It's all happening baby!!!

Wow sorry its been so long since I've updated. Life has been a whirlwind... no make that a tornado this last week.

The shift went really well. I'm so glad we got packers in. They packed the whole house in one and a half hours!! Then the truck arrived the next morning to load everything. I couldn't sleep that night and tossed and turned from 3am until I finally anoyed Bill enough that we got up at 6am to start getting things ready. Probably just as well because with the truck arriving at 8am there was still alot to get done. Good news, we were able to clean the house while the guys loaded the truck.

The weather was nice to us. Although it was raining on and off all day it stopped when we needed it to.

By 11am we had everything packed on the truck and the house spotless and off we went. We got 50kms down the road and saw a sign to say the Gorge road was closed!!! This meant we had to go all the way down to Matamata, across to Tauranga and up to Waihi. A journey that normally takes 1.5hrs took 3hrs!!! Everything was finally unloaded by 5pm and the truck left! A very long day!!!

The next morning we were up early and started on the unpacking. Bill and I like to get stuck into it straight away and get it done then we can relax. We got everything unpacked (well all bar our wardrobe) on that day (Wednesday).

The kids had their first day at school on Wednesday and came home very happy!! Big relief for me. Lauren even had a friend she met that day call her in the evening.

Thursday arrived and mum and dad rang to say they were coming to visit. So showed them round the place. I think they were impressed. They even joked about buying a place over here.

We also got started on organising business bank accounts etc. It really made us realise how much time all this stuff takes. There would have been no way we could've done it all in a few days after returning from Fiji. The bank accounts taking us a week, then there's the accountant, insurance, stocktaking ... the list goes on!!

Then today was our day off (boy did we need it!!) We started out on a morning stroll down the beach. Then we found a path going up into the bush at the end of the beach. Ready for a challenge we set off on an hours walk (return trip, or so the sign said). 1.5hrs later we were still walking!! Obviously we missed the turnoff to the so called waterfall, but oh well we came out at a nice beach. It was a quick swim for Bill and the two younger boys before the sandflies started attacking then back (and in a hurry before they boys started screaming for lunch). They actually did really well, especially Jordan (4) who walked the whole way!!

3hrs later we arrived home!! Wow so much for a morning stroll!! lol. But all good for the weightloss.

I haven't been to weigh in yet. Have to try and find a meeting here. Think I'll wait till next week when everything has slowed down a little.

Good news is settlement date was today on our house and our shop contract went unconditional today too. So looks like ít's all happening!! lol

Oh and another cool thing that happened ... the day after we arrived here the neighbour came across with a plate of home baking and a sweet welcome note!! How cool is that??? The other neighbours have said a warm friendly welcome across the fence. Everyone seems really nice here and things are looking good. AND the BEACH IS GOURGEOUS!!!! As soon as I get the camerea going I'll take some pics for you guys!!! Woww!!!

Well better get dinner finished, just thought I'd do a quick update to let you guys know I'm still alive and things are great!!! Sorry no time for smilies tonight :)

Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 75.1kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

Wise advice!

I took all your advice (and fantastic advice it was) and sat Bill down last night and had a Dr Phil chat. He said he wasn't purposely sabotaging me but that yes he probably wasn't being helpful buying me sweet treats.

So he agreed that he would "affectionate" (Bill's and my special word) me in otherways like massages and non-food/alcoholic treats.

AAAAnnnddd ......

I DID AWESOME WITH MY POINTS YESTERDAY!!! What a victory!! I finished the day with only 16pts and NO ALCOHOL! I still had my small scoop of icecream but easily put it into my points for the day.

That's another snake overcome! Bronte will understand what I mean here. She emailed me yesterday with a wonderful article that I will post here for you guys to appreciate too. It hit the mark on the head of how I've been feeling lately. So a huge thankyou Bonte!!

Written by Jonny Bowden: Chutes and Ladders

The topic tonight is "creating a plan for the future." I would like to start by telling you a little story about a kid's game. I can't take credit for this. It comes directly from the LEARN program for weight loss, which was designed by psychologist Kelly Brunell at Yale, but it's a great analogy. The game is called "Chutes and Ladders." In the game, you go through a maze, you roll dice and you move steps, either up a ladder or down a chute. The idea is not to "land" on the chutes because they take you back down a few steps. You want to climb the ladders to get to the goal. This is what Kelly Brownell observed when he watched kids play the game. A lot of kids will land on the chutes, and not want to play anymore. They think the game is over. Now there is a huge parallel between Chutes and Ladders and weight loss. Everyone hits chutes eventually. The question is: do you stay in the game? Or are you like the kid that thinks if you land on the chute the game is over. You'd better expect the occasional chute. If you expect never to hit a chute, you're going to be disappointed, and you're more likely to think "I can't do this" or decide to quit.

How many of us have gone to a wedding and pigged out or gained a couple of pounds or had a (god forbid!) "binge" and thought, "That's it, I'll never do this." That is what we learned about last week: a story! What I want you to make the take home point here is, when you next hit that little obstacle (and you will hit it, I promise you), it's just a chute. Next roll of the dice, you might be on a ladder. And the story you make up, "I hit a chute. The game is over. I can't do this. I'm a failure," is just a dumb story. "

This really hit home and made me realise that even tho we have some bad luck sometimes and hit too many snakes that we will get to the end eventually when we stick it out. So yesterday I passed the same snake I've been sliding down far too many times.

Another thing Bronte mentioned in her email that I want to share with you is

"What ever weight you are, SOMEONE out there wishes they could be that small… This true even if you are 100kg, as I was when I started. Someone is always looking at you and admiring your weight and wishing they could be you.

This often helps me stay centered and realistic about my weightless and my life."

What a wise woman you are Bronte as was all the advice you all gave me!! Honestly you guys are such a huge support to me ... IT'S FANTASTIC!!!

I've updated my nibbling page today for anyone interested.

This maybe my last update before we shift. I'll try and get on tommorrow morning to do a quick update but not sure how I'll get on for time. My computer is getting packed up tomorrow afternoon and the packers come in Monday morning, then the truck leaves Tuesday morning.

Just think ... the next time I update we may possibly be at our new home!!! Exciting stuff!!

Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 75.1kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

Starting over ... again!!

Lost for words today (shock horror). I have lost over 30kg and this gain is not going to take that away from me. I am determined to do this!!

But ...

Yet again I've stuffed up!! Geez why do I keep doing this!! Honestly I am so sick of this horrid guilt feeling I have each morning. My eating was fantastic all day and I tracked everything!!

I asked Bill to bring home some boneless chicken breast to put in the stirfry for dinner. When he got home he had brought a cooked chicken instead. Tastes great but so much higher in points and the can of sauce he bought to go with it was really high in points!! I told myself that's ok I'll just put a little with my dinner and have mainly veges. But subconsously I felt like I had failed. Then after dinner he pulled out a flake he had bought me as well. I just couldn't say no, so had the flake (3pts) which would have been ok if I had stopped at that. But he asked me if I wanted a drink and I said no. But half an hour later I had a drink poured and sitting infront of me. I know I could have said no and tipped it out ... but I didnt!!

Grrr ... you guys are probably sick of reading about my failures. But I guess it feels better to get it all down on paper.

So I'll try again today. The good thing is the bourben bottle is empty and today is a new day.

Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 75.1kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

It's bad!!

2.1kg gain ... and I'm not kidding this time either!

I knew it would be a gain and kinda hoped it would be less than 2kg but no. My weightloss has been so slow lately (averaging around 100g a week) that a gain like this has set me back so much!!

Can't do anything about it, can't change it. I can only change today onwards, so that's what I plan to do. I think a big part to play is the fact I haven't done grocery shopping for a couple of weeks. I'm trying to reduce the amount of food down for packing reasons. But this means I have no healthy snacks in the house except fruit. And as good as fruit is sometimes I just don't feel like fruit. So I turn to bad choices instead (especially after dinner) Now this isn't an excuse, because ultimately the reason for this horrid gain is plain and simple ... I had choices to make and I chose the wrong ones!!

I'll sign off there for now. Not much else to say but that I have my tail well and truelly hanging between my legs today.

Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 75.1kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

wrong willpower

Weighin tonight and I'M REALLY NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!!!!! But I've forced myself to go. Besides the fact that it will be my very last meeting here in Auckland and I want to say goodbye to all my friends there.

I want to say a humungous thankyou to those wonderful emails you guys have sent!!!!! The support on here blows my mind sometimes!! It really helps a huge amount when there is someone to talk to.

Awww .... come 'ere!!!

I'm sorry I'm a little boring today. Really no news to tell. Just getting washing done (dryer has been going overtime lately).

On the eating front?? Well I would love to tell you I've been a perfect little angel, doing exactly what I should and not giving in ... hmmmm ... but honestly that's not true. I started off really well yesterday, had a good breakfast, fruit for morning tea, went for a walk, lowfat soup for lunch (and didn't even have any bread with it), fruit for afternoon tea, vege stirfry with no fat, lite coconut milk and a little cheese ....

then ...

Bill brought home choc chip icecream and a flake and a bottle of drinkies ... and I blew it!!! I just have no self control at the moment. A few months ago times like that I would have stopped and thought about it and decided against the temptations. But I just have no willpower ... no make that I have willpower FOR EATING!! Like I am determinded to eat it no matter what!

I'm not giving up, not quiting! I just have to tread water at the moment, just stay afloat, then things will come together again after the chaos is over.

Fingers crossed for weighin for me? It WILL be a gain, but just how big will be the question.

Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 73.0kg (boohoo that figure looks so good, be sad to see it go)
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

catfight!

They say that shifting house is the second most stressful thing you can go through. And I'm starting to agree! lol

Ya think I woulda learnt my lesson here the last two shifts we did! But no, I'm putting myself through it again!! lol

Can you believe it?? Just one week to go! That's it ... one week to get everything organised. Although it's helping a huge amount knowing we have packers coming in. I've never had that luxury before. We could never afford it. But I think it's money well spent!!

Ok confession time ... I've been bad the last week. I've secumed to the occassional comfort food. I usually don't have a problem with emotional eating. Infact it's normally the opposite ... I tend not to eat enough when I'm stressed but this week I have been bad!! I just want all this organising to be over so I can get back to routine. Just one more week to go!

Wanna hear a funny story??

Last night about 2am we heard scraping of cat claws on the roof. The cat was trying to get in our bedroom window (on the second storey) but kept slipping down the roof. So Bill got up and saved him by throwing out a pillow for him to grab onto. When he had him safely in his hands he said "Boy you're fat Chino, what have you been eating?". Normally when he comes in he snuggles up in bed with us but last night he didn't. We thought that was strange so called him. But he didn't respond like normal. So we didn't think anything more of it and went back to sleep. Then we were woken up with a cat fight at the end of our bed!!!! We turned on the light to find TWO BURMESE CATS IN OUR ROOM!! Exactly the same, but the strangers cat was fat and ours was skinny!! Bill had brought in someone else's cat!! LMAO!! It took us a moment to workout which was our cat! lol. We took pity on the intruder and took him down stairs and put him out the door. (we did have thoughts of putting him back out the upstairs window lol)

It was a horrible way to wake up at 2am but I had a chuckle about it this morning.

Onto another day ... a successful one!!
Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 73.0kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

Yeah Baby!!!

It's taken 18mths for them to catch me and they finally have. I feel priviledged to finally be accepted into the group of the insulted. In the year I have been running this website I haven't had one negative comment. And last night someone couldn't resist to put their trash onto my site.

I want to sincerely thank Jo (and I know it isn't Kiwi Jo) and Jeany for their unthoughtful comments ... honestly I do!! Because it gave me a lightbulb moment!!

As most of you probably know I was teased alot in school. I had such a low self esteme then, that I didn't feel I was worthy enough to stick up for myself. I would just run away and cry. This journey has been such a gradual one that I didn't realise how much my self esteeme has grown. When these two people (probably actually only one person under two aliases) made these comments I recognised their insecurities and jealosy and just knew what they said wasn't true and wasn't a reflection on me or my georgous body!! Once upon a time I would have run away and cried but last night I read this and laughed!! Infact felt special that someone was actually jeolous of me, jeolous enough to try and pull me down (which actually means they thought I was above them to be able to be brought down)

SO THANKYOU!! Thankyou for making me realise I AM ALL THAT!!



Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 73.0kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

had a ball

I've spent the last 3 days celebrating ... too much celebrating lol ... too much wine, too much food!

Expectedly I didn't make it to ww last night. I know I need to listen to my own advice and go even when I know I'm in for a gain, but it was just too hard to convince myself. I was actually in bed by 7.30pm last night ... shattered!! With everything that's happened and all the km's we have clocked up the past week I just felt like a night at home in bed.

So I'm feeling pretty good this morning after 12hrs sleep!! I still have so much to organise but getting through the list.

I can't believe how much we are saving by moving out of Auckland. Our insurance is halving!!

One of the ideas when we expand this store is to bring in fruit and veges. The nearest vege place at the moment is at least 5kms away. And yesterday his boss suggested being able to get fruit and veges from them. He has to talk it over with his boss, but it may be a possibility. This is huge!! At the moment Bill works for the PakHouse which is the bulk distribution centre for Pak N Save supermarkets for all their fruit and veges. If we can get stock off them basically means we can get it at the same price Pak N Saves can get it at! It means making weekly trips to Auckland but for prices like that it's worth it. It's definately not a done deal yet and top secret! You never know who knows who on here ... so

Bill took me out for dinner to OneTreeGrill on Tuesday night. Lynda you probably know the place well given u live not far from there. It was devine!! but ohh so expensive! I wasn't complaining tho having all this money spent on me. And he organised it all without a word from me. He doesn't do it often but when he does he does it with a bang!! Firstly organising a babysitter (from a babysitting agent), then a bottle of champagne was popped before we left, then a taxi from here to the restaurant (over a $50 ride one way!). When we got there our coats were taken and hung up for us. When we took our seat Bill asked where the men's toilet was... "Oh ... the bathroom?? ... its down blah, blah" I had to control myself not to burst out laughing. Here we were a couple of hicks from South Auckland!! We had to quickly learn etiquite real fast lol. But it was lovely all the same. We ordered a side dish of seasonal veges (I think it was around $8.00) and they brought us out a plate of beans!! lol Immaculately cooked and georgously tasting beans BUT they were beans!! lol. A bottle of wine was ordered ($60 for chardonay) and then another bottle ($120 later) lol

We went for a walk down the road and back as my gutt was way too full and needed to get some fresh air before the ride back home. That was an experience and a half too!! A couple of drunk south auckland hicks wobbling their way down the street, giggling away! lol

We had a ball!! Spent way too much!! (around $500 by the end of the evening!! lol) but after saving $15,000 that day by not going to Fiji what's $500!! I think that's the most Bill's ever spent on one restaurant dinner ever!! Certainly made me feel special!!

Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 73.0kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

We're Celebrating!!!

We went to Waihi this morning to have a look at the house. And it's PERFECT!!!! It's one block to the beach, one block to the shop and RIGHT NEXT TO THE PRIMARY SCHOOL!! It's not 3 bedrooms ... but 5!!! 4 bedrooms in the house and a sleepout!! It has a dishwasher, huge lounge, huge kitchen, huge fenced backyard with fruit trees! and a fireplace!!! I honestly couldn't ask for more!!!

I'm ecstactic!!!! It has all happened so fast but honestly everything has fitted into place so well. I truelly believe that when things are meant to be everything happens for a reason and works out just right. This house only came up for rent on Monday morning a few hours before I rang the agent. We found out today that the last sale on the dairy only fell through on Friday afternoon ... and by Monday morning we had it!! And by today we have an awesome house too!! Oh and the other thing ... it's only $220 a week rent! Aucklanders pay around $385 a week for a 3 bedroom place (sometimes more depending on the area). Even the 2 bedroom batch next door to our new house is paying $235 p/w, so I feel so blessed to have a huge 2 storey house for just $220!!

On a sad but wise note ... we have pulled out of our trip to Fiji. I know, I was looking forward to it but we both feel it is such a lot of money to waste on such a short time. If we went to Fiji we would have $7000 in the bank when we came home but in cancelling we will have $22,000!!! Which we can use on expanding the dairy when the lease comes up for the empty shop next door next March.

We also got a phone call from Bill's brother who looks after his mum's trust. She has a lot of money invested from a house sale a while back and has decided to pay out to each of the 5 brothers $1000 each (which is the interest she has earnt) I was blown away!!! We are going to spend that along with $1000 of our money on new clothes for each of us. A nice new outfit for us all.

Wow I just feel so blessed today!!! We are going out to dinner tonight to celebrate!! Life feels fantastic!!!

Catcha!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 73.0kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

Life ... slooooow down!!!

Another whirlwind weekend!! It started on Friday when I decided to go over and have a look at a house in Tauranga. It all seemed really nice from the description we had been given. And we didn't want to miss out on another one because we couldn't get over there in time. So I packed the kids up, left for mum and dad's in Hamilton, dropped the kids off and picked up dad for a quick trip to Tauranga.

When we arrived the house wasn't nearly as nice as what I had imagined. And it backed onto the motorway with only 1 fence blocking the stream of cars. The kids would be fine but Chino my cat wouldn't be stopped by a fence and I could see him being hit by a passing car.

We called into the dairy to show dad. And got to meet the owner. He warned us that the landlord was a tirant!! And that he was bullying them to get them out. I really didn't need to hear that. Before we even moved in there was tension.

After arriving home I just felt sick about the whole thing. It just didn't feel right. So went to bed for a restless nights sleep.

On saturday morning the phone rang. It was the agent we had been dealing with on the Waihi Beach dairy asking if we were still interested in it because the last sale had fallen through due to lack of finance and it was up for sale again. I told him no because we had signed up for one in Tauranga. He wanted to know which one ... one on Cameron Rd. "not Lens superette?" "yes, why?" I replied. He wouldn't say anything further because he didn't want to put any damper on it if we had already signed up. But I insisted he tell me. Apparently it has been on the market for over 2yrs and every person that signed up on it has pulled out. He said there is just so much competition on Cameron Rd, so many dairies within such a small radius.

We still had time to pull out ... but only a few days before it went unconditional. So I rang Bill at work and we decided to jump in the car as soon as he got home to have a look at the Waihi one.

We arrived there around 5.30pm just on dusk, so we weren't able to have a good look at the area. But had a great chat to the owner and saw the potential of the dairy. In the hour or so we were there the door buzzer was going off every minute with customers walking in, even at that late time of night. Our only concern at that stage was a large 4 square across the road. But on speaking to the owner and quite a number of locals we found out the guy is really not liked. He is highly priced and puts his prices up a 10% further in the summer. And the locals have made a point of being loyal to the other small shops including the dairy.

We found a cabin to stay for the night to have a good look around the next day. It seemed even better in the daylight.

We spent the day looking round at the scenery, the schooling, possible rental properties and just getting a feel for the place.

We came away yesterday with a great feeling about it all. So last night we put in an offer. Quite a few thousand below their asking price but we'll see what happens. In the meantime we have cancelled the contract on the Tauranga store. Times like this I'm glad we have solicitors to tell the bad news to the Tauranga owners. Ok call me a woose! lol

This morning we found out we missed out on the Shangri La Resort on Fiji. They are fully booked but they have booked us into another resort not far from there which looks just as good. Right now I just want to go on holiday, don't care where I stay !! lol

Initially we were told that rental properties were really hard to come by in Waihi beach. Most people only want to rent them in the summer because they get better money that way. But we've managed to locate a 3 bedroom house walking distance from the shop, the school, and the beach so hopefully we get it. Although we can't sign up for anything until we find out if we definately get the store. It's all a waiting game.

As usual I'll keep u posted
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 73.0kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg

High fever and vomiting

Yay another 100g gone ... only a small amount but considering I was hoping for a stay the same I am appreciative of the small loss. And given its TOM this week I definately can't complain!

Now down to just 2kg to go till ww goal. And I tracked yesterday ... all day! Though I probably didn't eat enough, coming in way under points.

My baby Jese (2yrs) had his immunisation on Wednesday afternoon and yesterday had a violent reaction to it with a 39.1 degree fever and vomiting. Of course the doctors wouldn't admit to it being the immunisation as the cause but no one else has been sick both before or after. The good thing is his temperature is back to normal today and no more vomiting. When I rang the doctors yesterday they told me to bring him down straight away which I did, but on getting him there they just said keep an eye on him and continue to give him Pamol. I really hate it when doctors do that, like they really can't be bothered dealing with anything. Turns out he is fine today but certainly gave me a horrible shock especially with a fever that high!!

Made me appreciate his naughty ways today. Normally his naughtyness frustrates me but when he was sick, crying in such pain I just wanted him back to normal. My prayers were answered

Organising shifting companies today for our big move. Just 17 days away!!! I'm going over to Tauranga tomorrow to look at a house. It's been really hard securing a rental house. They just go so quick. Before we can get over there to have a look they are gone! Hopefully this one will be the right one. It has 3 bedrooms, a fireplace and a dishwasher!! I'll keep you posted!

Later!
Lyn :)
SW 107.4kg
CW 73.0kg
WWGW 71kg
PGW 65kg