WEIGH IN

 

When I visited my Doctor last week, his instructions to me were... WEIGH YOURSELF EVERY DAY.  Not something I usually do.

He said that way I would be able to see fluctuations, and make adjustments at necessary.

So when I saw a big gain yesterday morning, I KNEW I'd probably had too much to eat the day before.  It's not an exact science of course, and daily/weekly fluctuations can and do happen.  But for me, it was a bit gutting.

Yesterday I was very careful with what I ate, and I made sure I was drinking enough.

For the next few days, I will only be having Optifast and salads, and cut back on the fruit.

Leo (my Doctor) wants to see me again in one month, and will adjust the dosage of the WEGOVY if it's called for.  

As for today, I will be getting on the scales once I get out of bed, and I hope I don't see another gain!  That would totally piss me off.

So watch for the update!

I am going into Crabby Quarters to continue working on the next Fishy Runner today.  Then a bit later on I might attend the Coffee & Chat down in the Community Centre.  

So I got the power notification last night with how much power we had used last week. I was a bit shocked as it had almost doubled. My immediate reaction was to turn the heat pump OFF. But this morning  Stew said no, its ok. It's only for 3 months or so that we really need it. So when I got up this morning I turned it back on. It's minus 2 degrees right now and the house is FREEZING. I'm  staying in bed until it warms up!

Right, it is now 1 pm, and it's been a busy day.

I got up and weighed in.

DOWN .200 grams.  I'll take that.  Heading down again.

After that, I went to Coffee & Chat, and had a lovely hour or so catching up with friends.

Then home to catch up with Lacy, who was doing my housework.

THEN I got a call from an Uncle and Aunty from Tauranga, who were about to call in for a visit.

So that was lovely.

They are staying in Ngaruawahia, and had biked over.

ABOVE: Richard and Muriel are in their mid and late 70's, and cycle all over the country/world!

Inspirational people.

So now I'm having some salad for lunch, then I will get into Crabby Quarters and do some work.

3.20 pm.  And then I laughed and laughed, and went shopping.

I wanted to find some wax melts for the room Scentsy things.

So I went into Briscoes.

ABOVE:  And that's how I ended up with a Nutribullet thing.  I don't know how that happened!

Next stop was The Warehouse, and they didn't have wax melts.  So I ended up with toy cars and a car carrier for Lily to play with.  I don't know how that happened either!

My final stop was the supermarket, where I wanted some more Cottage Cheese and Almond Flour.  Came out of there with just a couple of other things, PHEW!

I am going to use the Nutribullet thing to blend up the almond flour bread mix, and other shit.

8.30 pm.  Just in from the pub.  We had some hysterical conversations at the pub tonight, mostly revolving around.... shit!  Too funny.

I also had a lovely visit with the kids.

So thankful I decided to turn the heat pump back on, after it was off all of last night!  It is going to be (already is) another freezing night.   Expected temperature tomorrow is -4 degrees C.  

Catch ya tomorrow.

PROTEIN SANDWICH THINS

 

I don't know about you, but I spend a good hour, if not more, scrolling on Facebook and Instagram a day.  Just looking at what other people are doing.

And the other day I saw this guy making some 'Protein Sandwich Thins', and I thought, hmmm... I might give that a try.

I got the necessary ingredients, cos like, who  has Almond Flour in their pantry?  Not me.

ABOVE:  There's only 4 ingredients, and you just combine it all together... well you beat the eggs and cottage cheese together first, then add the dry ingredients.  The recipe calls for some sort of seasoning, so I just added some garlic salt.

ABOVE: I wasn't sure how 'big' to make them, so just winged it.  (Clearly I didn't read the recipe for that bit.)

ABOVE: And yeah, maybe a bit big?   Anyway, each one has about 14 grams of protein and 3 grams of fibre, and bugger all carbs.  So, a good alternative to a slice of bread, a wrap or a scone.

Stew and I tried them last night and really liked them. 

The guy who I got the recipe off has an Instagram page, with lots more diet and health tips.  

johannescullberg.coach

And now... on to today's agenda.  Which will be sewing.  Lacy is coming over later on in the morning to do some housework.

ONWARD...

9.30 am:  We were supposed to have a heavy frost this morning, but no!  Nice surprise.  I'm now heading down to the Community Centre to get some fresh fruit and veges, some bloke brings it in from his farm.  Nice one.

ABOVE:  Well we may not have had a frost, but it's still OMG COLD outside!  The fruit and vege truck was not exactly well stocked, I managed to get the only pears she had, and a small bunch of bananas.  I thought the prices were pretty steep too, so won't do that again.

Shame really, because it's a nice service for the very elderly people here, who just want a few things and don't want to go to the supermarket. 

So now that I'm home again, I'm heading into Crabby Quarters.  Lacy isn't here yet, probably snuggled up in bed still... I wish I was. 

ABOVE:  Now I remember why I've not done these runners in a while! Stitching around bubbles etc is a pain in the arse. So much more work than a Braid Runner!  I might get this one finished today, if I'm lucky.

The bloody housekeeper ain't turned up, and a voice message late in the morning didn't exactly tickle me pink.  So maybe she will turn up tomorrow?  Grrrr.   Coco was so looking forward to her bath too. 

I'm feeling a bit bummed out.  I gained .500 grams when I weighed in this morning, and I know why.  The wrap and fruit I had yesterday was too much.  I better not do that again!  That was a big gain for one damn day.

2.50 pm, and I just finished that fish runner.  On the last row of stitching I managed to jamb a pin into the side of my index finger... blood spurted immediately.  AND thank you God, I managed to keep it off the runner!

Blood on the runner would have been a disaster I tell ya.

Phew, crisis averted.  And the runner?

ABOVE:  'Rangitoto Island' is done.

I will be making at least 1-3 more before summer.

I made a start on the next Fishy Runner late this afternoon, but stopped when Stew arrived home from work.

We have spent the evening watching TV and just keeping comfy and warm.  

Coronation Street is coming up in half an hour, so I shall sign off for the day, watch that then head off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

EASY DIET DIARY NZ

 

While yakking with the ladies yesterday down at Craft Group, the conversation turned around to diets.  I said I was doing WEGOVY and Optifast.  One of the ladies had lost 16 kilos just counting calories... and I asked her how she kept track of what she was eating?

She said she was using an App called 'Easy Diet Diary NZ'.

So obviously, tracking is quite important when dieting, even when you are using Optifast.  I also have salads and fruit during the day, so thought... hmmmm.  I might look at that App.

And after taking a while to figure it out, this was my diet diary for yesterday:

ABOVE: It was easy to do, and gives you enough information on what you are getting in the way of Proteins, Carbs etc each day, and the calories consumed.  That's all I need/want.

The Weight Watchers App is beyond me, it's too bloody involved and complicated.  I looked at it a couple of times and was like, HELL NO.

I like simple. 

Before anyone says I'm not eating enough, this is only going to be for a month, then I will add in more foods.  This is a KICK START, pure and simple.  You cannot sustain such a low calorie diet like that for long.  Unless you are anorexic, and well, clearly I'm not.

Oh and I am doing Optifast day on/day off, not every day.  On the off days I am having a 'normal meal, but keeping it very small, with very little carbs.

So now, off that subject... I'm expecting Bex and Lily sometime today, which will be lovely.

I'm going into Crabby Quarters later on and will keep working on that Fish Runner... it was such fun working on it yesterday.

ONWARD...
I have a confession to make.  I feel a little bad about something we did last night.

We locked Coco in the garage.

It was NECESSARY.

She has gone toilet inside the house three days in a row.

She goes 'zoomies' from about 12 midnight till around 3 am most nights.  That involves running up and down the hallway, into our room, rolling around and sniffing and snorting under our noses, and going in and out, and in and out, AND IN AND OUT of the dog doors... and we hear it all.

Monday night she went in and out the laundry dog door at least a dozen times, if not more!

So, not a lot of sleep going on.  Certainly not for me.  Stew can sometimes sleep through it. 

This is not unusual for her at night, but lately she's just gone into 'overdrive mode'... and it had to stop.

Yesterday I felt like a damn zombie all day, just so, so tired.

So, her bed went into the garage last night.  And then she proceeded to go in and out of the garage dog door a gazillion times... just over and over again.  She was just being a right tart.  So I got up and locked that door as well, hoping like hell she wouldn't go potty in Crabby Quarters.

Luckily she didn't.

This morning I spent a moment rearranging a small area in Crabby Quarters so her bed would be in a good place, and out of my way.

ABOVE: And there is her new spot.  There's a thick foam pad, then a blanket under her bed, so she should be warm enough.  Bearing in mind she slept in the garage in our last few homes.  She will be fine, she has her hot pod in her bed overnight as well.  

When she got up this morning, she seemed perfectly happy too.  Maybe she slept better without having the temptation of running around and causing mayhem? 😂😅😉

It's now 9.20 am and I'm about to unpack my sewing trolley, and maybe continue working on the fish runner.

After Bex has been, I'm going over to Palmers in Frankton.  I've heard they have an AMAZING gift department, and I'm on the hunt for a certain 'thing', for a Christmas Gift for someone. 

Bex and Lily arrived mid morning, and *sigh*, Bex already guessed what I was looking for at Palmers.  What a tart!

ABOVE: Little Miss happily lining up all the animals.  She is such a happy wee kid.

Most of the time.

She ain't got red hair for nothing.  😂😅

ABOVE: Frankton Palmers store is very lovely, lots of interesting gifts and plants.  I was not tempted to buy anything today, and what I was looking for wasn't there either.

ABOVE:  On my way home I stopped in at an Op Shop and wow!   I found blue glass at an incredibly low cost.  I couldn't help myself, obviously.

I do already have a large vase exactly like the one on the left, but who says you can't have two???   I love them.

I just had a wrap for my lunch today.  Salad/beef rissole/cheese and some hummus.  OMG it was delicious.

6.30 pm and I've just stopped working in Crabby Quarters.  It sure takes longer doing applique work, what with tracing out the pattern pieces, cutting then sticking them down to the backing fabric, then stitching around each and every little piece.  But in saying that, it is still fun.  I've finished the second fish, and will work on the third one tomorrow.  Then tittivating will start.  Bubbles.  Maybe a tiny fish or two.

Right now though, Stew and I are about to head out for a walk around the streets.  He's finally up to walking, I couldn't be happier.  Someone to walk with.

Well that was a brisk walk!   It is FREEZING outside, and has been all day.  It has been the coldest day in New Zealand today.  It even snowed in Wellington... which hardly ever happens.

It was wonderful to walk in our front door and have a warm house greet us.

The walk was 2.8 kms long and we did it in just under 30 minutes.

Time to wind down, and sign off for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

THAT WAS FAST!

 

When Steve took the sofa bed away in a dozen bits, I really expected it to stay in bits in his garage for weeks, if not months.

He's a busy guy, and putting it back together would have been low on his priority list.

BUT NO!  Bex started sending me photos late yesterday afternoon...

ABOVE: They had already set to work putting it back together again! That involved A LOT OF WORK.  I had unstapled one entire end of the fabric and lining, so they had to sew it all back together, then assemble the framework again.  Then put the sofa bed components back into the frame.

So, not a small job.

ABOVE: Steve's apprentice was on the job the ENTIRE TIME I'm told.  She even had to remove her shirt like her Dadda.  It was a hot and sweaty job.  OMG she's so cute.

I am so happy we didn't totally ruin that sofa bed by chopping it up!  It cost quite a lot, and is a really good piece of furniture.

ABOVE: And there it is, all back together.  I think they will be getting rid of the dark brown leather sofa that we gave to them years ago.  It's no longer needed.  😊

Today I'm heading down to the Craft Room to do some sewing with my friends there.  I will be taking my Optifast shake and some salad with me, so I've got my lunch covered.  No more buying a scone or muffin from the cafe.  And I won't be indulging in the afternoon tea cake either.  This is me being bloody determined for this WEGOVY shit to work.

It is VERY expensive, so I am sure in hell not going to waste our money by blowing it.

ONWARD...

2 pm, and its been a busy day. First up was housework. Then I went to Spotlight for white felt and a different fabric for today's runner. I wasn't happy with the vibrant blue for the 'sea'.

ABOVE: I've just finished the backing and first fish.

Mc Dreamy has spat the dummy AGAIN, so now I have to decide on... get him fixed again or buy another, smaller, cheaper 2nd machine? 

Decision pending.

I'm at craft group,  a much smaller group today, so not so noisy.   Time to stop for afternoon tea. I'll have my diet coke, no shortbread for me.

Whelp... I don't have to buy another machine.  Bex is giving me back my little Baby Brother machine.

Now I feel like an 'Indian Giver'... which is what Lacy has accused me of a few times! lol

I've given her things over the years, then changed my mind when I've seen it in her home... and taken it back!  NOT too often, but a couple of times for sure.

So, Bex and Lily will return Baby tomorrow, and he will go back into the Craft Room for when I'm working down there.

Mc Dreamy is going to be 'retired'... I am not going to keep spending good money after bad, trying to keep him going.  He's done his dash.

It is now 3.25 pm, and I'm home from Craft Group.  I didn't do too much sewing today, as I'm not going to aggravate my shoulders/arm by sewing for hours at a time anymore.  I'm hoping once the weather warms up, my shoulders will come right.  They did last summer.  

Though in saying that, I think my fall in Akaroa didn't help my left shoulder at all!  It only became a really big problem, affecting my entire arm, after that fall.  Shit happens.  Moving on...

I'm now wrapped up in my heated throw and have the heat pump on.  It's a lovely afternoon, sunshine is streaming in the house.  It is bliss. 

8.30 pm, and I've been a totally lazy tart since I got home from Craft Group!  I have not even unloaded my trolley.  It can wait until tomorrow morning.

Stew arrived home and we both had our 'dinner'... lol.  Grapes and a pear for me.

And... that's me for the day.  Catch ya tomorrow.

ANOTHER FUN ONE

 

Plans for today?

Grocery shop for more fruit.

Mitre 10 for hooks to hang brooms, spade etc outside.  Cos I rearranged the area out the back door (leading into Crabby Quarters)... just a bit.

Kill some weeds with weed killer.

Then... 

ABOVE:  Head into Crabby Quarters and make a start on my next runner.  Can you tell what it's going to be?

ONWARD...

12 noon, and we are just home from shopping.  I saw a guy on Facebook cooking a type of 'bread biscuit' thingee, using cottage cheese and almond flour.  So I've bought some of that stuff to try it out tomorrow.  Might be a better option and a wrap?

Today's main meal, cooked at home for a change on the weekend is going to be:

Franks, a potato, onion, and some scrambled eggs with cottage cheese in it.  High protein with a bit of 'natural' carb.  

I have no intention of doing 'only' Optifast every day, my aim is every other day do Optifast and a salad, and alternate with a 'normal' meal.  But high protein/low carb.

I'm also going to try and make the meals interesting and tasty, and not all the same.  Hence trying out a few new recipes like the almond flour and cottage cheese things. 

This time around, I want to make the new 'diet/fucking lifestyle change' sustainable.

Once I'm at the weight I want to maintain, I can slip in a few more things.  I know I can maintain a weight if I don't go nuts like we have been doing for months now!

Eating out too much.  Lollies.  Just self indulgent shit.

12.45 pm, lunch was really nice.  I couldn't eat all I put on my plate, and it wasn't even that much!  Wegovy seems to be cutting my capacity so far.  

I've decided not to sew this afternoon, It's like FREEZING in Crabby Quarters, and my shoulder/arm is aching something rotten.  So, a lazy afternoon for me.

6.55 pm.  Well as I said, it's been a quiet afternoon here.  A perfect end to the weekend, just snuggled up and keeping warm.  

I have got my trolley ready for tomorrow's trek down to the village Craft Group.

My 'diet' is going well... I've not had a single thing I shouldn't.  I will record my first week's loss on Friday morning.  I think it will be a good loss, going on what the scale is telling me so far.

And on that happy note, I'm out of here.

Catch ya tomorrow.

A CHANGE

Today our son Steve is going to pick up our new recliner lounge chair, which is going in our front room.  I presume Stew will go with him.  Me, I am going to stay home and work on my latest runner.

ABOVE:  Yesterday afternoon I decided to make a Braid Runner using different colours/fabrics from what I've been doing lately.

It was refreshing to do it, and hopefully today I will finish it and can show you.  For now, you just get a sneak peek.

How did my first WEGOVY injection go?  In case you didn't read about it last night, it went really WELL!  Stew did it for me, as there is no way I could put a needle in myself.  Because I put on numbing cream 3-4 hours before I have the injection, I usually feel nothing.  Occasionally I will feel a little sting, but it's not enough to put me off.

Steve decided to buy flowers for his special girl yesterday.  When he arrived home with them, Lily thought they were for Bex, but NO.  They were for her, and she was THRILLED TO BITS!  She kept saying "Thank You Dadda", and wouldn't let Bex put them in a vase for ages.

ABOVE: That is what you call a 'melt your heart' photo.  She is so, so adorable.

And now... let's make a start on the day.

ONWARD...

It is now 11.30 am.  Stew and Steve are off getting the chair, and I've just finished this:

ABOVE:  I have to say it, none of my runners look the same as 'in person'... they are just so much NICER/PRETTIER in person.  This one is gorgeous, it just isn't photographing as lovely as it is.

Oh well... you are never going to know unless you turn up to one of our markets eh?  😉😊

I'm now taking a break for lunch, and giving my shoulders/arms a rest.  

ABOVE:  We now have... a monster box.

Meanwhile, it sits there and the guys are trying (again) to get the sofa bed out of the front room.  I wonder if it will still involve a chainsaw?  

ABOVE: Lacy and I did Step 1, taking the fabric off that end.  Now Steve did Step 2, taking the end off so it would fit through the doors.

Steve had already taken the sofa bed components out of the frame, making it so much easier to move.

ABOVE: The bedroom and lounge doors had to come off...

ABOVE: Then Steve could manoeuvre it out of the bedroom...

ABOVE: getting it through the lounge doorway was the trickiest part... 

ABOVE: He only had to saw off one very small piece to get it through the doorway!  And he can easily fix that at a later date, when he puts it back together at his house.

ABOVE: The lounge looked like a bomb had hit it for a  while!  

ABOVE: The couch FINALLY leaving the house!  I wish I'd never bought it. It has been a nightmare from the word GO.

ABOVE: The very last bit of the sofa bed leaving the house... and Steve and Stew took it over to Steve's home.

ABOVE:  It looks a bit munted at the moment, but I'm sure Steve can put it back together and have a very good, HUGE Sofa Bed for his home. lol

That took 2 and a half hours.

ABOVE: And in comes the new recliner for the front room...

ABOVE:  I was so worried it wouldn't fit through the freaking doors/hallway!   But it did, thank god.

ABOVE: And so did the exercycle.  

I hope like hell I don't want to move anything else for a bloody long time!  I am exhausted just watching it all happen.

ABOVE: The front room now, so much less cluttered.  And that chair?  SUPER COMFORTABLE.  It reclines to an almost lying flat situation, so can be slept in at a pinch.  I know that's where I'm going to have a nana nap from now on.

What a fantastic day this has been.  I love it when things come together and it all works out in the end.  And our home is like... TOTALLY how we want it now.

I CAN'T THANK OUR SON STEVE ENOUGH FOR ALL HE DOES FOR US.  We love you so, so much Steve, and not just for all you do.

ABOVE:  26 years since we lost you Dad.  You are missed.
  
8.10 pm, it's the end of the day.  I've been in Crabby Quarters this evening sorting out a project for tomorrow.  Another runner I've not done in AGES is going to happen.

Catch ya tomorrow.