Sunday 31 January 2010

Great Weekend

I just love the weekends with my granddaughters.
We had so much fun and Jaz made my day when
my daughter texted me to find out what time they
would be going home.  I asked the girls what time
they wanted to go and Jaz said
" Quarter to six a week next Thursday"
She didn't realise it but she made my weekend with
those few words.

Food wise I was very good considering the girls were here.
Today I have been very good. Not done much on the exercise
front though apart weightlifting, craft supplies from the shed.
Standing and stretching all day whilst supervising scrapbooking
and crafting and clearing up after it all....

It is a new month tomorrow and I always feel that
February is such a neat month, just 28days, 4 neat weeks..
Now what can I  achieve in that space of time?
Step up the exercise for a start.
Change my eating habits, reducing the carbs, increasing protein.
Just  to see if it speeds up the weight loss.

I also hope to start doing more crafting and scrapbooking.
The weekends with the girls are the only times I do it and it is
such a waste. I really enjoy letting the creative me out but
don't make time for it. Though today I started to prepare
a journal to use as I enter me sixth decade. I have been trying to
think of a title but nothing is forcoming. Any idea's would be appreciated.

Today I am grateful for:

Wonderful, healthy, happy grandchildren.
Fabulous scrapbooking papers (paper stroking addict here)
Peace and tranquillity when the girls go home;o)

Mood = Content
Food =  Will Improve

Friday 29 January 2010

Whirlwind Social Life And More.....

We live a quiet life, in fact a very quiet life but just lately things
are getting busier. This week I have had three meals out, I have
enjoyed every one of them.  I worry about how my weigh in will be effected. 
Does anyone else hesitate to accept invitations to eat oufor fear of weigh gain? 
I have not refused invitations as yet, but as my deadline approaches I
am thinking maybe I should? But should I sacrifice socialising with family
friends in order to have more control over what I eat.  My will power does
disappear when I am enjoying goodcompany and good food. 
Any helpful hints will be gratefully received.

I must mention the fact I am tickled pink to have been quoted in the article
about  about the fabulou Sean Anderson in The Tulsa World: http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/ 
It feels wierd to seem my name in a newspaper so far away..lol 

I have had my work colleagues pushing for my ideas on a night out
for my birthday and then last night my curry night friends were asking
the same question. March is a very full calendar for social occasions.
Each weekend has something going on so I am very aware of the cost
of all these nights out. After looking at several different options it as been decided:
We Are Going To The Dogs!!

March 13th we are going to Belle Vue Dog Racing for a three course meal and
race night.....  I have been assured it is a good night out, never having done it before,
I am a little nervous to say the least, but all the girls are really looking forward to it.

Mood = Quite Weary (sleeplessness continues)
Food =  Dangerous     (sleeplessness continues)

Tonight I am grateful for:

The good news we recieved last night, my lovely mum-in-law got the all clear after all the tests.  She doesn't have to see the consultant again for two years.  Thanks be to God.

A husband who always gives of himself and expects nothing in return. Tomorrow he is installing free fire alarms with Cheshire Fire Brigade as a volunteer. I lurve fire fighters...lol

The coming weekend, I have my Two Jays coming for a scrapbooking weekend.

Have a Great Weekend!!!

Wednesday 27 January 2010

Weigh In Wednesday

Where is the time going to? I can't believe how fast life is flying by.  Is it because I'm getting older?  I don't think so, even my grandchildren are commenting on how fast the weeks are flying by and they are only NINE!!

I had to pull myself up to get weighed this morning, I had to double check it was Wednesday again. It is, so I weighed and have lost Two Pounds. I have been hoping for Three per week but I'll smile and take the Two.
Does not sleeping effect weight loss? No I am not looking for excuses, I think I read something recently but cannot remember where. That a decent nights sleep helps weight loss, well if that be the case, my lack of sleep must be responsible for not being where I want to be on my 60 x 60 road.  I should be close to target but I'm only just past half way.

I am enjoying my food, I am enjoying "Biggest Loser" on the Wii as well walking half an hour of my lunch break, so I am getting there. It's just this no sleeping that is getting me down.  My darling is insisting I go see the doctor about it now as he is getting worried about me.

Thank you for the lovely comments about my family post, they brought a tear to my eyes. Things are looking good for me right now and if I could sort the sleeping this would be one Very Very Happy Sheilagh:o)


Mood = Great
Food =  Brilliant

Today I am grateful for:

Time for exercise.
Time for reading.
Time for reflecting.

Monday 25 January 2010

Precious Family Times

I have had a wonderful weekend, spending time with special folk.
On Saturday we had my youngest granddaughter Emily
for the day and we had lots of fun, shopping and baking.
She also went for a walk with Ralph and Titch
while I cleaned up the devastation in the kitchen:o)
She also rearranged some of my teddies
 and then asked for her photo to be taken with them....


Sunday was spent with some of The Murphy Clan.
It was my Auntie Theresa's 74th Birthday,
she is my mother's only surviving sibling.
So eleven of us got together for Sunday Lunch to celebrate.
There are only a couple of photo's as the women
in this family dislike getting their photo taken.
I think it is a shame as there are not many photographs of the family at all.


Auntie Theresa age 74.



My little sister Julia and me.

From the youngest through to the eldest member of my family,
the time spent was magical.

Family is Very Precious.

Mood = Very Happy
Food = Celebratory

Today I am Grateful for:

Family laughter and memories.
The family links that keep my mother close.
The joy of grandchildren.

Saturday 23 January 2010

Delicious Award



Thank You Tammy for this Delicious Calorie Free Award.
It looks delicious doesn't it?
I am delighted to have receive this award.
 I have been admiring it on other blogs over the past weeks.
Now I have one of my own thanks to the

I believe I have to tell of ten things that make me happy so here goes:

My Darling Husband
 who came into my life at a time of darkness and showed me how to enjoy life again.

My Family
My children and grandchildren, they make me laugh they make me cry, they make me happy.

My Friends
Life would be so empty without friends, both in real time life and in Blogland.

My Home
It may be small, but the Shoebox is my haven of peace and love.

My Dog
Titch is a little bundle of fun and gives me unconditional love.

My Job
I enjoy the contact and banter with patients of all ages, sizes, creeds and colour.

Random Happiness's

The sound of a babies laughter, one of the best sounds in the world.
Daffodil's breaking through the soil, a sign of hope and renewal.
Teddy Bears, I have a collection of over twenty.

Finally

Me, yes me, I am finally accepting the woman I am.
I am learning to love me and be happy with who I am.

Now to pass the award on to ten wonderful bloggers:



Today I am Grateful for:

A warm safe home
Freedom of speech and thought
Happy, healthy grandchildren.

Mood = Mellow
Food = Mellow

Happy Weekend  :o)












Wednesday 20 January 2010

W-I-W WOW-WOW WOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOO

Weigh in Wednesday

I Lost 3 pounds and to say I am pleased is an understatement!!
I am delighted, Back to Basics worked even better than I thought.
So Back to Basics is definately my mantra for the coming weeks and months.
Now if I could get 3 pounds a week I could get my 60 x 60
by my birthday and that would be AWESOME.
That would be the Best Birthday Present EVER.

Today I am grateful for:
Willpower.
Measuring Cups.
Food Scales.

Mood = Elated
Food  = Fab

PS.  Dawne asked why no Canada?
We were planning on visiting friends of Ralph's in Halifax, Nova Scotia in April. But we had an email at the weekend, it seems their dream has not materialised. They are coming back to the UK, as soon as their house is sold.  I find it very sad, it is a disappointment for us, but it was just a holiday for us.  This was their new start in the dream location and it has floundered.  I don't know the details of what went wrong, Gavin is going to contact Ralph for a talk soon, so we will know more then. So my birthday holiday plan's are being re-vamped, lots ideas but nothing concrete as yet.

Monday 18 January 2010

A Beautiful Award



I have received this award not once but three times and I am so amazed and humbled.
Thank you to
266
 Spunkysuzi
and
Dawne.

I have been grinning like a Cheshire Cat because of you.

Does this mean I have to tell 21 things about me and do I nominate 21 bloggers?
I think I could do the 21  bloggers but I don't want you falling asleep listening to a boring list about me.
So I will just do the 7 if you don't mind:o)

1. I am left-handed.
2. I have stopped colouring my hair.
3. My dog Titch is sat on my lap as I type.
4. I am a procrastinator extrordaire (I Need Help)
5. My favourite name in all the world is "Grandma"
6. I have just make my first egg white omlette (What do you do with the yokes?)
7. I am very disappointed not to be going to Canada.

Now 7 Beautiful Bloggers

In no particular order as they say....


I still haven't sorted linking with just names, but it will come, eventually...

This is just a small group of inspirational blogs I dip into on a regular basis.
I could have gone on and on, but at the moment, I am in the middle of trying to design an award of my own.
So watch this space, an award could be coming to YOU!!

Today I am grateful for
A faithful pet and her unconditional love.
Telephone conversations with wonderful friends.
A forgiving husband.

Food = Fab
Mood = Slightly Crazy














Sunday 17 January 2010

Back To Basics

Back to Basics Part Two...

I have had a really good weekend, it could have been better,
but I have had a a lovely time with my darling husband.

We went to the flicks on Friday to see "It's Complicated".
Fab movie, we really enjoyed it, thouroughly recommend it for a good laugh.

Didn't sleep well on Fri/Saturday but went shopping on Saturday morning.
I bought some cool clothes;o) My husband said I must have them!!
Came back and got stuff ready for crop over on Anglesey.

Didn't sleep well gain last night and woke with a very sore throat.
Had to cancel seeing Trish and the girls at the crop,
really wasn't feeling well at all. Hence the weekend wasn't as great as it could have been.
Spent the morning curled up on sofa sipping tea and dozing on and off.

Went out for a short walk this afternoon, my first this year!!
We did  three and a half miles on the canal.
It was good to be out in the fresh air again.

So my Back to Basics Part Two was:

Listening to my body, resting and taking medication.
Eating fresh, non-processed delicious food.
Gentlely exercising, dispite feeling yucky.
Spending time, relaxing with my Soulmate.
Making a conscious decision to leave the internet for the weekend.


Looking forward to a fresh new week tomorrow.
Stepping up the exercise, eating great food and loving life.


Today I am grateful for

Love, I am So Loved it is a Miracle.
Laughter, it is such a tonic.
Simple Pleasure's, sipping tea, reading a magazine, walking in the sunshine.

Thank you again for lovely comments they really lift me.
Thank you for awards which I will post about tomorrow,
I am thrilled to bits.

Thursday 14 January 2010

Back To Basics

This is me going back to basics.
Going back to the beginning, using the tools
I have let go ove the past eight weeks or so.
Weighing and measuring everything.
Photographing everything I eat.












With an additional tool which arrived today.




I know this is what works for me, weighing and counting calories.  I also know alot of you do not agree with this method, but as they say , different strokes for different folks.  I am going to get back on track using these tools and that is what matters in the end.

I have had my first session with the Biggest Loser on the Wii and I'll tell you this much, it was hard work.
I plan to use it every day as long as I am not too sore.  Some of the yoga exercises were a no go area for me at the moment as my hands are complaining at the moment and I cannot weight bear on them at the moment.
Apart from that I completed the first session and felt quite proud of me.

I have had some stressful moments in work today and could have reached for the Christmas cake that is still there.  But I didn't, I had a pear and a satsuma instead. That my dear friends is progress.

I am still trying to learn how to link names and blogsites, can anyone give me a short and simple tutorial?

Today I am Grateful for Good Friends.
Today I am Grateful for living in a safe Enviroment.
Today I am Grateful for the safety of my Family.

God Bless and Help the People of Haiti

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Weigh In Wednesday

I started this post with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
I am going to keep it short for today but will post with Gratitude tomorrow.
The love and support I have had today from such wonderful, supportive,
caring and loving women has really empowered me to get back in the fight.
The comments left after my Bad Day were so humbling. 
I have tried linking to every one who left a comment,
but I am not good at the clever gadget things
on here so I made a mess of it. So I will try to learn and do it tomorrow.

When I talk about blogging to non-blogging friends,
I always tell them this is the best weight loss class ever.
It is free, it is fun, it is freaky at times,
but the friendships are the most fabulous thing about it.

Thank you for you friendship and support.

Tomorrow is a new day, I will be getting back to basics.
I have taken to heart the advice and support given today.
Tomorrow I take charge of ME.
No more Whinging.
No more Moaning.
No more Excuses.

I am going to focus on ME.

Weigh in Wednesday = 0:5lb loss
I am pleasantly surprised .

Mood = Thankful
Food  = Good

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Bad Day

I want to eat everything in sight!!!
Cannot believe how hungry I am!!!
Having a bad time with food and weight right now. 
Feeling very resentful and ready to throw in the towel.
Why me syndrome has come to call and I can't get it to leave.

I have picked up a bad habit via Blogland and even my husband
has expressed his concern.  I have started doing something I have
never done in all the years I have battled with my weight.
I have always weighed in once a week the same time,
the same place in the morning.

Recently, since Christmas I have weighed myself everyday.
I consider this a bad thing and it has got to stop.

My good intentions and aspirations have all dissolved and
right now I feel like giving up.  I know the cold weather has a lot to do
with the hunger pangs, comforting stodgy food is needed and I am so tempted.

I need help!!!!

Sunday 10 January 2010

Sunday Post




We went out for a driving lesson this morning, yes that's right a driving lesson.  I have never known such icy conditions and as Ralph has been home all week he has been driving me to work.  He is back at work tomorrow so I have got to drive myself and it scared the living daylight out of me.  So I asked him to give me a lesson on driving on ice.  He was brilliant, very quiet, very patient and very reassuring.  I drove to my workplace and the roads were pretty good considering. The car park at work was a different story altogether, a skid pad  extrordinaire. After a few practice skids, we parked up and went over to see the ducks in the hospital pond. The top two photo's are of the ducks when they saw us, they came rushing towards us thinking we had food, we didn't have any:o(  So we went to ASDA to pick up some bread to feed them.  The remaining four photos show the feeding frenzy that followed. The two loaves were gone in minutes, but it was fun feeding them...

As I said we nipped into ASDA for bread, but came out with a gorgeous cardigan and two sweaters for me and a gilet for Ralph all for £32 expensive bread run..lol  They were a bargain actually but the day I go into a supermarket and just buy what I am specifically going for I will put the flags out!!

We have had a great weekend, done alot of sorting and decluttering, anyone want a load of bubble bath? We don't have a bathtub and I have about ten bottles of bath soak, bubble bath etc.

We played on the Wii for a couple of hours this afternoon, that was a workout that was fun:o)
I have ordered the Biggest Loser for the Wii, it had some good reviews on Amazon so going to give it a try.

My BezzyMate Trish as suggested we do the Race For Life this year so I am going to say YES.
To answer her question in a comment on yesterdays post. I had hoped to lose the 60 pounds by my birthday, but as she pointed out I am going to be 60 for a year so I could still do 60 x 60.
I'm feeling good,  my back is behaving,  so I am looking to step up the exercise this week.


Mood = Great     Food = Fab

Saturday 9 January 2010

Saturday At Home Day 40/90

We didn't venture out of the Shoebox today, it is very cold and very icy out there so I was not keen to go walking at all.  So we stayed home and had a lovely day. We did some exercise, some decluttering and some reorganising.

We did some time doing the Wii Fitness Plus and it felt good to get back into some exercise and the good news is my back did not complain at all. So I hope to do an hour a day as well as get out walking when it is safe to do so. I so want to get back to the gym but I worry about my back, I am going to try to get there tomorrow or Monday and see how it goes. The decluttering and reorganising had me stretching, bending and lifting so I feel I have had a good work out of sorts today. I had the food processor out for a ceremonial breadcrumbing session and that started the reorganising stint.  The kitchen got pulled apart and a fair amount of "stuff" sorted. 

The birds were grateful for some of the breadcrumbs I put out, especially a cute little robin, who fed till he was busting. We have been quite concerned about the birds who usually viist our bird feeder. There has not been many about with this really cold weather.  They must have been staying home huddled together for warmth, but today a few ventured into the garden and feasted on the seeds, nuts, and fat balls and the ceremonial breadcrumbs....My husband is not a happy bunny, he loves bread and today is Day one of a month without bread.....  I am such a cruel wife but one has to be cruel to be kind, as they say.

I had a bit of a panic today, I am 10 weeks off the big birthday and I am nowhere near my target.  I have got 32 pounds to lose in 10 weeks, really I wanted to get to goal by March 1st but that is not going to happen.  I don't think I am going to make it.  So I decided to just do my best to get fitter and any weight loss is a bonus.

So Sixty by Sixty is highly unlikely. I am not putting pressure on myself, I want to enjoy this year and celebrate getting to my sixth decade with my mind still intact and my body resonalble fit..Well my Wii Fit age is 33!!!

So the next couple of months will be me enjoying getting to do things that are good for me and are not stressing me out. I'm not competing anymore, I am not racing anymore, I am just celebrating being me.

Mood = Great
Food = Fab

Thursday 7 January 2010

Snow Snow Snow Snow......



These are a small selection of the beautiful photo's my husband took yesterday.
I think they are stunningly beautiful.

There is a forcast of more snow overnight and the coldest night ever recorded for British wintertime.
Last night is some parts of Cheshire, it was minus 20 degree's.  It's flipping freezing!!

Because it is so cold, I am wanting stodgy comfort food.  I had porridge for breakfast, lentil soup for lunch and corn beef hash and butter beans for tea.  Also had a couple of fingers of shortbread.

Mood = Good
Food  = Good

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Wednesday Weigh In....The Right Day This Time!!!

I weighed in again this morning, got the right day this time...
I lost another pound, so that is two pounds clawed back from Christmas. 
I am much happier with two.

I have lost more than the weight, I have lost a follower :o(
Was it something I said, or didn't say, or am I being a bore?
I don't have as many followers as most of the lovely folk I follow,
so I am bound to notice a loss. Whoever you were, I am sorry you
have gone and I wish you well.

Mood = Good
Food  = Good

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Erm...Errr...Well....Mmm...What Can I Say.......Brain Slip..Thats My Excuse and I am Sticking to It!!!

Ok I now realise I weighed in a day too early, I don't know what happened, maybe it was because I was awake half the night....I don't know...But I do know I get a second weigh-in tomorrow...LoL

Here are a few pictures of todays snow, we haven't had snow like this for many years. The country is in shock!!

The top two were taken on the way to work this morning
My little dog Titch enjoying the fresh snow this evening in the back garden.

Bottom one is my car, tonight at 5pm
Snow Snow Snow and Snow.......
I am dreading tomorrow:o(

Weight In Wednesday Day 36/90

Not sleeping again, so my weigh in is a couple of hour's earlier than usual.

Just one pound lost this week, it will be much more next week, when I am really in the groove.

Here is my new buddy, a new pedometer which with be chivvying me along into 10,000 steps and more, starting today. The Wii is getting pulled out from it's hiding place too. Then it is back to the gym at the weekend.   I need to get back in the groove and shrug of this flabby, floppy feeling I have had for the past week or so. 
I have just looked outside after hearing Manchester Airport is Closed due to snow.  We have thick snow, looking very pretty, but falling onto old ice it is going to be treacherous getting to work today.  The news is saying most councils have run out of grit....HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
We British are Never prepared  for bad weather!!!
GRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

Monday 4 January 2010

First Day Back at Work Day 35/90

Well it was back to work with a vengence today, the world and his wife wanted an appointment to see the doctor.  It is a wonder the phone lines didn't burn out!!!

We have had two big shocks in the practice over the past week, one of our partners announce he was retiring at the end of March, the end of an era. Today one of our salaried doctors announce she will be leaving at the same time. There are going to be many changes this year, including myself going part-time.
Stress levels will be on the move....

It is still bitterly cold here, so of course the mind and body is looking for comfort food.  Today I made a pledge to go the week without eating between meals, it is very difficultas there are many Christmas treats still around at work and a few here at home.  So far I am doing well, making sure my meals are filling and nutritious, porridge this morning and scotch broth with a wholemeal roll for lunch.  I am having a baked potoato for tea but not sure what what to put with it, probably beans. So it will have been a high fibre day.

I am feeling very positive about my eating at the moment, I just need to get the exercise going. I took delivery  of a new pedometer today.  So from tomorrow I will be measuring my steps again. There is a plan to climb Ben Nevis sometime in May with some very special friends. I need to get the all clear from my doctor before we make final plans. I don't want to be letting anyone down, especially myself.  I am going to ask for an xray and/or an MRI scan on my back.  I have really suffered over the holiday due to the two long distance trips we have done.  I am great when standing and walking, but if I sit for too long I am well and truly scuppered.

Day 35/90

I received some lovely bodycare gifts for Christmas, so today I am pampering my hands and feet.
I began a diary on New Years Day, I have never carried on beyond a week, but I am determined this time.
I have found a book to make into my Healthy Me Journal.
I have promised myself to do a small declutter every night.  Ten Items to go each night.

This is me Feeling Good..Oh it feels Great :o)

Mood = Positive
Food  = Very Healthy

Sunday 3 January 2010

Some Photos Taken from the Car This Weekend


The road to Dollar from Stirling




Ralph's beloved Hills.
He spent his childhood playing on these hills..



The Wallace Momument at Stirling
(Braveheart)



Winter Wonderland Motorway Style

                                      .

We Are Back.... Day 34/90

We arrived back home at 1:30pm after a delightful visit with my lovely Mother-in-law.  She is a special lady and I love her more with every visit. She has a lot of medical tests to endure this coming week and for a lady of 83 it is not very pleasant. She has to have blood tests, an endoscopy and a barium meal test. I pray to
God they don't find anything sinister.  She is feeling great and looking wonderful, it worries me that she has to have these tests.

The weather is Scotland is awful, freezing snow and very icy underfoot.  It was so bad we were unable to meet up with my step-daughter, so we missed seeing Finn, which was very disappointing. We did see my lovely sister-in-law and one of her daughters though and had a lovely afternoon with them.

The scenery as we were driving up to Dollar was absolutley gorgeous, a photographer's dream, but we were on the motorway so couldn't stop:o(.  The journey home was horrendous, it was so cold the windscreen washers wouldn't work, the sun was low in the sky so therefore shining right on the windscreen.  We had to stop several times to manually clean the windows, I have never seen so many cars pull on the hard shoulder of the motorway, it was quite scarey.

Now the holiday season is over and it is all back to normal tomorrow, I will be glad to get back to some simpler food.  Tonight I am having boiled egg with soldiers:O)

Mood = Happily Postive
Food  = Simple but Delicious

Friday 1 January 2010

Happy New Year To One And All...

It is 5am January 1st 2010.

I am loving my life, my family and my friends.
I have JOY in my life and I am truly blessed.

So many New Year's have been bad times for me, so much so I dreaded them.
Those days are well and truly gone and good riddance to them.
Today I bless the New Year and thank God for giving me the strength and the love to get here.

I have made made such good friends here in Blogland.
I would not have progressed so well with my weight loss if it had not been for you. 
I tell people it is the best ever diet class ever.
It is free.
It's fun.
It is non judgemental.
I don't dread turning up.
In fact I love turning up, even when the weight loss isn't there..
There is love and laughter, joy and pain, encouragement and chivvying along.
You really are Very Special People, thank you for being in my life and caring about my life.

We are off up to the land of Hogmany for a flying visit to Ralph's mum.
We will be back Sunday and rearing to go with attitude in 2010.

My buzz word for 2010 is Celebration, more about that next week.
What is your word for this New Year?

Mood = Very Happy
Food  =  Not Interested...Lol

Thanks for Being There

Big Hugs

Sheilagh