Just noticed, that even with the ½ lb gain I've lost my first 5 pounds on the challenge, so I guess I've earned one of these...
Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 292
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 5 lbs
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tales From The Scales - Week 3 - up ½ lb
Up this week, but to be honest I expected to be up more so I'm pretty happy to have only a ½ lb of damage to repair for next week. It could have been a whole lot worse.
Just noticed, that even with the ½ lb gain I've lost my first 5 pounds on the challenge, so I guess I've earned one of these...
Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 292
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 5 lbs
Just noticed, that even with the ½ lb gain I've lost my first 5 pounds on the challenge, so I guess I've earned one of these...
Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 292
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 5 lbs
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
October's Exercise Pledge - Day 1
OK, so I spent the morning sorting out a 21-day plan on MS Excel, which I duly printed off and stuck on the noticeboard, so I can't miss it, ignore it, forget it etc etc...
21 days took me up to the 29th October....so what the heck, I threw the 30th and the 31st in to it too, which gives me the rest of October to work on forming this habit.
After that I indulged in a little aversion therapy...it became quite necessary to watch the exercise video the whole way through, and make notes about where on the tape the 3 separate programmes are so I can forward to whichever programme I want to do on whatever day. I watched the video whilst enjoying my breakfast, my ritualistic cup of tea...and not feeling even a little bit guilty that I was eating instead of *doing*.
But then enough was enough...time to to something!
According to my carefully worked out planner today's session was from Joyce L Vedral's "The 12-Minute Total-Body Workout". Working from page 41 to 53. The session was as follows:
3 sets of 10 repetitions of
Flat ID Dumbbell Presses - Chest
Incline ID Dumbbell Flyes - Chest
Front ID Lateral Raises - Shoulders
Pee-Wee Rear Lateral Raises - Shoulders
Double Arm ID Kickbacks - Triceps
Double Arm ID Overhead Extensions - Triceps
Feeling very pleased with myself for taking this big step and making a start on this pledge. Was harder than I imagined, and whilst I wasn't puffing, I was noticeably breathing harder by the 3rd set of each exercise, and built up a rewarding bit of sweat. So, unlike my expectations, its a bit more than sitting about (or standing) and flailing some weight about. Now, ten minutes later, the muscles I worked today don't feel uncomfortable or tight, but they definitely feel like they've done something.
My dumbbells are 2¼ lbs, rather than 3, but only because I couldn't find any 3lb weights when I was shopping for them...and 2¼ lb weights are better than no weights eh!
Rewarding myself with a lovely cool glass of water right now as I type this, and sneaking a peak at my initials in the 'completed' box on my print-out.
First step taken and achieved! Yay me!
21 days took me up to the 29th October....so what the heck, I threw the 30th and the 31st in to it too, which gives me the rest of October to work on forming this habit.
After that I indulged in a little aversion therapy...it became quite necessary to watch the exercise video the whole way through, and make notes about where on the tape the 3 separate programmes are so I can forward to whichever programme I want to do on whatever day. I watched the video whilst enjoying my breakfast, my ritualistic cup of tea...and not feeling even a little bit guilty that I was eating instead of *doing*.
But then enough was enough...time to to something!
According to my carefully worked out planner today's session was from Joyce L Vedral's "The 12-Minute Total-Body Workout". Working from page 41 to 53. The session was as follows:
3 sets of 10 repetitions of
Flat ID Dumbbell Presses - Chest
Incline ID Dumbbell Flyes - Chest
Front ID Lateral Raises - Shoulders
Pee-Wee Rear Lateral Raises - Shoulders
Double Arm ID Kickbacks - Triceps
Double Arm ID Overhead Extensions - Triceps
Feeling very pleased with myself for taking this big step and making a start on this pledge. Was harder than I imagined, and whilst I wasn't puffing, I was noticeably breathing harder by the 3rd set of each exercise, and built up a rewarding bit of sweat. So, unlike my expectations, its a bit more than sitting about (or standing) and flailing some weight about. Now, ten minutes later, the muscles I worked today don't feel uncomfortable or tight, but they definitely feel like they've done something.
My dumbbells are 2¼ lbs, rather than 3, but only because I couldn't find any 3lb weights when I was shopping for them...and 2¼ lb weights are better than no weights eh!
Rewarding myself with a lovely cool glass of water right now as I type this, and sneaking a peak at my initials in the 'completed' box on my print-out.
First step taken and achieved! Yay me!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Week 11 Weigh-in - 292 lbs
DoGdamn the monthly curse!
Up a half pound this week, but to be honest I expected to be up more, so I am happy with just a half pound to demolish this week.
Last month I was up 4lbs during my TotM, so a half pound is nothing to demolish in my weight battle.
My biggest problem seems to be that for a 24-48 hr period right in the middle of my TotM I devlop a ravenous appetite which just doesn't want to be satisfied. This time, after my 4lb increase last month, I had a battle plan. Make lots of 0 point snacks readily available....so I filled the fridge with carrotsticks and cucumber strips...and made a huge pot of Zero Point Soup....and I happily scoffed into these thinking the munchy monster would be satisfied and yet, at zero points I was doing no damage...but boy was I wrong. I'd finish my 0 point snack, and then turn to the cupboards, because the hunger hound just wasn't happy. I raided the fridge, I raided the cupboards, I filled out on pasta and potatoes and other high-point fillers and comfort food...and I went continually over my points...so really I *AM* grateful that the scales showed a mere half pound gain....but I need to be ultra strict with myself this week.
I feel better tonight than I felt last night. Last night I was on the phone to my mother in the UK in despair. She used to be a Weight Watchers leader (although in her day they were called 'Lecturers') and she's a great source of info and fantastic support on the end of the phone when I'm at my wit's end. I feel with this monthly gain I'm constantly taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back. I have my TotM and inevitably gain that week. Then I spend the next week or two repairing the damage, and then the third week hopefully shows a true loss, and then its TotM and I'm back to square one again. It can't go on! If anyone has some handy hints and tips on how to keep this monster at bay I'd love to hear them. If I can control it at half a pound each month I'll be very happy. Its easy to repair half a pound....but last months 4 lb gain was a real shocker!
I'm currently on the Points plan (I think you guys on the west side of the Atlantic all it Flex), so maybe I'll try 7 days of Core plan next month, and see if that makes any difference. Perhaps the indiscipline of grazing my fill of points each day is leaving me with too much temptation...I'll let you know next month if it works.
Up a half pound this week, but to be honest I expected to be up more, so I am happy with just a half pound to demolish this week.
Last month I was up 4lbs during my TotM, so a half pound is nothing to demolish in my weight battle.
My biggest problem seems to be that for a 24-48 hr period right in the middle of my TotM I devlop a ravenous appetite which just doesn't want to be satisfied. This time, after my 4lb increase last month, I had a battle plan. Make lots of 0 point snacks readily available....so I filled the fridge with carrotsticks and cucumber strips...and made a huge pot of Zero Point Soup....and I happily scoffed into these thinking the munchy monster would be satisfied and yet, at zero points I was doing no damage...but boy was I wrong. I'd finish my 0 point snack, and then turn to the cupboards, because the hunger hound just wasn't happy. I raided the fridge, I raided the cupboards, I filled out on pasta and potatoes and other high-point fillers and comfort food...and I went continually over my points...so really I *AM* grateful that the scales showed a mere half pound gain....but I need to be ultra strict with myself this week.
I feel better tonight than I felt last night. Last night I was on the phone to my mother in the UK in despair. She used to be a Weight Watchers leader (although in her day they were called 'Lecturers') and she's a great source of info and fantastic support on the end of the phone when I'm at my wit's end. I feel with this monthly gain I'm constantly taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back. I have my TotM and inevitably gain that week. Then I spend the next week or two repairing the damage, and then the third week hopefully shows a true loss, and then its TotM and I'm back to square one again. It can't go on! If anyone has some handy hints and tips on how to keep this monster at bay I'd love to hear them. If I can control it at half a pound each month I'll be very happy. Its easy to repair half a pound....but last months 4 lb gain was a real shocker!
I'm currently on the Points plan (I think you guys on the west side of the Atlantic all it Flex), so maybe I'll try 7 days of Core plan next month, and see if that makes any difference. Perhaps the indiscipline of grazing my fill of points each day is leaving me with too much temptation...I'll let you know next month if it works.
A Matter of Excercise - making a plan!
I think its time to get serious about exercise...OK, I have six dogs here at home, and they get walked everyday....but I have been walking dogs everyday since I was given my very own dog (in a multi-dog family home where there were always several), Trouble - a female terrier cross, when I was 16 years old....so I have been walking dogs almost every day for the last 17 years (those clever clogs out there will now know I'm 33 [grin]) and my theory is that my body is used to this regular exercise, and thus I have gained weight in spite of this daily walk.
So in order to boost my body into letting go of even more of that weight I need to exercise MORE.
I have a few options open to me....I could walk the dogs for a little longer each day.
I could go on a separate walk, and walk harder, at another time of day.
I could go to a gym.
I could work out at home.
So here's my plan.
I feel if I just walk the dogs longer this won't have enough of an impact. I'm not necessarily striding out throughout the whole walk....its more of an amble, a chance for the mutts to stretch their legs, empty their bladders, sniff all those new sniffs and checkout their favourite places, and for me its a chance to switch off and wind down.
The 'gym' idea is out too...I don't have one very near. The closest one is a half hour drive...and I just know I wouldn't keep it up, so why set myself to fail? I also couldn't afford to go regularly...so we'll strike 'gym' off that list right now.
So this leaves me with two options remaining
1) to go for a walk on my own, without any canine distractions, and walk out properly. Maybe bring along the MP3 player, and lose myself in some music while I stride along.
2) To work out at home. I've a video workout that I bought a year or so ago (and *NEVER* followed, not even once), and that is Davina McCall's Power Of 3
And I've got a great book, again I've read it but never followed it, and that is Joyce L Vedral's 12-Minute Total Workout. I even bought myself a couple of proper 2 lb weights to use with this book recently...but still haven't done anything.
I don't want to dive in, do too much, too soon, and put myself off. I know my own psyche and again, I don't want to set myself up to fail. I need to make a small commitment now, one I know I can stick with and make into a habit....and once the daily habit is formed I can take it further and introduce more. One that will overcome the "I can't be bothered", and replace it with "sure it'll only take a short while, lets go!"
I hereby pledge, on my blog, in public, to try to do something new every day for the next 3 weeks. Don't they say it takes 21 days to form a habit?
On Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays I will do a short workout from the video.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I will do something out of Ms Verdal's book.
At the weekends I will go for a nice walk, without the dogs, in someplace new.
If, for whatever reason, I can't do any of these things (work, out, away etc) I will make an effort to go for at least a 20 minute walk instead...
When I've done whatever I'm doing for that day I *will* blog it, and make that a habit too.
Catch you all tomorrow, after my 12-minutes weight session!
If anyone has any knowledge of the two workout items I mentioned, the video and the book, or any opinions on my plan of action...please sing out. I love hearing from you.
So in order to boost my body into letting go of even more of that weight I need to exercise MORE.
I have a few options open to me....I could walk the dogs for a little longer each day.
I could go on a separate walk, and walk harder, at another time of day.
I could go to a gym.
I could work out at home.
So here's my plan.
I feel if I just walk the dogs longer this won't have enough of an impact. I'm not necessarily striding out throughout the whole walk....its more of an amble, a chance for the mutts to stretch their legs, empty their bladders, sniff all those new sniffs and checkout their favourite places, and for me its a chance to switch off and wind down.
The 'gym' idea is out too...I don't have one very near. The closest one is a half hour drive...and I just know I wouldn't keep it up, so why set myself to fail? I also couldn't afford to go regularly...so we'll strike 'gym' off that list right now.
So this leaves me with two options remaining
1) to go for a walk on my own, without any canine distractions, and walk out properly. Maybe bring along the MP3 player, and lose myself in some music while I stride along.
2) To work out at home. I've a video workout that I bought a year or so ago (and *NEVER* followed, not even once), and that is Davina McCall's Power Of 3
And I've got a great book, again I've read it but never followed it, and that is Joyce L Vedral's 12-Minute Total Workout. I even bought myself a couple of proper 2 lb weights to use with this book recently...but still haven't done anything.
I don't want to dive in, do too much, too soon, and put myself off. I know my own psyche and again, I don't want to set myself up to fail. I need to make a small commitment now, one I know I can stick with and make into a habit....and once the daily habit is formed I can take it further and introduce more. One that will overcome the "I can't be bothered", and replace it with "sure it'll only take a short while, lets go!"
I hereby pledge, on my blog, in public, to try to do something new every day for the next 3 weeks. Don't they say it takes 21 days to form a habit?
On Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays I will do a short workout from the video.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I will do something out of Ms Verdal's book.
At the weekends I will go for a nice walk, without the dogs, in someplace new.
If, for whatever reason, I can't do any of these things (work, out, away etc) I will make an effort to go for at least a 20 minute walk instead...
When I've done whatever I'm doing for that day I *will* blog it, and make that a habit too.
Catch you all tomorrow, after my 12-minutes weight session!
If anyone has any knowledge of the two workout items I mentioned, the video and the book, or any opinions on my plan of action...please sing out. I love hearing from you.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tales From The Scales - Week 2 - down 1 lb
Weighed in Monday 1st October at my Weight Watchers meeting, and my weight loss for this week was -1 lb
Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 291.5
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 5.5 lbs
Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 291.5
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 5.5 lbs
Monday, October 01, 2007
Week 10 Weigh-in - 291.5 lbs
Down just 1 lb this week.
OK, I sound more disappointed than I should, but I just can't convince myself that it *IS* good. And really, it is....because I don't think I really deserve it.
Tuesday night we went to a meeting for an organisation we're both on the committee for....and knowing we wouldn't be home until gone 10pm we decided to go early and eat in the hotel where the meeting was being held.
I made the best food choices that I could, but they just weren't point friendly. Really going to have to re-think this if the next meeting co-incides with one of my work days (not home early enough to cook & eat properly before heading to the meeting).
And then 2 other days I went over my points...not way over, but over nonetheless....so only mananged 4 days out of 7 within my points this week. Really should have shown a gain on the scales if anything. So I'll take that 1 lb loss and learn to be happy with it....just difficult when the previous two weeks have shown such fantastic losses of 5 lbs and 4.5 lbs respectively.
So back on track this week, no meetings, no distractions...just me and my tracker.
OK, I sound more disappointed than I should, but I just can't convince myself that it *IS* good. And really, it is....because I don't think I really deserve it.
Tuesday night we went to a meeting for an organisation we're both on the committee for....and knowing we wouldn't be home until gone 10pm we decided to go early and eat in the hotel where the meeting was being held.
I made the best food choices that I could, but they just weren't point friendly. Really going to have to re-think this if the next meeting co-incides with one of my work days (not home early enough to cook & eat properly before heading to the meeting).
And then 2 other days I went over my points...not way over, but over nonetheless....so only mananged 4 days out of 7 within my points this week. Really should have shown a gain on the scales if anything. So I'll take that 1 lb loss and learn to be happy with it....just difficult when the previous two weeks have shown such fantastic losses of 5 lbs and 4.5 lbs respectively.
So back on track this week, no meetings, no distractions...just me and my tracker.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sponsored Dog Walk
Today was the annual Roscrea SPCA Sponsored Dog Walk. I'm an active member of Roscrea SPCA, and currently foster dogs for them.
The walk takes approximately an hour, maybe a little more. Up some hills and down some hills, and last year I really struggled....this year was much easier.
My canine companion for this year was Dolly...a german short-haired pointer cross that I rescued when she was 12 weeks old.
Whilst my fiance J brought along our current foster dog, Jerry, for the walk. It was great for us to be able to take Jerry out in the company of large numbers of strange dogs, and I was very proud of his good behaviour. Just need to find him a good home now!
The walk went brilliantly for me, apart from an attack of cramp when I lifted my leg to get in to the jeep to go home...but still, that's much better than last year when I almost fainted when we finished, and really did struggle to get all the way around.
The walk takes approximately an hour, maybe a little more. Up some hills and down some hills, and last year I really struggled....this year was much easier.
My canine companion for this year was Dolly...a german short-haired pointer cross that I rescued when she was 12 weeks old.
Whilst my fiance J brought along our current foster dog, Jerry, for the walk. It was great for us to be able to take Jerry out in the company of large numbers of strange dogs, and I was very proud of his good behaviour. Just need to find him a good home now!
The walk went brilliantly for me, apart from an attack of cramp when I lifted my leg to get in to the jeep to go home...but still, that's much better than last year when I almost fainted when we finished, and really did struggle to get all the way around.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Time To Go Sloe
This morning we had our first good frost, heralding in my favourite time of year, the Autumn. (or 'Fall' for our friends across the Atlantic).
It was truly glorious out romping with the dogs in the fields this morning. A really crisp day.
So today is the day to get picking my sloes. Traditionally you wait for the first frost...which can be a bit nail-biting here in Ireland, as we're just east of the Gulf Stream, so some winter's we don't get frosts at all, or they start very late in the year. My own rule of thumb is to pick by the end of September if we've had no frosts by then.
For more information on what a 'sloe' is look HERE
And what will I do with my freshly picked sloes? Well I'm going to make Sloe Gin of course!
Always a very well received and popular Christmas present....and this year, for the first time, when I've decanted my sloe gin in a couple of months, I'm going to try the Sloe Chocolate recipe, for family members too.
Whilst my current dieting lifestyle ought to prohibit me from eating the chocolates, I think I'm going to have to try one, maybe two.....just for quality control purposes of course *LOL*
A few more indoors chores to do, including checking out that all is well in Internet-land [grin] and then its time to go Sloe!
It was truly glorious out romping with the dogs in the fields this morning. A really crisp day.
So today is the day to get picking my sloes. Traditionally you wait for the first frost...which can be a bit nail-biting here in Ireland, as we're just east of the Gulf Stream, so some winter's we don't get frosts at all, or they start very late in the year. My own rule of thumb is to pick by the end of September if we've had no frosts by then.
For more information on what a 'sloe' is look HERE
And what will I do with my freshly picked sloes? Well I'm going to make Sloe Gin of course!
Always a very well received and popular Christmas present....and this year, for the first time, when I've decanted my sloe gin in a couple of months, I'm going to try the Sloe Chocolate recipe, for family members too.
Whilst my current dieting lifestyle ought to prohibit me from eating the chocolates, I think I'm going to have to try one, maybe two.....just for quality control purposes of course *LOL*
A few more indoors chores to do, including checking out that all is well in Internet-land [grin] and then its time to go Sloe!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tales From The Scales - Week 1 - down 4.5 lbs
Undecided about this post, but wanting to have a seperate post to record my weigh-in results for the Tales From The Scales 2008 Challenge...knowing that it's basically repeating my post from Monday...
But for the sake of clarity, here goes.
Weighed in Monday 24th September at my Weight Watchers meeting, and my weight loss for this week was -4.5 lbs
Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 292.5
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 4.5 lbs
But for the sake of clarity, here goes.
Weighed in Monday 24th September at my Weight Watchers meeting, and my weight loss for this week was -4.5 lbs
Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 292.5
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 4.5 lbs
Monday, September 24, 2007
Week 9 Weigh-in - 292.7
Quite a pleasant surprise to be down 4½ lbs this week. Takes me down to 20 stone 12½ lbs...which also means 1 less eating point, so now I can only eat up to 29 points per day.
Actually less eating points is a relief....been really struggling this week to make up my points each day, so one less is one less to worry about eating. Our leader recommends that we don't eat less then 4 points below our maximum each day, but even so, finding enough to fill 26 points each day has been a struggle, and found me raiding the fridge and cupboards late in the evening.
In a way I'll take this as a non-scale victory (NSV) that my appetite is starting to reduce....Yay!
Out of interest, our points are partly determined by how many stones we weigh. So having gone from 21-x to 20-x I drop 1 point. In those countries that don't use stones as a weight measure, how do you calculate points and when to reduce the number?
I've not been so great at getting my water in this week, and will make a concerted effort to try harder for the next 7 days. Each morning I fill a 2-litre bottle with filtered water, and aim to drink most if not all by the time I go to bed. Not a big ask really. But nearly every morning I've only had to top-up this week because only half or so has been drunk each day.
Going back to NSV's, the belt I've worn for years on the last hole is also showing a rewarding NSV. It now comfortably goes to the hole fifth from last....almost 12 cm away from the last hole! My late father's watch is now too loose and sliding around my wrist, and my engagement ring slips on and off much more easily and also slides around my finger so I have to keep moving the stone back to the top.
Tonight's meeting was about goals, and keeping the motivation going. She said that for those of us who have a long journey ahead of us to get to the ultimate weight goal, then break it down. The 10% system works well, but maybe take it as far as weekly goals (I'll lose 2 lbs by next week for example), or monthly goals if you needed to reward yourself with goals more often to keep the motivation going. She pointed out that Christmas was only 12 weeks away, which drew a gasp from the audience. But then she delighted us by pointing out that if we merely lost 1 lb a week until then, well we'd be 12 lbs down. Sounds very easy and achievable doesn't it!
Actually less eating points is a relief....been really struggling this week to make up my points each day, so one less is one less to worry about eating. Our leader recommends that we don't eat less then 4 points below our maximum each day, but even so, finding enough to fill 26 points each day has been a struggle, and found me raiding the fridge and cupboards late in the evening.
In a way I'll take this as a non-scale victory (NSV) that my appetite is starting to reduce....Yay!
Out of interest, our points are partly determined by how many stones we weigh. So having gone from 21-x to 20-x I drop 1 point. In those countries that don't use stones as a weight measure, how do you calculate points and when to reduce the number?
I've not been so great at getting my water in this week, and will make a concerted effort to try harder for the next 7 days. Each morning I fill a 2-litre bottle with filtered water, and aim to drink most if not all by the time I go to bed. Not a big ask really. But nearly every morning I've only had to top-up this week because only half or so has been drunk each day.
Going back to NSV's, the belt I've worn for years on the last hole is also showing a rewarding NSV. It now comfortably goes to the hole fifth from last....almost 12 cm away from the last hole! My late father's watch is now too loose and sliding around my wrist, and my engagement ring slips on and off much more easily and also slides around my finger so I have to keep moving the stone back to the top.
Tonight's meeting was about goals, and keeping the motivation going. She said that for those of us who have a long journey ahead of us to get to the ultimate weight goal, then break it down. The 10% system works well, but maybe take it as far as weekly goals (I'll lose 2 lbs by next week for example), or monthly goals if you needed to reward yourself with goals more often to keep the motivation going. She pointed out that Christmas was only 12 weeks away, which drew a gasp from the audience. But then she delighted us by pointing out that if we merely lost 1 lb a week until then, well we'd be 12 lbs down. Sounds very easy and achievable doesn't it!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Pounds and Stones
A couple of comments got me thinking about stones.
Naively I assumed everyone knew what a stone was, so these comments surprised me. Then I looked into it a little....and it seems its one of those curious things we use here in the British Isles, and doesn't seem to be used anywhere else. So apologies to those who were confused by my reference to stones in regard to weight. And here, just for you guys, is a little explanation of what a stone is, with regard to weight.
1 stone = 14 lbs
So, 10 stone is 140 lbs
A little maths for you
My current weight is recorded at 21 stone 3 lbs, recorded on here as 297 lbs
So, 21 X 14 = 294, plus 3 = 297
Get it?
In my Weight Watchers class, every time we lose a stone in weight our leader gives us a small coloured glass stone to symbolise this, just a bit of fun...I assume this happens in other Weight Watchers classes across the British Isles, and would be grateful for info from other Uk and Ireland WW-ers.
We also get Silver Seven stickers for every 7lbs we lose...which symbolises 7 pounds (or half a stone) lost. Does this happen anywhere else?
Any questions about stones, please don't hesitate to shout out.
Wikipedia has a great explanation of the use of the stone as a weight measure
HERE Enjoy!
Naively I assumed everyone knew what a stone was, so these comments surprised me. Then I looked into it a little....and it seems its one of those curious things we use here in the British Isles, and doesn't seem to be used anywhere else. So apologies to those who were confused by my reference to stones in regard to weight. And here, just for you guys, is a little explanation of what a stone is, with regard to weight.
1 stone = 14 lbs
So, 10 stone is 140 lbs
A little maths for you
My current weight is recorded at 21 stone 3 lbs, recorded on here as 297 lbs
So, 21 X 14 = 294, plus 3 = 297
Get it?
In my Weight Watchers class, every time we lose a stone in weight our leader gives us a small coloured glass stone to symbolise this, just a bit of fun...I assume this happens in other Weight Watchers classes across the British Isles, and would be grateful for info from other Uk and Ireland WW-ers.
We also get Silver Seven stickers for every 7lbs we lose...which symbolises 7 pounds (or half a stone) lost. Does this happen anywhere else?
Any questions about stones, please don't hesitate to shout out.
Wikipedia has a great explanation of the use of the stone as a weight measure
HERE Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Tales From The Scales - Week 0
So, here it is...my intro post for the new Tales From The Scales Challenge
My weight loss goal for this challenge is 31 lbs....that will, fingers firmly crossed, bring me down to a round 19 stone (pardon the pun!)....and keep me focused over Christmas!
Hmmmm....19 stone....somewhere I haven't been in quite a few years.
My long term weight-loss aspirations are to get to that magical BMI of 'Normal'...currently I sit in the 'Morbidly Obese' category which is NOT good!
I become 'Normal' at 11 stone 5 lbs (159 lbs), I drop out of the 'Morbid' range at 18 stone 3lbs...still a good way off, but I'm determined.
My short term weight loss aspirations are my wedding next August...I really don't want to be a fat bride. With good sensible weight loss I have set my self a 'wedding target' of 16 stone 3lb (227 lbs)...which I feel should be easily achievable, and any more weight loss is a bonus. Whilst I won't be a slim bride, I'll be a lot slimmer and look a whole heap better in that dress that I currently do!
I need to be ordering my dress in January, and going in at 19 stone will be a lot more fun that trying dresses at 21+ stone
So, the all-important Challenge Stats
Current weight: 297 lbs (21st-3lbs)
Target weight: 266 lbs (19st-0lbs)
Loss required by Jan 11th: 31 lbs
Measurements
Hips: 57½ "
Waist:44½ "
Bust: 49½ "
Let's go!
My weight loss goal for this challenge is 31 lbs....that will, fingers firmly crossed, bring me down to a round 19 stone (pardon the pun!)....and keep me focused over Christmas!
Hmmmm....19 stone....somewhere I haven't been in quite a few years.
My long term weight-loss aspirations are to get to that magical BMI of 'Normal'...currently I sit in the 'Morbidly Obese' category which is NOT good!
I become 'Normal' at 11 stone 5 lbs (159 lbs), I drop out of the 'Morbid' range at 18 stone 3lbs...still a good way off, but I'm determined.
My short term weight loss aspirations are my wedding next August...I really don't want to be a fat bride. With good sensible weight loss I have set my self a 'wedding target' of 16 stone 3lb (227 lbs)...which I feel should be easily achievable, and any more weight loss is a bonus. Whilst I won't be a slim bride, I'll be a lot slimmer and look a whole heap better in that dress that I currently do!
I need to be ordering my dress in January, and going in at 19 stone will be a lot more fun that trying dresses at 21+ stone
So, the all-important Challenge Stats
Current weight: 297 lbs (21st-3lbs)
Target weight: 266 lbs (19st-0lbs)
Loss required by Jan 11th: 31 lbs
Measurements
Hips: 57½ "
Waist:44½ "
Bust: 49½ "
Let's go!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Facing up to myself on Facebook
Oh my, once I've started posting I just can't seem to stop...its a bit like eating!
So last night I found an old friend on Facebook, and she had put up a few photos from her recent wedding (July 07). Well as luck would have it, I featured in a couple of photos...and clearly looked the size I am, there's just no hiding it.
But I was mortified that, having been tagged on this photo, all my old college friends who were also 'friends' on Facebook would be able to see this photo because of their 'friend status' access to my profile. I almost begged her to remove it, I really didn't want my college friends to see what I had become...but then I realised I could'nt ask her to do that without being completely pathetic...so here, to truly get this out of the closet, I'm going to publish those photos here in all their glory. If that doesn't cure me of any silliness, and focus my diet, then I don't know what will!
Avert your eyes if you're easily offended (well, I know for sure these photos offend me!)
J & T's Wedding - 19th July 2007
I cut out my fiance in the next pic, in case you're wondering about the fella I'm sprawling across!
So last night I found an old friend on Facebook, and she had put up a few photos from her recent wedding (July 07). Well as luck would have it, I featured in a couple of photos...and clearly looked the size I am, there's just no hiding it.
But I was mortified that, having been tagged on this photo, all my old college friends who were also 'friends' on Facebook would be able to see this photo because of their 'friend status' access to my profile. I almost begged her to remove it, I really didn't want my college friends to see what I had become...but then I realised I could'nt ask her to do that without being completely pathetic...so here, to truly get this out of the closet, I'm going to publish those photos here in all their glory. If that doesn't cure me of any silliness, and focus my diet, then I don't know what will!
Avert your eyes if you're easily offended (well, I know for sure these photos offend me!)
J & T's Wedding - 19th July 2007
I cut out my fiance in the next pic, in case you're wondering about the fella I'm sprawling across!
Look Great in 2008 Challenge
Found this on the Princess's blog Once Upon A Diet and I figured I'd give it a go.
Go here for more info: Tales From The Scales - Look Great in 2008 Challenge
Go here for more info: Tales From The Scales - Look Great in 2008 Challenge
Week 8 Weigh-in - 297 lbs
Put some manners on that horse, and discarded those 4 lbs with the disdain they deserved...and threw out an extra lb just for added effect! Ha!
Actually quite surprised by this...tried to do my best but not been overly angelic, and have knowingly gone over my points allocation (30 points) a few times this week to my knowledge, as well as a sinful camping weekend with friends at Carraig Dulra courtesy of our very generous hosts, Suzie and Mike.
Good company, beautiful location, too many sausages snaffled from the barbecue, cold beer going down all too well, and the most delicious (yet utterly sinful) idea for combining toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate and digestive biscuit...all conspired to make me very worried when I stepped up on the scale this evening.
And came home clutching my little coloured stone that our leader gives to folks when they've lost a stone in weight. Only 13 lbs to go until I get the next one!
But I guess when I wasn't being bad I was doing something right.
If you're consfused by the title this week, I decided to bite the bullet and apply these current posts to my current efforts at WW. This is week 8 since I went back in at the end of July, and it didn't seem right to give the weigh-in days similar titles to those posted last year. Interesting to see that my weekly average is 2lbs, if I can keep that up over the longh aul then I will be very happy indeed...baby steps and all that
Apologies for not posting more last week, busy at work, and busy at home and busy eating badly, and feeling I had nothing much to say that would inspire me. Will honestly try and make more of an effort this week, thanks Princess for the reminders x
Actually quite surprised by this...tried to do my best but not been overly angelic, and have knowingly gone over my points allocation (30 points) a few times this week to my knowledge, as well as a sinful camping weekend with friends at Carraig Dulra courtesy of our very generous hosts, Suzie and Mike.
Good company, beautiful location, too many sausages snaffled from the barbecue, cold beer going down all too well, and the most delicious (yet utterly sinful) idea for combining toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate and digestive biscuit...all conspired to make me very worried when I stepped up on the scale this evening.
And came home clutching my little coloured stone that our leader gives to folks when they've lost a stone in weight. Only 13 lbs to go until I get the next one!
But I guess when I wasn't being bad I was doing something right.
If you're consfused by the title this week, I decided to bite the bullet and apply these current posts to my current efforts at WW. This is week 8 since I went back in at the end of July, and it didn't seem right to give the weigh-in days similar titles to those posted last year. Interesting to see that my weekly average is 2lbs, if I can keep that up over the longh aul then I will be very happy indeed...baby steps and all that
Apologies for not posting more last week, busy at work, and busy at home and busy eating badly, and feeling I had nothing much to say that would inspire me. Will honestly try and make more of an effort this week, thanks Princess for the reminders x
Monday, September 10, 2007
Weigh Day - 302 lbs (bummer!)
Am so pi**ed with myself right now. *UP* 4 lbs this week. The delightful balloon of losing my first stone last week is well and truly burst, and now sits shrivelled and deflated, as does my mood.
Had the TOTM from hell this week. Stomach cramps that had me rolling about on the floor, groaning....and an appetite to test the most virtuous. Some days I just couldn't get full, and the hunger demons pulled my hair constantly. Went well over my points more days this week than I stayed under, and the price is paid.
And now, the scales of truth show me the damage and make me feel even worse.
So, I fell off the horse, bruised my ego and motivation. Now to grab the reins, find that stirrup and remount...
Had the TOTM from hell this week. Stomach cramps that had me rolling about on the floor, groaning....and an appetite to test the most virtuous. Some days I just couldn't get full, and the hunger demons pulled my hair constantly. Went well over my points more days this week than I stayed under, and the price is paid.
And now, the scales of truth show me the damage and make me feel even worse.
So, I fell off the horse, bruised my ego and motivation. Now to grab the reins, find that stirrup and remount...
Saturday, September 08, 2007
New Start, New Ticker, New Stats
Have altered the Ticker at the bottom to reflect the new start, to save any confusion (mine mostly!).
And now for the new stats:
Age: 33
Height: 5'7"
Starting Weight: 313 lbs
10% Goal Weight: 282 lbs
Overall Goal Weight: 159 lbs
Current Weight: 298 lbs
Loss to date: 15 lbs
Left to Lose (overall): 144 lbs
Left to Lose (10%): 16 lbs
Starting BMI: 49.1
Current BMI: 46.7
BMI Lost: 2.4
Current Measurements: Bust 50½" / Waist 46½" / Hips 58"
And now for the new stats:
Age: 33
Height: 5'7"
Starting Weight: 313 lbs
10% Goal Weight: 282 lbs
Overall Goal Weight: 159 lbs
Current Weight: 298 lbs
Loss to date: 15 lbs
Left to Lose (overall): 144 lbs
Left to Lose (10%): 16 lbs
Starting BMI: 49.1
Current BMI: 46.7
BMI Lost: 2.4
Current Measurements: Bust 50½" / Waist 46½" / Hips 58"
Back on the weight loss wagon!
A lot has happened to me in the last 12 months or so.
Good stuff, not so good stuff.
My dad died after a long and brave battle aginst the big C.
My partner of nearly 9 years shocked me with a proposal.
We've increased our classic VW collection to 6½ vehicles, a camper, a kombi pickup, 4 beetles and a rolling beetle chassis [don't ask! *LOL]
Blah blah blah...
and I'm ashamed to say weight loss took a back seat.
But on the 22nd July 2007 I crept back in to Weight Watchers to face the music and assess the damage.
So here's a short recap of the weigh-ins since then. Have surprised myself with my progress, and thrilled with the current motivation!
22 July 07 - 313 lbs
Not great, but could have been a lot worse after 12 months off the scales of truth!
Decided to stick to the Points Plan. I know I'm a grazer, and simply cannot guarantee I can sit down to 3 meals a day on a regular basis, so it makes sense to stick to what I know has worked for me in the past.
30 July 07 - 303 lbs
Yes! You did read that correctly, in my first week I lost 10 lbs! Woo feckin' Hoo!
OK, realistically i know that the first week is ususally the biggest loss, but neither me or my leader expected 10lbs to go.
6 Aug 07 - 302.5 lbs
Only half a pound down this week, but at least its half a pound in the right direction. Dodgy mood swings, and nagging stomach cramps give me an indication of why I perhaps didn't lose more this week.
13 Aug 07 - 302 lbs
Another half pound in the right direction but disappointed I didn't lose more.
20 Aug 07 - No Weigh IN
Am too busy away on a 10-day Charity Drive, eating as well as I can, but not as well as I should! And drinking far too much.
27 Aug 07 - 302 lbs
Wow! Considering the last 10 days of total food and alcohol debauchery, I'm actually pretty thrilled with this weigh-in! I had prepeared myself and my leader for a gain this week. And we had both agreed to take whatever the scales said, and work out a damage limitation plan.
Now just to make this weigh-in seeme even better that it was, I was also wearing *wet* jeans when I weighed in.
Each week I wear jeans and work boots (steel toe caps) to weigh in. Sometimes I'm working on WW days, and coming straight from work. So I made my mind up at the start to wear these each week, so I could be consistent with what I was wearing. Also, although its a long way away, when I do get to goal, I can put on some cotton trousers and proper shoes, and make those scales really sing my tune!
So, after 10 days of terrible eating habits, and wearing wet jeans because I could'nt get them dry in time, I think that to maintain was a pretty fantastic result here!
3 Sep 07 - 298 lbs
Brilliant! 4 lbs down, cracked the 200's and lost my first stone. Total loss so far this time is 15 lbs, and life is good. I was walking on air as I left my meeting, and feeling pretty chuffed. I treated myself to a CD as a reward, and my OH bought me flowers.
Hopefully, now I've got my weight loss back on track I'll get this blog back on track too.
Chat soon
Good stuff, not so good stuff.
My dad died after a long and brave battle aginst the big C.
My partner of nearly 9 years shocked me with a proposal.
We've increased our classic
Blah blah blah...
and I'm ashamed to say weight loss took a back seat.
But on the 22nd July 2007 I crept back in to Weight Watchers to face the music and assess the damage.
So here's a short recap of the weigh-ins since then. Have surprised myself with my progress, and thrilled with the current motivation!
22 July 07 - 313 lbs
Not great, but could have been a lot worse after 12 months off the scales of truth!
Decided to stick to the Points Plan. I know I'm a grazer, and simply cannot guarantee I can sit down to 3 meals a day on a regular basis, so it makes sense to stick to what I know has worked for me in the past.
30 July 07 - 303 lbs
Yes! You did read that correctly, in my first week I lost 10 lbs! Woo feckin' Hoo!
OK, realistically i know that the first week is ususally the biggest loss, but neither me or my leader expected 10lbs to go.
6 Aug 07 - 302.5 lbs
Only half a pound down this week, but at least its half a pound in the right direction. Dodgy mood swings, and nagging stomach cramps give me an indication of why I perhaps didn't lose more this week.
13 Aug 07 - 302 lbs
Another half pound in the right direction but disappointed I didn't lose more.
20 Aug 07 - No Weigh IN
Am too busy away on a 10-day Charity Drive, eating as well as I can, but not as well as I should! And drinking far too much.
27 Aug 07 - 302 lbs
Wow! Considering the last 10 days of total food and alcohol debauchery, I'm actually pretty thrilled with this weigh-in! I had prepeared myself and my leader for a gain this week. And we had both agreed to take whatever the scales said, and work out a damage limitation plan.
Now just to make this weigh-in seeme even better that it was, I was also wearing *wet* jeans when I weighed in.
Each week I wear jeans and work boots (steel toe caps) to weigh in. Sometimes I'm working on WW days, and coming straight from work. So I made my mind up at the start to wear these each week, so I could be consistent with what I was wearing. Also, although its a long way away, when I do get to goal, I can put on some cotton trousers and proper shoes, and make those scales really sing my tune!
So, after 10 days of terrible eating habits, and wearing wet jeans because I could'nt get them dry in time, I think that to maintain was a pretty fantastic result here!
3 Sep 07 - 298 lbs
Brilliant! 4 lbs down, cracked the 200's and lost my first stone. Total loss so far this time is 15 lbs, and life is good. I was walking on air as I left my meeting, and feeling pretty chuffed. I treated myself to a CD as a reward, and my OH bought me flowers.
Hopefully, now I've got my weight loss back on track I'll get this blog back on track too.
Chat soon
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Just had a run in with some members of the travelling community. Pleased to say I won, but still feeling shook up, intimidated and apprehensive about going to work tomorrow and leaving the house empty...
Our landlord has a large area of land behind our house. We don't rent the land, the grazing is rented to someone else....but because of my agric background its an unspoken agreement that I keep an eye on things and the cattle when they are here. We have lots of hares...and rolling hills of grassland...hare heaven. Because of this we get lots of people looking to course the hares with their lurchers and greyhounds...this is where i have trouble. This past time *IS* still legal over here, but there are specific seasons...to course outside of the season is an offence...if you could get a Guard to care enough. [this post is not going to turn into a discussion on the right or wrongs of this activity, pro or anti arguments etc! I'm just giving this info for background] Obviously you also need permission to course on someone else's land...and I know our landlord doesn't give this permission to anyone....so I can be reasonably confident that anyone attempting to course on this land, whether in season or not, is doing it without permission...so I don my pit bull terrier disguise and march out to confront them. Normally I get curt apologies, explanations that they were just looking for somewhere to exercise their dogs (yeah right!), out hunting foxes (with a greyhound? and still out of season?)...or that the hare numbers were crap here anyway (did it ever occur to this particular genius that this was because of the out-of-season coursing...if they want lots of hares they have to allow them to breed, duh!) But everytime without fail, and without a fight as such they turn around and leave the property....well today, this charming guy wasn't going to do that.
Would I just let him cut across the track so he could take his three boys (too very young) home to their mammy, accompanied by two enormous lurchers. NO
But I just need to get across there. Well I've just there [just there is actually a pig farm, and no other dwellings - I know for a fact he's not from the pig farm] No, this isn't a public right of way.
But I've come a long way, and its two miles back around the roads No, this is private land and there's cattle everywhere, including two bulls.
But the roads (a quiet country lane) are too dangerous for the boys What the road you've clearly just come along? No, you're not coming across this land.
The young'uns will be kil't in the roads They're more likely to be run down by the bullocks, believe me! Even if you had permission to cross this land it wouldn't be safe to do so...especially with two small children. You're not coming across.
God will judge you for this, you nasty b*tch Unlikely, I'm not really religious
Can we just no
But... NO
I've come a long way already and its two miles on the roads You really should have thought of that
Do you own this land No, it belongs to my landlord (no point lying, this info is easily found)
So its not your land then? No
So you don't have a say then? Actually yes, no one comes on this land except me, the cattle owner and the land owner...that is fact. You're not coming across this land.
How will you stop me I could let my dogs out on you...and I WILL call the gardai. they can be here is less than 3 minutes...you'll never cross the land in that time.
But its not your land We've discussed that already
can't I just No
what if I go down this field [the other side of the house, belongs to another farmer] then out the bottom You still have to cross this land, and you may not do that
no i don't Um, yes you do...unless you can fly
why can't I come across the land because I said so. because its not safe with the bullocks out there. Because you've no permission, shall I go on?
Do you have a problem with me. No I have a problem with people who can't stay off private property. I don't come trotting across your garden, so don't come trotting across here. I'm fed up with people with your sort of dog coming on here illegally, chasing the livestock, damaging fences, and illegally coursing for hares.
[he deliberately mis-hears me here]
Oh..so its all down to 'my sort' is it now? That's not what I said and you know it. Kindly don't twist my words. [for what its worth I actually have J on the phone, listening to every word...which I hope won't be handy - he'd phoned me about lunch just before these people turned up]
You said 'my sort' I said your sort of dog.
What do you mean by that lurchers, long dogs, greyhounds etc
Oh...and I suppose you think only certain types of people own those types of dog not at all, I haven't mentioned any type of people, you did. Do you have a problem with certain types of people?
I have a problem with people who run me off their land and expect me to take two small boys on the road, shame on you how did you get out here [we're in the middle of nowhere] and what are you doing out here anyway?
Then followed a barrage of curses and insults, and threats on me, my house and my dogs (who were barking behind me) and finally they left with the aprting words "well f*** you, and watch your back!"
3 minutes later J turns up and we go into the house to start lunch, but I can't...I'm too jumpy. I spot the horses in the field next door (NOT my landlord's land) and notice that they are all looking in the same direction ,ears pricked and very interested. I go out of the house, to find my 'friends' tiptoeing across the field, trying to duck down behind long grass. I shout 'Oi!' at them and come inside to look out of the kitchen window...Just in time to see them cut through the hedge on to 'my' [landlords] land...at which point the cattle in the first field spot them...and charge over. Well the man and his children run for their lives (literally) down the hedge line, duck under the electric fence wire and cross into the next field. They need to be heading to the right across the field, but so far they're stuck on the left-hand hedgeline. The cattle in the next fields spot them and charge over too. The man and children run some more. They can't cross back through the hedge now...the hedge sits on a stone wall at this point and its impossible. On they go into the third field. J is asking me to ignore them and come inside...but I can't now. Not because I want to see them fail, but because I wasn't lying when I mentioned the bull, and the fact that the cattle will happily run them down...they're in the farthest field now, they are in HIS domain, and I NEVER go in there unless I'm IN a vehicle, NEVER on foot...I'm now watching so that I can call an ambulance should I need to, all smug self-righteousness is firmly in check. Can I get inside and grab my collie (who's pretty brave with cattle) in time to help them if they get into trouble...even if I could they're too far away for me to get there quick enough...all I can do is watch. With all the luck in the world they get out just in time, and retrace their steps up the hedgeline...they've spotted me watching them and start shouting some more abuse...but I stay silent this time. Even the kids are shouting at me now. As if its MY fault that the cattle chased them off...yes of course, cattle training is the next big thing don'cha know! They really should have listened, and not tried to get one over on me...when I said the cattle were dangerous they should have listened. He crosses back through the neighbours field...shouts some more, and waves the smallest child at me (hard to describe, even more bizarre to watch) as if it is a ragdoll...as if to emphasize that he just ran the gauntlet with the bull with his youngest child...um...I did try and stop you, you idiot! He threw out some more threats then headed off...I've locked my front door...and keep checking out of my windows front and back...tempted to pull a sickie tomorrow, can't imagine life without my dogs, and they would be their principle target. They are all microchipped...but still
On the diet front, I'm too worried to be hungry...going to force some soup down in a while, when I feel confident enough to stop watching through this window right by the pc...I'm scared if I miss them through this window they'd be in before I knew it...they'd meet my two biggest dogs head on, but would that be enough?
No time for exercising yet...to busy arguing with travellers...sorry. maybe I'll have a good walk around the [empty] field this evening instead....and while I'm there I may as well check my boundaries
Our landlord has a large area of land behind our house. We don't rent the land, the grazing is rented to someone else....but because of my agric background its an unspoken agreement that I keep an eye on things and the cattle when they are here. We have lots of hares...and rolling hills of grassland...hare heaven. Because of this we get lots of people looking to course the hares with their lurchers and greyhounds...this is where i have trouble. This past time *IS* still legal over here, but there are specific seasons...to course outside of the season is an offence...if you could get a Guard to care enough. [this post is not going to turn into a discussion on the right or wrongs of this activity, pro or anti arguments etc! I'm just giving this info for background] Obviously you also need permission to course on someone else's land...and I know our landlord doesn't give this permission to anyone....so I can be reasonably confident that anyone attempting to course on this land, whether in season or not, is doing it without permission...so I don my pit bull terrier disguise and march out to confront them. Normally I get curt apologies, explanations that they were just looking for somewhere to exercise their dogs (yeah right!), out hunting foxes (with a greyhound? and still out of season?)...or that the hare numbers were crap here anyway (did it ever occur to this particular genius that this was because of the out-of-season coursing...if they want lots of hares they have to allow them to breed, duh!) But everytime without fail, and without a fight as such they turn around and leave the property....well today, this charming guy wasn't going to do that.
Would I just let him cut across the track so he could take his three boys (too very young) home to their mammy, accompanied by two enormous lurchers. NO
But I just need to get across there. Well I've just there [just there is actually a pig farm, and no other dwellings - I know for a fact he's not from the pig farm] No, this isn't a public right of way.
But I've come a long way, and its two miles back around the roads No, this is private land and there's cattle everywhere, including two bulls.
But the roads (a quiet country lane) are too dangerous for the boys What the road you've clearly just come along? No, you're not coming across this land.
The young'uns will be kil't in the roads They're more likely to be run down by the bullocks, believe me! Even if you had permission to cross this land it wouldn't be safe to do so...especially with two small children. You're not coming across.
God will judge you for this, you nasty b*tch Unlikely, I'm not really religious
Can we just no
But... NO
I've come a long way already and its two miles on the roads You really should have thought of that
Do you own this land No, it belongs to my landlord (no point lying, this info is easily found)
So its not your land then? No
So you don't have a say then? Actually yes, no one comes on this land except me, the cattle owner and the land owner...that is fact. You're not coming across this land.
How will you stop me I could let my dogs out on you...and I WILL call the gardai. they can be here is less than 3 minutes...you'll never cross the land in that time.
But its not your land We've discussed that already
can't I just No
what if I go down this field [the other side of the house, belongs to another farmer] then out the bottom You still have to cross this land, and you may not do that
no i don't Um, yes you do...unless you can fly
why can't I come across the land because I said so. because its not safe with the bullocks out there. Because you've no permission, shall I go on?
Do you have a problem with me. No I have a problem with people who can't stay off private property. I don't come trotting across your garden, so don't come trotting across here. I'm fed up with people with your sort of dog coming on here illegally, chasing the livestock, damaging fences, and illegally coursing for hares.
[he deliberately mis-hears me here]
Oh..so its all down to 'my sort' is it now? That's not what I said and you know it. Kindly don't twist my words. [for what its worth I actually have J on the phone, listening to every word...which I hope won't be handy - he'd phoned me about lunch just before these people turned up]
You said 'my sort' I said your sort of dog.
What do you mean by that lurchers, long dogs, greyhounds etc
Oh...and I suppose you think only certain types of people own those types of dog not at all, I haven't mentioned any type of people, you did. Do you have a problem with certain types of people?
I have a problem with people who run me off their land and expect me to take two small boys on the road, shame on you how did you get out here [we're in the middle of nowhere] and what are you doing out here anyway?
Then followed a barrage of curses and insults, and threats on me, my house and my dogs (who were barking behind me) and finally they left with the aprting words "well f*** you, and watch your back!"
3 minutes later J turns up and we go into the house to start lunch, but I can't...I'm too jumpy. I spot the horses in the field next door (NOT my landlord's land) and notice that they are all looking in the same direction ,ears pricked and very interested. I go out of the house, to find my 'friends' tiptoeing across the field, trying to duck down behind long grass. I shout 'Oi!' at them and come inside to look out of the kitchen window...Just in time to see them cut through the hedge on to 'my' [landlords] land...at which point the cattle in the first field spot them...and charge over. Well the man and his children run for their lives (literally) down the hedge line, duck under the electric fence wire and cross into the next field. They need to be heading to the right across the field, but so far they're stuck on the left-hand hedgeline. The cattle in the next fields spot them and charge over too. The man and children run some more. They can't cross back through the hedge now...the hedge sits on a stone wall at this point and its impossible. On they go into the third field. J is asking me to ignore them and come inside...but I can't now. Not because I want to see them fail, but because I wasn't lying when I mentioned the bull, and the fact that the cattle will happily run them down...they're in the farthest field now, they are in HIS domain, and I NEVER go in there unless I'm IN a vehicle, NEVER on foot...I'm now watching so that I can call an ambulance should I need to, all smug self-righteousness is firmly in check. Can I get inside and grab my collie (who's pretty brave with cattle) in time to help them if they get into trouble...even if I could they're too far away for me to get there quick enough...all I can do is watch. With all the luck in the world they get out just in time, and retrace their steps up the hedgeline...they've spotted me watching them and start shouting some more abuse...but I stay silent this time. Even the kids are shouting at me now. As if its MY fault that the cattle chased them off...yes of course, cattle training is the next big thing don'cha know! They really should have listened, and not tried to get one over on me...when I said the cattle were dangerous they should have listened. He crosses back through the neighbours field...shouts some more, and waves the smallest child at me (hard to describe, even more bizarre to watch) as if it is a ragdoll...as if to emphasize that he just ran the gauntlet with the bull with his youngest child...um...I did try and stop you, you idiot! He threw out some more threats then headed off...I've locked my front door...and keep checking out of my windows front and back...tempted to pull a sickie tomorrow, can't imagine life without my dogs, and they would be their principle target. They are all microchipped...but still
On the diet front, I'm too worried to be hungry...going to force some soup down in a while, when I feel confident enough to stop watching through this window right by the pc...I'm scared if I miss them through this window they'd be in before I knew it...they'd meet my two biggest dogs head on, but would that be enough?
No time for exercising yet...to busy arguing with travellers...sorry. maybe I'll have a good walk around the [empty] field this evening instead....and while I'm there I may as well check my boundaries
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Too Fat To Shop
Is it just me this happens to?
Motivated by my great weight loss this week I dug out an old exercise video I bought in the cheap bins at Woolworth's last Christmas...I scanned through it to note down timings of the different workouts for future use, then prepared myself to jump around like a loon...find sensible clothes, debate footwear and shut the dogs away...they only ever want to jump about and join in, generally barking and frequently ending up in a 5-dog fight...not fun, so away they went.
Back to the footwear issue...hmmm...here's the problem...I'm not a shoesy girl...in fact I truly don't understand the fascination with shoes that other members of my sex can have...I like my shoes to be functional for what I need, and I like to be prepared should a shirehorse tread on me, or a bus run over my foot... For every day I have comfy steel toe cap boots. For work I have the same comfy steel toe cap boots. For going out to the pub etc,at the bottom of my jeans you'll find the same pair of steel toe cap boots. For going out to posh places I have one smart pair of navy blue court shoes...they are all I have in this category, so I use my imagination when wearing them with things they don't match. They are a size too small, and have me crippled with pain within an hour of wearing them...coming home from formal functions will *ALWAYS* find me bare foot and in agony. For slopping around the house, when I don't have my steel toe caps on I've got an ancient pair of Guinness slippers...and for hot days I have a functional pair of flip flops...none of these shoes/boots are very practical for leaping around to an exercise video...so I picked up my purse and bravely headed into town, wearing my favourite steelies and looking all feminine *LOL*.
I walked into my local sport shop (a large national if not international chain) and promptly got ignored. After all...look at the size of me, I surely can't be in there to actually BUY anything, so why bother to serve me? I found a couple of styles of trainer that I liked, picked them up and looked around me for a sales person....they all suddenly looked really busy (I was the only customer in there). I waited patiently for one of them to finish counting laces...and then finally I walked up to one of them. "May I try on these in sizes 7 and 8 (technically I'm a UK7 but I have very wide feet, so size 7 often doesn't fit...and in 'narrow' Ladies styles, forget it...go for the 8 to 9). Anyway, the staff member I spoke to pointed out that they had sold out of both sizes in one of the styles I'd chosen, and only had an 8 in the other...at this point, she turned away from me and resumed inspecting her fingernails...very busy work for a girl. I turned towards one of the lads working there, and to be fair to him he chose instead to attend to a customer who literally walked in the door at that point. I took a deep breath, forced a smile on my face and approached the third and final member of staff...I held out the second pair towards him and politely demanded the UK8 in that style. He couldn't really back out of that, and duly brought a pair of trainers out of the stock room for me, whereupon he put them down on the bench seat, said "there you are" and walked off, to straighten the t-shirt rail no doubt. Feeling a little humiliated at this point I sat down on the bench and put them on. I wasn't quite sure how they should fit, I wasn't quite sure on the laces arrangement..I haven't owned a pair of runners since I was about 12...I looked around for one the staff to help me, they seemed frightfully busy in the till area discussing last night's television offerings. I collared the same lad to help me...but he looked a bit displeased at being taken away from his riveting conversation. He begrudgingly advised me on fit, and how tight to have the laces etc...and so I bought them. But I don't think I'll buy form there again...the sniggering form the other staff as he asked me how strenuous I was planning to work out was almost too much to bear...I knew if I lost it with them I'd lose it big time...and so it was much more dignified (I think) to just swallow it down, pay up and walk out...
Motivated by my great weight loss this week I dug out an old exercise video I bought in the cheap bins at Woolworth's last Christmas...I scanned through it to note down timings of the different workouts for future use, then prepared myself to jump around like a loon...find sensible clothes, debate footwear and shut the dogs away...they only ever want to jump about and join in, generally barking and frequently ending up in a 5-dog fight...not fun, so away they went.
Back to the footwear issue...hmmm...here's the problem...I'm not a shoesy girl...in fact I truly don't understand the fascination with shoes that other members of my sex can have...I like my shoes to be functional for what I need, and I like to be prepared should a shirehorse tread on me, or a bus run over my foot... For every day I have comfy steel toe cap boots. For work I have the same comfy steel toe cap boots. For going out to the pub etc,at the bottom of my jeans you'll find the same pair of steel toe cap boots. For going out to posh places I have one smart pair of navy blue court shoes...they are all I have in this category, so I use my imagination when wearing them with things they don't match. They are a size too small, and have me crippled with pain within an hour of wearing them...coming home from formal functions will *ALWAYS* find me bare foot and in agony. For slopping around the house, when I don't have my steel toe caps on I've got an ancient pair of Guinness slippers...and for hot days I have a functional pair of flip flops...none of these shoes/boots are very practical for leaping around to an exercise video...so I picked up my purse and bravely headed into town, wearing my favourite steelies and looking all feminine *LOL*.
I walked into my local sport shop (a large national if not international chain) and promptly got ignored. After all...look at the size of me, I surely can't be in there to actually BUY anything, so why bother to serve me? I found a couple of styles of trainer that I liked, picked them up and looked around me for a sales person....they all suddenly looked really busy (I was the only customer in there). I waited patiently for one of them to finish counting laces...and then finally I walked up to one of them. "May I try on these in sizes 7 and 8 (technically I'm a UK7 but I have very wide feet, so size 7 often doesn't fit...and in 'narrow' Ladies styles, forget it...go for the 8 to 9). Anyway, the staff member I spoke to pointed out that they had sold out of both sizes in one of the styles I'd chosen, and only had an 8 in the other...at this point, she turned away from me and resumed inspecting her fingernails...very busy work for a girl. I turned towards one of the lads working there, and to be fair to him he chose instead to attend to a customer who literally walked in the door at that point. I took a deep breath, forced a smile on my face and approached the third and final member of staff...I held out the second pair towards him and politely demanded the UK8 in that style. He couldn't really back out of that, and duly brought a pair of trainers out of the stock room for me, whereupon he put them down on the bench seat, said "there you are" and walked off, to straighten the t-shirt rail no doubt. Feeling a little humiliated at this point I sat down on the bench and put them on. I wasn't quite sure how they should fit, I wasn't quite sure on the laces arrangement..I haven't owned a pair of runners since I was about 12...I looked around for one the staff to help me, they seemed frightfully busy in the till area discussing last night's television offerings. I collared the same lad to help me...but he looked a bit displeased at being taken away from his riveting conversation. He begrudgingly advised me on fit, and how tight to have the laces etc...and so I bought them. But I don't think I'll buy form there again...the sniggering form the other staff as he asked me how strenuous I was planning to work out was almost too much to bear...I knew if I lost it with them I'd lose it big time...and so it was much more dignified (I think) to just swallow it down, pay up and walk out...
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