tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72566307147688094342024-02-08T11:19:34.870+10:00NO ORDINARY MOMENTS"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."
-EpictetusKerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-57962354161525808262012-04-18T16:05:00.001+10:002012-04-18T16:05:22.114+10:00No Ordinary Moments has moved....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well I'm back! Sought of. I hope you'll join me at a new address...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://kerryfitandfabafter40.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">No Ordinary Moments...my Collage...</a></span><br />Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-78171020201274143052012-03-15T13:43:00.001+10:002012-03-15T13:44:52.012+10:00Guest Blogger...Cancer & Exercise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n0iHn0e2xiLxYk_WplvmPGM-pPKE_8sHkX1cOF-58ejv7EBy1d0QRo68dFiB8zbNjBD8f0QYw0qF4cdmbqNhh6Cj3BW-SZmYeQ56uWBjXt2Q6NP3xmoFdzs5ZRBGseJiTCo5V7ABbyaQ/s1600/real-cure-cancer-cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n0iHn0e2xiLxYk_WplvmPGM-pPKE_8sHkX1cOF-58ejv7EBy1d0QRo68dFiB8zbNjBD8f0QYw0qF4cdmbqNhh6Cj3BW-SZmYeQ56uWBjXt2Q6NP3xmoFdzs5ZRBGseJiTCo5V7ABbyaQ/s1600/real-cure-cancer-cancer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is my first guest to post on my blog. Thanks to </span><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/david/bio.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">David Haas</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> for contacting me. David is an <em>awareness program advocate</em> for the </span><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> in the US and he requested to share information about how exercise can benefit cancer sufferers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even though David is an advocate for those who suffer from <em>Mesothelioma Cancer</em> in particular, his message is to anyone who may suffer or may know people who suffer from the general disease known as<em> 'Cancer'</em>. David's contact details can be gleaned from the above link to his Bio page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thought it would make a nice change to have a post that wasn't about me for a change, but still aligned to what I advocate about the benefits of health and fitness. Sometimes, taking a moment to reflect upon other people's maladies, helps give ourselves a better appreciation of our own good health and the realisation of how blessed we truly are.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZiXjDYNFf-6flCkhQsM-HFvslrxVOJJuYgMl0NCCHMIJEYOmGlES8tKkfAhrSzFatljlQOhuJQkSAPWRFZFggFxwN2aQ2ioADDKvIeS6Lfs2zsNbPsh7Fi0fETZFQ-IC_VoVxSwTj7MZ/s1600/blog-david.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZiXjDYNFf-6flCkhQsM-HFvslrxVOJJuYgMl0NCCHMIJEYOmGlES8tKkfAhrSzFatljlQOhuJQkSAPWRFZFggFxwN2aQ2ioADDKvIeS6Lfs2zsNbPsh7Fi0fETZFQ-IC_VoVxSwTj7MZ/s200/blog-david.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Cambria;">Live a Better Life Through Physical Fitness Even While Fighting Cancer</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Physical fitness is known to have many benefits for anyone who participates in it. For someone who has been newly diagnosed with cancer, is going through radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments, or for those who are in remission, exercise is even more beneficial. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Exercise improves strength, endurance, and increases self esteem. It also increases energy levels, which are often depleted due to cancer treatments. Physical activity can help with depression and it relieves stress. All of these things will help you to feel more physically and mentally fit, aiding you in experiencing a general feeling of well being. While taking certain medications and treatments you may become constipated. Exercise is also known to ease this issue.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Physical activity may not be easy for some due to the type of cancer they have, the treatments they are receiving, or due to their age. Some people may have trouble moving or walking, or may experience weakness. Others may experience pain causing them to have difficulty in moving. In these cases, it is understandable that you would rather not move at all, but the more you stay in bed, the weaker your muscles become. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Physical activity does not mean that you should do strenuous amounts of exercise for great lengths of time. Exercise is beneficial to you even if you do only a small amount to start with. If you do more than you should you may cause injury or harm to yourself. To begin getting some exercise, you can do things such as making an effort to get out of bed and walk to the other side. If you are feeling weak, have someone help you to do this. You can also sit in bed and do simple movements such as moving your arms in circles or lifting your legs, if possible. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exercises that are common among people who are in remission from cancer or who are newly diagnosed are: Walking, yoga, range of motion exercises, gardening, dancing and light aerobics. As you gain strength you might try biking, swimming and moderate strength training. Start slow and build up to doing more as you can. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The American Cancer Society <a href="http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/physicalactivityandcancerpdf.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">recommends that cancer survivors who are adults, exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week or more</span></a>. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">You should discuss with your doctor, the types of physical activity you can do, before doing any type of exercise, especially if you are undergoing </span><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria;">mesothelioma treatment</span></a><span style="font-family: Cambria;">, as this normally affects the lungs making it painful and difficult to breathe at times. Your doctor can help you to make personalized recommendations for your fitness plan. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By following your doctor's recommendations on exercise, and following through, you can live a better life even while fighting cancer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-52984562240589750832012-03-07T01:37:00.001+10:002012-03-07T16:27:00.010+10:00Could This be the End of 'No Ordinary Moments'?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSq4WDwQ9LusyT_cnlnuMdc_31m74_Ug9EFwZAx5rPYMe5eZPqwhyphenhyphennVhqBkJZjrjvJm4x6yH_3egih0kUaJoKD1b9teHAGyktoFL83uHv65EGWNI48V1EvcegZZplVfJKdD2JtC-M_T7r/s1600/TasmaniaRock_wideweb__470x317,0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSq4WDwQ9LusyT_cnlnuMdc_31m74_Ug9EFwZAx5rPYMe5eZPqwhyphenhyphennVhqBkJZjrjvJm4x6yH_3egih0kUaJoKD1b9teHAGyktoFL83uHv65EGWNI48V1EvcegZZplVfJKdD2JtC-M_T7r/s400/TasmaniaRock_wideweb__470x317,0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness."</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><em>- Lord Edward Stanley<o:p></o:p></em></span></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;">The Paradigm Shift…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Today as I write this, it's Monday 5<sup>th</sup> March, 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A paradigm shift is happening and I know now what I need to do - what feels right for my life at this point in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’m just not sure yet where to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I’m suffering from overthinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An annoying tendency I have which rears its’ ugly head every so often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for me, the best way to stop overthinking and begin doing, is to put it into words and usually what happens during this process is that the pieces of the puzzle and all those thoughts floating and swimming around in my head, begin to make sense and I can then see some pattern, so that order begins to emerge.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Now I’m sounding like a broken record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My blog is all about ‘health and fitness’, but my posts of the last six months, even though touching on this, haven’t been definitive in regard to specifics of my fitness journey, as they originally began nearly three years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no further (fitness) insights to share with you, because I’ve reached the end of that particular road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I am about to embark on another slightly different road. Health and fitness is still part of that, but it becomes only one part of the equation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its’ importance hasn’t changed, however, but how I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘do’</i> health and fitness has…is changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see clearly now how it is a part, no less important, of the bigger picture of life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I remember the first shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I embarked on my <a href="http://www.idealbodiesonline.com.au/" target="_blank">Ideal Bodies Online</a> journey back in July 2008…major shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not in a good place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going forward just a little to January 2009, life had changed for the better and I grabbed it with everything I had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doors opened and I had a new body; new confidence (my old self); increased health and fitness; new plans and limitless opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My learning curve grew exponentially and in that process I learned a lot about myself and what I was capable of.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">In three-and-a-half years I’ve turned my life around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a promise never to return to that period before July 2008, and I haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, but on the whole I’ve maintained around the same weight and I’ve definitely become fitter and stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it’s all about being better than I was yesterday, and I am proud to say that with each day, I’m getting better (well…not every day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days of course you may take a step or two back, and some days you take a step or two forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fortunate to say that there have been more days that I’ve gone forward than back, so I’m still out in front and making progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">My accomplishments since embarking on my <strong>‘Fit-and-Fab-at-40’ journey</strong> have been:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: KodchiangUPC;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Losing around 15kgs</span></b><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"> to sit on a weight range of 58-60kgs to culminate just before my 40<sup>th</sup> birthday with a 12% body fat on the day of my photo shoot in January 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: KodchiangUPC;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Joining the Australian Army in June 2009</span></b><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"> at the age of 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I embarked on a 12 month training program written by <a href="http://www.idealbodiesonline.com.au/about/team" target="_blank">Kristin Gleeson</a> of IBO, to prepare me for the rigours of Basic Training, taking into account my back injury.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: KodchiangUPC;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Helping others on their health and fitness journey as a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">personal mentor for IBO</b> which I finished up in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: KodchiangUPC;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Overcoming hip bursitis and being able to run again</span></b><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"> after approx. 5-8 years being unable to run.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: KodchiangUPC;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Overcoming a herniated disc injury</span></b><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"> which had plagued me since 2000 (when I originally injured my back) through exercise and a lot of rehabilitation work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firstly through IBO and then specific rehabilitation, encompassing core strength and stability work with exercise physiologist, <a href="http://lastchancetraining.com.au/" target="_blank">Liz Nelson</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The significance of this particular achievement is signficant, given the accompanying muscular and skeletal imbalances and injuries which I’ve sustained as complications of having a back injury.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: KodchiangUPC;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Joining and training in Crossfit</span></b><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"> for 6 months of 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This had been a goal of mine since becoming fitter and I saw this as an opportunity to ramp up my fitness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I had to concede that <a href="http://cfb.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit</a> became detrimental to my fitness because of existing injuries and my underlying incorrect muscular activation issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also discovered at this time that I had a bone spur and beginnings of hip degeneration in the RHS hip ball and socket.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: KodchiangUPC;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Becoming educated as to what good nutrition is and what works best for me</span></b><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘what works best for me’</i> is still up for contention, and I’m at this very moment rethinking that part of nutrition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or moreso, taking this a step further. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A reason for me rethinking is tied up in the way I view or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘do food’</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something I’m constantly learning about and you could say that it’s evolved and still is evolving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will let you in on that when I feel more comfortable that I won’t be judged for it. The proof will be in the pudding, so to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would prefer to show you with results rather than with cheap talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">The physical accomplishments are always easier to measure, but as we all know, it’s the other accomplishments that you can’t necessarily see by looking which have the most profound effect on our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’m talking mainly about the self confidence that comes from overcoming challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This and the happiness and aura that you exude is exponential in its’ effect on not only your family and friends, but people you come into contact with daily.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">It’s the clarity you get about your life and the hope and excitement you have about your future, because it’s so full of possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life then becomes exciting because you are no longer a bystander but a full participant - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">It also becomes about focus…goal driven focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You become determined and persistent in your endeavours.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Back to paradigm shifts…and focus.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">For three-and-a-half years I have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘on’</i>. I flicked a switch back in July 2008 and my focus was like tunnel-vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trained hard, six days a week and I followed my IBO program (I did four programs in a row) 100%!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing could deter me from reaching my goals and the old Kerry was back!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">For three-and-a-half years I’ve weighed not only myself on a daily basis (though I’m honest when I say it has never really done my head in too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve looked at it as a way to monitor patterns rather than punish or reward myself) but I’ve weighed my food on and off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tracked the calories consumed and the macro-nutrient break-up of my nutrition to ensure I’ve had the right balance of protein, fats and carbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tracked my BPM via HRM and calories expended in conjunction with calories consumed through nutrition via <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">CalorieKing</i> to ensure that I had a caloric deficit when my goal has been weight loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learnt bucket-loads in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’ve trained hard and I’ve trained intensely and even as recently as a couple of weeks ago my goal for 2012 was to train intensely and consistently for 12 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same way and with the same intensity I have been for the majority of the three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it’s been all or nothing. That is about to change.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Fellow health enthusiasts and bloggers…it’s time to turn that switch off and change the light bulb!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Paradigm shift…I’m fuckin’ tired!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’m tired of being tired and overtraining (my fault entirely).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last month, all of a sudden I’m racking up small, niggly injuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something is up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one stage only recently I couldn’t stomach the thought of rocking up to the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ummm… ***Danger! Danger! Proceed at your peril!***.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this a tap on the shoulder or what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had enough of those to take notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there’s anything I’ve learnt, it’s to listen to what my body and intuition is telling me, once I’ve ruled out the possibility that I’m just piking.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: small;">There are more dimensions to life than purely health and fitness, but </span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;">without those, there a fewer options….<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Please understand - this isn’t about blaming anyone or even myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s a natural consequence and part of my health, fitness, and life journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a kind of fork in the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place where I stop and ask myself<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…”Do I continue along this path, or do I take another?” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’m tired of having to weigh my food and myself. I’m tired of cooking separate meals for myself, my husband and my daughter and not being able to sit down at dinner all at the same time and enjoy dinners as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of thinking about cheat meals, free meals, low-carb, low-fat, blah..blah…blah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Of course, that’s not to say that if you’re beginning your weight loss journey that you don’t necessarily have to be doing those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not forever anyway –just until you have your weight and nutrition under control and you’ve maintained for a good period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to do it first to learn what I know now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just a lot further along the road, and the process no longer suits my purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s it – nothing more or nothing less. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’m not belittling what’s required at the start of an individuals’ journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just taking the next step toward what I deem as progress.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’m tired of the fact that my workouts take so much time out of my day that I don’t get to do other things in my life because it’s not just the workout, it’s the fallout – pissed off because I don’t have the energy to do what other things I want or need to do in my life on any given day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I think I’ve well and truly proven myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only to others, but to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to stop trying to prove to myself what is apparent to everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fit, muscular and lean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No prizes here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why the hell am I still doing this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a perceptive friend said to me only recently<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…”You’re a fit 40yr old trying to train like a fit 20yr old”. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to start thinking like a fit 40yr old and accept that life is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s suicidal for me to continue pursuing a 20yr old fitness mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though at my core, I still feel like that 20yr old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my second wind in life and I intend to make the most of it by working smarter and being kinder to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can still be fit, muscular and lean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have to beat myself up to achieve that anymore.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Where this all began…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">When I finished up with my martial arts club, back eons ago, I suspect I had a nervous breakdown of sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went on to make another business mistake (that made two in a row where I chose the wrong person I went into business with) and during the fallout of those gut-wrenching failures, I decided there and then while going away to lick my wounds, that life for me would be different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not going to partake in the madness of the world around me any longer…working too hard, working to be ‘rich’ (what a joke that is), and having no time to do the simple things in life which in the end became less attainable and further from my grasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was around the time I fell pregnant with Philomena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then became another catalyst for change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having children for most people, as with myself, changes your perspective about life and what becomes more important.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Anthony and I decided then that life would be different.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">We made the specific choice that I would stay home full-time to rear Philomena while she was at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sold my car and we bought a unit in Mt Warren Park, as that was all we could get into at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did it tough with a young baby, having no car most of the time and having to catch public transport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you have a car, you take for granted the simple little things, like going the shops to buy necessities whether it’s pouring rain, windy, cold or oppressively hot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, we had Anthony’s parents and a good friend to help during those difficult early years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, we’ve managed to buy a house and hang onto our investments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider ourselves doing okay even on one income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a little tougher at the moment financially, but life is good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having a little more income through the Army Reserves has helped. Going out to work full-time to get a bigger or better house for me was not an option and still isn’t if it can be helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t even imagine the detrimental effect on family life with all that stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know most of the population have to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just chose and still choose, different.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">So we decided that our family was going to be different than the mainstream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life would be quiet and Philomena would not be indulged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would give her our love, time and a quiet, stress-free and peaceful home life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would raise her to make healthy food choices, to have manners and courtesy, respect others and act with dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most of all, we would tell her we loved her and that you are never too old for hugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we still do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">We are practicing Catholics and decided that though we don’t speak out about it, we would live those ideals and bring up Philomena with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our moral compass in a world where the majority of people have no moral compass and many people are lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that it’s those guiding principles and traditions that keep us on course and keep us strong as a family and unite us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes what we celebrate is against popular belief and it can be difficult to explain to your child why we don’t always follow what others do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we often say to Philomena, “just because others do something, that doesn’t mean you have to do it too”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about what is the right thing to do for us, which isn’t always easy, especially for a nearly six year old girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she’s doing fabulously and as long as we explain why we do what we do she’s content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She won’t understand fully right now, but one day she will.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">So, there are rules we’ve set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will never allow a play station or computer games in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will never allow a TV in every room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We limit TV exposure and encourage a lot of outside play and exploration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evenings are time to reduce the noise, turn down the lights, read, converse as a family and have time for quiet contemplation and then go to bed peacefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I think the majority of families have lost the ability to connect because they are too busy living their own individual lives attached to technology and drowned out by all the noise, under their own roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are like boarders who come out occasionally because they’re hungry and go back to their individual lives, and as a consequence they don’t know their own family. They have the inability to connect with others as well as themselves, introspectively. This also includes the inability to recognise signs and signals and lifes' sometimes subtle vibrations that reach out to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Society is so de-sensitised that it takes the force of an oncoming train to wake us from our state of disconnectedness. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">“The most important thing is to find out what is the most important thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><em>- Shunryu Suzuki<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">At this point in time it’s about simplifying life when the accepted norm is to complicate life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t have to be this difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life doesn’t have to be that busy or stressful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the saying goes…less is more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Paradigm shift…less is more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t have to be this difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">Since moving into our new home and connecting more with my surroundings, and endeavouring to connect with family and friends at a deeper level, I’ve found that I’m yearning for more simplicity in my life to gain a richer, more satisfying relationship with it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">It’s all about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Balance</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I realise I’ve said this before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Balance’</i> was used in the context of my health and fitness journey, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Balance</i> now is all about life as a whole and how I integrate all parts of my life (and the different roles I play) to reflect this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about living life more intuitively based around of course, a healthy lifestyle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That hasn’t changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not about to throw the baby out with the bath water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">However, in addition to that it’s about living a life that is more genuinely me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those feelings of uneasiness and that somehow what I was doing was no longer congruent with what I knew in my heart to be right for me, are what’s been surfacing in the last six months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t know it then.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I’ve been a gym-rat for three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve worked out and eaten, following program after program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s become too hard, too tiring and too regimented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to approach my health and fitness lifestyle differently, and enjoy physical pursuits of old, before my martial arts days, as well as encounter new ones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to breathe fresh air into my health and fitness lifestyle and as <a href="http://www.peter-barr.com/" target="_blank">Peter Barr</a> would say… to continue living (more of) my genius.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">From here it’s about being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Fit-and-Fab-<u>after</u>-40’</i>. It’s time to remove all that white noise where I take life a notch upward, but at a slower, more flowing and intuitive pace.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Could this be the end of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘No Ordinary Moments’</i>?...<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">I haven’t decided yet whether to finish <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘No Ordinary Moments’</i> with this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it will just evolve as I have evolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the big scheme of blogs in this world, mine is just a number of millions of blogs written by people who want to be heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t know if I need to be heard any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I satisfied with living out my life without an audience? <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "KodchiangUPC","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">To quote the famous Zen koan<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…”If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>If I cease to allow people to bear witness to my journey via blogging, will anybody feel the ripple when my blog ceases to exist?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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</div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-7143880437011945922012-02-29T18:09:00.001+10:002012-02-29T18:13:59.597+10:00(Being) Fit and Fabulous AFTER 40 (is hard work!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuyU_z2uBzombhQIWXjTIuouWnZFsqO3A_c10iAmgZ0zTdLW8RV5e_3AwNBwKyik26SaMWggfEcsYV3dHWtyfewWiCzPegobK_pdXDFeiOpIV5kNIocCEBZviJALZxvk5MfzYttCUUhzF/s1600/IMG_0765b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuyU_z2uBzombhQIWXjTIuouWnZFsqO3A_c10iAmgZ0zTdLW8RV5e_3AwNBwKyik26SaMWggfEcsYV3dHWtyfewWiCzPegobK_pdXDFeiOpIV5kNIocCEBZviJALZxvk5MfzYttCUUhzF/s400/IMG_0765b-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Mua at 40</em><br />
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<div class="quote"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"><strong>"Fitness - If it came in a bottle, </strong></span></div><div class="quote"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"><strong>everybody would have a great body."</strong></span></div><div class="quote"><br />
</div><div class="quote"><em>- Cher</em></div></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hello fellow bloggers and health enthusiasts. It's been awhile since I last blogged and I'm happy to say that life is just dandy...considering. I also haven't had any home phone or internet connection for one week tomorrow! I'm using hubby's computer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've had a few minor challenges in the last month or so, mainly to do with training (overtraining and then lack of motivation), as you would have read in my last post. After a small break I resumed my training, but ever since I've been plagued by some annoying little niggles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The first was some upper trap tension which kept pulling my neck out of alignment and I was getting headaches and increased tiredness. So it was back to doing my lower trap activation work. My physio also said I had <em>Plantar Fasciitis</em> in my right foot. It had been annoying me for some time and I finally fessed up. So stretching and icing was prescribed for that (that's going to take longer to heal). And in the last week, just to prove that things come in threes, I managed to strain my RHS calf (though we're not 100% convinced this is what it was). That means no running, and alot of massage and stretching. It's feeling much better and I should be able to resume gentle running by the start of next week. I think my body is trying to tell me something, and I've been listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, my training volume and intensity have changed down somewhat. To be honest, I think it's what I've needed. I haven't even been strictly following a program, but have rather been listening to what my body has been telling me and doing what feels best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The funny thing is, I haven't put on weight. I've been between 133-135lbs now for a couple of months. Up and down. I haven't been progressing past that 133lbs. Even with the decrease in volume and training intensity, I'm still sitting on 133lbs. And that' where I've been sitting. I still haven't hit my goal weight of 57kgs (125.66lbs), but I don't think it's too far away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But, I'm not concerned, because I have finally got my nutrition on track and having more variety. And even though my weight hasn't changed on the scales, something is happening, because in the last week, my shorts have all of a sudden loosened and I now have to buy a new belt, because my old one is too big. My faithful denims I haven't worn for a couple of weeks, because they now fall down too low. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The body fat is starting to come off and I'm starting to look lean again. It's just that last remnant of body fat sitting on my butt and thighs. You know, the bit that is always first to go on and the last to come off?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The thing is, I'm doing it all differently. I'm no longer focused on training 24/7 like I have been in the last few years. Life has changed somewhat, and I no longer have to expend as much energy thinking about my fitness. I plan and then I do. Not as much deliberation now. When I'm at training I focus 100% on doing my best (even at the moment as my intensity is at around 75%, rather than 100%). And when I finish, I focus on that part of my life that I'm experiencing at that time. I'm getting alot better at compartmentalising different areas of my life and not stressing about each one in-between.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think I'm starting to understand this thing called<em> 'Balance'</em>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">On the other hand, that doesn't mean that I don't focus at all on my training or fitness goals. I still think about them. I just don't obsess so much anymore. I'm doing lots of reading in the realm of nutrition at the moment and I'm finding it quite intriguing and I'm learning new things about how our bodies respond to varying degrees of macro-nutrients. So I'm still learning things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Interestingly, just reading my coach, <a href="http://lastchancetraining.com.au/2012/02/28/being-your-best/#comments" target="_blank">Liz's latest post</a>, brought to mind how what people think, regardless of who we are, still has an influence on us to a greater or lesser degree. I'm finding as I get older, it's becoming more important what I think of myself, rather than what others think of me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know for a fact that those outside the bodybuilding and fitness world think I'm obsessive because I enjoy training and assume that because I am muscular, I'm super fit (a misconception). Older friends and family just think I'm skinny (and they want to fatten me up). It's interesting how others perceive you. And here I am thinking I'm doing okay for 43, but I still have a ways to go. Just yesterday I bumped into an old neighbour and she asked me if I was a personal trainer. But as it goes, it's funny that others will notice the best of you while your self-talk is quickly summing up the worst of you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">However, in reality, when I look at other women my age in normal, everyday society, I know I'm part of a minority. And I'm damned proud of it! I like being different. And if other women think I'm too muscular, so be it. As I've said before...I'd rather have muscular arms than tuckshop arms, any day! I've had them (tuckshop) and let me tell you, I didn't feel so special. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So I'll just keep chugging along and working on improving my fitness, keeping lean and growing a butt (muscle)! Like Liz, I think I'm a fitness generalist and I'm really keen on trying different types of exercise genre, whether that be training for strength, power or endurance. I like to mix it up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After so many years of martial arts (power and endurance), it's been a nice change to do different things. And even though I miss martial arts (I've had to put it to bed for now due to time constraints and also injury), the many years of training have no doubt put me in good stead and have paved the way to pursue fitness in differing ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Even with all my little niggles, I'm still a work-in-progress. Yes, it takes hard work to be fit and fabulous after 40. But you know, I don't have any medical problems that trouble me. I don't take any medication for anything. I don't drink or smoke and don't feel the need to, because I'm quite high on life without them. I mostly have food under control, though I don't think it's something we all completely master. We all have our 'moments'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have energy to keep up with my nearly 6yr old daughter as well as do everything physical around the house. I put to shame fellow AA reservists half my age when it comes to fitness tests (and that includes men too) and I have to say, I secretly enjoy putting them to shame! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know that if I need to dig deep physically, I can. And for me, it's important to know that whatever challenge I face, I can handle it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The best part is, I'm excited because I may be getting older, but I'm getting fitter (and I'm enjoying getting mellow too)!</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-76951356402964122752012-02-09T12:49:00.004+10:002012-02-09T13:02:01.766+10:00When Analytical and Creative Collide...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0egR662sid0ym1zu2481eOqfWa7-4cdKYjYYGJJmtJCLET8UlM654pbegbelkGRDN_HAc8gYhsF3lyH0NniBrjDMuPqpEHrClg56qFvgXKBmfHqlEkMp1k3tksbJtUGBlCeWVq5-53g9/s1600/tumblr_llazaut2UP1qf0ld8o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0egR662sid0ym1zu2481eOqfWa7-4cdKYjYYGJJmtJCLET8UlM654pbegbelkGRDN_HAc8gYhsF3lyH0NniBrjDMuPqpEHrClg56qFvgXKBmfHqlEkMp1k3tksbJtUGBlCeWVq5-53g9/s400/tumblr_llazaut2UP1qf0ld8o1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>- Albert Einstein</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I suspect that I am experiencing one of many vicissitudes of life. Unbeknownst to be, it's been taking place for about six months now. It's been slowly building, though I've only been in a state of anxiousness for about two to three weeks. I even considered seeking some professional help today, but I managed to calm myself down and organise my thoughts and look a little more deeply into my feelings to ascertain where all this anxiousness was coming from.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In my latest post I admitted that life is<em> too</em> good...and it's wonderful actually.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So why am I so anxious? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Regardless of how well we think we know ourselves, at times even we can confound ourselves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Why is it hard to seek help when you're seen as the strong one? I think it's because when you're a high achiever, you have that expectation of yourself that you will always find the solution. And you project a persona of such strength, coolness and calmness that others around you naturally assume you have your shit together 100% of the time. Nothing could be further than the truth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of the time I actually do have my shit together in a general sense. Though there will always be areas of your life that need work. Not every part of your life can be in balance 100% all at the same time. There's always stuff we're working on in our lives. Sometimes we drop the ball and then it becomes a mad scramble to regain control.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you haven't noticed, the feeling of my blog has changed in the last six months or so. I haven't much written about anything resembling health or fitness. I've been struggling in the headspace department. The fact is, I've got to a stage where I've figured out what I need from my training and nutrition. There are no longer any surprises. It's fairly simple really - train hard, train consistently, eat clean, and oh....rest! I know what works for me and what doesn't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, there will always be more to learn when it comes to training and as my body gets stronger, but the routine of fitness is no longer a mystery. It's so simple I could do it my sleep. And that's where the problem lies. Why is it we like to complicate the simple? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I read somewhere recently that human beings abhor a state of equilibrium. That it's in our nature, and we derive pleasure from constant change, whether subtle or otherwise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxpxU1BTPPZEKX5jXijMCcRvvIpOXNwJLQI_EcZKlbT0s1zVYQIOWj8VIKTstvJJvy2iNT3ULYsjj1neYqAlbaBJ_s0I6YtKeTFa3qwP_qFmszHGO6_I6K1ywcJcH8dby0elKxrim6-KR/s1600/creativity_routine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxpxU1BTPPZEKX5jXijMCcRvvIpOXNwJLQI_EcZKlbT0s1zVYQIOWj8VIKTstvJJvy2iNT3ULYsjj1neYqAlbaBJ_s0I6YtKeTFa3qwP_qFmszHGO6_I6K1ywcJcH8dby0elKxrim6-KR/s400/creativity_routine1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Order and routine in my life I need. Without it, nothing would get done. And action ensures that I am achieving my goals and getting things done. I'm a person of action. I love making plans and I love seeing and analysing the results. I would not have achieved what I have unless I was a person of action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet, I am also a very creative person and sometimes routine stifles my need to be creative. This is where the analytical side and the creative side collide. And this is what's happening at the moment. I think I'm in another creative phase in my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't touched my pencils or paints for over five years now. Ever since Philomena was a baby. I miss that creative outlet, but as long as I have other creative pursuits in my life that's okay. Creative for me is gardening; house planning and design; interior design and decoration. It's a world filled with creative licence - colour, form, balance, style and form. And most of all, it's about creating surroundings that embue your very essence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT5AcIq_5lPcowvFzhfHtqqyfdNK3DfYWa8Kxl1gD25rETWaCVI5-8DWwWQY6d0CmINPnrUdwZoGUW1Gy-wrsj0CtUW4JiWjereueBnt3B-CLALxA6tOlXbWrXOVl0ISRFNT6ngbpT4_P/s1600/chickengenius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT5AcIq_5lPcowvFzhfHtqqyfdNK3DfYWa8Kxl1gD25rETWaCVI5-8DWwWQY6d0CmINPnrUdwZoGUW1Gy-wrsj0CtUW4JiWjereueBnt3B-CLALxA6tOlXbWrXOVl0ISRFNT6ngbpT4_P/s320/chickengenius.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been the vege garden, the composting; the trees, birds, butterlfies, family, friends and food; decadence rooted in simplicity; the tree swing; sharing good conversation and laughter; observing beauty in doing simple, every day tasks; contemplation of all things beautiful and sublime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's about self expression and having your life and your home speak who you really are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfko3Kiadstb3M2I9iPf41QsoQvhhQ0uOBfR0sHNIyY0S2TQPT4k0Sbla4s3iL1X-N4rqsNHV7giLWyNAWObwOEUxdSrIxv62d8i5EIy95WrVymbbTLybXTGRq5V9tIck80oGdD-X7Ar4/s1600/CreativeTruth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfko3Kiadstb3M2I9iPf41QsoQvhhQ0uOBfR0sHNIyY0S2TQPT4k0Sbla4s3iL1X-N4rqsNHV7giLWyNAWObwOEUxdSrIxv62d8i5EIy95WrVymbbTLybXTGRq5V9tIck80oGdD-X7Ar4/s400/CreativeTruth.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's about realising your dreams as a kid (being creative) whilst supposedly maintaining your visage as an adult (stifling creativity and imagination). Striking a balance is a constant challenge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here I find myself, craving passivity yet at the same time having the need to create order and discipline in my surroundings. I do this now, so that I can indulge in the decadence of time-wasting, observation, daydreaming and contemplation that creativity demands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now all I need to do is work out how I can schedule both order and discipline as well as creativity in my life. Now that is the real challenge - finding that balance. I wonder whether I will ever find it again soon. Because there have been times I have been content, and I realise that contentment is that balance I seek. And it wasn't that long ago I was content - only last year in fact.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now...today, I'm on strike. I can't face the thought of training or thinking too seriously about what's required for me to push through this current training and nutrition rut. I mean, I haven't fallen off the wagon, but I'm just over the energy of being so 'on' all the time and my headspace is just not conducive to training. So unlike me. I need a break. I'm not doing anything stupid. I no longer binge or feel the need to comfort myself with food. I've grown up a bit now. I just need <em>'time out'</em>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course I also know that<em> 'this too shall pass'</em>. Fingers crossed it shall pass within in few days, and I'll have worked out how to schedule into my life on a regular basis, both order and creativity. Ahhh...I feel so much better already. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-53669319916862464992012-02-07T10:57:00.002+10:002012-02-07T11:22:42.471+10:00When Life is Too Good<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTcaEruf05XwfCS03XNrdzPUkS4wVcEj4obg0rHBRgIzJVTUorYQaF3XpAPcG0MWwiz11CPfWrIvYvIS_Y-4LR4QBFCqJlY-4YjrXQFdYY0LSI2SaLK6SW6LzJYvu_60rT6I8Bz36GfS-/s1600/2012-02-05+09.00.32+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTcaEruf05XwfCS03XNrdzPUkS4wVcEj4obg0rHBRgIzJVTUorYQaF3XpAPcG0MWwiz11CPfWrIvYvIS_Y-4LR4QBFCqJlY-4YjrXQFdYY0LSI2SaLK6SW6LzJYvu_60rT6I8Bz36GfS-/s320/2012-02-05+09.00.32+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Sunday Breakfast on the back patio, eating pancakes and drinking tea - pure decadence!</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The last week which saw my 43rd birthday was what you could perfect...mostly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is what it's been like the last couple of weeks. Undulating between perfect and frustrating. The thing is, it's all my fault. Life for me is fantastic, but sometimes we can fail to see it when life is just TOO good! That has been me lately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago I was feeling very tired. Self-inflicted overtraining. I go too hard too quickly. I pulled back the reins though the tiredness and frustration remained. I haven' even felt like training this week and dragged my sorry arse to the gym yesterday! I still managed a mostly strong weights session, though squats are frustrating the hell out of me at present. I'm still a novice and it's a learning curve. It's not a great head space, and so unlike me, but when that happens I know it's time to stop and take a step back and look at why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Knowing myself so well now, it's a constant battle to maintain balance in my life. On one hand I like to train and go hard; keep the house tidy, stay on top of all things domestic, and yet on the other hand I like to relax and have time to <em>smell the roses.</em> In order for me to maintain this equilibrium, I have to schedule times within my week and month to ensure that I keep it all humming along nicely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With Christmas, New Year, and with all the rain, things have slipped behind on the domestic front and with such a large yard (which I wanted), it's more labour intensive, and I have a back log of work to catch up on. Another mountain of weeds; washing things like bedsheets and furniture covers, etc which had to be delayed due to all the rain. So that's just life, but it all just got a bit overwhelming for me. It's times like these that I realise I need to physically stop and take stock of things. Training, as much as I love it (except or the last week), sometimes has to be put on the back burner so I can get all the other stuff in my life back to a happy medium and humming along. When I've got all this squared away, then I find I'm back in a better place, headspace wise and can then focus 100% on my training AND enjoy it! When I lack motivation in my training, I know it's time to slow down for a while. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So today I'm not training. I'm catching up on house and yard work and preparing my stuff to start back at Army Reserves tonight. At this very moment I'm sitting out the back patio listening to the whipbirds calling, lorikeets screeching, birds chattering, the chickens scratching in amongst the plants, classical music, and while I'm drinking coffee. I'll grab 10 minutes of some quiet reading when I've finished this post, and then I'll be hanging out more washing, cleaning the kitchen and getting some much needed housework done. I feel better already, and I'll return to training tomorrow morning.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Lighthouse, Byron Bay</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Breakfast Fresh Cafe, Byron Bay</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last Friday couldn't have been anymore perfect, and secretly, I think I need a whole week of doing what I did on Friday...sweet F'All! I lay on the beach reading; pottered around Byron Bay shops and ended up at<em> Mary Ryans Bookstore/Coffee Shop</em> and spent about 2 hours in there looking through books and reading - it was pure bliss! I bought two great books - <em>'Principles of Home - Making a Place to Live'</em> by <em>Kevin McCloud</em> (the guy who hosts<em> Grand Designs</em> on ABC TV), and <em>'A Slice of Organic Life'</em> by<em> Sheherazade Goldsmith. </em>Anthony and I in amongst that had some lunch and in the afternoon we met up again and had a great coffee (Campos coffee) at the <em>Breakfast Fresh Cafe</em> (pic above). We then drove up to <em>The Lighthouse</em> and the walk was great and the scenery spectacular and refreshing! Anthony and I then drove back through the hinterland and finished the day late into the evening, eating pizza at Mt Tamborine before going home and falling into bed. It was THE perfect birthday!</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Come Monday morning I was despondent and not looking forward to going to the gym! The warning bells are sounding and it was time to take note. Mind you, apart from squats I had a great session and did my best pull-up session. I decided to ditch my resistance bands and managed 4 sets of 5, 4, 4, 2 reps of unassistd pull-ups. My best yet! My lats are nice and sore this morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So this morning I'm taking some time out to get some much needed 'other stuff' done and I'm taking a little time out to stop and enjoy what I already have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been frustrated because my weight hasn't budged beyond the 60kg mark and I've been whinging and complaining to myself (and Anthony...and <a href="http://lastchancetraining.com.au/" target="_blank">Liz</a>...sorry Liz!), but you know, things aren't so bad when I put it all in perspective. I am the first to admit that I am too hard on myself sometimes and I expect too much of myself. I need to lighten up! And I need to remind myself to lighten up. I also need to organise myself alot better than I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm still in pretty good shape. I'm looking good and feeling healthy and fit. I have a beautiful family and home and lots going on in my life to occupy me. I am truly blessed. So enough of whinging and complaining! Time to get on with it.</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-50808029212908831472012-02-02T13:47:00.006+10:002012-02-02T14:03:21.444+10:00What's your Favorite Daily Escape?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBiMPrfTk2hq-shmcmjtRRpzu1k54VknAhhGNKFQTolQFOYTwSBrLriLTbNFRRnwlI9YSOnV7GTV46VitxsYK56z-Sy8BWOVo58FymcBzdrvnrAF00NdYcMNxbu9HksBDZ2CYNdghE1fJ/s1600/marilyn-monroe-reading-at-home-alfred-eisenstaedt.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBiMPrfTk2hq-shmcmjtRRpzu1k54VknAhhGNKFQTolQFOYTwSBrLriLTbNFRRnwlI9YSOnV7GTV46VitxsYK56z-Sy8BWOVo58FymcBzdrvnrAF00NdYcMNxbu9HksBDZ2CYNdghE1fJ/s400/marilyn-monroe-reading-at-home-alfred-eisenstaedt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy.</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">~Edward P. Morgan</span></em></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm currently reading<em> 'Rock the Casbah'</em> by <em>Robin Wright</em>. Robin Wright is a foreign correspondent and TV commentator who has covered the middle east for 40 years. It's non-fiction and is about the undercurrent of change in the Middle East and how the people of the Islamic world are transforming the political landscape through simple, but powerful acts of rebellion with the help of technology. Who said Facebook was negatively influencing society? In this instant, it's inspiring the downtrodden and repressed to gain a public platform and a voice to be heard by the rest of the world, overthrowing corrupt and cruel politial regimes. It's right up-to-date, and goes into the events of the removal of Egypt's president <em>Hosni Mubarak </em>and how it started on January 28th, 2011. Powerful stuff!</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've also got <em>'Nicholas Nickleby'</em> to read by Charles Dickens. I've only ever read one of his novels, <em>'David Copperfield'</em>, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So I'm looking forward to starting that one. I'll probably have a couple of books on the go at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last night I enjoyed my favourite daily escape. AW is away and Philomena was asleep. It was quiet and peaceful. I just had the soft glow of the lamp on and some classic music playing in the background. I was in my comfy recliner with a cup of tea and a good book! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I intend to make this a regular thing and I'm hoping I can convince AW to turn off the TV at night so we can all do some reading as a family. Now that Philomena is beginning to read, I would like to make this something we do each night. Anthony has been doing more reading lately too, so it shouldn't be hard to do. Philomena really enjoys listening to classical music as well, so I'm hoping this will have a more calming effect on her before bedtime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I even have plans for the future based around reading. We're currently doing up plans to build in the house and we're going to put in a fireplace! It will sit between the lounge and dining rooms to warm the living and dining areas. So this is my dream. It's another thing I've always wanted. I won't get my library room, but I'll get my fireplace. I can't wait one day to be reading books on the recliner, with a hot cup of tea by a warm fire during winter! Funny how these little things can inspire you. You may not think it gets cold in Brisbane, but I'm a cold frog and it gets quite cold here where we are. The house sits in a gully and we seem to trap the cold air. I had the heating on in September, it was that cold!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Anyway...if you're into reading and have some good recommendations, I hope you'll share!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And...I'd like to know what you do and whether you have a favourite daily escape and how you escape!</span></div><iframe src="//edge.jeetyetmedia.com/ia/html/sia.html?org=www.blogger.com" style="display: none;"></iframe><br />
<iframe src="//edge.jeetyetmedia.com/ia/html/sia.html?org=www.blogger.com" style="display: none;"></iframe>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-20610065615259326062012-01-30T22:17:00.003+10:002012-01-30T22:21:27.421+10:00Health...Your Moral Responsibility?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo70jsg80B7dW2KNQs48ZZG7zFzp2IS_HaKgSqwciicPOCoK-oXjWGD0tPaqK9TrO3jJn-6Py1hpLohmnSSUorIK4mx4KqwGfD-g1q9YwFAS5lJZHHLD3yahtpi8vedRj95jsWvMvaXK_V/s1600/g-larson-cow-philosophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo70jsg80B7dW2KNQs48ZZG7zFzp2IS_HaKgSqwciicPOCoK-oXjWGD0tPaqK9TrO3jJn-6Py1hpLohmnSSUorIK4mx4KqwGfD-g1q9YwFAS5lJZHHLD3yahtpi8vedRj95jsWvMvaXK_V/s640/g-larson-cow-philosophy.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today I was listening to RN on 612ABC radio. It was an interesting program with some diverse topics. One particular program hosted by Amanda Smith, called <em>'Body Sphere', </em>discussed the topic of <em>'Diets'</em>. Now it followed the usual path that any topic about diet usually follows, and that is - different types of diets and the reasoning behind them. There were interviews with various people who had followed various diets, and so on and so forth. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What I found particulary interesting, and what really tweaked my interest was the word <em>Diet</em>, and how it comes from the Greek word <em>'Diatia', </em>meaning <em>'a way of life, mode of living'</em>. Hmmm...interesting. Interesting because diet in the modern sense is anything but, a way of life. The word <em>'Diet'</em> is seen as something painful that has to be endured in order to lose weight. It typifies something short-term. But when you look at its' true meaning, to me, <em>a way of life</em> is long-term, which should be wholesome and balanced. Not something we struggle with, but something we deeply believe in...we embrace and which our life engenders.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And what really caught my attention was the reference to Ancient Greek culture and philosphy and how ones' health was seen as a moral responsibility! Wow! If only the people of modern society saw it this way, how different would we be living our lives and how much happier we would all be?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It caught my attention because I agree wholeheartedly. Our health <em>is </em>our moral responsibility.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It really annoys me when people complain about their (bad )health. It's usually those people of whom it is mostly self-afflicted and who have never taken responsibility for their own actions and what they choose to put in their mouths, and what physical action they have failed to take. Who blame other people, circumstances, genetics or whatever as the reason for their failing health. They are the very same people who ridicule others for leading<em> 'moderate'</em> lives, yet will rely on those people to take care of them in their declining years.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now I'm not talking about those who fall ill due to no fault of their own. Life is life, and bad things happen to good people, regardless of whether they lead a healthy lifestyle or not.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What I'm talking about, and annoys the hell out of me is that our hospital system is overburdened, that society is becoming more unhealthy...popping more pills...shoving more food into their mouths...doing less and eating more, yet they wonder why they become ill. It annoys me that in their older years that it's the ones who do take responsibility for their health, whom they've laughed at and ridiculed for leading moderate lives, who end up having to care for those who just don't give a shit!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think it's so damned selfish and I wish people would wake up to themselves, take responsibility and become contributing members to society, rather than being a drain on it. And I don't just mean the 'larger society' out there, but within their own family and network of friends. How much more can we participate in life and be of genuine service if we are fit, healthy and happy! And how much happier would we be?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some days I really wish I could say to those who tell me I'm 'too skinny' (though they wouldn't know the difference between skinny and lean and muscular), or laugh at how healthy I eat, or ridicule the fact that exercising is a priority, that I don't drink or smoke, to go and get f*cked and take a good look at themselves in the mirror and ask just how long they think they'll be walking this earth, because their health is questionable and getting worse due to their own lack of responsibility and self-righteous denial of their current state of bad health.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Anyway...I've had my beef. It's been stewing for a long time. I know little will change, and people will continue to make bad food and lifestyle choices and blame others for their ill health. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The question is<em>...'do you think your health is your moral responsibility'</em> or do you view it differently? My view might seem too simplistic.</span></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-78791523626158971062012-01-15T21:43:00.003+10:002012-01-16T07:49:51.458+10:00Reflecting...3 Years On...<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" id="twttrHubFrame" name="twttrHubFrame" scrolling="no" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets/hub.1326407570.html" style="height: 10px; position: absolute; top: -9999em; width: 10px;" tabindex="0"></iframe><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQYjkfGn592NR6JJVeuTnv_lyE7ZPvG-rguCXp6jGAMFADZeUxHpMylndtklTM5x2zI8gQwGk1fGqhWK-EHqAnjPTPQdk26lX4Wkea7hgCo6KL5WXBPNYed4l6b0kUwHdueu-Th8ubrVY/s1600/n1559355690_30122300_1684268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQYjkfGn592NR6JJVeuTnv_lyE7ZPvG-rguCXp6jGAMFADZeUxHpMylndtklTM5x2zI8gQwGk1fGqhWK-EHqAnjPTPQdk26lX4Wkea7hgCo6KL5WXBPNYed4l6b0kUwHdueu-Th8ubrVY/s640/n1559355690_30122300_1684268.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Me holding a pair of Sai - 16th January, 2009</em></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="body">"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."</span> <br />
<span class="bodybold"></span></span></span></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="bodybold">- <strong>Confucious</strong></span></em></div></div><br />
Tomorrow, 3 years ago I achieved a major goal. <br />
<br />
You would probably say that you already know what that goal was, and that in a nutshell I reached my goal of losing weight and regaining my fitness at the age of 40. And that was my goal...to be <em>'Fit-and-Fab-at-40</em>'. And I did it! Pretty simple really. Lots of people do it.<br />
<br />
However as we all know, achieving goals isn't just about the <em>'physical goal'</em> of what we see on the outside. You and I both know that achieving goals is about the change that happens and the person you become through that process of striving to achieve your goal. It's about what happens to you on the inside...inside your head and inside your heart.<br />
<br />
It's also about what happens around you.<br />
<br />
It still amazes me how, that once we make a decision and we truly commit, what the universe provides for you in ways which you never anticipate in the way of doors opening, and opportunities presenting themselves.<br />
<br />
I count my blessings often when I reflect on where I was 4 years ago, living in quiet desperation. Overweight, debilitated, unhappy and feeling hopeless. My saving grace would come in the form of a little girl, whom I decided, was the best reason to commit to change and become the role model I dreamt of being. Thank you to my darling girl, Philomena for giving me a reason to change.<br />
<br />
The best part that came from all of this, after a great period of uncertainty in my life where I went through the loss of my martial arts club and those treasured friendships; my hopes and dreams and then loss of home, and business failure - trying to find my place in the world again and that passion I'd felt as a martial artist, was my husband telling me that it was nice to have 'the old Kerry' back. That <em>old Kerry</em> who was strong, determined, confident and lived life with passion.<br />
<br />
So here I am. <br />
<br />
I may be the old Kerry in persona, but I'm definitely a new, upgraded Kerry with a body that tells me that I'm no longer 20yrs old, but over 40 now. Life is now about achieving my physical goals with a different approach.<br />
<br />
I would have to say that my biggest achievement is overcoming my injuries. How proud of myself, that I have defied what would stop most people from having an active and healthy life in the form of a back (disc) injury. Many give up. But I believe that you have to exhaust all avenues and search for solutions and the right people to help you. That is what I did and I continue to do. And I worked hard...I still work hard. Once I made that decision, I did all my rehabilitation exercises without fail. I still do. <br />
<br />
That is why, three years on, I'm stronger, I'm fitter and I'm in better shape than I was back then. And I'll continue to get stronger, fitter and better. It's such a liberating state of body and mind to know that I am physically able to do just about anything I choose to do (within the confines of my injuries).<br />
<br />
Today, 15th January, 2012, I'm about 2kgs over my normal weight back in 2009 (58kgs), pre-depletion. At 58kgs in 2009 I didn't look half as lean as I do at 58kgs, three years on. That excites me! <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeGJCd2n9Kh4lwzIg-NbNeq3_1hFeEf77SqypOl9TomUD-OVlI8UgZ51aBUEUU1Bho2TUc7MU06dLwzx2Zd8lw_8WJt4AHmTWPBhvhO_3vonGCeH0toGY0ZdMN2RgjoQkVToz6OP65GPz/s1600/Kerry+Front+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeGJCd2n9Kh4lwzIg-NbNeq3_1hFeEf77SqypOl9TomUD-OVlI8UgZ51aBUEUU1Bho2TUc7MU06dLwzx2Zd8lw_8WJt4AHmTWPBhvhO_3vonGCeH0toGY0ZdMN2RgjoQkVToz6OP65GPz/s320/Kerry+Front+24.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>My before & After Shots over </em><br />
<em>During IBO Program - Start Prog.1(July 2008), Finish Prog.1, Finish Prog 2 (Jan 2009) - Over a 6 month period</em></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BKE4Bric-YD1tNlfsZqTk_o3AjLxDqFkr97yVU0KXlo6q6w4FPSwQmUHQ5s62LaiXSqI5o-rNdaQ9AZ91kNedQYI3somewwl-XeF53E65kBUCXpQHaiSDWAEnfSLMr-l-g0-X25A5svc/s1600/Kerry+Back+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BKE4Bric-YD1tNlfsZqTk_o3AjLxDqFkr97yVU0KXlo6q6w4FPSwQmUHQ5s62LaiXSqI5o-rNdaQ9AZ91kNedQYI3somewwl-XeF53E65kBUCXpQHaiSDWAEnfSLMr-l-g0-X25A5svc/s320/Kerry+Back+24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'm proud to have achieved something I always wanted to do, but never did. Of being in the Australian Army (Reserves) and the hard work I did in getting my body in shape to enlist and then complete my basic training. The whole process has been one of the most challenging...physically and emotionally, that I've ever encountered. It (Australian Army) still continues to challenge me in its' ability to constantly throw me curve balls, humble me, and regularly throw me out of my comfort zone. Some days I wonder why the hell I do this. But it makes me appreciate the simpler things in life and how wonderful my life is. Especially when I'm sleeping out under the stars on hard ground with only a sleeping bag and thin piece of plastic to protect me from the elements, and I haven't showered for days. It's times like these I count my blessings.<br />
<br />
One of my goals is to do another <a href="http://wildspiritblog.com/?p=239" target="_blank">photo shoot</a>. However, it's still another two or so years away. That's just more time to work on building muscle and keeping lean. I'm curious to see what five years of training is going to look like, not just from an aesthetic point of view, but from a strength and fitness point of view. Of course, the pics must still be artistic. It's just trying to find the person that can get the shots I want and understand what I want to achieve. I've got lots of ideas and I look forward to one day being able to bring those photographic ideas to fruition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXwoAEfwFlEanN3Uy0ZThIYpFrGWfa5Ho6OcrSh2QHttcMtFh_Q4uBlBbtWxuJHPBzm10v7a3RDv-kGnSBRIp0lKxbbcw6SvYgVXVmF0_SjwOKN3VI0hojxVRpwdSePYwvzLMhnSxOmvE/s1600/206427_1622836861684_1559355690_31244685_3497391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXwoAEfwFlEanN3Uy0ZThIYpFrGWfa5Ho6OcrSh2QHttcMtFh_Q4uBlBbtWxuJHPBzm10v7a3RDv-kGnSBRIp0lKxbbcw6SvYgVXVmF0_SjwOKN3VI0hojxVRpwdSePYwvzLMhnSxOmvE/s320/206427_1622836861684_1559355690_31244685_3497391_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Me with my coach, Liz Nelson in April 2011.</em><br />
<em>This is at my leanest and how I want to maintain 12 mths of the year.</em><br />
<em>I managed to maintain this up until about September 2011.</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNyug8LVxFqwyjnGUCCfYBm3Vij4L5mJmIfzeR81FHgTJkcz-GcmAv5nnGv-EwHb17KylwQsIxQQhPQ7372ef_r2qZxJxsZ3Z8rTO4h0W8fM2NCzbIeHtbIcR4dft0tWwCmWYzqPSpHvb/s1600/kerry_phil_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNyug8LVxFqwyjnGUCCfYBm3Vij4L5mJmIfzeR81FHgTJkcz-GcmAv5nnGv-EwHb17KylwQsIxQQhPQ7372ef_r2qZxJxsZ3Z8rTO4h0W8fM2NCzbIeHtbIcR4dft0tWwCmWYzqPSpHvb/s320/kerry_phil_2011.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Me (and Philomena) on Christmas Eve 2011</em></td></tr>
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<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>There's just one other thing. I must admit that the hunger I had when I lost that initial weight in 2009 is not there. It's not that I've grown complacent. It's just that I've grown content. But in that contentedness there's always the realisation that in order to continue to make progress and maintain that leanness that I strive for I must remain vigilant and work hard at being disciplined. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>Today there is more balance and acceptance in my life as I strive for my goals.</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>Life is good...life is great...and it just gets better!</em>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-77491634924182946812012-01-11T16:27:00.000+10:002012-01-11T16:27:06.570+10:00How Hard Do You Train?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdBiRRUptJQIUBgj0_UXrghDCDiJkSEssAEsMRSGkWYtxPh3yt0ZtGRmdf_WS1e7OrayUMmAbTn-HO83mRGZecqhqIJdquQGwjT2JMufUVlaAlRCwdHfVbTIeerXcAwdXWOCKzvPSNKL7/s1600/you+don%2527t+look+pretty+when+you+work+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdBiRRUptJQIUBgj0_UXrghDCDiJkSEssAEsMRSGkWYtxPh3yt0ZtGRmdf_WS1e7OrayUMmAbTn-HO83mRGZecqhqIJdquQGwjT2JMufUVlaAlRCwdHfVbTIeerXcAwdXWOCKzvPSNKL7/s1600/you+don%2527t+look+pretty+when+you+work+out.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Is it just me, or am I just getting old? Yes, I'm getting older and my body can't do as much physically, but crikey - some days I feel like absolutely shagged! I think about women who work full-time and workout and I wonder how they do it.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I started my day at 4:40am.<br />
<br />
You see...I took my daughter and nephew to the Qld State Library yesterday. I knew it was going to be a long day, and prepared all my food and Philomena's food the night before. I knew I wouldn't feel like working out, considering it was a strength training day, and at the moment these sessions are pretty taxing. So I decided to do my training before. My sessions ATM including about 20mins rehab, take 2.5hrs, so I needed to get to the gym early and have time to come home and pack our bags, etc before heading off. I also have to eat before a strength session and I like to eat no less than 1hr before I train. <br />
<br />
By the time I got home it was around 6pm after dropping off my nephew, etc, etc. It was good that I got in my early morning session. I was in bed by 8:30pm last night. I could have gone to bed earlier if I didn't have to eat dinner.<br />
<br />
Anyway...for those of you who work full-time, and in your 40's and have to train early in the morning...how the hell do you do it, day-in-day-out?<br />
<br />
Now <a href="http://lastchancetraining.com.au/" target="_blank">Liz</a> did warn me that my sessions would be very taxing and I needed recovery-time. Well at first I just shrugged it off, but now I get it.<br />
<br />
When I first start a new program I'm so excited and motivated and I imagine myself doing all these amazing, adrenaline-pumped, crazy workouts where I'm pushing myself like mad, and then I go home and do all the other stuff in my life that I plan each day and what others consider a normal part of being a mother, wife and general Mrs Fix-it...and...I'm still smiling and bouncing off the walls.<br />
<br />
But often when I get home, reality kicks in and all I feel like doing is reclining on the couch and having a good old snooze....for the rest of the day! Then reality kicks in once again - I rest for about 10mins and then I get up and push-on. You know?...what most mothers do.<br />
<br />
My strength sessions start off with a 5min warm-up on the X-trainer, then 10mins at moderate-high intensity. I then do my rehab and begin strength training after. My new program entails four simple exercises - Squats, Press, Deadlifts, Pull-ups. I then finish off with a 15min moderate intensity run, just to make sure my legs are depleted. <br />
<br />
Seems pretty simple right? How hard can that be? Apparently it looks simple, but hugely taxing on the body. I can testify to that.<br />
<br />
So what is my mindset? To be honest...I dread my strength sessions! You know why? IT'S FU*KIN HARD WORK!<br />
<br />
But I also know that once I'm inside those gym walls, I'm rockin'! <br />
<br />
I have a certain pre-training ritual. When I put on my gym gear (my super hero outfit) I'm getting ready for action. I shower, pull my hair back for training; I prep my gym bag, throw on my runners and sunnies and I head out the door. I must listen to my favourite work-out track on the way to the gym - it gets the juices flowing. When I get to the gym there are two vital things I MUST HAVE before I can begin. One is my training diary and the other is my I-Pod. Without these two things, my mojo is compromised! If I forget them, I swear and curse myself over my stupidity. Sometimes I have to go home to get them if that's what it takes.<br />
<br />
I walk downstairs to the main training area and I do a quick sweep of the entire floor to get a feel of the mood of the place. Atmosphere for me is really important for my workouts. I thrive on that energy that everyone gives off.<br />
<br />
I go to the toilets and get out all my stuff. The last thing I do before I head out to begin is I put on my headphones. Once I put my headphones on, I can't hear anyone or anything. I AM NOW IN THE ZONE! I don't need to know what everyone is saying - I shut out all the noise. I just feed off the energy.<br />
<br />
When I train I don't talk to anyone. I might just smile or give a nod. I completely zone out. <br />
<br />
Regardless of how I feel, I cannot slack off! In fact, I like to give it my all. I like to train hard. I like to do one better than I did the last training session. If I'm really fatigued or feeling flat, then the minimum I expect from myself is to maintain what I did the last session.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If I'm not in a ball of sweat - I'm not training hard. As in Pauline Nordin's photo above, you don't look pretty when you workout! That's how I like to train - hard. Hard for me anyway. Because my thinking is...it's only temporary. If I train hard and give it my all now, I can go home and relax. But out of the minutes and hours in the day, whatever it is that I'm doing, the time required isn't all that long, and then I can rest when I'm done. So I put in. I don't think of my whole workout on strength days. I just stay in the present and give my all to whatever set or reps I'm doing. <br />
<br />
The hardest part of my strength sessions at the moment is that last run. My legs feel a little wobbly to start and I just want to go home. Sometimes I entertain the idea that I should cut down the time or the speed, but then I know I would be cheating myself. It's just a psychological thing. It's all in my head. My body can handle it quite alright, but it's just my head telling me otherwise. And like I said, I can't not do it. I must at least equal or better what I did last time. How else am I going to progress?<br />
<br />
So regardless of where you are when it comes to fitness training, be honest with yourself. How hard are you training? Don't compare yourself with Jo Blo next to you. Compare yourself with your last effort. Always put in your best. You'll get days where you feel like shit! If that's the case, congratulate yourself for turning up. You've conquered the first major hurdle by getting your arse out the door and training. Because if you want to know how to get fitter, faster, stronger, better, all you have to do is better than you did yesterday...rinse and repeat!Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-80981079786542093742012-01-04T06:54:00.000+10:002012-01-04T06:54:44.126+10:002011...Our Secret Place & Connecting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F37Vn2foE22JlZPrVXMJe5_pqFJHs1uBoBOGo-AhfjAr-4-7It8xhpGCxRHcyoWSdwBnC65ydzI78C9APzV0osCbygLgf4uWcE_DTW56WjIMVPivQDBUB_7LFc3lGWj39PfmIPzhBhsZ/s1600/henandhammoc_se.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F37Vn2foE22JlZPrVXMJe5_pqFJHs1uBoBOGo-AhfjAr-4-7It8xhpGCxRHcyoWSdwBnC65ydzI78C9APzV0osCbygLgf4uWcE_DTW56WjIMVPivQDBUB_7LFc3lGWj39PfmIPzhBhsZ/s320/henandhammoc_se.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Courier;"><span style="font-size: large;">"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. </span></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Courier;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are seven million."</span></span><o:p></o:p></strong></div><br />
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em>~Walt Streightiff</em></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Please mosy on over to my other blog...<a href="http://recipes-in-richness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Recipes in Richness</a>.</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"> </div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-35728912902961905352011-12-28T20:37:00.000+10:002011-12-28T20:37:39.436+10:002012...You Make Me Feel So....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeY7BJckUqbqh4anf8_Slt8m7vBXZ8Mh4ajwTYiBafScbt43UT1jsFHcG4foKAc1K0FE45R0KwXQLKNJAlMdsnRxo0NluMPg9ynrnXQmUK2VbGXGnQQWTW9eNeyqQDC9A6L8lbb8xSX7S/s1600/athletic+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeY7BJckUqbqh4anf8_Slt8m7vBXZ8Mh4ajwTYiBafScbt43UT1jsFHcG4foKAc1K0FE45R0KwXQLKNJAlMdsnRxo0NluMPg9ynrnXQmUK2VbGXGnQQWTW9eNeyqQDC9A6L8lbb8xSX7S/s320/athletic+woman.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><strong>“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” </strong></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>― J.K.Rowling</em></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Only 4 more days until 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can't believe how the year has gone so quickly. Reviewing </span><a href="http://www.kerry-fit-and-fab-at-40.blogspot.com/2011/01/self-mastery-is-key.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">my goals from 2011</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, I find I achieved a few and some I didn't. My goal of maintaining 57kgs (or within 1kg of) didn't go to plan, but I maintained that happy weight for 6 months of the year, so I was pretty happy with that. I intend to hit that weight in January 2012 and again, try to maintain that weight all year round.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For me, 2012 will be a year of consolidation. I won't be taking on anything new, fitness-wise. I will be focusing on strength in the first half of the year and then power. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It should filter through to my army fitness tests. I did manage to reach my goal of 40 push-ups for my BFA. I didn't make any real gains as far as my running for my BFA though, so I hope to next year . If I get the consistency, I should see a marked improvement in my running time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My plans for 2012 are not sexy but the results should be, provided I stick to training consistently and staying on top of my nutrition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So it's going to be a rather boring year in 2012. Nothing new really. Just hard, consistent training and nutrition throughout the year and building a strong foundation and platform to see me through 2013. I've got a couple of big things happening in my life in 2013 in the way of big changes, so I want to make next year really count. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next year's training as well as one particular change in 2013, will lead me into what I've been working toward since my 40th birthday. It's a 5 year plan and I'm already thinking about what I want and what will take place on my 45th birthday in 2014.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'll be keeping it under wraps though, so I'm afraid you'll have to stay guessing for awhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway...I've noticed a change in my posts for 2011. Apart from the fact that I've hardly done much in the way of posts, I also haven't had anything really inspiring to say. I think time for talking was well and truly over, and I've just been focusing on the doing. I've also been pre-occupied on the domestic front and happy and contented getting quite involved in family and our new home, and making our home life just so peachy! I love being at home, getting more involved with Philomena's activities; cooking; cleaning; gardening; family and friends; and generally pottering around the yard. Miss Phil and I call it our <em>'Secret Place'</em>. That's for another post coming soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well time to say <em>adieu</em>! How did you go with your goals for 2011? Do you have new ones planned for 2012, and do they <em>Make You Feel So? </em>I hope they do, otherwise how will you see them come to fruition if your heart and soul doesn't feel them with utter conviction?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh...don't you just love my post pic? Now that to me depicts sheer athleticism. If I looked that good in a crop top and shorts then I'd die one happy girl. Of course, I'm happy now. However, that would be the icing on the cake of my blessed life.</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-23562647488519784242011-12-18T21:01:00.002+10:002011-12-21T12:55:24.717+10:00I am Titanium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjVYElWb0Ct9bECwXTE4I6_yM5yjEMvr_6tBiM4rKBl3ur2Qqfo5FRqf0dEzXuowTZP0vr-O_aj3zi5_Nyyk1AhIwbPMCOGzJO11Df5HON_1b8ssfuQ9M1cdm4LjHppSJ2fHQYhP8YOof/s1600/By_PavelYthjall-0221-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjVYElWb0Ct9bECwXTE4I6_yM5yjEMvr_6tBiM4rKBl3ur2Qqfo5FRqf0dEzXuowTZP0vr-O_aj3zi5_Nyyk1AhIwbPMCOGzJO11Df5HON_1b8ssfuQ9M1cdm4LjHppSJ2fHQYhP8YOof/s320/By_PavelYthjall-0221-copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose<br />
Fire away, fire away<br />
Ricochet, you take your aim<br />
Fire away, fire away<br />
You shoot me down but I won't fall<br />
I am titanium<br />
You shoot me down but I won't fall<br />
I am titanium"<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">from the lyrics, <a href="http://youtu.be/Mb6mS6Yj_UA">'Titanium' </a>by David Guetta (feat Sia)</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-39886880931097329912011-12-14T22:56:00.000+10:002011-12-14T22:56:45.863+10:00What do you Yearn For?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDxex6E6zImse_JVTqCkSl2parq7JcSBEn61Db1K22ZtuJealtS29l0LfAqiWVd3D98pQI6tcKZaQQuZqWhDoaFDmxflwK-Y7R3sxzO-wCnIuzTBxKNN4dr1AO9nimUdyCGPckz6_slzi/s1600/Yearning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDxex6E6zImse_JVTqCkSl2parq7JcSBEn61Db1K22ZtuJealtS29l0LfAqiWVd3D98pQI6tcKZaQQuZqWhDoaFDmxflwK-Y7R3sxzO-wCnIuzTBxKNN4dr1AO9nimUdyCGPckz6_slzi/s320/Yearning.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>"<span class="line line-s" id="line_1">When she was just a girl</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong><span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_2">She expected the world</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_3"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>But it flew away from her reach so</strong></span></span><br />
<span class="line line-s hover"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_4">She ran away in her sleep </span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_5">and dreamed of </span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_6">Para-para-paradise,</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span class="line line-s hover"><strong> Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise</strong></span></span><br />
<span class="line line-s hover"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong><span class="line line-s" id="line_7">Every time she closed her eyes"</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong><span class="line line-s"></span></strong></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><span class="line line-s"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>from 'Paradise', by Coldplay</em></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The definition of <em>Yearning</em> is described as a<em> "tender or urgent longing".</em> We all long for certain things...love, wealth, fame, family...and the list goes on. To me, yearning describes something we strive or have striven for over an extended period of time.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yearning is more complex than just wanting something. Wanting something seems so much more transitory. Yearning is something that we feel with such a great depth of emotion that it drives us with unimaginable energy and takes on a life of its' own. It's something we want so badly that we will overcome and endure and we accept that maybe it is something that will take a lifetime. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">That something we yearn for is a something which when we awaken, we feel its' presence and it influences our lives and moulds our patterns and behaviours. What ever that something is which we yearn for, we imagine it so vividly - we can taste it...when we reach out for it, it feels so close we can touch it, and yet...it's always just beyond our reach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our heart aches, yet we feel hope. We feel pain, either physically or emotionally, yet we gladly take up its' mantle, in the belief that whatever that something is that we yearn for, will become our reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And I wonder...what do others yearn for and why? </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
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</div><div align="center"></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-68730028807668439762011-12-12T06:44:00.000+10:002011-12-12T06:44:16.099+10:00And So It Begins...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmbtND2KoehU49zB3B5z6pVFYzY5_AV4e6nJfsbmD3uJX1gfuqjylnCtNYZ3NWo0SDzmjhB7kZ_HC1aUba4jyy33SaXGLXOmvW7Bp17l8eKriopokDRWF1spQe7uu-adGQvBsnGArNkod/s1600/pauline+nordin_quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmbtND2KoehU49zB3B5z6pVFYzY5_AV4e6nJfsbmD3uJX1gfuqjylnCtNYZ3NWo0SDzmjhB7kZ_HC1aUba4jyy33SaXGLXOmvW7Bp17l8eKriopokDRWF1spQe7uu-adGQvBsnGArNkod/s320/pauline+nordin_quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5 weeks and counting...and I'm not telling. Though it won't be hard to figure it out.</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-36564417901004200382011-12-08T18:32:00.000+10:002011-12-08T18:32:42.982+10:00A Pick Me Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioziMol5j3Sm5fn6cT0Ox7XCiEsdm3YYUoVzpkxZfiaX7nrms-tyBM2uq2VOYWTIwcEHz9cLOLDY_NZ842mFq3fKqXD8x8vOyXFCRnvRU4UfddacfhgJ7DZjRtA2SnmVwpg1S8spEo1WRq/s1600/squat_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioziMol5j3Sm5fn6cT0Ox7XCiEsdm3YYUoVzpkxZfiaX7nrms-tyBM2uq2VOYWTIwcEHz9cLOLDY_NZ842mFq3fKqXD8x8vOyXFCRnvRU4UfddacfhgJ7DZjRtA2SnmVwpg1S8spEo1WRq/s320/squat_front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since moving (we've been here 3 months now!) and going away for AR for a few weeks, my training and nutrition has been all over the shop. I'm also carrying about 4 extra unwanted kilos. Two weeks ago I had a chiropractic adjustment on my return from AR. I made the mistake of seeing my normal chiropractor's offsider. I won't be doing that again! He irritated my disc. It's been over 12 months since I've had any type of irritation. I, and even my chiropractor can't remember how long it had been since it was irritated. That's how much progress I'd made in the last 12-18months. So you can understand my frustration and annoyance. And for once, it wasn't self-inflicted. Up until two weeks ago, I nearly had an injury-free year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now, in saying that, luckily it was only a minor irritation. But that's not the point. It's set me back. Not only in my training, but it really affected my headspace. I've become quite used to basically doing anything physical without having to concern myself I would incur any injury. It's been such a liberating feeling. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So it was much to my chagrin that for the first time in a long time I had lower back pain.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just bloody annoying!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Since returning from Wide Bay, I set myself up to get in consistent training and get back on top of my nutrition. So with the irritation it put a spanner in the works because I really wanted to get in some decent training before Christmas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've been training, but without the normal intensity I usually train with. And I had to give it a break to allow the spasm to settle down in my lower back. That has done nothing for my headspace. I made the most of a bad situation though, and used that time to put the Christmas tree up (luckily it's a small one) and spend some time decorating and cleaning (without exercerbating the back) and generally getting into the Christmas feel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yesterday it started raining. What a mixed up day with school swimming carnival and its' last minute cancellation, and so I ended up on the recliner watching a DVD. Something I haven't done for months. Can't even remember the last DVD I watched at home. It was actually quite nice, though I felt a bit strange sitting for so long and relaxing. But it was also dangerous, and by the end of the day my headspace was really suffering for lack of activity during a week day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today I woke up cranky and a little down. So unlike me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Luckily for me, I met up with<a href="http://lastchancetraining.com.au/"> Liz</a> for an update on my training program. It was just the pick-up I needed! Thank you Liz. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I knew I needed to re-focus, regain my motivation and accountability built around my training and nutrition. For me, having a coach to help me has been invaluable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know for some, having a PT or a coach of some sort is seen as a luxury and unnecessary, but I beg to differ. If you find the right person to help you progress, then it's money well spent. I have forgone many-a-trifling thing so that I have money to pay my coach. My health and fitness is a priority, and coaching fees I see as part of that investment in my health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know many people who go to the gym regularly. They all have their goals and many have niggling injuries and concerns, are trying to lose weight or just to feel and be healthier. However, there are few people who I see regularly who make any real and lasting progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There are some who make outstanding progress, especially when it comes to weight loss and I think that is just amazing! My hope is that they don't stop there and continue on, bettering their health and positively influencing others around them. There are a handful who I talk to, who do see professionals to help them in their health and fitness endeavours and I know and see the change it brings about in them and you know that those type of people will always find a better way of doing things - they're solution-orientated! And there are many who I know in the Bodybuilding arena, who receive regular coaching and make great progress through hard work and consistency over time. I really admire their ability to remain so focused over such a long period of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But the majority go to the gym day-in day-out, doing the same old thing. They may begin, make some really quick progress, but then they stall and plateau. They either continue on just doing the same thing, or many just stop training altogether because they no longer feel it challenging enough or they're not willing to take their training to the next level in order to keep progressing. And many do just go to the gym to do classes because they enjoy them and the social aspect. Each to their own. It's what makes life interesting and I think gym-watching is a most interesting pastime! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Very few people put much thought into their long term goals, and many people are harbouring injuries or weaknesses they're unaware of. They often don't have the education or understanding that they could in fact, become better if they had access to the right knowledge, advice and assistance. So many people flounder and lose interest and hope. And for others, the prospect of sticking at something long enough to see results is just too hard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">That's why I think that someone (and it must be the right someone) with the right knowledge can make the world of difference to making substantial improvements to your health and fitness gains. I know it has for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've learnt so much from Liz and the knowledge she has imparted, and I'm always amazed at the little things that make such a difference. That even happened today. Liz gave me a couple of exercises to help alleviate some tension in my RHS glutes and LHS psoas. Really simple, yet effective exercises that not even my physio has given me to help with the tension from the disc irritation. In fact, my physio has used some of Liz's exercises in the past to give to me instead of his own, he was so impressed with how well they had worked for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The last 12-18 months I've made more progress than the last 3 years combined, and that's a great testament to the importance of having a great coach who is aware of your particular goals, injuries, concerns and nuances. They can individualise a plan specifically for your unique requirements. It's an organic process and you have the added benefit of someone who can help support you and your goals and give your encouragement as you evolve. Goals change...you change. It's nice to have someone who can help give you clarity to your goals through life's ups and downs, and the rollercoaster ride which is our health and fitness journey. And a coach is also someone who can make something seem possible, where before you may have thought it impossible!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So for anyone who feels they aren't where they want to be and has tried a number of things without seeing any type of improvement or results, or where progress is just so slow, I would recommend a good coach. It should be ideally, someone who is aligned with your goals and is on the same wave length. Who not only understands what you need to reach your goals, but knows how to motivate and inspire you by providing enough interest and challenge through their coaching methods!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The reason I chose Liz was mainly because of her particular expertise in Exercise Physiology, specialising in Rehab. Also, because she has a thorough knowledge of nutrition. For me, she's a 'one-stop-shop' (hope you don't mind that description Liz).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After today I'm reinvigorated, because I know Liz is going to give me a swift kick until I'm back up and gunning it. I won't need the accountability factor forever, but I just happen to need it right now until I find my mojo again. Once I'm there then just let me loose! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today we revised my deadlift and squat and did some tweaking. With Liz's newfound knowledge I was able to squat much deeper and use my glutes more, and it felt really good. My deadlifts felt much easier as well, so it was a positive session. So for the time being and into the new year I'll be concentrating on developing strength. I'm looking forward to the change in my weights program built around lower reps with good form and technique and increasing the weight gradually as I get stronger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'll be reigning in the nutrition and re-focusing on ensuring I have variety in the diet, as this is a bit of weakness for me. I tend to, once I've got the recipes downpat, only use the ones that are quick and easy, limiting my palate. I then get bored because I have too few recipes and I eat the same thing day-in-day-out. I just need to take some time to plan my meals again and re-introduce some recipes from my existing collection, as well as some new recipes. And I'll be tracking my meals again just to get back on track and get me focused on my nutrition until I've got the hang of it and I'm on a roll.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's amazing isnt' it, that just by talking to the right person how you can regain focus and motivation?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Have a great Friday and weekend! I'm off tomorrow with AW to the Gold Coast for an overnight stay - just the two of us. We haven't had much 'us time' since my return, so this is just a quick get-away to get in before the craziness of Christmas is upon us. And then I'll be so ready to start my new program next week! Bring it on! :P</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-47716753545910981892011-12-02T22:24:00.000+10:002011-12-02T22:24:28.275+10:00More BANG for your Buck!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQFuFPPb8HQv-FXVJwx2yR14P1LledQODeyTiGkndfks0iBLDQ6zhExXRSJtTBuVXWXNyrTikTxphzywTZv5oVBGy10wZU7LWRikU8lIP0OBzQVj5L3MDTfHacpyG0aM29FXNDBlFM97W/s1600/rpm49org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQFuFPPb8HQv-FXVJwx2yR14P1LledQODeyTiGkndfks0iBLDQ6zhExXRSJtTBuVXWXNyrTikTxphzywTZv5oVBGy10wZU7LWRikU8lIP0OBzQVj5L3MDTfHacpyG0aM29FXNDBlFM97W/s320/rpm49org.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>"Come gather 'round people</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Wherever you roam</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>And admit that the waters</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Around you have grown</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>And accept it that soon</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>You'll be drenched to the bone</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>If your time to you</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Is worth savin'</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Then you better start swimmin'</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Or you'll sink like a stone</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>For the times they are a-changin'."</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>- Bob Dylan, 'The Times they are A-Changin''</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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</span></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was back in the not-to-distant past that I swore I'd never do a cycle class. I'd been to one and that didn't really excite me much. It wasn't until I found the right instructor that I actually enjoyed it. Well...enjoyed it, as much as I wanted to throw up. :P</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now things have definitely changed, and I really love cycle/RPM classes! Not in the sense that I'm jumping for joy while I'm on the back. Quite the contrary - I still manage to find myself rather shagged by the end of the class and my lungs and legs screaming for relief!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For reasons I've just discovered, I find these classes physically gruelling. The reason being of course is that I'm always trying to improve on my efforts. Regardless of how I feel before I go into a class, I can't but not push myself to the limit. You'll know who I am. I sit at the front and within 5 mins, sweat is dripping from my body and I'm grunting and gasping for air in the bid to coax my legs to keep going.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If my instructor says increase my load - I increase my load! I know if I'm cheating myself and I just can't do that. If I'm not physically spent by the end then I haven't done my best. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I probably have improved my performance. Actually...I know I have. I've always been terrible at pace work, but I'm improved in leaps and bounds. It's still my weakest area, but it's getting better. I've also learnt to work my gears much better too. I've learnt when doing pace work not to load my gears too heavy to maintain speed, but heavy enough to have resistance.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You see, I love the hills! I love getting out of the saddle and pushing hard. So I tend to do much better on those. But I've learnt to enjoy pace work now because I'm getting better.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When my HRM was working (battery is flat), I found that cycling/RPM burned more calories (apart from x-trainer) that any other exercise in the gym within the same period of time. I love cycling because I get more bang for my buck!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But there's just one problem. I get so frickin' sore (down below) that I need at least a few days in-between to recover, which is really annoying (and off-limits for poor hubby, but you know - you've got to get your priorities right, and exercise comes first). I bought a gel seat and I've adjusted the seat height to try and compensate, it doesn't work. I have to get out of the saddle during recovery just to alleviate the discomfort. Pace work is the most excrutiating by the end of the session as I have to move forward in the saddle, both my backside and also forward on my handle bars. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Is there is anyone who can suggest a way to alleviate this????</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Oh...BTW...that initial instructor hasnt' been around for about 3 months, and even though I loved his classes and they still don't have regular cycle/RPM instructors which I find annoying, I've realised that's it's been a good thing. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Why? Having instructors constantly changing has meant that no two classes are the same. It means my body is constantly having to adapt to different styles. I didn't think cycle/RPM classes could differ so much. But they do. And it's good, because it keeps me challenged and keeps me from getting comfortable with the same routine.</span></span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-40132753244931115662011-11-27T17:55:00.000+10:002011-11-27T17:55:17.679+10:00Alot of Time for Reflecting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKu0B7wM3IrsPvZ9HqVpnhXbKgwN183g7YeKZ79D9uk4yySvUT-UaBptJWw1T94tit22HxTOhp9HmZIVyi0yCgZDrsRRDbbqutLdpTeiHGiPJlcSfHNAVXUANPn-hTkQx8aRoG1B1_BsNJ/s320/MRE_November2011_me+in+tent.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">"A string of excited, fugitive, miscellaneous pleasures is not happiness; happiness resides in imaginative reflection and judgment, when the picture of one's life, or of human life, as it truly has been or is, satisfies the will, and is gladly accepted."</span> </span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>- George Santayana </em></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wow...the last 3 weeks went by faster than I thought. Though, while out field it seemed to go on forever. As you may or may not be aware, I was away with the AA up at Tin Can Bay. I don't often write about my thoughts or feelings regarding my service, because some things aren't meant to be so public. It's not something I see necessary to discuss and share in public, especially on the net.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">However, in this instance, I feel that the need to share. It's mostly about what I observed in relation to fellow soldiers, mainly full-time (regulars). Not so much their true personal thoughts and feelings, but more so what I observed in the way that people of different generations come together and connect (or not) as a group. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Basically, the exercise I attended was a <em>Mission Readiness Exercise, </em>devised to help prepare the next regiment of infantry men due to head over to Afghanistan. It's their last opportunity to prepare before being deployed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I found </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">myself amongst mostly that of <em>Generation-Y</em> and I kid you not...I look at our future and am so very disheartened. I know it's not right to tar this entire generation with the same brush, but I found the majority of the Gen-Y'ers, self-absorbed, cynical, self-righteous, addicted to technology and lacking an awareness and lacking deep empathy for their fellow human beings. I don't blame people for calling them <em>Generation-ME</em>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">They lack the ability to really connect. Not just with people of other generations apart from their own, but also with their present surroundings. I also found many lacking personal integrity and respect. I really hate to admit this, but I worry about what the future AA will look like in some respects. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">On later reflection, I came to the conclusion that maybe it isn't all Gen'Y'ers. On deeper and more critical reflection, it isn't necessarily about age but possibly about the group of people and their level of education and experience in the world and their narrow sphere of influence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Army culture is not like the real world. In alot of ways, it cushions young people from the intracacies of 'civvy street' (<em>Civvy</em> is what we call a person who is not in the army). I personally think that school leavers should not enter the defence force until such time that they've had 'real world' experience and are more aware of its' complexities, are more compassionate towards </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">those who don't have their physical prowess or opportunities, and less enured due to their occupational circumstances.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But regardless of this, I found their unwillingness to enter into any real type of social intercourse with those outside their own age group and interests, quite confounding. One word which I think describes them is <em>indifferent.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now when I said 'majority', this observation does and did not apply to all. I have often found in my short time in the AA that people are as varied as those on<em> civvy street</em>. An officer once said to me that the AA is 'microcosm of society'. And while on exercise, I did come across a small number of truly genuine, compassionate, intelligent, and respectful young people. Disappointingly, they were a minority.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've found that there are many people within the AA who are in fact dedicated, self-respecting as well as having the utmost respect for others, who have a high degree of personal and professional integrity. Luckily for us (Australia) hey?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway...enough about that. That was only one experience and with due respect, this is the first time I've come this dilemma.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The photo above is me in a tent in a 'village'. It was extremely hot (we only got to shower every 3 days while out in the village) and when we weren't involved in an activity, we were confined to our tents. The place is also a haven for midgees and horseflies. Luckily they don't find me as tasty as some other people. And we had one baby brown snake in our tent, which luckily slithered away without too much fuss, and I never saw it again. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We were fortunate upon first arriving at camp that we had time to visit Rainbow Beach and I now have started on my summer tan. :P The beach and water were spectacular and I made the most of that time. It's unusual to have this type of recreational time.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a46J8kL2nucAvgANDtVS8HmLKi2a7CJ7mNWMW5dLaMj4xkZshWG-YK_wFxCzJcVbLD3QO4Z5DY5ODaV1_a50xUsfuZUh8wQrywY5W1tCldDVqGjK0cfPARsJqHfya72axEliRSuyPmv_/s1600/rainbow+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a46J8kL2nucAvgANDtVS8HmLKi2a7CJ7mNWMW5dLaMj4xkZshWG-YK_wFxCzJcVbLD3QO4Z5DY5ODaV1_a50xUsfuZUh8wQrywY5W1tCldDVqGjK0cfPARsJqHfya72axEliRSuyPmv_/s320/rainbow+beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I also got in a lot of reading while holed up in our tents. I think I read six books over the three weeks, and I took some other books and starting drawing up a plan for our house to extend and started on the garden design. I've also worked out which veges to plant, so my next task is to build the raised vege garden. Hopefully I can get that done this week. With only 4 weeks til Christmas, I'm finding that there is so much to catch up on (like housework...yard work, mail, etc). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87l4JwgD0wXtA2LxkeyQODDvQ7lwLEkTOYf4_-0vMT-WeXx2HDj1qHrBxwDpqcjVVuuR1mm1qiOWHEo6A6OWu7ZdRc28En_Gul73WfN_SilysoCxBsDh-9Yhnh32jz1v6G40JfysuUpcm/s1600/me+and+dwarf+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87l4JwgD0wXtA2LxkeyQODDvQ7lwLEkTOYf4_-0vMT-WeXx2HDj1qHrBxwDpqcjVVuuR1mm1qiOWHEo6A6OWu7ZdRc28En_Gul73WfN_SilysoCxBsDh-9Yhnh32jz1v6G40JfysuUpcm/s320/me+and+dwarf+friends.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with 'the little people'. Josh, Tim, Scott and his daughter Hannah</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I did find alot of aspects of the exercise interesting, and met some interesting people in the process. Like 'the little people' above who were employed by the AA to play the role of children. Yes...that's me in a burka, but I haven't got my full face cloth on, where you can only see my eyes when worn. The little people I found refreshingly open, warm and friendly and more accepting than people of normal height. I also found their enthusiasm for life with all its' challenges that dwarfs find in normal society, a lesson for us. They never complained and saw every setback as an experience to gain from and to laugh at. Consequently, they are also paid very well (as actors), thank you very much. They earn more money on a daily basis that we do. Incidently, they prefer not to be called 'midgets', but moreso the correct term of 'dwarf' or 'little people' they are quite happy with. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The coastal region of Tin Can Bay is quite 'scrubby' and I was amazed at the native flora growing abundantly...Acacias, Grevilleas and the like. Beautiful wildflowers everywhere. The scrub was also full of the most amazing Ghost Gums. In the first week I was greeted with spectacular full-moon nights and the night sky was brimming with sparkling stars. It's something you don't often see in the city and suburbs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And I have to mention meeting John, the donkey man. He owns a couple of donkeys which were used during the exercise. The donkeys were called 'Kath and Kim' in our <em>village, </em>and evidently were a mother and daughter team. They wouldn't go anywhere alone. John was another interesting person I met who had done alot of travelling in his time. He was an outback tour guide at some stage and has done alot of trekking and outdoor and adventure travel and guiding. Originally from the UK, he has called Australia home for a large part of his adult life. We talked alot about life, about people (and the Gen-Y'ers), his experiences and his current goals. He's in his 4th relationship, has two teenage daughters and intends to make this one work. He was reading some books on relationships and showed me, purposely hiding them in the event that the young army men might see them and think him quite gone soft. I remarked that I wouldn't be too concerned about these young men, as they're not known for being in touch with their feminine side and would be too immature to appreciate what time has had the fortune of bestowing upon those of us who have been on this earth twice as long. He also shared a personal insight about donkeys...apparently they are very wise creatures and admitted that sometimes he prefers their company to the human kind! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">More reflections...one thing I always gain from being away from home and loved ones is how much I love my life and how much I treasure my family and friends at home and how peaceful and tranquil my family life is. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My life, to those young people would be considered quite boring and talk of family, home, kids was lost on most of them who were single and still in the 'partying' stage of their lives. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Looking back, of course when I was single I did enjoy going out, but the partying and drinking part didn't last long for me. My training was still numero uno back in my teens and early 20's. And at 21 I started my first business (martial arts/coaching) so partying was far from my mind. I had more productive pursuits to think about. I was also in my first serious relationship with a man 18 years my senior and had two school age children to care for in addition to that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So...reflecting, I found how content I am now still, especially now we're in our new home which will most definitely be our last (unless we win the lotto - though I admit, I don't think I would move, I'd just have the money to make it exactly into what I want). With plans for the vegie garden and waiting for our bantam chooks to arrive three days before Christmas; having family over on Christmas Eve, including Philomena's little cousins and uncles and aunts and grandparents, what could be more satisfying than spending time with loved ones. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I love this time of the year, and the lead up to Christmas is always so special...putting up our Christmas Tree and Philomena helping decorate it...playing our Christmas CD's of which our favourites are <em>The Nutcracker</em> and Handel's <em>Messiah. </em>Planning the food and decorating our home as well as bringing out the special Christmas dining decor and linen. Bringing out our Advent wreath and candles and lighting one for each week preceding Christmas, saying a prayer and thanking God for all our gifts and blessings and counting down the days til Christmas. Visiting all the wonderful <em>Christmas Lights. </em> All these little things together make Christmas so special.</span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnewrqA_bALSqeg24jPMSj_W5jC8d2GKLlzHAjnq-NZURiG9KSb6BBDgmPJQD2f4BJft7A0velvCm8us0TQqMye5IKOC_DGG88CRrYRtsaukUQHdqHkh4R8cOtdl6BScUeh3FAllYLPYWl/s1600/pauline_girls+are+bak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnewrqA_bALSqeg24jPMSj_W5jC8d2GKLlzHAjnq-NZURiG9KSb6BBDgmPJQD2f4BJft7A0velvCm8us0TQqMye5IKOC_DGG88CRrYRtsaukUQHdqHkh4R8cOtdl6BScUeh3FAllYLPYWl/s320/pauline_girls+are+bak.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pauline Nordin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And last, but definitely not least, I had time to reflect on my training and how my year went. For me, I came to the realisation that I was able to maintain my happy weight of 57kg's for at least 6 months of the year. That went askew when we bought our house and I didn't train for six weeks. And then of course, I went on exercise not long after. So the last few months have not been ideal, and I'm carrying that little bit of extra weight again. MInd you, I'm very determined to be back to 57kg's by Christmas. I've already shed 1kg since my return late Wednesday.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, in coming to this realisation I was happy with this, and my goal is to maintain a steady 57kg's all year round! That's my ultimate goal...lean for life! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Upon reflection, I think that this year I've made huge gains in relation to my overall strength and fitness. You may not remember, but one of my goals was to be able train 'without injury', and this year marked the first year that I have had no major hindering injuries. Apart from a niggle I sustained when first learning deadlifting and apart from little annoying tensions, I am happy to say that I have had a year without injury! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My core is getting stronger and back pain is now pretty much non-existent. I was able to partake in army PT without concern of further injury and was able to play team sports like soccer, etc without worrying about my hips. I've been running without any hip soreness and have been pain-free in my hips for the entire year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have to give credit where credit is due, and I have been able to achieve this with the help of<a href="http://lastchancetraining.com.au/"> Liz</a>. I'm looking forward to catching up with Liz again soon to formulate some new training plans and schedules and I'm really excited about 2012 in relation to my health and fitness journey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm getting better at this. I'm still finding times when I slip, but they're happening less often and they don't last as long.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlHFhYngxtRdNLMe7Rot-9ZJqkObpZmr7G-RqV-3dVScgIYsJUfKUwlssJCYy-OmcQMM_8FlEOEAKTGeRlWDywdjhOiJeRhMX80d0lq1WjQH9oBFlseiYosrwdc7L4IvIxpu89KqFwBI/s1600/arnold+schwartznegger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlHFhYngxtRdNLMe7Rot-9ZJqkObpZmr7G-RqV-3dVScgIYsJUfKUwlssJCYy-OmcQMM_8FlEOEAKTGeRlWDywdjhOiJeRhMX80d0lq1WjQH9oBFlseiYosrwdc7L4IvIxpu89KqFwBI/s320/arnold+schwartznegger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I leave you with a photo Hannah posted on FB recently. I love it! Sometimes I wonder whether secretly my (physical) goals are unattainable, and whether I'm kidding myself. But I've seen some amazing achievements and I've seen some equally amazing physical changes for those who were determined enough. I'll except nothing less than my best. The enjoyment is in the future possibilities and in what I've achieved so far. Still so far away from my ultimate look and physical level of fitness and I know my age hinders my progression, but that doesn't mean it has to stop me trying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Arnie's rules</span>:</span></span></span><br />
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<ol><li><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Trust yourself.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Dig deep down and ask who you want to be.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Don't be afraid to fail!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Don't listen to the Naysayers!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Work your Ass off.</span></li>
</ol><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Okay...time to work my arse off!</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-19217962857304472942011-10-30T17:13:00.001+10:002011-10-30T17:17:39.515+10:00Nothing Profound to Say...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9zqctkkrhIpJhl5smdvLqiLLiRE9MGmQCaaHvoEceIZkj4aSNRV3wb39ef4cRPBVieAhG7OP9f5Xy-67ffSGnIXoirqSsRMHs9jy3FgoYjwZjGCxVJgjB9TuaeGSwnuZuoRY8l2K68Rx/s1600/AST-400x231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9zqctkkrhIpJhl5smdvLqiLLiRE9MGmQCaaHvoEceIZkj4aSNRV3wb39ef4cRPBVieAhG7OP9f5Xy-67ffSGnIXoirqSsRMHs9jy3FgoYjwZjGCxVJgjB9TuaeGSwnuZuoRY8l2K68Rx/s320/AST-400x231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>"Excellence is Not a Skill - it's an Attitude"</strong></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #999999;">- source unknown</span></em></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's the end of October already. My last post was at the start of October, and still I don't have alot to share with you. It's not that there hasn't been anything happening much in my life. Quite the contrary. There is alot happening as per usual. However I seemed to have lost interest in sharing my life via blogland. I'm thinking it might be a phase I'm going through.</span> </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've discovered that I get alot more done in my life when I'm not blogging or continually on facebook. I haven't been reading any blogs (my apologies if that offends you), and it's not that I'm not interested in anyone's life, it's just that I have so much going on. And since moving into our new home, life is more labour intensive...bigger home, bigger yard, husband away alot - therefore more things to do with the same amount of time.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But you know, I'm quite enjoying it. I'm achieving so much more. I'm a person of action, and this allows me to 'act' rather than live precariously through other people's lives. Not that, that is what I do. But sometimes you can get so caught up in reading about other people's lives that you fail to live your own life.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I haven't much to say about my current fitness goals really. Suffice to say that I'm back on track and 100% on plan for nutrition (apart from the weekend) and finally starting to see the scales move down. Though it's been a struggle internally to make that decision. I have about 3kgs to go still before I'm back to lean, but I'm happy right now in my life and more accepting of ups and downs.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm here for another week, and I'll be off for 3 weeks for the AR and I'll be back end of November. I'm looking forward to it, though I hear that where I'm heading, there is no formal gym or PT sessions. Just a running track. So I will have to get creative and apart from running will have to put together some bodyweight exercises to keep me challenged. And I should have enough free time to be able to train daily (fingers crossed). So my goal is to come back 3kg's lighter. :) Here's hoping.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway...I thought I'd include a photo of Pauline Nordin just for the heck of it, and I like the quote. I think it says alot.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I believe that excellence isn't something we need to necessarily shoot off at the mouth about. It doesn't have to be glamourous or exciting. It's something we should be living on a daily basis.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So that's a wrap up, and I'll hopefully post upon my return. Though it's getting close to Christmas then...e-gads! A lovely time of the year. So many things to do upon my return, and you know the most exciting part of my life right now? I can't wait to build my compost bays, raised vege garden and I'm hoping we may have a couple of (bantam) chickens at Christmas (for Philomena). Oh...and start the my native cottage garden design (waiting on my book to arrive). Of course, when I get back. Oh..and I also look forward to setting some new training goals. So much to do...so little time! </span></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-44802115237475210402011-10-06T17:23:00.000+10:002011-10-06T17:23:55.332+10:00What Gardening and Your Health Goals Have in Common<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDIX-lBiIU3dRydE8b3hisSxRrH6fuYXuTnImZ6SmuzW8cGBNGtOtcuP9UwB3jKuGxoDlW8PFI5_KIemaPg_RRO0J632ucRXXpZOJppVL-2c1Zq_fInTaMjji5Q4Em1xfapIZOFElGarc/s1600/gdsg121a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDIX-lBiIU3dRydE8b3hisSxRrH6fuYXuTnImZ6SmuzW8cGBNGtOtcuP9UwB3jKuGxoDlW8PFI5_KIemaPg_RRO0J632ucRXXpZOJppVL-2c1Zq_fInTaMjji5Q4Em1xfapIZOFElGarc/s320/gdsg121a.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Native Cottage Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Would you believe that we have been in our new house for one month already!</span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We have settled in nicely, though it will take some months to unpack everything and put things in their rightful place. I'm really enjoying the solitude and tranquility, and today even though it's drizzling rain, it's beautiful as I sit here at the kitchen table looking out to our private rainforest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Something I'm really enjoying is weeding. Yes...weeding. Try it...it's very therapeutic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There are alot of weeds here, and before I can even begin to design my Australian Native cottage garden, I need to eradicate all the weeds. We basically have no grass...it's mostly weeds. So it's quite a labourious job killing off weeds and then replacing them with grass. It's not something that happens quickly. Not only is the lawn full of weeds, but the garden bed at the front is full of them as well. Though, I've made some headway into the weeding there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In the garden bed, only pulling out weeds by hand is suitable. And you have to make sure that when you pull them out, you get the roots and all, otherwise they will just grow back. I use a little spade to help me get in under the roots in the soil a little, and then I give a nice little tug on the weed, as close to bottom of the plant as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think I'm developing some little OCD tendencies built around keeping the house clean and...weeding! I just can't stop once I start. I like to see them disappear and see nice clean soil before me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway...so what does gardening and your health goals have in common?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">While I was tinkering away pulling out weeds, I was thinking about how my garden would look once it was all designed, planted and growing. I have visions of how I want my garden to look. It's what inspires me to keep weeding. It's the end that I have in mind, and that's what keeps me going and doing what needs to be done in the garden and around the yard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I was wondering how anybody could let the weeds get this bad and let the yard look so unkept. Didn't they see the garden as it could be? Could they not imagine how spectacular a garden could be created here and what veritable treasures await? </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1nFgBoZ8Q3v415rCzc-51tXswkQiU_hyQsh8vdbnm7UfV5YwecyTncqShIK76-IJtsRCocKYJfIHb6Rv1PuKAhNbC9T9nPNqFe3Je_MHheDkvagL2ZmQ6cT6dygHf9UsvPIRxHWO0ubF/s1600/DSC08080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1nFgBoZ8Q3v415rCzc-51tXswkQiU_hyQsh8vdbnm7UfV5YwecyTncqShIK76-IJtsRCocKYJfIHb6Rv1PuKAhNbC9T9nPNqFe3Je_MHheDkvagL2ZmQ6cT6dygHf9UsvPIRxHWO0ubF/s320/DSC08080.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite deep red Geranium</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZPxoNHOquD4wBQhqjC_LDOabQvJq1LFhNnFryI1INoHv1Cb_uIJDDKIwIUH3sLoO6WDhaL1UDqDMX5FndsWeXe54CJoAditK1Ov0DYBfRmpE6CJnvCutkR-agyTCyHaXs3kM7rtU27nB/s1600/DSC08084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZPxoNHOquD4wBQhqjC_LDOabQvJq1LFhNnFryI1INoHv1Cb_uIJDDKIwIUH3sLoO6WDhaL1UDqDMX5FndsWeXe54CJoAditK1Ov0DYBfRmpE6CJnvCutkR-agyTCyHaXs3kM7rtU27nB/s320/DSC08084.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely lavender pansies</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyH5TxASWW3PMkP6oJKJxqkjZmk1UGgvqO4jBGZcrADa61MNEV9ujy366gPfeAbBSdWuiyQOwd4lyQK1PD0PIyHardM1pU2ahgju0w3YPrwphOvWn5scxIltPRUw-jpUo1AKbT_4HQMt4/s1600/DSC08086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyH5TxASWW3PMkP6oJKJxqkjZmk1UGgvqO4jBGZcrADa61MNEV9ujy366gPfeAbBSdWuiyQOwd4lyQK1PD0PIyHardM1pU2ahgju0w3YPrwphOvWn5scxIltPRUw-jpUo1AKbT_4HQMt4/s320/DSC08086.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Pierre De Ronsarde climbing roses never disappoint</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Could they not see the potential.? And did they not see what treasures could be revealed with a little imagination and a little effort?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So while I was contemplating upon this while weeding, I came to the realisation that our journey of health and fitness is alot like gardening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before you can really take that first step of creating a healthier and fitter you, you must first imagine the end result of YOU in your head. So you need to look at your journey as a landscape (being you) design project. I think to get real and lasting results, you need to have a vision of how you want to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So what potential lies before and in you? What can you see and create? You too are like a garden and you have many treasures to uncover. What spectacular visions can you see of the project (you) which you are about to begin creating?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With that in mind, the first step in designing (you) once you have that vision, is write down all the steps required to achieve that vision to begin your project (you). You should research all the information you need so that you know that you have the correct information at hand to achieve what you want and what is right for you. That information can come from many different sources...books, internet, professionals, friends who have achieved what you aim for and can help with support and encouragement,etc. You get the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next are all the tools required. They could include gym membership; maybe some home equipment; the right food, so you can make good food choices, etc, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now...once you start your little project, you might find that some things don't go exactly according to your original design plan, so you might have to do some tweaking along the way. But once you've started and you're on your way you'll gather some momentum. You'll see the fruits of your labour starting to blossom and the first signs of change and growth in your garden (you). Hopefully, this will inspire you to keep moving toward achieving your project (you).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As we all know, some of the best laid plans can come unstuck. Sometimes it's through our own neglect; sometimes it's because something happens and it's beyond your control, and all of a sudden your project has taken a back seat in the priority stakes for what ever reason.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And this is the most vulnerable and dangerous time. This is when you need to be vigilant. This is the time when those weeds begin to appear. Those weeds can take the form of slipping into bad habits, making wrong food choices or not going to the gym, and many more. Some weeds are worse than others and if you're not careful, those weeds can then begin to proliferate and take over, threatening the realisation of your project (you).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But take heart, because if you still have that vision of your design project (you) in your head and it's a strong vision, then it will haunt you. Better still to have your design project in front of you where you can see it and you're constantly reminded of its' presence. Because if you can do this, whatever little events or diversions which take you off-course temporarily, you will come back to your project, and do some necessary weeding and clearing of your garden (you). You can then begin again to see with clarity, the vision of your design project (you).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So...do you need to do some weeding? Try it...it's very therapeutic and you'll feel so much better once you've done a little.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been doing a little lately and I intend to get it under control very soon with a whole lot more. , And you know, just with a little weeding so far, I'm already feeling a whole lot better.</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-48010603528469970992011-09-23T21:53:00.002+10:002011-09-23T21:57:56.987+10:00Have you Worn Your Superhero Costume Lately?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nZcD91v-PfBDWmkT_ZEgf55kI59npziH_fAEpU5WmHPt2cGzjaQGrsgdtHByvOKbpx0ysYCvjdAiSK96ImGFUcYFIptj51Ju9W3SwAIgDbRgU8x3hwNOyXAOQN-jm_jJbkkZZhzZAB9r/s1600/iron_man_2_2010_3219_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nZcD91v-PfBDWmkT_ZEgf55kI59npziH_fAEpU5WmHPt2cGzjaQGrsgdtHByvOKbpx0ysYCvjdAiSK96ImGFUcYFIptj51Ju9W3SwAIgDbRgU8x3hwNOyXAOQN-jm_jJbkkZZhzZAB9r/s320/iron_man_2_2010_3219_medium.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Johan Wolfgang von Goethe</span></em></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you have a picture or an idea of what or who you would like to become or be? A goal perhaps of something or someone you strive to emulate? Or perhaps it's not so much that you want to be someone. Maybe it's a level of achievement you would like to attain or reach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I liken the striving to donning on my superhero costume. It is perhaps my alias...my secret identity...my alter ego. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's the ideal of the person you hope to become. When you change into that costume, or you acquire a certain item that perhaps that person...that role...that achievement... would have, you <em>become </em>that person. You imagine how you would feel...act...look in that costume or with that item.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Your actions from then are always moving toward achieving that end. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Some may call it 'faking it til you make it'. And you're faking it because in reality, you aren't quite (well...maybe you're not even close) living up to those superhero expectations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well I'm here to tell you it's okay if you're faking it, and you're not even close to making it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The most important thing is...you've made a start and you're putting in the action and you're striving to better yourself...your circumstances...your outcomes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When you set yourself a seemingly formidable goal, it seems when starting out that you may never get there. It seems so difficult and you wonder whether you're kidding yourself that you'll ever reach it. Especially when you've begun the journey and it's harder than what you envisaged. It seems that you may never be worthy or ready to pull on that superhero costume you bought and it hangs in the wardrobe beckoning you to put it on - even if only fleetingly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But I encourage you...I dare you to put it on! Because unless you do, how do you know what you require of yourself and how do you know what real stuff you're made of if you never put it on?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And in the striving, as you reach each step and climb higher and closer toward your goal, there will be one day when you realise you're wearing that costume and it fits like a glove and you wonder what all the fuss was about, because now it's just a part of you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But in order to realise that day, you had to persevere feeling like you were faking it, and overcome the fear of what others thought of you. And you know...people will always remember who you are right now, not who you were necessarily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And anyway, what does it matter how others see you right now? Is it not more important how you would see yourself? Because you know that with time...with right action...one day and the next, others will see you, how you would see yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And who knows...you may then become <em>their real life hero</em>, because you dared to dream... you dared to try...you dared to put on your super hero costume and you showed others what is possible.</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-85116058524878131522011-09-21T16:08:00.002+10:002011-09-23T16:08:04.830+10:00New Home...New Insights<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvlEsg3JG5MDG4bfDuBf5WR7W_bSN0pLAn6o9Ag8v32uyXhQmKHDJ4F4RVnZKbQSaIU2RH-7FIPRkvo0pYWA_4IXV19JzG8c7KzfjJdNz9D_mg2jKfC4E8thN75t6HuA1SNysfpYZh_Ie/s1600/DSC07885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvlEsg3JG5MDG4bfDuBf5WR7W_bSN0pLAn6o9Ag8v32uyXhQmKHDJ4F4RVnZKbQSaIU2RH-7FIPRkvo0pYWA_4IXV19JzG8c7KzfjJdNz9D_mg2jKfC4E8thN75t6HuA1SNysfpYZh_Ie/s320/DSC07885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top of driveway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTR3W7D_20QyhpuJhVBtXL8CL4ot8NXRBucURVwngA1mRoAVx8AdFxPlRTuYlKA4lRKdzrV8-JqjikPkmtlMbAZLOl4bu1d4zDkqwUwlOZ9057ZzhzodTNs8IAdCHUuqT1kPIpnV_MO8J/s1600/DSC07877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTR3W7D_20QyhpuJhVBtXL8CL4ot8NXRBucURVwngA1mRoAVx8AdFxPlRTuYlKA4lRKdzrV8-JqjikPkmtlMbAZLOl4bu1d4zDkqwUwlOZ9057ZzhzodTNs8IAdCHUuqT1kPIpnV_MO8J/s320/DSC07877.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our private rainforest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BXDzH4U6rvT4NLGwVtLQzR7FXOeGiJu4u8OlvVpv2jkylBiyYbGOtBGwqfKbvYjevsVtCXONbzPYQVAK1tUUBFiYNJxqZx2iHlrhbIGuGIuaQjmu4MtJFxjRUqOJiyHH3aecbgyaTFIf/s1600/DSC07878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BXDzH4U6rvT4NLGwVtLQzR7FXOeGiJu4u8OlvVpv2jkylBiyYbGOtBGwqfKbvYjevsVtCXONbzPYQVAK1tUUBFiYNJxqZx2iHlrhbIGuGIuaQjmu4MtJFxjRUqOJiyHH3aecbgyaTFIf/s320/DSC07878.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view and setting at the rear of our home. My favourite place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-N3oSicHY1NSgzFbfpIV0mQz0BVIleYvROdmV4L0tjo-NRQzSzwpoXBes8lNXCgibzSHoNl9h-YXzs7GzIYq-qdQqunqdE5FPNJD3szvLq19ysTjpOohHZ7WFo__jDdtcuVyL1dIUCRq/s1600/DSC07883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-N3oSicHY1NSgzFbfpIV0mQz0BVIleYvROdmV4L0tjo-NRQzSzwpoXBes8lNXCgibzSHoNl9h-YXzs7GzIYq-qdQqunqdE5FPNJD3szvLq19ysTjpOohHZ7WFo__jDdtcuVyL1dIUCRq/s320/DSC07883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philomena's new (2nd hand) trampoline, given to us through our wonderful friend, Matt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzTL2Qigz3AIoR8VlV9m0t6TlDN98NzWjjFJEnubsv358hZfCnsTfnhVVSvftFuc22VYCVcUMp9aNScQxA_LFfnJDEJGQRVBggsqbp96OCVgotogpU6jhCQwuGQT0y06Lmo4awSChQPJJ/s1600/DSC07876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzTL2Qigz3AIoR8VlV9m0t6TlDN98NzWjjFJEnubsv358hZfCnsTfnhVVSvftFuc22VYCVcUMp9aNScQxA_LFfnJDEJGQRVBggsqbp96OCVgotogpU6jhCQwuGQT0y06Lmo4awSChQPJJ/s320/DSC07876.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Lorikeet eating nectar from one of our grevilleas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-bKKZAcjESthxcsZGrGzsziF2Z4jqOxbUfQVlciOYob7Qf-TaAI3QSMwWOaVXFmH0t4jPVotAHvVKxCxc88mK3nxpCyswmJsedrKBpZM9c8hxYNk2gI8h7L2QfERFd-1auNrmX4W_WdE/s1600/DSC07874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-bKKZAcjESthxcsZGrGzsziF2Z4jqOxbUfQVlciOYob7Qf-TaAI3QSMwWOaVXFmH0t4jPVotAHvVKxCxc88mK3nxpCyswmJsedrKBpZM9c8hxYNk2gI8h7L2QfERFd-1auNrmX4W_WdE/s320/DSC07874.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More forest pictures</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't believe it's been about 7 weeks since I've posted. I'm sitting out the back patio (see photo of my favourite place) as I write this post. It's my favourite place to sit and contemplate and listen to the birds and the breeze rustling through the trees. We have a resident <a href="http://home.iprimus.com.au/punkclown/Punkclown/Whipbird.htm">Whipbird</a><em>, </em>which I'm thrilled at having in our back yard to listen to every day. Philomena has named it 'Whippy' and we've been having breakfast every morning out the back patio, listening to the birds. I've also spotted <a href="http://www.avianweb.com/paleheadedrosellas.html">Pale Headed Rosellas</a> and I love watching the rainbow lorikeets and honey-eaters. This morning I could hear kookaburras, and there are some other bird varieties I haven't worked out yet by their call.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So this is why I've been absent for such a long time it seems. I've also had no end of problems with having our phone and internet reconnected, and my old tower desktop computer finally died. It's only hanging on long enough now for me to transfer all my files across to this new laptop. I love wireless connection! I no longer have to sit facing four walls. I can sit amongst the trees and birds.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As you can see, our home isn't 'brand new' as such, but a new location. I really love our new home. I now have just about everything I've wanted (except that million-dollar view overlooking Mt Tamborine). When I saw this house, it was love at first sight. Of course, if we had a million dollars, I'm sure we would have bought a newer home, but for what we paid, I think we did exceptionally well. And for what it's worth, it's still a stretch financially...more about this in a minute.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our friends were rather surprised to find out we bought a new home, as we never talked about it. In fact, the decision to buy came up in conversation with AW about how it was a great time to buy, but not a great time to sell. The conversation we had was oh...about 8 weeks ago. I went away and crunched some figures, and said to AW...yes, we can afford it, but it means going back to being frugal again, to which we decided would be okay. We'd done it before, we could do it again, if it meant getting into a house with a yard and more space for all of us.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The journey since that decision, I have to tell you has been incredible, challenging, frustrating to the point of going insane. At quite a few points, it seemed that our dream of getting into a house was within our reach, only to be pulled from our grasp. It has been an emotional rollercoaster from day one, and I was quite unprepared for the current economic climate in which we applied for finance. It's a climate I have never experienced, and I had very little sleep for 5 weeks straight.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We've purchased homes before, but this one was different for a number of reasons. Mainly because of my emotional attachment. In previous times we always had our loans pre-approved, but this time we needed to secure the contract, because it was such a great buy and I knew that it would go pretty quickly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So why did I invest so much emotionally?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was always about my dream of having a home where Philomena could play outside unfettered. I wanted her outside exploring, not inside watching TV. I wanted us as a family to be outside, and more connected with nature and fresh air, and more outside activity.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was about us as individuals having more personal space and more room to have privacy and relax. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was about us as a family, doing more things which were based around home and family. Having family and friends around more often and reconnecting with people.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was about the chooks; having a vegetable garden and making my own compost; creating a beautiful garden full of colour and scents and one which everyone can enjoy. Creating spaces in the garden to sit and contemplate and to enjoy this beautiful forest outlook we have here, which not alot of people even know exists. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was about Philomena having pets and a dog, because I want her to have that special relationship that I had the privilege of having as a child with my dog and pets. Having pets is a great lesson for children in responsibility and caring for something which is helpless and requires love and committment. Pets, espe</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">cially dogs are also great companions for children (and adults).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was about Philomena having a play/cubby house and areas of play to help develop her strong imagination and creativity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was about having a blank canvas on which to create our dream home. And boy, do we have lots of plans. It's 1/4 acre, so there's lots of room and we plan to extend onto the home. We plan to build in the carport for extra room, and expand the kitchen/dining area. We also plan to build a deck out the back to enjoy the view and create more outdoor living space to overlook the kids play area. Of course, this won't happen straight away. We're pretty skint at the moment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The greatest part of all of this, is that we have only moved 3kms! We're still in Beenleigh, though you wouldn't think so. It's so close. Philomena and I call it our 'Secret Place'. You can't see our home from the road. All you can see is a letterbox, a driveway, and a gate, in-between two other houses from the road.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So was all the emotional turmoil worth it? You betcha! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">AW was away alot during this whole time, so there was only little old me to deal with just about everything single-handedly. Thankfully, Anthony recruited family and friends to help on moving day. And thanks to my sister, Carol for helping me clean our other place. I don't think I would have got it all done without her! And Matt, if you're reading this...you're amazing! And you have been and still, are one of our most cherished and generous friends We would have been in a real pickle without your help on moving day. You ROCK!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So there you have it. I hadn't trained for 6 weeks! This is the longest break from training ever since starting my fitness journey with IBO back in July 2008. I put on 4kgs! I was very stressed, but I returned to training sought of last week, and more earnestly this week. It will probably be at least 2 weeks before being able to resume my training at the same volume and intensity I was at before the six weeks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm amazed at how much tone I've lost in that period. My body has definitely suffered and I'm feeling quite horrible at the moment and out of sorts again. But I know it's only temporary.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I put out a HELP signal to <a href="http://lastchancetraining.com.au/">Liz </a>to help me get focussed and get some accountability so I can get back on track quickly. I'm confident this can happen and I can feel more myself again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So...new insights...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">...life happens, and you just gotta pick up where you left off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">...some things can't be helped, but know that it's only temporary, and you're only about 30 days from seeing real change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">...I don't suffer fools gladly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">...I'm getting grumpier as I get older.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">...I don't like the fact that some things are out of my control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">...someone above is looking out for us, and I am eternally grateful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">...some times life is tough, but you'll always get through it and move on, so don't be afraid to try!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>...it's amazing what you'll go through when your dream is strong enough!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So now I can re-focus on my fitness again. It feels good to be sore, but gosh...at the moment I feel like a beginner. I feel so unfit. But I know it's only temporary!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have made a conscious decison not to be on the internet so much. I got so much done while away, and to be honest, I want to spend more time with my family in our new home and on our new home, creating the pictures I have in my head.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Because you know. That's what drives me. And I know that for most of you, that's what drives you too. You have that picture or pictures in your head of what your ideal life is - your ideal you, and you spend your time bringing your current reality to match your current ideal. That's what makes life so amazing. That we can create what we imagine, and it's in the 'creating' that we derive so much joy and satisfaction.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So I will leave you with a wonderful saying I read off the sign out front of the Beenleigh Lutheran Church...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>"Be content with what you have...but not with who you are."</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><em>* P.S. Let me know please if some of the photos look a bit squashed. It could just be my new computer. Just double-click on the photo and it should be a normal size.</em></span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-82502930979043748042011-07-31T21:51:00.000+10:002011-07-31T21:51:53.045+10:00Closed Until Further Notice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0zprBoYpCzhElQXK9mXP3DRDevlRdMyRUmLCwEQdszcUEXAk-ZfXJPB3zkFBJFlOcD5SaCAl8FlP5GOHJ2t9-K-HzqsgKqvVmmi9WAOOis8dsJ2Mer2XFbv1lGe3EHFLpAazPDqn6wY4/s1600/il_fullxfull-164998880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0zprBoYpCzhElQXK9mXP3DRDevlRdMyRUmLCwEQdszcUEXAk-ZfXJPB3zkFBJFlOcD5SaCAl8FlP5GOHJ2t9-K-HzqsgKqvVmmi9WAOOis8dsJ2Mer2XFbv1lGe3EHFLpAazPDqn6wY4/s1600/il_fullxfull-164998880.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><br />
I'll be back...ciao for now!Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-15481647528867592772011-07-18T19:37:00.001+10:002011-07-18T19:55:07.855+10:00Delayed Gratification<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjnsoyHOf7m7BM2u5A_zc6lTz3AUIUcfVHbBOpLbvR-lP4qvRMqRo7ee7z_0y8j6orf8ubiiq7FSVuCWUpYznZgK5SwikdlwMwvE1RkWnvDEz0uMj0hxhcJsXfVPV11xoWx8-MyXqRq-w/s1600/advanced-body-transformation-contest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjnsoyHOf7m7BM2u5A_zc6lTz3AUIUcfVHbBOpLbvR-lP4qvRMqRo7ee7z_0y8j6orf8ubiiq7FSVuCWUpYznZgK5SwikdlwMwvE1RkWnvDEz0uMj0hxhcJsXfVPV11xoWx8-MyXqRq-w/s320/advanced-body-transformation-contest2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>"The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term is the indispensable prerequisite for success."</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: #93c47d;"></span></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><em>- Maxwell Maltz</em></span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's interesting to note the thoughts that run through your head when you're working out in the gym. I find time in the gym is when I seem to work through stuff, and it's usually in-between sets. I think exercise gives us the opportunity to tap into our bodies and gives us the ability to be introspective during such times of physical exertion and awareness. Not just on a physical level, but also emotionally and mentally.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think that's a big reason why I love training, and I've missed it big time being away for nearly two weeks. I've been climbing the walls. I can't remember the last time I was away that long. This chest infection really hit me for six, and I still have an annoying cough that continues to persist in the evenings, during the night and early mornings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today was my first day back and I started with a cycle class. I was feeling quite green to be honest, and what I would normally find easy was a bit of a struggle. It was mainly the seedy feeling and my legs tired more quickly than normal, but I made sure that I finished and pushed myself when I could. However, my weight session went well afterwards, and I started where I was the last session, and gauged how far to push myself. I was happy with the outcome, completing everything and afterwards was rewarded with that wonderful feeling of energy and vitality that comes with a good training session! Oh how I missed you <a href="http://www.gohealthclubs.com.au/facilities-and-services/beenleigh/">Go Health</a> (and I've never said that before)!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tomorrow it's my early morning RPM class, which I've decided to do as a regular thing. I realised that that this week I'll end up doing four cycle classes. Hah! Who would of thought? But I'm really enjoying them. And it's one of the best classes where you really get more bang for your buck as far as a cardio workout. It's helping me get these legs stronger where I need to...in my quads.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway...delayed gratification. Well you can see the photo. It's a typical before and after transformation shot. Typical in the way it's orchestrated. That is...what someone looked like before and then what they looked like after some transformation program. I don't know who this person is. But I just love how athletic she looks!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">That's what amazes me about body transformations. You never know what's possible. It always excites me to think that you can take your body from where it is right now to something which initially can seem impossible. I think that's why the term 'body sculpting' is called that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's like a sculptor starting off with a piece of clay that has no real definition. He has a vision of what he wants that clay to look like and begins to mould it. Once it's close to it's final shape, he can then begin to chip away, being more precise and giving definition to accentuate the areas which he wants to. And so it is with our bodies. We are the sculptors and the tools we use are not only the genre of exercise and training we choose, but also the food and nourishment we give it, and the volume and intensity of our training. And lastly...the longer we chip away...the degree of precision of our work, the more which is revealed to show the masterpiece which is our artistic form.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Looking back at my photos I had done in January 2009, it's hard to believe I was 54.75kg's on the day of those photos, with depletion. Hard to believe, because at 57kg's, two years on, I actually look leaner, without any type of depletion. That excites me, because what it tells me is that over time, my body can and will change if I persist. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And that's what delayed gratification is. It's holding a vision of what's possible and what you want to achieve and then doing what's necessary, even though at times it seems hard. You want that thing, whatever it is, right now! Once you make that decision you want to be healthier, stronger, fitter, leaner, more financially well off, etc, etc, you want all the things in the universe to give it to you now! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Let's face it...the thought of not getting what you want right this moment and knowing you have to put in, be patient and trust that it will happen with the appropriate amount of action, <em>before</em> it actually becomes reality, is one of the toughest tests we have to go through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's a test of our willingness and determination to see things through. It's a test of our patience. And most of all it's a test of how strong is the vision of what we want to achieve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This blog is mainly about matters related to health and fitness, but this pertains to any worthwhile endeavour, and it was actually another area of my life where I've been practicing delayed gratification and I've reaped the rewards, that got me thinking of the post title today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm sure we've all practiced it (delayed gratifcation), and what I find is that the pain of the delay is all but forgotten when you experience success. All you have to do is rinse and repeat.</span>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256630714768809434.post-71270114797283044862011-07-13T17:53:00.001+10:002011-07-13T18:01:54.318+10:00Bringing Dreams into Reality...<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1ue7BRQn8lAOlUKWxubvU9xuMs2BkAPBhOWXyqak2-CCQB5yCn6sOp1mhpPs6WXuJXJ5yF3CJDXQYsHjZ8FIt_KDTcWuTsM-uam9FLGYi6zHLJaezO3FUNw_QkmrWJlSX1bxGi5CNit_/s1600/Dreaming_Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1ue7BRQn8lAOlUKWxubvU9xuMs2BkAPBhOWXyqak2-CCQB5yCn6sOp1mhpPs6WXuJXJ5yF3CJDXQYsHjZ8FIt_KDTcWuTsM-uam9FLGYi6zHLJaezO3FUNw_QkmrWJlSX1bxGi5CNit_/s400/Dreaming_Girl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>“Your life is the sum result of all the choices you make, both consciously and unconsciously. If you can control the process of choosing, you can take control of all aspects of your life. You can find the freedom that comes from being in charge of yourself.” </strong></span></div><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong></strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">- Robert F. Bennett </span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thanks to <a href="http://lessonsfromthemonkimarried.blogspot.com/2011/07/week-27-lesson-27-life-is-sum-of-all-of.html">Katherine</a> for the inspiration for today's post, titled <em>'Life is the Sum of all of our Choices'.</em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I really love the quote above by Robert Bennett, but I think it lacks something obvious that Katherine alludes to in her post. And that is...even though we makes choices consciously or unconsciously, it's when we <em>exercise those choices</em>, that it is when truly influence the outcome of lives.</span></span> </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNFJ-QuBMVBskYmztd1dxyXYsWvhVDQMdbO7ZTfWUM4Tq57ffU-q6SFx1L7546UJR0RffL04PdXAP94CeErJANd80Xe3sTDEO-CSWrM5o46t4ZB4el6O3_-Ttm6UMFiP1OOo5kkj1nKGC/s1600/hp_courtyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNFJ-QuBMVBskYmztd1dxyXYsWvhVDQMdbO7ZTfWUM4Tq57ffU-q6SFx1L7546UJR0RffL04PdXAP94CeErJANd80Xe3sTDEO-CSWrM5o46t4ZB4el6O3_-Ttm6UMFiP1OOo5kkj1nKGC/s400/hp_courtyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">something of the feel of my dream home</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you don't know by now, you may have guessed I'm somewhat of a dreamer. I have been for all my life. My dreams and visions of what I want to create fuel my desire and my zest for life. I only wish there was more time to do everything I would like in this life time. There is so much to learn and so much to create still, in the way of experiences</span>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rmbkl8a-4FkAKwWH9X4N03AzvYfyJsQSn9Hi_KEYFWbln3ccQ1yaf_QKR7yh1yrvlayVnpLauqlK9NGOr2r501FXfVoptderJuhx_bA2mkJZAeAC66nkJCGYAe33qnWc5AZkKgH5UwhS/s1600/DSC_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rmbkl8a-4FkAKwWH9X4N03AzvYfyJsQSn9Hi_KEYFWbln3ccQ1yaf_QKR7yh1yrvlayVnpLauqlK9NGOr2r501FXfVoptderJuhx_bA2mkJZAeAC66nkJCGYAe33qnWc5AZkKgH5UwhS/s400/DSC_0568.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">photo courtesy of </span><a href="http://1000homesofhappiness.blogspot.com/2011/07/alive.html"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1000 Homes of Happiness</span></a><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">As I get older, life is becoming more about the <em>experiential</em> and less about materialistic pursuits. It's about cramming in as much of life as possible, yet living it with a sense of balance, authenticity and gratitude. I want to soak up every miniscule moment of the gift of life and part of that is sharing it with those we love.</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdchC5On2w2kn-FP6SwE_yJu9YzVBKUTZvCLgkUo1hotcmEpfByKMGAj3JMsxNB5-bXIyI8iRpLh7SQbEi0KmhdWHNpNbfBMXTSp18OU6roUHlxQkPpss_YmXXOtiH2D3FDXitjTUC7iSn/s1600/children+playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdchC5On2w2kn-FP6SwE_yJu9YzVBKUTZvCLgkUo1hotcmEpfByKMGAj3JMsxNB5-bXIyI8iRpLh7SQbEi0KmhdWHNpNbfBMXTSp18OU6roUHlxQkPpss_YmXXOtiH2D3FDXitjTUC7iSn/s400/children+playing.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">creating and experiencing wonderfully enriching moments with my children and family are a part of my dreams of a life fulfilled</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yet, even though I've always been a big dreamer, I'm grateful for the gift of action. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You see...it's all well and good to think about all the choices that are on offer. But we can delude ourselves into thinking that just by pondering over and filling our head with all the available choices and talking about what we want to do, equates to getting things done.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1ue7BRQn8lAOlUKWxubvU9xuMs2BkAPBhOWXyqak2-CCQB5yCn6sOp1mhpPs6WXuJXJ5yF3CJDXQYsHjZ8FIt_KDTcWuTsM-uam9FLGYi6zHLJaezO3FUNw_QkmrWJlSX1bxGi5CNit_/s1600/Dreaming_Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIWMH3hRsLk_9c65ugZgFACoA3hxCcb-XQeKTAv4cDyqiCUk0bKyQcpJzCVHHGZ47e-_iJSVlMtOHIcUuMCrm_kxWOJC1ht2DKx_k9vu1lTWEPHfsFhcM0I1h_bK_LoPqOeKFU6QNC-Xg/s1600/dana+linn+bailey_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIWMH3hRsLk_9c65ugZgFACoA3hxCcb-XQeKTAv4cDyqiCUk0bKyQcpJzCVHHGZ47e-_iJSVlMtOHIcUuMCrm_kxWOJC1ht2DKx_k9vu1lTWEPHfsFhcM0I1h_bK_LoPqOeKFU6QNC-Xg/s320/dana+linn+bailey_back.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Bodily aspirations - part of the motivation to exercise and make good nutritional choices on a consistent basis</span></td></tr>
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</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's when, after making good choices, we then exercise those choices, by putting them into action and seeing them come to fruition. Only then, can our dreams become a reality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So are you making good choices and exercising them...now? Not tomorrow, not next week, but right now. Because <em>the choices you exercise</em> today will determine whether your dreams become reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And in finishing, I must share with you something integral in going for your dreams. It's a great quote by <a href="http://commandosteve.com/">Commando Steve</a> on his FB page today. You know when you've made good choices, by the person you've become along the way.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">"The highest reward for a man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><em>- John Ruskin</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Kerry Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910046199300423007noreply@blogger.com0