Wednesday 30 December 2009

Weigh In Wednesday 30/90Days

Well what can I say....

I can say I enjoyed every morsel that contained the calories that contained the fat, that gave me a FOUR pound Gain!!!

No excuses, no wringing of hands, no fretting.  I thoroughly enjoyed my Christmas, it was better than I thought possible.  So the weight gain gets a line drawn under it and it will be gone by this time next week.

I am a third of the way through my Ninety Days and have to be honest and say I lost my way a little with Christmas preparation etc. So I am now on a mission, Sixty Days from today Sheilagh will be Looking Good, Feeling Fab and Ready Willing and Able to enter her Birthday Month.

There will be no more weight gain.
There will be no more sitting in the doldrums.

There will be more Energy.
There will be more Joy.

Mood = Fabulously Positive.
Food  = Deliciously Healthy.

Monday 28 December 2009

Well That Was Christmas That Was!! Day 29/90

All those weeks of  shopping, decoration, baking and preparations....then it is all over.

Christmas with all it's promises can be such an anti-climax most of the time.
I always  coach myself not to be expecting too much, from childhood to the present day.
I may post about "Christmas Past" sometime, but tonight I want to focus on "Christmas Present".

I have had a Wonderful Christmas. I woke on Christmas morning beside the most wonderful man I know.
We spent Christmas morning together, having breakfast and exchanging gifts.  I was spoilt..LOL

We then went to my baby daughter Helen's and spent a delightful afternoon with her and her lovely family.  My  son in law Mike cooked a Fabulous meal.  My  gorgeous granddaughter's Jess and Emily entertained us we had tons of laughter. After spending a wonderful afternoon with them, we then went to see my middle daughter Clair. This is the daughter who has not been friends with me for fifteen months and each day of those fifteen months my heart has been broken.

Christmas night mended my broken heart and her's.  We are totally reconciled and this was my best Christmas gift.  We spent three hours with Clair and her husband Tim and it was very emotional, very healing and very, very special.

Boxing Day we travelled to Hampshire to stay with my eldest daughter Jen and her family and again, it was Wonderful. Two and a half days with them went very quickly.  We had fun and laughter, no television!!
My husband took the boys to the cinema yesterday and Zara and I had a crafting afternoon.  While mum and dad had some chill time.

We arrived home this afternoon after a rough journey home, my back was agonising again, these long drives don't help my back at all. I went to bed with painkillers, a hot drink and a magazine. I slept for four hours, hence I am now wide awake while my husband is sleeping...

I have not mentioned my food or exercise at all so far... I have enjoyed some delicous food over the holiday, I have not enjoyed any exercise, the icey conditions have stopped any planned walking.
I am pretty sure I have put weight on, but it will be off again next week.
I am back at the gym on Wednesday, healthy eating has started today.
I am scribbling plans and thoughts for the New Year, the beginning of my sixth decade.
I will post on New Years Eve about what I hope and pray will be my best decade yet.

Food  = Naughty But Nice
Mood = Happy Hopeful and Thankful

Wednesday 23 December 2009

Weigh-In_Wednesday

Well I didn't get to Onderland for Christmas :o)  but it is no big deal.   Well it is a little bit of a deal, but nothing worth fretting about. I have had a 0.2lb's gain and I am ok with that considering the Season.  I am not bothering to tinker with my ticker for such a small change so it will show a STS this week.

It worked.  Staying away from my laptop worked, everything is done for Christmas, the house looks all cosy and Christmassy, all the presents are wrapped, just one batch of baking to be done after work today and thats it...   can't believe it.

The weather is yucky right now, I  know snow looks lovely from the window, and on Christmas cards. But the reality of the slush turning to ice and the possible consquences or not so nice.  There was a 16 car pile up  yesterday just down the road from where I work. All the roads in the vicinity were log jammed for over 6 hours.  It was no fun for folk getting home last night. The rumours are the council had run out of grit?  How can you run out of grit when we have only had two icey days? There were no serious injuries, but there will be a a fair few cars off the road this Christmas...

Patients were chatting yesterday as they were waiting for the jam to clear. The main topic was Christmas's past, and why everytrhing seems to grind to a halt nowadays after a bit of snow. It was decided we all rely too much on cars now. I remember as a child, we as a family thought nothing of walking six miles in snow to get to my gran's house at Christmas, we would be freezing cold by the time we got there, but would soon thaw out by the fire with my gran or one of my auntie's rubbing our hands or legs to get the heat back.  The memories came flooding back as we all chatted away, it was great.

So I was wondering, any memories of Christmas to share out there folks?  I would love to hear them.



Saturday 19 December 2009

Seasons Greetings



I have had a wonderful day today, but it made me realise I have got a very busy week ahead of me.
So therefore I have had to rationalise and organise what needs doing.  Learning from my past, I always end up stressed on Christmas Eve because I never get everything done in time.

This year is going to be different, but for it to be different I must knuckle down and leave the computer, the internet etc until I have wrapped, baked, cleaned everything that needs to be done.

So therefore I am going to wish all of you, my dear Blogmate's
A Very Happy, Healthy and Joyful Christmas
tonight, just incase I don't get back before Christmas.

 Thank you for being there, your help, advice and encouragement has been fantastic.  I don't have the large number of Followers that some of you have, but I know of the Follower's I do have there is a lovely little group that I cherish as dear friends, I am so glad to know you.

Tomorrow will be three months to my Big O and I have been thinking about it, but will blog about it after Christmas. Food and Mood today has been Mellow and Happy, I hope is remains at that level for the forseable...

Friday 18 December 2009

Happy Weekend Day 18/90

My man is home, the house is lovely and warm and cosy. Even though it is freezing cold outside.
The Christmas tree is twinkling at me, as much to say
" Bring it On, Christmas feels So Good".
We are finishing our Christmas shopping tomorrow.
 I hope to get it all wrapped and boxed off tomorrow evening.

On Sunday, weather permitting we are going to Wales to meet up with my Bezzy Mate in Llandundo.
Ralph will go walking and leave Trish and I to talk and talk and shop and talk and talk.....Bliss
She was supposed to be coming here for the weekend but her husband is having an MRI scan tomorrow at 1pm.  Can I ask those of you who believe to say a little prayer they get some good news. Trish is being worn down right now caring for Phil, holding down her job and coping with life in general. I am worried about her.

Healthy eating is good for the most part, the bitter cold makes one feel Very hungry, so far I am coping.
I was awake most of the night again ....

Today's Ninety Minutes

20 Minutes talking on phone to my lovely mother in law,  I love that she rings to speak to me when my darling is at work.
20 minutes reading a magazine.
30 minutes wrapping presents for my darling before he got home.
20 minutes relaxing before bed, in the hope I get some decent sleep tonight.

Mood = Relaxed
Food =  Relaxed


Wednesday 16 December 2009

Weigh-In-Wednesday Day 16/90

Well after giving myself a good talking to yesterday
I have had a much better day today.
I am still not sleeping but looking at changing some habits to see i
f I can improve matters. I have had lots of advice to try to enhance
my sleeping pattern. I am going to start trying
a different bedtime routine tonight.
Unfortunately I cannot have the relaxing warm bath
recommended by a couple of friends in work. We don't have a bath.
I will try a warm shower instead, I usually have a hot shower
of a morning so a warm one is going to be different.
I have also bought some lavender and camomile oils as recommended
by BearFriend from http://friendofthebear.blogspot.com/ 
I will be using them tonight also. I so need them to work....

I had a good day in work, we were very busy
but folk had happier heads on today.
I had a lot of happy banter with patients both
face to face and on the telephone.
Even the doctors were a a little more relaxed a
fter the review meeting with the local PCT went well.

I can't let today go without mentioning my Fabulous Friend Kari f
rom http://fat-free-me.blogspot.com/  At todays weigh in she reached her goal weight
and has lost a fantastic 87.5pounds. This woman has been so committed to this weight loss
she has been AWESOME. I have never seen such dedicationstength and guts.
 I am so proud of her and delighted to claim her as a very dear friend.

My weigh in this morning brought me a two pound loss,
I am so delighted with this after the yucky week I have had.
My mood as been up and down but my food has been FAB.

So I am half way to my 60 x 60. I could say the pressure is on but I am not I am not letting it get to me.  I have just over three months to go, if I lose the next 30 as slowly as the first 30 I will not get there. I am looking at what changes I can make food wise. Any tips or advice most welcome. I know I must step up the exercise good style and I am in talks with my beloved on this subject.

Todays Ninety Minutes

A warm shower, body lotion, mug of hot chocolate (Light) a dab or two of Lavender and the same of Camomile, Meave Binchy and my bed....Ninty minutes to slumber........zzzzzzzz.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Mood = Hopeful
Food = Wholesome

Tuesday 15 December 2009

Oh Do You Make Me Feel Good!!! But I am so Bad Day 15/90

Thank you so much for the lovely comments left on my last post, it really gave me a lift when I came on line tonight. It really is a joy to have such friends out there, THANK YOU. I glean such inspiration from reading  blogs and tonight I have been humbled reading one blog in particular:
http://zaaisshrinking.blogspot.com/  This fabulous woman is having a rotten time at the moment, no money, family illness, cat been ill, dog and cat got fleas, to name but a few of her problems. But she never moans, never gives in, she is awesome.  She makes me feel ashamed.  I wrote this second paragraph before reading her post. I am Utterly Ashamed of Myself...

It's been a rough day all round. This not sleeping is doing my head in.  Work has been manic, the pre-Christmas panic has set in.  It happens every year, patients suddenly realise we are closed for the holiday and get crazy about repeat prescriptions and needing to see the doctor before the holiday.  On top of that we are short staffed, but still the new scanning training goes on.  Leaving just two of us to deal with eight phone lines, greeting patients at the desk, generating repeat prescriptions, as well as doing regular admin chores.

At least I have got a job.
My husband has got a job.
We have a comfortable home.
We have no money worries.
Our families are all well and secure.
Our dog is well and doesn't have fleas.

I need to start counting my Blessings and start helping those less fortunate.
Thank you Zaa for a very valuable lesson especially at this time of the year.
I hope your situation improves very soon, you really are a STAR.

Monday 14 December 2009

Christmas Do Day 14/90



Christmas Do

This is me ready for the party, I don't look as slim as I feel which is a disappointment.
I got loads of compliments on the night and today about how I looked on the night.
The food was delicious and the company great. 

I have been having trouble sleeping again and was out of sorts yesterday after being awake all night Saturday/Sunday.  I had a nap yesterday afternoon but my energy levels were virtually nil. I started taking St Johns Wort again today to see if it will help.

Feeling very tired tonight.
Mood = Weary
Food = Good

My Ninety Minutes
Every one of them resting.

Saturday 12 December 2009

Lovely Day with my Guy Day 12/90

I have had a lovely day today, went shopping for a new Christmas tree, had a meander around the shops. Bought yet another handbag (I have quite a few) but this was at the instigation of my husband so I wasn't arguing:o)

We have had a lovely relaxing afternoon, had a light lunch of bagel, Extra Light Philly and smoked salmon. Was delicious. Tried to eat light today as tonights Cristmas "Do" is a Christmas Carvery so saving myself for that.

Just about to start the transformation from mere mortal to heavenly body, trouble is I have seached high and low for that magic wand and it has disappeared..Ok Who pinched it?  Come on, confess now and I will let you off..

Todays Ninety Minutes

Music = Josh Groban again, he moves me, his song "When You Say You Love Me" is my song to my guy.
Reading = Blogs
Pampering = Just about to start, should take about an hour...

Mood = Fab
Food  = Fab

Friday 11 December 2009

Finn Day 11/90

 






Here is the Beautiful Boy,
Finlay Andrew McKenzie Dawson.
He is three months old now and a such a joy.
Growing so fast, too fast....








Today's Ninety Minutes

38 on Wii Fit Plus
30 walking
30 Reading

Food Fab
Mood Great

It is our Christmas  "Do" tomorrow night and I am deterermined to enjoy but not over indulge.

Thursday 10 December 2009

Alison Moyet

I read this article today:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1234452/Alison-Moyet-half-woman-returns-stage-The-Royal-Festival-Hall.html


 Alison Moyet is one of my very favourite singers and always felt a connection to her weight wise. Reading this article reinforced that connection.

She speaks of not wanting to be an obese old lady, that was what sparked off my present and final journey to a good healthy weight.  In my job as a Doctor's Receptionist, I see too many women of a certain age who  have trouble walking and talking, due to weight. I have become acutely aware of the health problems that are compounded by Obesity.  Heart Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension, Arthritis, CKD to name but a few. I have Diabetes but I am delighted to say it is so under control I don't feel like a Diabetic.

I don't want to be dependent on others for my care as I grow older. I want to live a long, healthy and active life. I don't want to be on so much medication that it has to be blister-packed so I don't get mixed up. I don't want to be so inactive that I need help to get out of a chair or my bed.

I want to be active both in body and mind.
I want to be happy and healthy.
I want to be interested in the world.
I want to take part in life not be a spectator.

So I must keep on with this journey, making it different and exciting when I float off into the doldrums.
I have read several blogs today with a tone of loneliness, defeat and boredom. I know it is difficult this time of the year to keep focussed on our health and wellbeing.  There is so much going on, with the build up to Christmas, shopping, parties, preparations. But we shouldn't forget to look after ourselves.  It would be so easy to let all the hard work go and say, I will start again in the New Year. But I for one am not going down that road. I have had a tough time getting to where I am now with this weight loss battle, I am not going to fall behind for the sake of a few days.

I plan to enjoy my food in the run up to Christmas and over the holiday, but it will all be in moderation and it will be calorie counted. I don't have a problem with calories, for me they are a great guide and help me to make good choices. They don't rule me, I rule them.

Alison Moyet is looking pretty darn good at the moment and I hope she can keep it up, she is a new inspiration for me. We have both been big, now she is slim and I am heading there.

Size Eighteen Day 10/90

Remember I posted about my Size 18's fitting but a little to tight  to wear them?
Well I wore them at the weekend to go to Scotland and here is the photo to prove it :o)





They seem a bit big on the legs already..

Working on Size 16 now.


Ninety Minutes

Music = Josh Groban
Reading = Magazines
Pampering = Moisturing legs.

Mood = Fair
Food = Fair





Wednesday 9 December 2009

Weigh In Wednesday Day 9/90

I feel I have been AWOL for ages, I didn't get the chance to post on Friday before we went to Scotland for the weekend. It was a very wet, soggy weekend.  I have never known such rain. The rain didn't stop us having a good time, it was a good family weekend. 

Finn is growing so quickly, he is a beautiful boy. We spent a lovely afternoon with him and his mummy and daddy on Saturday. Sunday was spent with Ralph's mum and sister and it was wonderful.  His mum loves having both of her children together having a good "Blether" as she says. It never happened during his first marriage..

Sunday evening we were with Uncle Bobby and Auntie Isobel, I adore these two lovely people. Isobel was my little Guardian Angel when Ralph and I got together. She seemed to understand the difficult dynamics of the family after divorce and the aftermath. But that is a post for another time maybe.

Monday morning we whizzed round seeing other aunties uncles and cousins before making our way back home.  I am so humbled by the love and concern this family have for each other, I miss my mum's family for this, I only have one auntie living now. My mum was one of nine children and my dad was one of eleven.  So my childhood and teenage years were full of family get togethers and celebrations. Going to Scotland brings those memories flooding back and I love it.

We got back home on Monday late afternoon, travelling back in horrendous rain, a scarey ride.  We were both physically and mentally wrecked. A very early night was needed...

Yesterday was my darlings birthday and we spent the day together in Liverpool.  It didn't work out as planned.  The weather again being the culprit, rain rain rain rain..... We had a lovely time together despite the weather. On the way home we stopped off at my favourite book store only to be shocked and upset.  BORDERS has gone into administration, the stores are closing and 1400 jobs are being lost across Britain. This time last year it was Woolworths!! 

My Ninety Day Plan ins back on track, I have been reading, listening to music,
Ralph bought me Susan Boyle's CD on Monday, that woman has the voice of an angel.
We did a little walking but not as much as we usually do, again due to the weather.
So reading is on track...
Music is on track...
Relaxing is on track...
Food is Great.
Mood is Fair.

Weight loss today .6lb. Slightly disappointing  but it is still a loss. Still hoping for Onderland for Christmas.

Thursday 3 December 2009

This Was Not What I Was Thinking....Day 3/90

When I said I was going to spend 90 minutes a day on me, I didn't plan to be feeling so poorly my husband thought I had Swine Flu!!

I started feeling rough yesterday morning, achey joints, sore throat, vomiting and going hot and cold.  By last night I was off my feet. I was sent home early from work, got in to my jammies and curled up on the sofa drifting in and out of sleep.  My darling came home with two litres of orange juice and a thermometer.  He was convinced I had Swine Flu and was determined to prove it. I didn't have a temperature and I reminded him I have had both Flu jabs so it is not Swine flu. He made sure I drank orange juice and took paracetamol and made me as comfy as he could. I went to bed ans slept on and off for a few hours.

I dragged myself into work this morning, armed with my juice and parrots. There was no way I could have rang in sick as there is a three day intensive training course going on and not enough of us to cover for sickness. I muddled through and when I got home this evening have done the same thing as last night, jammies, juice, sofa. Got no appetite but could kill for some ice cream to sooth this throat of mine.

So two days into my plan the 90 minute plan is concentrated on me and the sofa....
Not what I had in mind :o(

Food = Ok
Mood = Miserable

Wednesday 2 December 2009

Weigh In Wednesday and Day 2/90

Weigh in Wednesday brings another two pounds loss!!
That is six pounds in three weeks, the most I have lost
in this my final battle with my weight.  I have to say I am
Gobsmacked!!

This is day 89 of my plan and can I just say very many
thanks for all the very kind and encouraging comments
after yesterdays post.

Part of my plan is to spend 90 minutes a day enhancing myself.
Now that may sound a fancy word, but I like it. By enhancing I
mean a bit of DIY on me.

This will be based around reading, listening to music, meditation,
exercise and a self caring regime (Commonly known as a beauty routine).

I used to read at least a book per week, but since my darling
came into my life I think I have read two books. 
I buy them with the intention of reading but never get round to it.
So that is going to change from today.

I have always loved having music in my life but these days
only seem to listen in the car or on Sunday morning listening to
"Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs"
So a concerted effort will be made to listen to more music.

Meditation, this is a huge need in my life right now,
stress levels are higher than they have been for a good while
(I am wondering if stress is part of why I am losing weight faster).
Meditation for me revolves around prayer, writing and quiet time.

Exercise, I am giving up beating myself up about this.
No I am not giving up exercise, I am adapting.
The gym membership is still going but I have not attended for
nearly two months. We have decided to keep it running,
we both want to get back there. My back is the big thing stopping me,
I know I could do the treadmill, but I can walk in the fresh air without
feeling pressured to use other equipment (climbing fences or tree's not included). 
I am using the Wii fitboard and the time spent with that is being increased.
So I am kind of happy with that for the moment.

Finally the Self Caring Regime, I can't call it a beauty routine.
My mother had a thing about Vanity, saying it was a sin to be vain
and it was vain to follow a beauty routine. 
So her years of conditioning me with her thinking are
taking a long time to release myself from. Hence my skin is not very good,
it dry and slightly rough. My nails are not very nice, my hair is not bad.
So I want to start taking time to care for my skin,
it might be a bit late in life but better late than never.

So I have a lot to fit into my ninety minutes a day
but it will be different every day.
At least thirty minutes exercise,
with everything else flowing in as a relaxing manner
to make my life more enjoyable.

Mood=Good
Food=Good

Tuesday 1 December 2009

Ninety Day Plan

Today I begin a Ninety Day Plan, this will take me to March 1st 2010.
By that time I hope to have regenerated myself into someone
who will enter hersixth decade with a Joyful  Outlook.

Today I begin a to nurture and pamper my mind, body and soul.
Today I promise myself that no longer will I do things that harm my soul.
Today I promise myself honesty to the bone, no dressing up bad stuff with excuses.
Today I promise myself to build up my confidence and self esteem.
So Nobody and I mean NOBODY can knock me down ever again.

I am doing this for Me, not my husband, not my family, not my friends, not my blogmates.
This is Me and my finally give respect to this God given body
that has been neglected for too many years.
This is Me and my giving respect to my God given mind and intellect
that has been neglected so badly for far too long.
This is Me give love and respect to my God given soul. 
The very essence of me which has been tortured and
torn apart in my effort to fit in and please others.

This is a holistic plan, not just focusing on weight loss.
I hope to focus on the Good in life where ever it comes from.
The food and drink I take, the music and words I absorbe,
the exercise and relaxation I enjoy, will be wholesome, uplifting and enjoyable. 

I refuse to do anything that is no longer good for me, that is my plan. 
I so want to succeed with this, I owe it to myself.

Sunday 29 November 2009

Sunday Was a Good Day...

We had a good day today, dispite the constant rain again.  This morning I did some sorting of scrapbooking stuff.  There is so much of it I need to do an inventory.  I have to get pretty ruthless and let loads go, either to grandchildren or school groups. If I could equate it to weight loss I could get to my target overnight!!

This afternoon we went to the cinema to see "Law Abiding Citizen", oh boy what a movie. Gerard Butler was fabulous. It was far more violent than I would usually choose but on the whole I would give it
 a 7 out of 10.  I have been a fan of Gerard Butler since I saw him in "Phanthom of the Opera" I thought he was gorgeous, had never heard of him until then.  So when I got home I Googled him, only to find he was born on the same day as my son....the lusting stopped there and then!!!

We came home and made our evening meal together and had a heart to heart about something that is bothering me.  I may blog about it at a later date but right now it is wrenching the heart from me and too hurtful to talk about.

I then was just getting my laptop powered up when I had a message from my best friend, telling me to read my daughter's Facebook page. This is the daughter that isn't friends with me, so I chose some two months ago not to read her page as I felt I was looking where I shouldn't. When I opened up Facebook and looked at Clair's page I discovered her car had been stolen during the night and set on fire. She was awy for the weekend in Blackpool on a Christmas party night with friends. Her husband Tim discovered the car was gone this morning. I am so upset for them, she needs her car for work, it had all her kit for work in the car.
I rang her and spoke to her voicing my convern and for the first time in a over a year we had a civil conversation.  Maybe something good will come out of the bad, not we have spoken but I am not holding my breath.

Mood Fair
Food Excellent.

Saturday 28 November 2009

What a Day.

Fabulous Day with Gorgeous Granddaughters.

I am sat here very tired but very happy, we have had a Great Day with the Two Jays.
The house looks like a hurricane hit, but boy did we have FUN.
Christmas cards made, scrapbooks starting to bulge a little. They are really getting into it now.
So much so we have a list of subjects to cover  for the next twelve months.

My darling husband was great too, he is so good with the girls.  He was showing them how Braille works, they were facinated and went home with sheets of paper with their names and messages for their parents spelt out in Braille.

I can't believe how good I have been food wise, I am so focussed I haven't had any treats at all today. All day with the grandkids and not falling down, I am so proud of me:0)

Mood and Food Excellent

Friday 27 November 2009

Friday Evening...

It is a cold wet and miserable evening here, the weather has been atrocious this week.
The sort of weather that usually gets me reaching for hot, stodgy, comfort food.
Not this week though, I have been really focused on my food, I have been satisfied
on healthy, delicious low calorie meals. I am really pleased with me;0)
I need to get the exercise sorted though, I am still avoiding the gym.
Been using the Wii fitboard but not as often as I should,
my back and hip are holding me back.I need to get to the doctors and ask for an xray,
I am beginning to think I may need a hip replacement.

The weekend starts tonight at 9pm when my darling gets home from work. We are
having my girlies for scrapbooking and Christmas card making tomorrow so it will be
Fun Fun Fun all the way tomorrow.  Sunday I would like to get out walking depending
on the weather. I so want to be in Onederland for Christmas so I need to step up the
exercise any which way.

Mood and Food Excellent.
Letter to Sheilagh at Sixteen from Sheilagh at Fifty Nine





Dear Sheilagh,


What can I say to a girl who is so naive and innocent about the world you are about to grow up in. I can say, no matter what comes along, no matter how bad things look, the joy will come.


At the moment you have a deep faith in the Lord and you are looking to dedicate yourself to the religious life. Your faith is going to be tested in ways you cannot even imagine but you will come through it all.


Believe in yourself, believe in your God and you will have the joy.


With love


Sheilagh
xxx



Thursday 26 November 2009

266 Really is Special.

Brittany @ 266 is doing something very special to celebrate gathering 100 followers and entering Onederland.

For every comment she gets on her blog between now and Monday she will donate $1 to the homeless.
For every link back to her blog she will donate a further $1.

So please go visit, help her celebrate and help the homeless too.

Happy Thanksgiving to all you lovley folk across the pond.


http://266-twosixtysix.blogspot.com/

I haven't had the chance to write my letter to my sixteen year old self, had a lot of sorting and talking to do last night.  Hopefully will complete tomorrow.

266 Really is Special.

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Wednesday Weigh In and Yourself at Sixteen.

I am delighted to report a Two pounds weight loss this week, I have been so on track with my food I have amazed myself!!  Long may it continue. I am well on track for Onederland for Christmas if I keep this up.
Never mind if I keep it up! I WILL keep it up!!

I have just been reading an article in a magazine, where celebrities have written a a letter to their sixteen year old selves.  It was a very interesting read and made me start thinking, what would I write to my sixteen year old self.  I am going to write that letter tonight and I will share it tomorrow. What would you write to your sixteen year old self, I would love to know.

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Pudsey and Pal's












Pudsey came home on Friday,"Children in Need Night"
He was delighted to find a few new friends and insisted on having his photo taken with each of them.
(Don't tell him there are a lot more in the house he hasn't met yet!)
So here they are Pudsey and Pal's from top to bottom.
1. Pudsey alone.
2. Pudsey and Andy from Stirling.
3. Pudsey and Tino.
4. Pudsey and  Ted
5. Pudsey and Ikkle Bear.
6. Pudsey and Handy.
7. Pudsey and Golly.
8. Pudsey and Winnie
9. A tight squeeze now that Pudsey has moved in.
10. Still a tight sqeeze....
11. Phew thats better, we need a bigger basket.

Just bit of fun on a night when the rain is bucketing down and the wind is blowing a gale.
The weather is being atrocious this week, but we have nothing to complain about considering the plight of the people of Cumbria. They say the rainful has been of biblical proportions over Cumbria and the pictures really look that way. They have a lot to cope with over the the next few months, God Bless them.

Food and Mood still Excellent!!

Monday 23 November 2009

Busy Monday..But People Noticing...

Monday is always busy in General Practice and today was no exception. We were so busy the day went past in a flash. It wasn't so busy that a few people have passed comment on my weight loss today which has given me a Buzz!!
Michelle from the pharmacy asked the Deputy Practice Manager if I was losing weight deliberately??
She had not heard I was on a diet (no one has heard anything cos I'm not dieting as such) so thought there was a medical problem.  I was very pleased to reassure her my health is improving by the day. One of our social workers noticed my watch is loose on my wrist now and commented that she had been thinking my uniform was looking rather big on me. It's looking awful right now, but I don't want to get it altered until after Christmas. Hoping to drop another size by then...

Two patients plus a pharmacy technican who comes in daily to collect repeat prescriptions all paid me compliments too.  So Sheilagh is very happy tonight, the work is beginning to pay off.

Food and mood EXCELLENT today.

Sunday 22 November 2009

Simple Sunday

We have had a really lovely Sunday and I am so grateful for it.
I slept until 9:45, unheard of for years, I am always awake by 7am. I have been having trouble sleeping for quite a while now. My darling  bought me some St Johns Wort on Friday after reading it aids sleep.
I had not heard of this, I knew it was known as the herbal Prozac, I told him in no uncertain terms that I am not depressed. So he showed me the article which made no mention of drepression.I took on one Friday night around 8pm  I slept ok. I took the three per day recommneded dose yesterday still not believing it would work.  But when I woke this morning I was amazed, I felt so well rested and everything looked brighter. I am still cautious about claiming these little capsules as a miracle cure, but I am going to review the sleep situation weekly and see how it goes.

We had a relaxed morning with a delicious breakfast. 

I had a lovely long natter with my eldest daughter on the phone making arrangements for Christmas. Then we went to the cinema to see 2012 this afternoon. No popcorn, no sweets, no nothing, just holding hands;0)  Good movie, the special effects are spectacular. The trailers for other films throughout December now have us planning to see at least on film per week in December.

When we got back, we made a delicious meal between us and thoroughly enjoyed it.


Now we are just relaxing before another busy week begins tomorrow.  I love these simple days, relaxed, no stress, completely happy and totally loved.  I am so blessed.

Speechless....



I don't know what to say, I am absolutely gobsmacked at the reaction to my wanting to leave this
weird and wacky,wonderful place.
Thank you to everyone who commented, emailed, texted and telephoned me,
you really are wonderful folk.
 I have had a really bad 24 hours, riding an emotional rollercoaster
 of sadness, fear, frustration and eating crap.



I believe all is well now and the problem
I believed there was, is no longer.
I will continue albeit in a more
 subdued manner with my blog.
Thank you Sean, that is all I will say here,
we have been in touch and things are good.

Tomorrow is a new day, a clean slate, a fresh page.

Bring it On

Friday 20 November 2009

Leaving Blog Land

It is with a very heavy heart I wish to say I am leaving blog land.

After my middle of the night post last night and talking about friends I will never meet, I now realise when you have an impression of friendship, it isn't the real thing. It never will be.

I have made a mistake thinking I was comforting a "friend" but my words of comfort have been used to hurt someone I have admired and been inspired by for the length of time I have been in Blogland.

I have learnt a lesson about trust in this weird cyber space world and it is not to trust.

I wish you all the very best of health and happiness.

God Bless.

Sheilagh

Not Sleeping

It is 12:37am and I should be fast asleep.  I went to bed at 11pm feeling very tired, settled down to  sleep and  the suddenly  I was wide awake. Tossing and turning doesn't help, it justs makes for frustration and it disturbs my darling.

So  I got up, made a cup of tea and switched the tv on.  Have you seen the junk on tv after midnight?  Ok it isn't so hot before midnight but after...forget it.  I am beginning to wonder why we have a television.  I have recorded Oprah so she is on at the moment, but not caught my attention this time.

So I have been doing one of my favourite things for the past hour, Blog-Hopping, from weight loss to crafting to cooking to weird. I don't linger long at weird, but the others I do, some inspire, some make me laugh and some make me cry.

There are some really wonderful blogs out there that I dip into now and again.  I follow many, but I also have some in my favourites that I dip into  just now and again.  If I Followed any more than I do now I would be in trouble time wise, I am often tempted, especially if I read a comment on a blog that grabs my attention, I will go look at that blog.Then I have to make a tough decision, if I want to follow it I have to let another go.  So I usually put it in my favourites and check it out now and again.  I can't give up the blogs I follow, it would be like giving up on friends.

Am I investing too much time and interest on blogging?
Am I placing too much importance on friendships with people I have never met and probably never will?
Mmm.. should I have written this post?

Wednesday 18 November 2009

WWI

Weighed in this morning and tickled pink to report a TWO pound loss.
I feel things have clicked into place and I am doing what needs to be done
without it being stressful.  I am enjoying the food I am eating, not denying
myself treats and it seem to be working....LoL

Could I be in Onederland for Christmas?
Not putting any pressure on though,
I am enjoying life at the moment,so not altering anything...
Long May it Continue!

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Inspired By Suzi

I went for a walk this morning, armed with my camera.
Inspired by Suzi at http://spunkysuzi.blogspot.com/.

It was a bright. cold crisp morning and I enjoyed the walk,
even meeting up with my ex..lol
No I didn't take his photo.

So here are this mornings pictures.....





















Eating is Great, Mood is Good, Exercise is getting better.

Monday 16 November 2009





Some photo's from the Crab Apple Retreat.

Top left are the "Going In Girls"
As we named ourselves.
Vicky,  Me, Judy, Trish.
Estella and Sue.

Top right at Tracy, Trish and Debbi.

Bottom left The lovely Rosemary and myself.

Bottom Right, Nige and two groupies;0)

I will be putting other photo's on my other two blogs

and


I am  feeling inspired to get some crafting done especially now I have my new toy.

My mood and food have been great today, long may it last.











Sunday 15 November 2009

Back Home and So Very Happy

I got home at 4:30 this afternoon after a wonderful weekend of love, laughter and loads of happy crafting.  Roll on next year!

Trish and I had an amazing time, met some really lovely people, made some new friends and learnt some  amazing new crafting ideas. I will share some photo's of the weekend tomorrow, but right now I am going to spend some time with my darling:)

I am delighted to say, I made some real good choices food wise. I hope to see a weight loss of two pounds this week.  There were loads of sweets and chocloates about. I didn't go overboard and I think I will see good results on Wednesday.

Hope you all had as great a weekend as I did.....

Thursday 12 November 2009

Ready Set Go...Let the Fun Begin

Bags are packed and I a rearing to go.  Three days of fun with my Bezzy Mate and seventy other like minded women. At a delightful hotel in the Cheshire countryside. http://www.foresthillshotel.com/

With the lovely Rosemary Merry and her nutter of a husband Nige from Crab Apple Crafts. http://www.crabapplecrafts.co.uk/

Rosemary is responsible for my addiction to paper and rubber.  I came across her shop ten years ago and bought my first rubber stamp, now thousands of pounds later she still is the feeder of my addiction, but she does it so well.  She is a really lovely lady and deserves ever success. (Nicest Craft Presenter on QVC too)

I am taking my laptop with me and I hope to post a couple of times from the hotel.  If not I will catch up on Sunday evening.  Hope you have as great a weekend as I know I am going to have:)

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Wednesday Weigh In

I am very pleased to report a one pound loss from last week.

Considering I put three pounds on at the weekend!!

I weighed on Sunday evening when I arrived back from my daughters, knowing I would have put on, but was quite upset that it was three pounds.  So Monday and Tuesday I cut back to 1000 calories and it worked. I am upping my calories today, but changing round what I am eating. I am going to try vegatable based meals.

This is forward planning for the coming weekend, I am going on a craft retreat with Trish.  The food last year was fabulous. So I know if I just ate anything I felt like I would put at least 7 pounds without blinking.  So I am setting my mind on eating plenty of veg and fruit. The hotel has a gym and there is some great areas for walking so we are going to be  having action times as well as crafting times.

More about it later, got to get to work now....

Monday 9 November 2009

1000 Calories

1000 calories today, trying to make up for the weekend, not sure it will work but can only try.
40 minutes on Wii Fit
Feel heavy and bloated.

Short post tonight as I have been busy preparing for my appraisal tomorrow.
My prayers are with Sean and Irene.

Good night God Bless Friends

Sunday 8 November 2009

The Gang and Me





Don't ask about the food it didn't go good.........
But  the party was great and the kids were amazing.
Matthew was a Star and as you can see  from the photo's
I was bursting with pride.

A Great Weekend with Family


Boy oh Boy have I got a hill to climb now.

Friday 6 November 2009

Away for the Weekend

I am away down to my eldest daughter's home tomorrow morning with my baby daughter and family.
We are going for my eldest grandson's EIGHTEENTH birthday...
I still remember the day he was born like it was yesterday!!  It is so scarey how fast time is flying.


Matthew is a darling boy who still loves to give his grandma big hugs and I adore him.

His dad is in the RAF and they are based down in Hampshire which is a four hour drive from here. When he was born and while they were waiting for married quarters Matthew and his mum lived with me and my then husband until he was six months old. He was an utter joy as a baby and still is.  He would squirm with embarrassment if he could see what I am writing.

When they got their quarters my daughter left Matthew with us for a week while she and Paul set up home.  We took Matthew down to them on July 4th Independence Day. When we left the following day, we drove from the base with tears blinding us, so much so my husband had to pull into a lay-by and we sobbed in each others arms.  Annie Lennox was on the radio singing "An Angel Playing with My Heart" and even to this day when I hear that song I cry.

But the music that really reminds me of Matthew is Glen Miller's "In The Mood" he loved that tune and loved to be danced around the room be either grandad or me or both of us at the same time.  The giggles and chuckles from that wee boy were magical. I still say it is the best sound in the world, a childs laughter.

I have some really happy memories of this wonderful young man growing up and I almost burst with pride when I think of him. They say you shouldn't have favourites and I don't. Though I do have special feeling for Matthew the first of the next generation of my family entering adulthood on Sunday November 8th .


I hope to make good choices over the weekend, I am choosing to enjoy my daughters, sons in law and grandchildren.  It is a shame the whole family will not be there but I will enjoy those who are.

Food today so far is good...800 calories so far.

Have a great weekend, I am planning to.

Thursday 5 November 2009

Liverpool Images



A few more images of Liverpool from the weekend.
The top three showing the old and the new view of the shoreline from the ferry.

One of the Anthony Gormly sculptures on Crosby Beach.
http://www.chesterwalls.info/gallery/anotherplace/anotherplace.html

A very emotive set at "The Beatles Story" of John Lennon's Imagine.
Those round rimmed glasses really got me and I had to fight back the tears.

Food is good 1560 calories
Exercise 30 minutes walking.

Wednesday 4 November 2009

NEWSFLASHNEWSFLASHNEWSFLASHNEWSFLASHNEWSFLASH

I GOT INTO THE SIZE 18'S!!!

I GOT INTO THE SIZE 18'S!!!

DID YA HEAR ME??

I GOT INTO THE SIZE 18'S!!!

I came home form work this evening and as I was taking my uniform off, I looked longingly at the size 18 jeans hanging on the wardrobe door. I thought about it for about two minutes and then tried them on.
As I slipped my feet into the legs I was thinking "You are setting yourself up for a disappointment here".

But they slipped up quite easily, when they got to my hips
 I thought "This is it, no further surely?"
They slid over my hips easily.
"Never" I thought, "This cannot be right" 
"Okay, they won't fasten"
 Nervously I tried to button them,
"It won't happen"

It Happened!!!
They buttoned!!
They zipped,!!
They fit!!!

I can't move too well in them, but they fit!!!

I told Ralph on the phone and he was delighted,
he said he will get me a pair of size 16 to hang on the door now.....
Who is a Happy Bunny then?

Weigh-in-Wednesday

I didn't get to blog last night, my guy was poorly.  He has gone to work this morning and I don't think he should have. He is having some really bad headaches and migraine lately I we are both worried about it.
He has been to the doctors who advised a trip to the optician. He has done that, he needs new glasses but they found nothing to cause headache. I am wondering if it is a postural problem, he tends to have shoulder and neck stiffness and I think a trip to an Osteopath or Chiropractor is needed.

My food was good yesterday 1460 calories consumed and every one of them delicicously healthy:0)
I am improving with the water intake too just under 2 litres yesterday.
No exercise though....

So to the dreaded weigh in...hang on....

DaaDah....  1.5lb's Gone..

I am happy with that, so I am nearly back on the 60 x 60 track, but I am trying not to focus on that.
I would dearly love to lose 2lb's per week so need to step up the exercise, so I am off...TTFN

Monday 2 November 2009

Mojo is Rattling good Style.

Didn't get to  the gym, it was bucketing down when I got home from work and Ralph was not in the best of moods. I am more than a little worried about him at the moment. He is not behaving like "My Ralph". He had forgotten about the gym and was moody.  He is NEVER moody.  I asked what was wrong and he doesn't know, but feels out of sorts. So I felt it was more important to be with him and try to get to the bottom of why he feels this way.

He had made a big pan of vegetable soup so we had some for tea with some wholemeal bread, it was delicious.  After tea we went to ASDA for my next size jeans (18) they are hanging on the wardrobe door and whispering to me...

I also bought a nice top for Matthew's Birthday Bash that is a size 18 also so I am pretty pleased with myself. I wonder if I could make it to a 16 for Christmas?

Ralph seemed a little better when we got back, he went to do some homework for his college course and I went and did 25 minutes on the WiiFit.

Today I have:  
 Done 25 minutes exercise.
 Drank 2 litres of water.
 Eaten 1463 calories.
                        
I am happy with those numbers today.

I am inspired by Kari's visit and her frank and honest words.
She has lost her weight with:
honest hard graft.
honest real food.
honest exercising.

I have got to learn to be totally honest with myself, no more denial, no more pretence, no more poor me...

Sunday 1 November 2009

Where Did That Weekend Go?

They say time flies when you are having fun, well this weekend went by in supersonic speed.  I cannot believe it is over and Kari  is on the train home. It was an absolute pleasure having this delightful woman come to stay, she is looking Fantastic and is Fabulous company.

She has given me wonderful motivation to get cracking again. I asked her for ten top tips and I am going to try to stick with them.

1. Drink more water...I knew I was failing badly with this for quite a while now.
2. Exercise doing the things I enjoy incorporating weights for metabolism.
3. Hang a pair of next size jeans on bedroom door (when I get door back that is).
4. Cut back on empty calories (sweet treats etc).
5. Stop eating meals when beginning to feel full  (thats a difficult one for a child of the fifties,  always taught to clear her plate, there are babies starving in Africa)
6. Always carry an emergency low calorie snack.
7. Start having 1500 calories. Check BMR after next 20lb loss.
8. Share treats, only have half of a biscuit, cake, chocolate bar (This is something my friend Ange does and Kari thinks it is a great idea too.)
9. We got side tracked talking about other things....

10. My Own Top Tip, enjoy your friends, they bring such Joy.

We had a lovely day in Liverpool yesterday, the wind and rain spoilt the plans for today. We messed about with the Wii for a while having a good laugh at the same time.

So tomorrow it is back to the gym for me, walking every morning for me, or if the weather is bad, thirty minutes on the Wii.  My MoJo is working and I am eagar to  get back into the excercise groove.