FiLoMa's Lifestyle World

2011 Lifestyle Update #02

2011-03-11T20:14:00.000+11:00

Last Monday night I had a successful weigh-in, losing 0.6kg. That brings me to a total of 2.3kg that I have lost since I began my lifestyle journey.

The focus this week is to hop on the treadmill for two to three 20 minute sessions. So far I have done one session. I was inspired by the talk at the meeting last Monday and took their pamphlet on getting started with walking. I'm not new to walking, but I haven't done much in a while, so have decided to start at the beginning.

This last week I have been very tired again. At first I couldn't work out why, since my diet has improved greatly. It dawned on me on Tuesday night that I haven't taken any Symbicort medication in about a month, so my asthma symptoms are like when I first got diagnosed. I have been taking off the shelf medication, so I do have something. I'm now booked in for the doctors, so I should start feeling like my old self again in no time. As such, I have made some poor decisions with food, noting that I was turning to 'sometimes' food in my tired moments. However, I have been able to do everything within the new Weight Watchers program, so that has really helped with my mental attitude.

Today I took off work and spent it cleaning the house. This gives me the weekend to completely relax. As such, my pedometer says that I have done just over 17,000 steps, which I think is fantastic.

I'm really pleased that everything seems to be sliding into place. I keep moving forward and have learnt to manage those bumps in the road that use to stop me in my tracks. Now I know how to manage them, it is making for a happier life and a healthier one.

I'm very grateful for my friends and parents, they are very supportive and offer me guidance and inspiration to keep moving forward. They always see the best in me, even when I'm not real sure about the direction I'm going.

Cheers FiLoMa

2011 Lifestyle Update #01

2011-02-21T22:23:00.000+11:00

Tonight was my Weight Watchers meeting. It was a good meeting, I really enjoyed it. My weigh-in tonight had me gaining, I weighed 94.4kg, which is up 800grams from the week before. The first week I found pretty easy going, I made good food choices and I moved more. This last week, I continue to move more, but I slipped into some older habits with my food choices. I also noticed that I have been very tired. A friend commented that it would be due to the reduction of sugar and salt in my diet since I am not eating as much junk/takeaway food.

What I have really learnt this last week is that my poor planning, specifically my lack of motivation to be bothered grocery shopping, is what hindered me in making good/better food choices. To ensure I didn't fall into the same problem this week, I left work a little early, normally I go straight to my Weight Watchers meeting from work, but tonight I decided to call into the shops and get some groceries, protein plus fruit/veg to keep me going for the next few days. I prefer to purchases my food every few days rather than do a big shop and end up throwing much of it away.

I look forward to this coming week. I continue to meet my goal of going up the stairs at work at least once per day. I'm on the second floor so I get a good work out going up. It really shows how unfit I am. My goal for last week, to hop on my treadmill twice during the week didn't happen. I realise now that I wasn't ready to take that step, though I thought I was. As such, I'm going to keep it simple and work on what I call a "happy sink" and "happy bed". I got the concept from the Fly Lady. Basically the "happy sink" is to do the dishes every night, that includes drying and putting away. I usually stop at the washing up ;-) and the "happy bed" is ensuring that my bed is made each morning. I guess that sounds pretty simple and easy to many of you, but if I'm running late or just plain can't be bothered, leaving the bed unmade is often top of my list. These two jobs I know I can achieve.

My aim is to add a new goal each week plus continue with the previous week. The exception at the moment is the goal for this week just finishing. I will look at incorporating my treadmill into a goal a little further down, when I know I'm really ready for it.

To anyone who reads this post, thanks for sharing my journey with me.

Cheers FiLoMa

Rejoined Weight Watchers - 7 February 2011

2011-02-12T16:47:00.002+11:00

On Monday 7 February 2011, I decided to rejoin Weight Watchers. I had been told by a friend that they had changed their programme and that there had been a blurb about it on TV. So, after a few google searches I managed to find out enough information about the new Weight Watchers programme to give me the shove to rejoin and focus on improving my lifestyle.

My starting weight is 95.1kg, which is the heaviest I have ever weighed.

Since joining, I have noticed that I am more conscious and concerned about the food choices I make and aiming to reach 10,000 steps a day. The food choices have meant that I have felt fuller for longer and while I'm not doing any what I call dedicated exercise, I am moving more to ensure I reach my 10,000 steps.

I'm feeling very confident, probably the most confident I have ever felt in improving my lifestyle. I guess for me it has all started with improving my budget and this time actually following my budget ROFLOL. Since I've been doing really well where my budget was concerned, I felt ready to take on the other goal I set myself for 2011, and that was improve my lifestyle.

I aim to post here semi-regularly on how my lifestyle progress is going. This will help me and if anyone does read this blog, it may also help you.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - 2010 Update #05

2010-05-07T19:22:00.004+10:00

Since my last post I have changed to Wednesday night weigh-in's with Weight Watchers. I felt that Saturday morning just wasn't working for me so I needed to find a day that would.

At my weigh-in on Wednesday just gone, the scales said that I had lost 600 grams. Even though this isn't the best weight loss I've had since joining, I feel that it is my best weight loss as my mental attitude was different.

I realised that up until now I wasn't really taking my weight loss and health improvement journey as seriously as I should have been OR more to the point as I want to. I recall reading some where that 'should' isn't a positive word to use as it implies a chore rather than the desire to want to do it and the truth is I WANT to be healthier, which means making good food choices, exercising regularly and keeping my stress levels in check.

This last week has been challenging, but I have tracked diligently, even when I didn't want to, I achieved 2 x 30 minute walks on my treadmill and for the majority of days, say about 5 out of the 7 I achieved 10,000 steps. Unfortunately I was over my points quite considerably towards the end of the week, but I continued to track even though there were times I felt it was pointless. I nearly contemplated not going to my meeting last Wednesday. However, even though I was over my points, I was proud of myself for tracking diligently and achieving a couple of exercise sessions and the most important of all is the change in my mental focus and attitude.

I walked out of my meeting on Wednesday on such a high, I have been using that high to help guide me to make better food choices and to not eat my emotions.

I plan to blog a weekly update and I am also sending an email to a girlfriend of mine who is going to help me be accountable to myself.

I don't know who said it, but the person who said "Nothing tastes as good as success feels" is absolutely correct. I felt I succeeded on the scales this week, achieving the weight loss I had aimed for.

I wish anyone on a health improvement journey the success that you can achieve.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - 2010 Update #04

2010-03-14T22:42:00.000+11:00

Yesterday resulted in a good weigh-in at my Weight Watchers meeting, I lost 800 grams. I was a little surprised, as I have been unfocused. I have only exercised once in the last week and I continue to not track properly. Having had a good result on the scales yesterday, is a good motivator to keep working forwarded. It reminded me that I can achieve the goals I want to achieve if I put my mind to it. This week I will be working on increasing my exercise and tracking better.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - 2010 Update #03

2010-03-01T15:59:00.000+11:00

Well it's been quite a while since my last post. I have been attending my Weight Watchers meetings regularly and have been going ok. I had one week where I had a gain in weight but that was because I did a lot of stress eating that week. The week after that I got control of my stress eating and lost 500g of the 700g that I had gained, so I was very pleased with the result.

I haven't been doing much exercise. In mid January I went to the doctor as I was having difficulty breathing. You could say that she diagnosed me as asthmatic, but the reality is I was diagnosed as slightly asthmatic 20 years ago. I just chose to ignore that, always saying I wasn't asthmatic I was just unfit. Unfortunately recent events have lead me to now accept that I am asthmatic. I had another check up today, because even though I had improved, I foolishly stopped taking my Symbicort for a day and had a relapse. Today's check up has resulted in me being able to up the dose of my Symbicort as required and I will be going back to the doctors in three weeks time so we can come up with an asthma management plan. For the next fortnight I am to up my dosage of Symbicort and monitor myself using a standard peak flow meter. The doctor has also said that for the time being I can't do my RPM/Spin classes as they are to intense but I can walk and swim. I'm presuming that Aqua Aerobics would be ok too, so I'm going to give that a go.

Due to how I have been feeling, I haven't been as diligent with following the Weight Watchers points system. My doctor and I also briefly discussed my diet and she made a few suggestions in support of the WW programme. The good news is that today I am feeling much better. Though I'm not 100%, I have been able to breath easily compared to what I have been doing.

With my medical issues now being managed better by myself, I can now refocus on having a healthier diet by following the guidelines of the Weight Watchers points system. For me that means planning, planning, planning.

Until next time, stay safe and enjoy your lifestyle journey, where ever it may take you.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - 2010 Update #02

2010-01-15T17:58:00.002+11:00

Just thought I'd do a quick post to say how I have been going. I joined Weight Watchers on 02 January, one where I attend meetings. I find this is the best option for me and when I have successfully lost weight in the past it was from attending the Weight Watchers meetings.

I have also taken the time to write up some goals for myself, which I will post separately. I am happy with my goals and I find they are very realistic.

I haven't been doing much of late, it has been very hot here in Canberra, Australia. I do not normally feel the heat, but it has been mid to high 30 degrees Celsius for over a week now. It has impacted on my motivation to do craft, exercise and eat properly. However, my diet has been pretty good considering, so I am pleased on the whole.

Also, I had my first week's weigh-in at Weight Watchers last Saturday and I lost 700 grams. I was really amazed. I didn't know whether I would actually loose weight because I haven't been following the point system plan exactly and I have had many, if not most days above my point allocation. However, I did jump on my scales before I went to the meeting to give me an idea, as I have determined that mine are pretty accurate. However, my scales said a loss of 500 grams, so I was very pleasantly surprised when the Weight Watchers said a little more.

This weeks weigh-in, tomorrow, I'm not so sure how I'll go. My diet hasn't been that bad, but again I haven't stuck to my point allocation each day, I haven't done any exercise and I'm not getting to my 10,000 steps each day. Now that the weather appears to have taken a turn for the cooler, I know that I will feel more comfortable to achieve better results.

I'm really working on focusing that it is a long term lifestyle change I'm doing. I have had many relapses, but this time, with belief in myself and the help and support of my friends I know that I will be able to reach a healthier weight and live a healthier lifestyle.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - 2010 Update #01

2010-01-04T22:36:00.003+11:00

I had hoped to make the time to post my goals before now, but I haven't and I'm not going to post them now. This is a very quick post to say that I'm moving in the right direction. I have recommenced exercising after being sick for about three weeks, I've joined Weight Watchers and I wear my pedometer every day, ensuring I reach the 10,000 steps recommended. I'm still working on managing my food within the Weight Watchers program, but so far I'm doing ok. I am once again committed to improving my health and by joining Weight Watchers where I attend meetings, I feel sure that I will reach my goal to be slimmer but more importantly healthier. I am also excited about the long term changes that I need to make to achieve this, as I believe it will be a great education for myself. Well it is late, so I'm going to call it a night.

Cheers FiLoMa

Happy New Year for 2010

2010-01-01T00:32:00.000+11:00

Just want to wish everyone who may read this blog a Happy New Year for 2010. I hope that your lifestyle dreams and expectations are all that you want them to be. This is going to be a great year for me. Later, I will post my goals so I am accountable to all who may read and are interested.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #08

2009-10-27T22:37:00.001+11:00

Well, I guess the question is, how have I been going since I last posted. I'd say the answer to that has been pretty good. I've managed to stick to my commitment to move more and as previously mentioned, I have been walking on my treadmill on my rostered days off, with the exception of yesterday. The reason I didn't walk on the treadmill yesterday is that I used my Club Pink complimentary pass and attended two classes, a 15 minute Absolute Abs class and a 50 minute RPM class. I didn't want to do the Abs class, but my girlfriend who I had gone with wanted to do the Abs class and I wanted the RPM class. Since the Abs was before the RPM we compromised and agreed to do each others class choices. We were both testing out Club Pink and their facilities to determine if we want to join. I have to say I enjoyed both classes immensely.

My girlfriend and I are going back on Saturday to inquire about joining, as I believe that they are having a specials promotion this weekend. I think doing classes will give me the variety I need to incorporate and will push me to do more a cardio workout, as I know I am not pushing myself hard enough on my treadmill.

Even though I am not pushing myself to do a cardio workout on my treadmill, I am still working at the 70-75% target heart rate. I'm happy with that workout and until I become a little fitter, don't plan to rush into upping the pace. I'd rather do classes with an instructor to help push/motivate me, as I feel I need that.

I have also been finding that I'm sleeping much better, which I put down to the workouts. However, since my first step is to move more, I haven't concerned myself too much with my diet, but I am conscious of what I choose to eat and taking note of some of my trigger points, such as eating out of boredom.

On the whole, I am very pleased with my effort these last few days. I have been wearing my pedometer as usual, but I am now consistently reaching the 10,000 steps recommended. I think there was only one day since my last post where I only got 9,500 steps, but I'm ok with that too.

Well, I'm rostered back on now, so I'm going to aim to hop on my treadmill at least one of my working shifts. Now that I feel comfortable for exercising on my days off, I'm going to try to add one more day and I'm thinking my first day back is probably going to be my best bet, as I can achieve an early night the night before.

Until my next post, I hope that all of you trying to improve your lifestyle are achieving the goals that you set for yourself, work successfully through the challenges you face and forgive yourself for bumps in the path that you feel have slowed you down.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #07

2009-10-23T08:31:00.002+11:00

Just a quick post to say how I've been going the last few days. To begin with, I have decided that I will make one small change, that being move more, specifically dedicated exercise time. For me, this currently is doing at least 30 minutes on my treadmill. In past I have tried to do several small steps at once, only to find I get overwhelmed and give up. This time, as much as I'd like to make more positive changes all at once, I know that I have to cement one change first before making other changes. Though my diet does need improving, the biggest hurdle I find has been the lack of movement. I'm a real couch potato, more so when I'm stressed.

With my decision to move more, I was then committed to doing 30 minutes on my treadmill, beginning with my days off. As I'm currently working shift work, I thought if I focused on exercising on my rostered days off to begin with, I can then build up to include my rostered days. That of course will be rejigging the time I can exercise. So, the first day for me to implement this was after creating this blog, the 20th Oct 09. I can tell you now when the morning of the 20th came round I did not want to get out of bed and if I was going to crawl out of bed I just wanted to go sit on the couch. I had a 'debate' with myself. In the end, it was simply reminding myself that to improve my lifestyle, I had to make changes. I asked myself did I really want the changes and the answer was yes, so then it wasn't difficult to get up, put my sports gear on and jump on the treadmill.

I did 40 minutes in total, 5 minute warm up, 5 minute cool down and 30 minute walk averaging 75% of my target heart rate. I repeated this again on the 21st Oct 09, but this time it was easier to get up and just do it, I didn't have to lecture myself, so to speak.

I have also found with just those two days of exercising, I have slept better. You know, read about these things, but I've always wondered just how true they are. I can now say that I believe what I have read, that exercising can contribute to a good nights sleep.

At the moment my shift is rostered on, and due to the hours I find it challenging to exercise either before or after and I know I'm not one who enjoys exercising during work. I'm ok with this decision, because as I mentioned above, my focus to begin with is to exercise on my days off. I will be ceasing shift work soon and once I resume normal working hours, I will probably join a local gym to give my exercise routine a bit of variety. I do enjoy RPM/Spin classes, even though I've only done these classes a couple of times in the past. I'm also looking at taking up swimming, I've always enjoyed swimming and it also helps me to relax.

On a final note, I'm also trying to do more incidental movement. I'm ensuring that I wear my pedometer each day and aim for the daily requirement of 10,000 steps.

I will post another update in the next few days.

Cheers FiLoMa

Welome to my new Lifestyle blog

2009-10-19T18:50:00.000+11:00

Last night while reading the latest Weight Watchers magazine, I decided that I would create a new second blog, one dedicated to my Lifestyle Journey. All posts prior to this one were previously published on my other blog "FiLoMa's Craft World".

I felt that I wanted to separate my blogging of my craft projects from that of my blogging I plan to do about my lifestyle changes.

FiLoMa's Lifestyle World blog is where I will record the journey I'm taking to improving my lifestyle, specifically in relation to a better diet, exercising more and having a balanced work/life.

I have been diligently weighing myself each week, my Weigh-in (WI) days are Sunday morning. I have logged my progress in an excel spreadsheet, separating my data by seasons. It has been interesting to see the peaks and lows of my weight. The scales have reflected accurately what I have been eating and how little exercise I have achieved.

I have also found, particularly the last three months, very challenging working shift work. Thankfully I will cease working shift work within the next month. I feel by working regular day work, I will find it easier to make good changes that I can commit to for a life time. I have no doubt that my journey will be quite challenging, I know that as yet I have to combat the emotional eating problem I have.

I have decided that I will see how I go once I'm off shift work and then look at joining Weight Watchers, again. I feel I have joined Weight Watchers so many times in the past that it is rather embarrassing to admit, but there, I have admitted it. I believe 100% in the Weight Watchers program and philosophy and that it is through my poor choices, and lack of commitment to really improve my lifestyle, which has let me down.

Anyway, for those that may be interested, below are the three spreadsheets that currently track my weight loss progress. I find these charts quite interesting to analyse and from these charts I can see where my commitment was at it's lowest.

Chart One (Autumn)

29 March - 31 May 2009

Chart Two (Winter)

07 June - 30 August 2009

Chart Three (Spring)

06 September - last weigh-in 18 October 2009

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #06

2009-07-05T20:52:00.000+10:00

I haven't posted about my Lifestyle Changes for a while. This is mainly because I have been all over the place with my weight, my measurements, my dietary intake and my exercise. I'm still working towards having a healthier lifestyle, but I will admit I am struggling with motivation and one of the key sticking points for me is shift work. I will hopefully be off shift work within the next few months, but until then, I'm trying to come up with good strategies for eating healthy and fitting in my exercise. So far the 'lazy' bug is winning and I'm struggling to 'just do it' as I have in the past. Also, yesterday I hurt my foot. I was stupid enough to try and move an eight seater dinning table on my own, which is a two person job to move. The result of me trying to move it on my own was dropping it on my foot. That hurt, but I was lucky enough to have a great friend, Deb Brake, who came and helped me, which I am thankful for.

Just a quick plug, my friend Deb has just created her own blog, iLifestyles, which is all about Sustainable Wealth and improving your life and business opportunities. Drop by and check it out, it may be what you are looking for.

Anyway, I'm allowing myself to not feel guilty for not exercising over the next few days. My foot this morning was pretty good, you wouldn't know that I dropped a table on it. It is a little bruised and at times tender, but on whole I'm very lucky. I know that I just have to work on refocusing my efforts and my goals and I will succeed.

I wish all my best to those of you working on improving your lifestyle. May your challenges be rewarded with positive results.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #05

2009-05-24T13:36:00.000+10:00

Today was a good weigh-in, I lost 100grams. The last couple of weeks have been very challenging. One of the reasons it was challenging for me was I had a house guest and I found it easier not to stick to my routine, which really was still being developed.

I found that I couldn't be bothered exercising on my treadmill, but I did do more incidental exercise. I also didn't bother with what I ate, when I ate and how much I ate. My evening meals were still pretty good, but the portions were for about two people.

Even after my house guest left, I didn't jump into getting back into the routine I had started to develop. However, this morning was my weigh-in and I had decided last night that I just have to do it, whether I feel motivated to or now.

With this 'just do it' attitude, I have done 30 minutes walk on my treadmill, I have eaten a healthy breakfast and made myself a salad with Tuna for lunch. I have started to clean out my pantry, packaging up the lollies and other various sometimes food I would not normally have in the house. I will take the lollies with me to work tomorrow and share with my team, but if they don't want them, then I will throw them out.

It has been a challenging month for me, mainly in my mental state of motivation and managing my stress levels, something I don't generally do very well. I am working on strategies to manage my stress better and not head for the pantry/fridge and get off the couch.

For everyone trying to improve on their lifestyle, I hope that your lifestyle journey is going well and you are heading in the direction you planned for yourself. Any challenges that you face, I hope that you overcome them in positive ways. I wish everyone a happy journey.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #04

2009-05-10T09:12:00.000+10:00

Well, it's been about a month since I last posted on how my lifestyle changes are going. This last month has been quite topsy turvy. I've had several challenges, some of which I have managed in a positive way, others were managed using old/bad habits.

I have found that though I may be in control of my emotional shopping, I have not yet mastered the art of control for emotional eating and sabotaging. When things got challenging for me, I reverted to my old bad habits of sitting on the couch, watching TV and not caring, at the time, about what things I ate, when I ate and how often I ate. About a fortnight ago I realised that I had slipped into self sabotaging habits and had taken steps to address it and move forward. Last week was a good weigh-in and measurement result due to moving myself forward.

This last week has also been a bit of a challenge. I currently have a house guest and I am finding it difficult to motivate myself to exercise and be diligent with my portion control. My food choices aren't too bad, though I have had a few days there were I have been eating 'sometimes' food as if it is 'everyday' food.

Well, today is the start of a brand new week, and I will make better food choices and get back in to the routine of regular exercise. My motivation will be to remind myself of how great I feel when I'm in control of what I eat and how energised I feel after exercising.

For those of you also on lifestyle changes, I hope that this last month has been successful for you and that you are achieving what goals you have set out to achieve.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #03

2009-04-13T23:20:00.000+10:00

Well, I'm already into week #03. Last week felt very challenging to me. I was fortunate enough to have had another weight loss this week, losing 300grams. However, it was not an easy week. About half way through the week I decided to buy my lunch from the cafe at work. Now that's not a bad thing to do occasionally, but by doing that it threw my menu plans for the next couple of days out, so it felt like I was all over the place with my eating. In addition to that, I felt tire and very unmotivated to exercise, so I didn't do anything for Thursday & Friday. I know that being unmotivated has nothing to do with it at the end of the day as you just have to do it whether you want to or not if you want the health benefits, which I do. It was that that got me back onto the treadmill on Saturday, even though it was very tempting to just do nothing. When I analysed the week I had, I found out that my meals weren't as bad as what I thought, I had more control of what choices I made than what I first thought and I did five out of seven days exercise, which again is pretty good going. My measurements were a bit every where, but change can be gradual, which I'm happy with.

Lesson learnt from my week was that when you think it has all gone pear shape, rather than throwing the towel in, analyse what you've done so far and make an honest assessment of just how good or bad your choices have been. You might be surprised to find that your choices haven't been that bad after all and you may be punishing yourself for a temporary judgement in choices. Remind yourself what good choices you made, whether that be in managing your personal finances, choosing 'everyday' food more often than the 'sometimes' food and for doing some exercise.

So to summarise, I had a good week after all, losing weight and measurements and learnt a few things that make me feel I've had set backs and how to manage the negative feelings arising from those perceived set backs.

A new week, another opportunity to make good choices and learn from any challenges that come my way.

To all on a similar lifestyle change journey, I hope that your week has been a good one for you and if not, you have been able to put it behind you and move forward to a new week, new choices and better outcomes.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #02

2009-04-06T10:05:00.000+10:00

Yesterday, Sunday 05 April 2009, was my weigh-in (WI) after completing my first week with Weight Watchers (WW) on-line. I've had a great week, I've lost 2kg and about 14cm off my measurements.

I wasn't sure how my week was going to go, since I'd actually blown it on my first day. However, I ensured that I made good food choices, selecting 'everyday' foods and only occasionally having 'sometimes' food like nuts and chocolate. I even resisted the urge to get a bucket of hot chips the other day at work, reminding myself of what I was wanting to achieve, which helped me overcome the urge. Besides, my work colleagues and I are going to be getting a pizza for dinner in the week or so, so I'm really looking forward to that. I've decided to limit my take out meals to once a fortnight. Besides, I make a really nice pizza at home to incorporate in my day-to-day diet.

I didn't find the week to much of a struggle with the food choices and I was able to get up and exercise 6 of the 7 days and I'm really happy with that achievement. I'm still struggling to want to get up and onto the treadmill, but what moves me to 'just do it' is knowing how great I'm feeling after my exercise.

I've also been motivated to start wearing my pedometer again. I used it when I first got it and then just stopped, couldn't be bothered. I wanted to know just how much I am/am not moving. From there it has inspired me to start using the stairs at work and because I'm on the second level it's a good climb, for me. I have identified that on a day off when I'm slothing at home I really do sloth and don't move very much. I will be looking at ways to improve on this, one of the things I'm thinking of doing is investing in a step, like a rebok step, so I can step up during ads etc. I got that I idea from the Craig Harper website.

All in all it has been a great first week to my improved dietary intake and a continued improvement for my lifestyle change. I'm finding that this time I really want it, so whereas in the past it has been a bit of a chore to move more, spend less and make better food choices, I'm not struggling at all this time. Don't get me wrong, I have my up and down days, but when I'm down, I'm able to move forward and forgive myself much more easily than I have been in the past. I analyse it enough to know what not to do next time and accept that life will have many challenges for me to deal with.

For all those ladies and gents out their improving their lifestyles, I hope that you have also had a great week and if not, were able to move on and put your best foot forward for this coming week.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Update #01

2009-03-29T19:03:00.000+11:00

Today I rejoined Weight Watchers. Now that my stress levels are under control and I have a good exercise regime, I have decided that my next challenge is to improve my dietary intake for a healthier lifestyle.

In late 2007 I joined Weight Watchers (WW) and was having success in losing weight. However, due to some difficult challenges early 2008 and the fact that part of my mind set was still in diet mode rather than lifestyle changes, my dietary intake took a back seat, again.

I'm very happy with my choice to rejoin WW, as the programme has never failed me, I have failed the programme. When I followed WW healthy lifestyle recommendations I succeed in achieving weight loss and feeling healthier, but I guess deep down was never fully committed. Now, I believe I'm as committed as I will ever be to making healthy lifestyle changes.

I am going to be taking baby steps, as I know small changes are the best way forward, developing healthy habits.

Cheers FiLoMa

2008 Stats

2008-12-31T20:47:00.000+11:00

This is my last post for 2008 and I thought I'd post my stats for craft items made, number of books read & not finished as well as the movies/TV series* that I watched:

Altered Fat Book pages: 6
ATCs: 60
Bookmark: 1
Calendars: 5
Cards: 159
Books Read: 40
Books not finished: 4
Movies/TV series watched: 187

*such as Hercule Poirot

I'm no longer making Altered Fat book pages, ATCs or Bookmarks. However, I plan to improve on the stats above, with the exception of Movies/TV Series, I could/should probably cut back on how much I sit in front of the tube.

I also did not achieve my personal goal of making 250 cards. I am happy with what I did achieve, 159 cards, and I do not plan on setting any goals for 2009. I just want to make cards and however many I make, I will be happy with that.

I'm looking forward to 2009 being a great year for achieving many things.

Cheers FiLoMa

Update on me

2008-06-17T19:04:00.000+10:00

This is just a quick post to let everyone know that I'm having a quiet spell with my craft as my head is buried in the Harry Potter series at the moment. I've finished book 4 and am now 3/4 of the way through book 5. Once I've finished this series, I'll be back to creating, which should only be a week or two. I will still try to create somethings on the weekend. Besides, my aim by the end of June 2008 is to be half way through my cards 2008 tally, which means 43 cards to complete in 13 days!!!!!

Cheers FiLoMa

Back home

2008-05-16T20:06:00.000+10:00

Just thought I'd add a quick post to say that my holiday to the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia was fantastic. I flew up Thursday 08 May and returned Tuesday 13 May. Coming home was another issue, major delays at Sydney airport, but I eventually found my way home.

My time at the Gold Coast was fantastic. I spent the time with my dad and I was lucky enough to spend some time with my mum who was holidaying at Byron Bay.

On the Friday dad & I went to Movie world. We started off in the kids section, our first ride was the Road Runner rollercoaster. I have never been on a rollercoaster, just one of those theme rides I could never find the courage to go on. As it was, I was hesitant to go on the kids one, but dad & I did and we had fun. At this point I still couldn't image myself going on the adults. However, as the day progressed and dad & I went on more rides I decided that I was just going to go on the Superman rollercoaster and not think about it. I was scared as all hell, but conquered my fears to go on the ride and then I went on the Batman ride that takes you to the top and drops you down. All in all dad & I had a great day.

On the Saturday I was fortunate enough to catch up with my friend Robyn Jones. Robyn has been a great inspiration for me in my card making and I have missed her terribly since she left Canberra and moved back to Brisbane. Robyn, my dad & myself then visited a couple of craft shops, finishing at Paper Addictions so I could pick up some Great Impression stamps. Dad & I left Robyn's mid afternoon to find our way back to the Gold Coast. Turns out Robyn was about 100km from where my dad lives.

Sunday was Mother's Day as well as my birthday. As mentioned earlier, my mum was up at Byron Bay for a holiday, so she came up to my dad's and spent Mother's day & my birthday with us. My dad graciously cooked up a great lunch, which was enjoyed by all. I was also fortunate enough to have Sue, a friend of my dad's join us for the occasion. Besides, it is her house that my dad rents a room with, so we couldn't kick her out and I wouldn't have wanted to as she is a great person, love her company.

On the Monday dad, mum & I went up to Mt Tambourine & I was thoroughly spoilt. My mum brought me this fantastic outfit as another gift for my birthday. It wasn't as if her & dad hadn't already thoroughly spoilt me. I am one very lucky girl. Mum went back to Byron Bay later Monday evening.

Tuesday morning I packed my bags and dad drove me to the Coolangatta airport. My flight from Coolangatta to Sydney was fine. It was once I hit Sydney that the delays started. I won't go into them here, but I will say it was the first time I have ever flown with Virgin Blue & it will probably be the last time. I know that all airlines you can experience difficulties, believe me, some of my friends have had shocking experiences with Qantas, but I was very disappointed in the stuffying around that I experience with Virgin that I have never experience with any other airline, be they present or history.

Anyway, since I got home I have been busy catching up on all the cards that I owe as part of my on-line craft group swaps. I am pleased that I am 95% caught up, with only a few cards left to do, which will be done over the next few days. I will post to my blog in the next day or two the cards that I have made.

I am glad to be home, back in my own bed, back with my fur-kids. I think they were spoilt by the lovely las who look after them, but then again, they do deserve to be spoilt, they are very adorable.

Cheers FiLoMa

The Chocolate Oracle

2008-04-26T16:43:00.000+10:00

Couldn't resist having a go at "The Chocolate Oracle". Don't think I agree with the first paragraph, I am QUEEN OF COMFORT, just ask my friends, not often open to new things. Anyway, here are my results:

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sophisticated, modern, and high class.
Your taste is refined, but you are not picky.
You are often the first to try something new.

You are passionate and full of life.
You fall in love easily,
and you tend to have whirlwind relationships.
Your passion sometimes does get the better of you.
You have a crazy temper!

You love being by yourself and thinking.
Developing your own theories and ideas is fun.
You feel lost when you're forced to be social.
Being with other people can be lonely for you.

The Chocolate Oracle

Cheers FiLoMa

Contessa turns 8 years old

2008-01-21T18:25:00.000+11:00

Yesterday, my darling little girl turned 8 years old. Like her older brother, she was also treated to a lamb shank for her birthday. Well actually, they both got lamb shanks to celebrate her birthday. We had a bit of fun playing in the morning but in the afternoon I had to attend the ACTSA committee meeting. Contessa, or Tessa as she is commonly called, got to enjoy her lamb shank for dinner. Below is a photo of her taken on her birthday as she lounges on the couch.

Both Connor & Contessa are Maltese Shitzu X

Cheers FiLoMa

Connor turns 9 years old

2008-01-04T20:50:00.000+11:00

Just had to share that my boy, Connor, turned 9 years old today. Unfortunately I had to work, so couldn't stay home and play with him. I had promised him a lamb shank for his birthday but forgot to pick one up on the way home and he has agreed that tomorrow or Sunday night is ok, he can wait. Here is a photo of him lazying on the couch before I went to work - isn't he just adorable!!!

Connor Sean Maxwell
Turned 9 years old - 04 Jan 08

Cheers FiLoMa

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T13:38:00.000+11:00

Just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope 2007 has been a good year for you. If not, I hope 2008 is all that you want it to be. If 2007 was a good year, I hope that 2008 is even better for.

I have spent the last 2.5 days cleaning my house. I know that sounds excessive, but I clean in spurts and will often sit down for periods of time, as much as an hour or two. I have re-arrange my spare bedrooms. One room is set up just as a spare room and the other has been set up like a claytons library. I have also moved one of my spare beds into the room so it can be used like a couch or if it is need as a bed, it is available.

Now that I have finished my chores and will see 2008 in with a nice clean house, I plan to spend my New Years Eve watching TV/Movies and doing craft. I felt like I haven't done any craft is ages. I have a number of swaps that I need to complete today and I just want to make cards, just for the sake and pleasure of making cards. Lets hope that I can keep my craft room as tidy as it is right now.

Once again, I hope everyone has a great New Years Eve and that 2008 is all that you want it to be. Happy crafting.

Cheers FiLoMa

Merry Xmas 2007

2007-12-25T10:29:00.000+11:00

Just wishing everyone who visits my blog a very Merry Xmas for 2007 and a Happy New for 2008. I hope that 2008 is everything that you dream for.

Cheers FiLoMa

Friendship Poem

2007-12-11T22:08:00.000+11:00

My dad sent me the "Gift of Thistle". It is bagpipe music from the Braveheart soundtrack. With this email there was a friendship poem that went with it. I don't have the music, but that's not important. The important thing is the words of wisdom of this friendship poem. I can't say it is officially called a friendship poem, but that is the name I have given it. The words are:

The best kind of friend
Is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with,
Never say a word, and then walk away
Feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it,
But it's also true that we don't know
What we've been missing until it arrives

Giving someone all your love
Is never an assurance that they'll love you back!
Don't expect love in return;
Just wait for it to grow in their heart
But if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.
It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone,
An hour to like someone,
And a day to love someone
But it takes a lifetime to forget someone

Don't go for looks; they can deceive
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile
Because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile

May you have
Enough happiness to make you sweet,
Enough trials to make you strong,
Enough sorrow to keep you human,
Enough hope to make you happy

Always put yourself in others' shoes.
If you feel that it hurts you,
It probably hurts the other person, too

The happiest people
Don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything that comes along their way

Happiness lies for those who cry,
Those who hurt, those who have searched,
And those who have tried,
For only they can appreciate the importance of people
Who have touched their lives

When you were born, you were crying
And everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so that when you die,
You're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying

As you can see it is a really deep friendship poem. I liked it so much I wanted to share it. Unfortunately I don't know who wrote it. It is actually one of those emails where they encourage you to pass on, but no fortune was associated with it ROFLOL. Anyway, I am just sharing with those of you who visit my blog and may appreciate reading something like this. In my opinion, this is part of my lifestyle changes, appreciating what I have and what may come my way. I am very lucky to have my dad, he is one of the most considerate, loving and caring fathers any girl could ask for, I know that I am truly blessed.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Progress Update

2007-12-11T21:32:00.000+11:00

Tonight was a successful weigh-in at Weight Watchers. I had a lost this week, one I really wasn't expecting. You will see from the graph that I am yoyoing at the moment. This is the obvious outcome from the current lifestyle I am living. There are still many steps to success, but I am taking them one day at a time. I am thankful for my loss and grateful that in my yoyoing I have not gained to the point of where I started. Xmas will be a challenge, but I am up to it and believe that the standard period will turn out to be a positive one for me. Below is an updated graph.

Weight Watchers Progress Chart
11 December 2007

Next Tuesday is my last weigh-in for 2007 at my regular meeting place, Melba ACT. The reason for this is that Xmas & New Years are both on a Tuesday, so there will be no meeting on those nights. I will use my on weight scales to monitor my progress for these two weeks.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Progress Update

2007-12-04T20:57:00.000+11:00

Tonight was my weekly weigh-in at Weight Watchers. It has been another yoyo week and I've struggled to be focused by eating the right foods. My exercise at the moment is nil existent and I'm still burning the candle at both ends, but feel that is starting to catch up with me. So tonights weigh-in was a gain for me. I'm ok with this, though it is not the direction I want, I also know that when I'm not committed to a healthier life, then that is reflected in the scales, in my sleep patterns and in a general all round "blah" type of feeling - no other way to describe it. Below is the latest graph representation:

Weight Watchers Progress Chart
04 December 2007

I've finally realise that for me to succeed, I need to have everything organised and planned. For example, I need to organise what food I will be eating during the day/week at the start of the week and I need to plan when I'm going to exercise and just do it, no matter how I may be feeling in relation to motivation or what the weather is like. Since I have my own treadmill smack bang in front of the TV I really have no excuse for not "moving more". I know, this sounds like I'm beating myself up again, but I'm not. I acknowledge those areas I'm struggling with and am working through these to improve the situation. I am reminding myself that I am human, that what I'm trying to do isn't easy when you have a lifetime of bad habits and often negative thoughts to try to overcome, it will take time.

Late last week I identified my first small step to take for long term change. My first step is to not eat at least 2 hours before I go to bed. I've achieved this about 50% of the time this week, so I'm proud of myself for making a start and having achieved this goal for half of the week. I'm making myself go to bed when/if I'm starting to feel hungry &/or just want to eat because I'm still up. It is generally the latter, so this is why I've been making myself go to bed. Besides, it's generally 11:30pm or even as late as 1am so I really should be in bed, especially since I have to get up and go to work the next morning.

One thing that I do find helpful is having my positive affirmation posted around the house in several places. This affirmation is:

Always Remember
I have the power to change.
At the end of the day, change is a choice and
I'm ultimately responsible for my own change.
No-on can do it for me;
and no-one can take it away from me.
That's where true confidence comes from;
Knowing that I have the choice,
and the power to change.

This came out of one of the Weight Watchers books I have. I absolutely loved the saving and the meaning behind it. By having that around the house, I am able to remind myself that I can achieve all that I want, it is in my power, because I am the only one that can change what my life is to what I want it to be.

That is very deep, isn't it? Anyway, a new week has begun and I have decided it will be a good one. Not long now until father Xmas visits, so I'm looking forward to that.

Cheers FiLoMa

Latest book purchase

2007-11-28T21:13:00.000+11:00

Well I finally made the time to go and check out the new location of the Intrigue bookshop. The shop is just great. If you live in Canberra or the surrounding area, it really is worth a stop by (or is that "buy" ROFLOL). The store specialises in romance, but all kinds of gendre. My personal preference is the paranormal. There is such a great range to choose from and the owner offers a "rewards" scheme for her customers. Her pricing is that same as any other major bookstore, but unlike other bookstores, not all of them offer rewards/loyalty to their customers. I couldn't help myself, I walked out with 4 books, even though I have about 20 at home that need reading.

The books I got were:

The Harlequin by Laurell K Hamilton. I was so impatient, I couldn't wait for it to be released in paperback in 2008. This book is number 14 in the Anita Blake series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Anita is now and whether she has continued on her destructive path or reassessed her life and gone back to her original beliefs.
Holy Smokes by Katie MacAlister. This is number 4 in the Aisling Grey Guardian series. I still haven't read book 3 "Light My Fire", but I will get to it during the Xmas holidays. Aisling cracks me up with her outlook on life and the trouble she gets herself into. Bring on the green dragons!!!
Bitten & Smitten by Michelle Rowen. This is a new untried author by me. However, I have been eying this book off for about 12 months now and decided to take the plunge and just buy it. The summary on the back sounds really good, I reckon I'll get a good laugh reading it.
Dead End Dating by Kimberly Raye. This is also another new untried author by me. Again, the summary on the back sounds good and I have eyed this book off since I first saw it mentioned in a catalogue from Intrigue Bookshop &/or Rendezvous Bookshop. I also absolutely love the coverset of this paperback that has been released here in Australia.

Guess I'll be busy over the Xmas break catching up on all my characters, what are they up to etc etc. I have a link to Intrigue & Rendezvous, just scroll down the page until you see it on the right hand pane.

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Progress Update

2007-11-27T20:27:00.000+11:00

Well, what a great night at my Weight Watchers weekly weigh-in. You may have noticed that I didn't post my weight progress last week and that was because I had a gain, so didn't want to share. Tonight, I really really didn't want to go to my meeting. I've been having "sometimes" food like "everyday" food, I haven't been exercising and I have also been burning the candle at both ends, so my lack &/or insufficient sleep isn't aiding my situation. That said, my "not wanting to weight-in" was precisely why I did go to my meeting and to benefit from listen to the session/discussions and hear positive things about how to manage challenging situations. It's a good thing I did go, I actually lost 0.8kg. Even though I didn't loose all that I had gained last week, tonight's weigh-in is a fabulous result considering I was expecting another gain as I really had not been making positive lifestyle changes. I know that I'm still trying to make too many changes at one time, so now I'm working on what small change, only one, that I can make and stick to it. When I work out what that is I will share. Below is a progress chart update.

Weight Watchers Progress Chart
20 - 27 November 2007

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - Progress Update

2007-11-18T16:06:00.000+11:00

My last weigh-in at Weight Watchers was absolutely amazing. I lost 1.7kg for the period 29 Nov to 13 Nov 07. That brings me to a total of 3.4kg lost since I have joined.

My lifestyle changes are still rather challenging for me. I have realised that I'm trying to run before I have learnt to walk. So, I'm going to begin with, my focus is going to be "move more" and one food change within my diet. I have a treadmill smack bang in front of the TV, so I have no excuse for not exercising.

Weight Progress updated to 13 Nov 07

I am very please with my progress to-date and any lapses I have, they are just that, temporary lapses. I still know why I am making my lifestyle changes and believe that I can get to where I want to be. The journey there will be an interesting one, but not one that I can't accomplish.

I will give myself a pat on the back for what I have achieved so far and the small changes I have started to introduce to aid in my success.

Cheers FiLoMa

My Week 05 Nov - 10 Nov 2007

2007-11-10T13:23:00.000+11:00

Well it has certainly been another challenging week for me, both in lifestyle changes and getting back into a routine at work.

Due to the Melbourne Cup holiday here in Canberra, there was no weekly weigh-in for me at Weight Watchers and I forgot or remembered too late to make either the Monday or Wednesday sessions at other meeting places. I did weigh myself at home and my weight has been about the same. I have worked out that I really need to establish a routine, both during the week and more importantly on the weekend.

Also on Melbourne Cup day, or as it was called here "Family Fun Day" ROFLOL, my washing machine decided to kick the bucket - just as I was doing my 1st load of washing. On Wednesday I was busying buying a new machine, which will be delivered this afternoon. I have decided to change over to a front loader, so I'm looking forward to getting it and more importantly, being able to do my washing.

This morning I went the closing down sale at "Scrap the Lot". This shop has been in Kippax for the last 4 years, but Tammy & Yvonne have decided to move on. They had some good items and were offering 30% off, so my total purchase was reasonable. I got a stamp set, ribbon (lots of), punches, glue sticks and bling brads.

The TSS website is back up and has been since late last Monday. Jen is doing all the wrap up for PCD 2007 and in the preparations for PCD 2008. I've already started to resupply my pink stash, not that I really need any more, in the aim and hopes of at least doubling my pledge. I made 31 cards this year and will be aiming to do at least 62, possibly even aim for 100.

I have also taken some photos of my craft room and hope to have these uploaded here for everyone to see soon. I'm slowly changing my storage items, so the photos I have taken are really the before, with one of my new storage items shown.

I've also signed up to be a Stampin' Up demonstrator. I am excited about it, as I love the SU products. Hopefully I will get my starter kit this week. I am also going to the SU Regionals in Sydney as a "guest". I am looking forward to that to see what it offers.

Well, it's a couple of hours before the new washing machine is to be delivered and I have a number of swaps I need to get completed, so best I get a move on and get them done. Especially since I've never participated in an "inchies" swap before - this will be a challenge for me and the theme is "Xmas".

Cheers FiLoMa

Lifestyle Changes - The Commencement

2007-11-02T22:15:00.000+11:00

On 09 October 2007, I joined Weight Watchers. Here I would probably say again, as I have joined about half a dozen times previously, but have not achieve my desired outcome. About a month ago I identified why I wasn't achieving the outcome I wanted and was able to come up with strategies to combat this the next time the same issues arise. My progress to date has been a challenge. I have had many days where I have been on track, eating properly, exercising and ensuring I got a good nights sleep rather than staying up to all hours. However, in addition to the good days, I have had many challenge days, heading for the 'sometimes' food more often than what is good for you, putting off exercising and staying up to all hours watching the tube. I do have a wall chart to help visualise my progress and I have also created an excel spreadsheet in addition to what Weight Watchers offer on-line. With the challenges that I have been having the last week or two, I have managed to identify one of the major causes and am in the process of putting strategies into place to cope with the situation. Time will be the tester, but I am making lifestyle changes and acknowledge that with steps forward there will be the occasional step back.

My progress chart 09 - 30 October 2007:

Cheers FiLoMa

Joined the world of Blogging

2007-11-02T17:23:00.000+11:00

I've finally decided to join the world of blogging, so I can share with family and friends what's going on in my life and in particular, my craft creations. As this world is all new to me, it may take a while before I get the hang of it. For those family members and friends that take the time to stop by and check out my blog, great, I'll try and keep it up-to-date as much as possible. I will predominately use this blog for my craft, but will also look at including my lifestyle changes for everyone to see my progress and improvement.

Cheers FiLoMa