KrystalWolf

Nor me. We have one just over an hours drive away, and I have never been. A lot of people cannot believe I am still an Ikea virgin. A visit is on my list of things to do by the end of the year And this is the primary drawcard for me when it comes to Ikea. I dont have to taste this to know how much I would love it

Week two update: I gained a little weight this week, not sticking to my calorie goal appears to be the reason, as my exercise was not too lacking. I'm now struggling with a winter-lurgy, feeling like I'm swallowing crushed glass with stiff neck and aching joints is not helping me motivate myself at all. I was out at job interviews on Monday (they went well, I think), and so I hardly got any of my challenge goals done at all, but here's to tomorrow, where a new day is a new opportunity

Thanks Shello

So today was a good day to keep everything happening, I had a PT session at 630 this morning, which was great, except it took me nearly twenty minutes to warm up before I could even contemplate a workout (it's winter here, and while our winter is ridiculously mild in comparison to some parts of the world, it's still cold to us!). It also meant I had to get up about 420am, which is substantially earlier than my lazy-sleep ins have been lately lol. But, it was a really good session, I got to catch up with an old friend I haven't seen for a while, and then managed a haircut, downloaded some new books, sushi for lunch, managed another three job applications and then got a call for a job interview! Overall, a pretty brilliant day. Now it's time to get some curry on the stove, a hot shower, and really really stretching my feet. The buggers are killing me today.

Feeling more positive today Have done the first of the week's workouts, plus the first of the week's creative writing, and I'm on track with hydration, stretchy feet, and my unofficial calorie count. I think my motivation must come in cycles, so when I recognised that I was approaching the point where the thought of exercise didn't instantly get a "get stuffed" gut reaction, I mustered up 20 seconds of courage, got changed, grabbed my shoes and made a beeline for the treadmill. And then I rewarded myself with a banana smoothie that still fitted under my daily target. Nom nom nom. And now, mentally, as well as physically, I'm soooo much better off for just doing it. Wahoo for endorphins. Off for a lovely hot shower, and then some reading time -if I can decide on a decent book to read. I have hundreds, both normal and e-format, and do you think I can find one I want to read!! It's the bane of my existence sometimes lol.

Week one is done, and it wasn't the best start I could have given myself. I'm still counting it as a pass, as I did complete the majority of my goals successfully. Exercise was hindered from the start of the week, as I didn't get started until Wednesday, then went a little hard in my workout, and so was still quite sore for the remainder of the week, and only managed one low intensity session afterwards. I think it has been harder to motivate myself to complete both my exercise and my creative writing goals as I have been spending a lot of time at the computer applying for jobs, and that's quite mentally draining and has sparked up some anxiety/mood issues. I guess it's an extra challenge to work through. The good news is that I have been pretty consistently doing my feet exercises and stretches, and also drinking more water. Also, despite falling off the calorie wagon this week (husband away for the weekend, which roughly translates to "brie cheese and crackers for dinner?"), I still lost a bit of weight. This weeks mission is to be mindful of the anxiety, and to use the tools I have to deal with it, and get through it, little by little. And complete my other goals. Properly. Today is a new day, of a new week. Lets do this.

They are feeling much better, thank you for asking! I have completed the majority of stretch/treatments so far, plus was fitted for my orthotics this week so am breaking them in too - all of which seems to be helping the pain I will miss an exercise session and lower the intensity of my last session this week, just due to adjusting to the orthotics, but that's ok. Hopefully next week will be closer to target!!

This is me too, not really competitive, until we're the same level or I'm in a snit about something

I didn't know what this was, and then I clicked the link. Now I'm drooling over all the crepey-eggy-waffley-french-toasty things. It's probably a very good thing that place is not in Australia!!

I was a late convert to the E-reader. I wasn't convinced I was going to enjoy the experience, but I adapted. I still love a paper book, the smell, the feel, the fact that you actually turn pages, it's just that the e-reader is a better fit for me. I can carry it in my bag without a drama, it stores the next book in the series (plus a whole heap more) so I don't have to carry multiple books around if I'm close to finishing one off. I did find I needed a dedicated e-reader, and not a tablet or phone- as they hurt my eyes and gave me headaches. The only other negative I found was book selection. I cant just turn the book over to read the back. It's a little more effort, but I spend some time on the net, read a few reviews, and go from there. Plus, it just adds to my TBR pile....or should I say file. Me too. This was one of the first sets I ever collected, and I cannot bear to part with them, even though I have them all in e-format as well. You know there's supposed to be a companion book coming later this year? I have a few authors I will always continue to collect in hard copy, it's so much more pleasing to look on a shelf and see a delightful assortment of books than a lone non-descript device lol.

I like a combo of roasted pumpkin (I think it's called squash in the US), baby spinach and red onions. It's especially good with a soft goats cheese. A lot of vegetables taste good with a cheesy white sauce or gravy. Maybe you could try this to help train your brain into eating more of them. There are lots of great veggie combo's, but as already mentioned in the above comments, you have to find out which way you like them. Don't be afraid to experiment

The challenge starts tomorrow, and I think I've gone through a whole range of feels about that. I'm looking forward to it, but it's also been veeeery nice having a slightly slothful week in regards to food and exercise. I haven't been logging religiously, and haven't really motivated my butt to exercise either. I know that exercise this first week will be harder than I remembered because of slacking off, and my weight will most likely have gone up a bit, but I'm not worried. I'm actually a bit excited to feel the burn and push harder. This challenge is about focus and getting sh*t done, and I'm pleased I had a break in the middle. I've prepared a little in advance this time too. I have my scheduled workouts written on my calendar for the first three weeks, plus allocated writing time. My work is still up in the air so I may have to vary my schedule. I'm also being fitted for orthotics this week, so I hope they don't have too much impact on what I have planned. I am a little worried about that. For this challenge, my Life Quest is to write creatively. Because I am very good at finding reasons not to do things, I am going to use this plan to help keep me on track. In the past, I have avoided writing with using tactics such as distraction (why hello there, Facebook), procrastination (I'll do it after I just finish doing this one, three, ten other things......) and poor planning (oops. I don't seem to have any information on that topic- I guess I'll visit the internet to do some research and oh, Hello Facebook). I'm posting this here for accountability more than anything else, as I have this feeling that I will try and dodge this part of my challenge as much as possible. I know the reasons why, and I think approaching it head on is the best way to resolve the issue. I'm really looking forward to battling this demon All in all, I cant wait for tomorrow. I'm excited to be setting off on this Adventure, and really want to see what I'm capable of by the end of it. Tally ho!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's a well-written and thoughtful challenge, and I love that you are celebrating a whole year of NF, and reflecting back. That's a brilliant idea. I really enjoyed reading through your goals and can't wait for more I particularly like your point 3b. I don't have a particularly deep knowledge of the various theories about carbs, and like you I'm not sure they're the worst thing in the world. I have not even considered counting them before, but your method makes me reconsider. I might do something similar for my next challenge. Your achievements to date are amazing, and you are totally awesome. This challenge is yours to annihilate! I found myself enthusiastically nodding along while I was reading it, plus it involves spreadsheets AND Dr Who. I'm smitten!! Best of luck with it, I'll be stalking your TARDIS from now on

Thankyou. Yes, I always put writing last, or do a heap of prep (usually getting distracted) and then procrastinate about the actual writing. It's time to see what I can do. Glad to have to aboard, and thankyou! Yup, even if I wasn't in the official bridal party, I'm still going to end up in a ton of pics, and I'd rather not be the 'big' sister in any way other way than age lol.

You're a bloody legend! I love following your challenge, it's always fun and inspiring