince but can only get better, 6months ago it took me 22.35mins to do 2kms so it's improving slowly but took my eye off the ball whilst concentrating on other things and have decided to work on improving my speed and style to speed up my weightloss too!
Right off to find a currency converter to see how far $200 will take me in Scotland, lol!!!
£303.03, I was pretty close so off to work out some menus:)
Monday, 28 June 2010
He's on his way!
Al's off to work today, he's flown from Edinburgh to London and is waiting his next flight to Houston - not exactly a short commute but he loves his jet-setting life. He grew up on Islay (famous for it'sfabulous whiskies) as the second son of a distillery worker who went into the local co-operative shop and thought he'd be threre for years but got itchy feet and signed up for Her Majesty's Royal Navy!! Ships would have been obvious for an islander but not him, he went in for submarines and for years enjoyed himself but things change and he left after 15years and now he's all over the world - has seen more of the world than he ever did in the Navy as he was on Polaris and Trident subs which *never went anywhere* they just patrolled around under the oceans, except once he went to the US Navy base in Florida for them to pick up missiles!
I didn't put any pressureon him as he'd been in the navy when we married but I was very thankful he changed jobs as I had got tired of 40words a week from us to him and nothing back, the survey ship has e-mail and he's got skype on his laptop so communication is vastly improved, and I get texts telling me where he is in his journey - that's why I know he's made it to London!
For the next 8 weeks our eldest is on college holidays, middle one has finished her course and is looking for a job, and school ones start on Wednesday when my youngest leaves primary forever, I can't wait!!!!
Today I'm going to be spending some time sorting out activities for us to punctuate the next month with, when we're getting friends over and activities at the gym for titch and me to enjoy, but I'm off to the gym now for my aquarobics session!
I didn't put any pressureon him as he'd been in the navy when we married but I was very thankful he changed jobs as I had got tired of 40words a week from us to him and nothing back, the survey ship has e-mail and he's got skype on his laptop so communication is vastly improved, and I get texts telling me where he is in his journey - that's why I know he's made it to London!
For the next 8 weeks our eldest is on college holidays, middle one has finished her course and is looking for a job, and school ones start on Wednesday when my youngest leaves primary forever, I can't wait!!!!
Today I'm going to be spending some time sorting out activities for us to punctuate the next month with, when we're getting friends over and activities at the gym for titch and me to enjoy, but I'm off to the gym now for my aquarobics session!
Sunday, 20 June 2010
And a great father's day,,,,
was had by all! It's not often that Al's here for special days, he'll be missing his birthday in July so it was great to have him here for some
We've had a lovely day here fussing over him, feeding him favourite meals and baking him a request cake - chocolate marble, yum!
The weather's been great and we even managed to keep him away from his precious DIY, he was allowed to hang 2 doors that have dried properly after being painted but other than that, zip work!
Now enjoying the very first episode of Black Adder, set in Richard the 3rd's time, Rowan Atkinson at his best as the snivelling second son, brill!!
We've had a lovely day here fussing over him, feeding him favourite meals and baking him a request cake - chocolate marble, yum!
The weather's been great and we even managed to keep him away from his precious DIY, he was allowed to hang 2 doors that have dried properly after being painted but other than that, zip work!
Now enjoying the very first episode of Black Adder, set in Richard the 3rd's time, Rowan Atkinson at his best as the snivelling second son, brill!!
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Surveys
Over at the Motivation Station I found this from Kris the other day,,,,,,,
I recently came up with the idea of an article about how American women feel about their bodies and their health compared to women of other parts of the world. However, in order to really write a proper article, I need to do a lot of research on both subjects. I know you all recall, and may have even read, French Women Don't Get Fat, and every other varietal of the theory that "I am not American therefore I have a weight-loss secret that you need to buy." I intend to either prove that we are all the same and these books are just marketing ploys (ok, technically half true without needing the research), or that perhaps American Women Want To Be Fat! Say what? I know none of us want to be unhealthy, but if we have the tools, and have the reasons, why does the scale not budge, why do we have pig-out/freak-outs, and constantly buy new books and exercise equipment? Is it the media, a gene, chemicals in our food, or fear of the unknown and/or change? I would love my friends and readers here at The Motivation Station work with me on this concept by answering some (I mean a lot of) questions. Please answer all questions that you feel comfortable with, and email them to krisleighsen@gmail.com if you want to stay anonymous from the site, or post your answers and what you think about this article that I would like to write in the comments section. I will definitely share my findings from this survey and the article with you all once complete. I hope that you all find this concept as interesting as I do.
I don't usually answer surveys but felt like having a go this time,
1) Age:
46
2) Ethnicity:
White Scottish
3) Current Location:
Bathgate, Scotland
4) Are you currently dieting?
Yes
If yes, what diet are you on?
Calorie counting
5) Are you over weight based on health charts?
Yes
6) Do you feel guilty when you indulge in something fattening and/or sugary or are you satisfied with the treat?
Usually earn treats, occasionally work them off if I've miscalculated!
7) How often do you exercise?
6 days a week
8) What do you do for exercise and how many days and hours per day do you do it?
Classes and cardio/weights equipment at the gym, swimming too
Mon 2hrs, tues - rest, wed - 1hr 45min, Thurs - 2hrs, fri - 3 hrs, Sat 1hrs, Sun 1.30mins.
9) If you miss your exercise one day because you went out with friends to enjoy yourself do you feel guilty? Or were you happy that you took a day off?
Happy because I will have earned it.
10) How often do you think about food?
Quite a lot, I'm working out a lot so need to eat too!
11) How often do you think about your weight?
Frustrated just now, so a lot!
12) How often do you weigh yourself?
Almost everyday but understand fluctuations so don't let them bother me.
13) If you gain one ounce do you freak out? Or does it not even phase you?
Small changes are to be expected.
14) What would you change about your body?
Want a tummy tuck when finished, if I ever get there!
15) Are you happy in your own skin?
Is anybody?? No not just now.
16) Did anyone ever say anything to you when you were young that triggered an insecurity about your size? Yes
17) Why do you think that incident had such an effect?
My father died when I was 16 and my 3 elder sisters decided to comment everytime i put a couple of lbs on, I look at photos now and see a slim, fit teenager but that's not what they saw, so neither did I at the time.
18) If someone orders just a salad at dinner would you as well? Or would you just get what you want?
I get what I've scheduled myself, salad doesn't hack it for me.
19) Why do you think American women are obsessed with weight?
Personally, I think all women are obsessed with weight, that's why I've filled in your survey!
20) What culture do you feel has the best outlook on positive self-image, and why?
Italians, they like curves AND are allowed to eat, but still have a healthy life expectancy!!
Here's the questions for you to copy, send your answers to kris at the e-mail below;
THE QUESTIONS
(open to ALL WOMEN: Any age, body type, race, ethnicity, profession, vegetarians, etc!)
1) Age:
2) Ethnicity:
3) Current Location:
4) Are you currently dieting? Y/N
If yes, what diet are you on?
If no, describe a typical day’s menu.
5) Are you over weight based on health charts?
6) Do you feel guilty when you indulge in something fattening and/or sugary or are you satisfied with the treat?
7) How often do you exercise?
8) What do you do for exercise and how many days and hours per day do you do it?
9) If you miss your exercise one day because you went out with friends to enjoy yourself do you feel guilty? Or were you happy that you took a day off?
10) How often do you think about food?
11) How often do you think about your weight?
12) How often do you weigh yourself?
13) If you gain one ounce do you freak out? Or does it not even phase you?
14) What would you change about your body?
15) Are you happy in your own skin?
16) Did anyone ever say anything to you when you were young that triggered an insecurity about your size? Y/N
17) Why do you think that incident had such an effect?
18) If someone orders just a salad at dinner would you as well? Or would you just get what you want?
19) Why do you think American women are obsessed with weight?
20) What culture do you feel has the best outlook on positive self-image, and why?
21) Do you have anything to add regarding this concept?
Thank you so much to all who participate. I may quote you, so please let me know if you want to stay anonymous. I will let this survey sit for a few weeks, so I will remind you in the near future in case you are very busy these days. The email is krisleighsen@gmail.com.
What do you think? If you have any friends or family that would enjoy this survey/article please pass along, or post on your blogs. Thank you!
Anybody else want to share????
Send your answers to themotivationstation or kris at the above e-mail and see how everybody else feels!
I recently came up with the idea of an article about how American women feel about their bodies and their health compared to women of other parts of the world. However, in order to really write a proper article, I need to do a lot of research on both subjects. I know you all recall, and may have even read, French Women Don't Get Fat, and every other varietal of the theory that "I am not American therefore I have a weight-loss secret that you need to buy." I intend to either prove that we are all the same and these books are just marketing ploys (ok, technically half true without needing the research), or that perhaps American Women Want To Be Fat! Say what? I know none of us want to be unhealthy, but if we have the tools, and have the reasons, why does the scale not budge, why do we have pig-out/freak-outs, and constantly buy new books and exercise equipment? Is it the media, a gene, chemicals in our food, or fear of the unknown and/or change? I would love my friends and readers here at The Motivation Station work with me on this concept by answering some (I mean a lot of) questions. Please answer all questions that you feel comfortable with, and email them to krisleighsen@gmail.com if you want to stay anonymous from the site, or post your answers and what you think about this article that I would like to write in the comments section. I will definitely share my findings from this survey and the article with you all once complete. I hope that you all find this concept as interesting as I do.
I don't usually answer surveys but felt like having a go this time,
1) Age:
46
2) Ethnicity:
White Scottish
3) Current Location:
Bathgate, Scotland
4) Are you currently dieting?
Yes
If yes, what diet are you on?
Calorie counting
5) Are you over weight based on health charts?
Yes
6) Do you feel guilty when you indulge in something fattening and/or sugary or are you satisfied with the treat?
Usually earn treats, occasionally work them off if I've miscalculated!
7) How often do you exercise?
6 days a week
8) What do you do for exercise and how many days and hours per day do you do it?
Classes and cardio/weights equipment at the gym, swimming too
Mon 2hrs, tues - rest, wed - 1hr 45min, Thurs - 2hrs, fri - 3 hrs, Sat 1hrs, Sun 1.30mins.
9) If you miss your exercise one day because you went out with friends to enjoy yourself do you feel guilty? Or were you happy that you took a day off?
Happy because I will have earned it.
10) How often do you think about food?
Quite a lot, I'm working out a lot so need to eat too!
11) How often do you think about your weight?
Frustrated just now, so a lot!
12) How often do you weigh yourself?
Almost everyday but understand fluctuations so don't let them bother me.
13) If you gain one ounce do you freak out? Or does it not even phase you?
Small changes are to be expected.
14) What would you change about your body?
Want a tummy tuck when finished, if I ever get there!
15) Are you happy in your own skin?
Is anybody?? No not just now.
16) Did anyone ever say anything to you when you were young that triggered an insecurity about your size? Yes
17) Why do you think that incident had such an effect?
My father died when I was 16 and my 3 elder sisters decided to comment everytime i put a couple of lbs on, I look at photos now and see a slim, fit teenager but that's not what they saw, so neither did I at the time.
18) If someone orders just a salad at dinner would you as well? Or would you just get what you want?
I get what I've scheduled myself, salad doesn't hack it for me.
19) Why do you think American women are obsessed with weight?
Personally, I think all women are obsessed with weight, that's why I've filled in your survey!
20) What culture do you feel has the best outlook on positive self-image, and why?
Italians, they like curves AND are allowed to eat, but still have a healthy life expectancy!!
Here's the questions for you to copy, send your answers to kris at the e-mail below;
THE QUESTIONS
(open to ALL WOMEN: Any age, body type, race, ethnicity, profession, vegetarians, etc!)
1) Age:
2) Ethnicity:
3) Current Location:
4) Are you currently dieting? Y/N
If yes, what diet are you on?
If no, describe a typical day’s menu.
5) Are you over weight based on health charts?
6) Do you feel guilty when you indulge in something fattening and/or sugary or are you satisfied with the treat?
7) How often do you exercise?
8) What do you do for exercise and how many days and hours per day do you do it?
9) If you miss your exercise one day because you went out with friends to enjoy yourself do you feel guilty? Or were you happy that you took a day off?
10) How often do you think about food?
11) How often do you think about your weight?
12) How often do you weigh yourself?
13) If you gain one ounce do you freak out? Or does it not even phase you?
14) What would you change about your body?
15) Are you happy in your own skin?
16) Did anyone ever say anything to you when you were young that triggered an insecurity about your size? Y/N
17) Why do you think that incident had such an effect?
18) If someone orders just a salad at dinner would you as well? Or would you just get what you want?
19) Why do you think American women are obsessed with weight?
20) What culture do you feel has the best outlook on positive self-image, and why?
21) Do you have anything to add regarding this concept?
Thank you so much to all who participate. I may quote you, so please let me know if you want to stay anonymous. I will let this survey sit for a few weeks, so I will remind you in the near future in case you are very busy these days. The email is krisleighsen@gmail.com.
What do you think? If you have any friends or family that would enjoy this survey/article please pass along, or post on your blogs. Thank you!
Anybody else want to share????
Send your answers to themotivationstation or kris at the above e-mail and see how everybody else feels!
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Grrrrrr,,,,,,
Weigh-in this morning and I'm up 900g, can't believe after such a good week that it's gone up so looking at everything to get the numbers going down. I've been at this for 17months so I know what I'm doing but sometimes things can slip, maybe more water needed with the level of exercise I'm currently doing, or maybe more food as I'm inclined to err on the side of *less is more* and that's not what I should do but not very often, only on rest days which would make sense.
I haven't even lost inches/cms so that's what's really annoyed me as I can usually cheer myself up with that. Going off to the hairdressers this morning and should be feeling good about that but now feel guilty as it's supposed to be a treat but I can't cancel getting my roots done, so maybe I can convince myself it's essential maintenance, lol!!
Strange thing is I'm wearing clothes that are smaller than anything I've worn for 15 years but I don't know what I weighed then so can't compare and I shouldn't let the scales dictate but I need to see them going down because that's how I've always measured my success. I should just chuck them out and only use scales at the gym on Wednesday mornings, might find the strength to do that!!
On a happier note, OH's nose didn't get any sorer, the bruising predicted was only at the corners of his eyes and hasn't been too sore - police phoned but they havn't got anything so don't rely on CCTV to help - improve your powers of observation each time your out so if you ever need to, you could give a decent description if something happens to someone else, when it's happening to ourselves it's very difficcult - this guy pointed a pencil or pen at my OH's side and he just kept looking at that to make sure the guy didn't stab him with it but apparently this is a common trip to distract victims from looking at their faces.
We now play spot the discription, and the wee one's supposed to find them in a crowd - building up skills but it's giving us a laugh too:)
(Changed the design colours so hopefully the problems have been fixed!)
I haven't even lost inches/cms so that's what's really annoyed me as I can usually cheer myself up with that. Going off to the hairdressers this morning and should be feeling good about that but now feel guilty as it's supposed to be a treat but I can't cancel getting my roots done, so maybe I can convince myself it's essential maintenance, lol!!
Strange thing is I'm wearing clothes that are smaller than anything I've worn for 15 years but I don't know what I weighed then so can't compare and I shouldn't let the scales dictate but I need to see them going down because that's how I've always measured my success. I should just chuck them out and only use scales at the gym on Wednesday mornings, might find the strength to do that!!
On a happier note, OH's nose didn't get any sorer, the bruising predicted was only at the corners of his eyes and hasn't been too sore - police phoned but they havn't got anything so don't rely on CCTV to help - improve your powers of observation each time your out so if you ever need to, you could give a decent description if something happens to someone else, when it's happening to ourselves it's very difficcult - this guy pointed a pencil or pen at my OH's side and he just kept looking at that to make sure the guy didn't stab him with it but apparently this is a common trip to distract victims from looking at their faces.
We now play spot the discription, and the wee one's supposed to find them in a crowd - building up skills but it's giving us a laugh too:)
(Changed the design colours so hopefully the problems have been fixed!)
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Good week until,,,,,,
We've had a really good week getting doors changed in the house, after 4 yrs of messing around with hollow, bashed ones we've now got ones like these,,,,,,
(http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9274014&fh_view_size=10&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b9372016%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372049%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372274%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9392104%7d%2fspecificationsProductType%3dtimber_doors%2fspecificationsSpecificProductType%3dknotty_pine__glazed&fh_refview=lister&ts=1276377769383&isSearch=false )
with two long frosted glass panels to the handle thenwooden panels in the bottom with silver handles and now we need to take them all off again to paint, phew they will smell a bit but the low-odour paints we've used previously just don't hack the daily treatment of kids crashing about. We're going to paint them in the garage and bring them in when they're all dry. The skirting will be a bit stinky for a while but it'll all look lovely in the end! We had to get more wall paint because the fancy light-reflecting paint we bought last year may look good for a while but looks seriously dirty now and i've tried everything but the paint actually rubs off if you get it too wet so we bought *normal* silk emulsion that's *washable and scrubbable*, so here's hoping it does what it *does what it says on the tin*!!
Today we went over to the gym for youngest's session of karate, OH did some weights then went for a swim, I was treadmilling at different inclines and speeds then I went onto the wave machine and sweated some more and we all got together for lunch. Trip up to collect middle from the plant nursery she volunteers at, then quick change for her, some hand-washing for me as the washing machine's broken, and then we dropped her off at a pals for a bbq. We decided to go shopping at Asda in Livingston and I spent 2 hours wishing we hadn't, OH went to the loo and got accosted just outside them by some drunken b*****d that wanted his car keys/money/phone/anything of value! Thankfully he kept walking towards the front doors of Asda and got in there just after the pig decided to head-butt him which someone witnessed thankfully, as the cctv wasn't pointing OH's way, but it took 2 hours of careful questioning before the police were finished getting a statement, then we went to macdonalds, the shopping never got done and i'll have to drink hot juice again as I've no decaf but apart from a sore nose, OH's fine so nothing else matters!
(http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9274014&fh_view_size=10&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b9372016%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372049%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372274%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9392104%7d%2fspecificationsProductType%3dtimber_doors%2fspecificationsSpecificProductType%3dknotty_pine__glazed&fh_refview=lister&ts=1276377769383&isSearch=false )
with two long frosted glass panels to the handle thenwooden panels in the bottom with silver handles and now we need to take them all off again to paint, phew they will smell a bit but the low-odour paints we've used previously just don't hack the daily treatment of kids crashing about. We're going to paint them in the garage and bring them in when they're all dry. The skirting will be a bit stinky for a while but it'll all look lovely in the end! We had to get more wall paint because the fancy light-reflecting paint we bought last year may look good for a while but looks seriously dirty now and i've tried everything but the paint actually rubs off if you get it too wet so we bought *normal* silk emulsion that's *washable and scrubbable*, so here's hoping it does what it *does what it says on the tin*!!
Today we went over to the gym for youngest's session of karate, OH did some weights then went for a swim, I was treadmilling at different inclines and speeds then I went onto the wave machine and sweated some more and we all got together for lunch. Trip up to collect middle from the plant nursery she volunteers at, then quick change for her, some hand-washing for me as the washing machine's broken, and then we dropped her off at a pals for a bbq. We decided to go shopping at Asda in Livingston and I spent 2 hours wishing we hadn't, OH went to the loo and got accosted just outside them by some drunken b*****d that wanted his car keys/money/phone/anything of value! Thankfully he kept walking towards the front doors of Asda and got in there just after the pig decided to head-butt him which someone witnessed thankfully, as the cctv wasn't pointing OH's way, but it took 2 hours of careful questioning before the police were finished getting a statement, then we went to macdonalds, the shopping never got done and i'll have to drink hot juice again as I've no decaf but apart from a sore nose, OH's fine so nothing else matters!
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Now I understand,,,,,,,,
Now I understand the surge in interest about this type of class, the lady doing our class was Julie, mentioned in the website and it was fabulous fun - did the whole class which I didn't expect and enjoyed every minute of it :) We were all starting from the *beginning*, so nobody was playing catch-up or should I say I wasn't playing catch-up which gives one much more confidence when trying new stuff!
The weekend went well exercise-wise as well as family-wise, daughter did college garden at gardening Scotland ( http://www.gardeningscotland.com/information.php ) and they got a silver gilt I think but also she came 11/36 in Britain in a Landscape construction competition - she was the TOP female competitor for Britain for 2010 and we're pleased as punch for her, she's bouncing around feeling seriously chuffed with herself, and of course can put it in her CV for getting a job now she's finished college! The gardener she voluteers with had a show garden in memory of his patrner and won a gold so she was pleased for him too!
We managed to pack in a proper visit to gardening scotland (to admire daughter's work properly!), pizza hut and a decent swim all on sunday, and I used my new waterproof mp3 player, kept me going through 50mins of swimming - fab!!
Only lost 300g on Sat weighin but it's started going down the way so that gave me the extra push to do more, on track with thepeteplan ( http://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/the-pete-plan/ ) week 1 and working through that will keep me focussed, with the swimming going up a level in effort and time, then zumba and well as next kg up in my weights workouts I feel I'm finally getting on a track I can stick to for the next 6 weeks I'll be following a schedule which always helps keep the motivation going!
Working towards our next holiday on Islay - happens to be *show week* when the big agricultural show is on when we'll be seeing loads of folk we haven't seen for years and they'll be very surprised to see what good shape I'm in, very satisfying frame of mind compared to times I've gone before and wanted to hide up behind the horses so folk wouldn't see how much I'd put on - not that they'd be nasty, I was just self-concious but I'll be slaving away to make sure the changes are continued, some people would be surprised to see me now never mind in 6 weeks time!!
The weekend went well exercise-wise as well as family-wise, daughter did college garden at gardening Scotland ( http://www.gardeningscotland.com/information.php ) and they got a silver gilt I think but also she came 11/36 in Britain in a Landscape construction competition - she was the TOP female competitor for Britain for 2010 and we're pleased as punch for her, she's bouncing around feeling seriously chuffed with herself, and of course can put it in her CV for getting a job now she's finished college! The gardener she voluteers with had a show garden in memory of his patrner and won a gold so she was pleased for him too!
We managed to pack in a proper visit to gardening scotland (to admire daughter's work properly!), pizza hut and a decent swim all on sunday, and I used my new waterproof mp3 player, kept me going through 50mins of swimming - fab!!
Only lost 300g on Sat weighin but it's started going down the way so that gave me the extra push to do more, on track with thepeteplan ( http://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/the-pete-plan/ ) week 1 and working through that will keep me focussed, with the swimming going up a level in effort and time, then zumba and well as next kg up in my weights workouts I feel I'm finally getting on a track I can stick to for the next 6 weeks I'll be following a schedule which always helps keep the motivation going!
Working towards our next holiday on Islay - happens to be *show week* when the big agricultural show is on when we'll be seeing loads of folk we haven't seen for years and they'll be very surprised to see what good shape I'm in, very satisfying frame of mind compared to times I've gone before and wanted to hide up behind the horses so folk wouldn't see how much I'd put on - not that they'd be nasty, I was just self-concious but I'll be slaving away to make sure the changes are continued, some people would be surprised to see me now never mind in 6 weeks time!!
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Week so far,,,,,
Back at aquarobics y'day felt really good, and had lunch with a pal there - ordered a baked potato with chicken and bacon, came mixed with mayonaise so it had to go back and another one came shortly after that my allergy would let me eat and really enjoyed it. Later it was down to the high school to find out what life will be like for youngest when he starts ther in August - what a thought!!
Today was a *normal* day, dropped middle at college, visdited mum and then shopping tesco for me and B&Q(diy store) for hubby, then home with a thumping headache, owwwch! Recovered a little of go to the gym with my new waterproof mp3 player and get on an exercise bike, felt much better atferwards, with baked salmon for tea with loads of veg, I'm finishing the day much better than it started:)
Tomorrow I'm going to my first zumba class, somebody somewhere said we should do something that scares us evey day, well that will be my scare for the week!!
Today was a *normal* day, dropped middle at college, visdited mum and then shopping tesco for me and B&Q(diy store) for hubby, then home with a thumping headache, owwwch! Recovered a little of go to the gym with my new waterproof mp3 player and get on an exercise bike, felt much better atferwards, with baked salmon for tea with loads of veg, I'm finishing the day much better than it started:)
Tomorrow I'm going to my first zumba class, somebody somewhere said we should do something that scares us evey day, well that will be my scare for the week!!
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Making decisions!!
Sometimes we bimble(wander) along doing the same things over and over without realising that the my be good for us but we need to different things to keep interested. I have been doing the same sorts of things for some time, and eating the same things really too, so i've had a big shake-up!!
I've re-organised my kitchen cupboards, changed my schedule at the gym and with better weather, planning for more outside exercise and have found tescodiets where they give you menu's, that you can swop, but a basic structure to work around!
So I'm starting June with a clean kitchen, well had to clean it out before filling it again, schedules at the gym have been changed with junior's timetable being re-arranged, and very different food being prepared from scratch - I like cooking but got in a rut so these new menu's are great for unusual ingredients too!!
The garden's blooming courtesy of some extra effort when I had a really bad cold, couldn't take that to the gym but I could drip happily in the garden sorting out new plants and getting the weeds out before they took over the grass, phew!
OH has just arrived back from the Gulf of Mexico and despite the ash cloud and BA strikes he was only a few days late and he's ready to do some DIY around the house, so I'd better get the brushes and rollers out - I'm usually painting behind wherever he goes with his sander or drill, lol, off to dig them out the cupboard along with some sandpaper to the fiddly bits - oooh I love spring fever :):)
I've re-organised my kitchen cupboards, changed my schedule at the gym and with better weather, planning for more outside exercise and have found tescodiets where they give you menu's, that you can swop, but a basic structure to work around!
So I'm starting June with a clean kitchen, well had to clean it out before filling it again, schedules at the gym have been changed with junior's timetable being re-arranged, and very different food being prepared from scratch - I like cooking but got in a rut so these new menu's are great for unusual ingredients too!!
The garden's blooming courtesy of some extra effort when I had a really bad cold, couldn't take that to the gym but I could drip happily in the garden sorting out new plants and getting the weeds out before they took over the grass, phew!
OH has just arrived back from the Gulf of Mexico and despite the ash cloud and BA strikes he was only a few days late and he's ready to do some DIY around the house, so I'd better get the brushes and rollers out - I'm usually painting behind wherever he goes with his sander or drill, lol, off to dig them out the cupboard along with some sandpaper to the fiddly bits - oooh I love spring fever :):)
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Well, what can I say???
Well the dog's almost recovered but hubby go stuck until Thursday, that meant he was around to help with my mum when she fell ill on Tuesday. We just went round with her shopping (Mum's 79) in the morning and found her dreading another upset tummy - she gets these quite often always attibuted to a chill, or food that she shouldn't have eaten which is all nonsense, she has casually diagnosed IBS but nobody's every bothered to do the proper tests until she got really bad on Tuesday night and phoned me on Wed am to say she still felt bad - the doc did do a housecall and I was there to make sure she told the truth *oh I'm much better now* is the usual refain that she wasn't getting to trot out this time.
Sure enough the doc wanted her in hospital to stop the bleeding and to get everything investigated, so hubby was around to drive us and drop us off at the right doors, yay!
They've found out it's warfarin thats caused the problem so she just stops taking it and is careful about problems again, and she should be fine:)
The rest of the week was spent visiting her with my wee bruv but I'm going in tonight with my kids so they don't worry anymore about granny - they're other granny went into a different hospital and never came out 18months ago, so they were understandably very upset about the one they had left being in one but things have been dealt with differently and her treatment would appear to be easier so got everything crossed it stays that way!!
Got back to the gym this morning and did 3000m on the rower and 500m swimming so feeling like life is getting back to *normal*, however long that lasts:):)
Sure enough the doc wanted her in hospital to stop the bleeding and to get everything investigated, so hubby was around to drive us and drop us off at the right doors, yay!
They've found out it's warfarin thats caused the problem so she just stops taking it and is careful about problems again, and she should be fine:)
The rest of the week was spent visiting her with my wee bruv but I'm going in tonight with my kids so they don't worry anymore about granny - they're other granny went into a different hospital and never came out 18months ago, so they were understandably very upset about the one they had left being in one but things have been dealt with differently and her treatment would appear to be easier so got everything crossed it stays that way!!
Got back to the gym this morning and did 3000m on the rower and 500m swimming so feeling like life is getting back to *normal*, however long that lasts:):)
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Poor doggie's feeling better!
The dog's feeling much better these days and is jumping up when youngest comes home from school again, we get a lovely welcome too now, whereas just after the attack he would cower in his bed to see who was coming in and sniff round later when he was sure nobody else was coming in.
We've also had another distraction, hubby's still here, he should be on a survey ship in the Gulf of Mexico but the Icelandic ash cloud has stopped his travel and he's now 2days overdue, with very little likelihood of getting there anytime soon - he's just phoning the office now to see if he can get any answers and also to show willingness to try to do something from over here if needed. The travel folk might get shirty but he's willing to try anything to get there, he likes his job:):)
The result of this on the rest of us is the kids think it's *great* and I'm enjoying the extra treats of having lunch out in quiet restraunts with no kids (they're back in school/college), but it's playing havoc with my schedule for the gym - just don't feel the urgency to get there at all! To combat the aversion, I packed my new gym bag with all the things I'll need tomorrow this afternoon and no matter what temptations are on offer - I'm gymming first!!
I normally love going and the buzz afterwards but my routine has been stuffed with our trip to Islay, the dog being attacked and now hubby's delayed departure, so I'm looking forward to dragging my sorry backside there tomorrow and getting the sweat running:D
We've also had another distraction, hubby's still here, he should be on a survey ship in the Gulf of Mexico but the Icelandic ash cloud has stopped his travel and he's now 2days overdue, with very little likelihood of getting there anytime soon - he's just phoning the office now to see if he can get any answers and also to show willingness to try to do something from over here if needed. The travel folk might get shirty but he's willing to try anything to get there, he likes his job:):)
The result of this on the rest of us is the kids think it's *great* and I'm enjoying the extra treats of having lunch out in quiet restraunts with no kids (they're back in school/college), but it's playing havoc with my schedule for the gym - just don't feel the urgency to get there at all! To combat the aversion, I packed my new gym bag with all the things I'll need tomorrow this afternoon and no matter what temptations are on offer - I'm gymming first!!
I normally love going and the buzz afterwards but my routine has been stuffed with our trip to Islay, the dog being attacked and now hubby's delayed departure, so I'm looking forward to dragging my sorry backside there tomorrow and getting the sweat running:D
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