The four-day weekend has been a bit of a mixed bag for me. Firstly I’ve failed spectacularly in my attempt to go Easter Egg-free; something which I’ll have to confess to my therapist when I see her next. I’m not Catholic, but I wonder if it’s a bit like that… I will acknowledge my wrong-doings, she will give me absolution and the guilt will evaporate? Perhaps that’s too simplistic. Although it feels strange now: I was so angsty about her no-chocolate edict but in reality, having now ‘failed’, I wonder what she could possibly do to me that I haven’t done to myself. Will she stop talking to me and give me the silent treatment? Keep me back after school? Lecture me? Or just make-clear her disappointment in me? Perhaps for a people-pleaser like myself, the latter is as bad as any self-flagellation.
Having confessed to all of that, I haven’t gone crazy on the Easter Egg front. I went shopping earlier this morning and – of course – everything is half-price. Once upon a time I would have all-but-brushed an entire shelf of eggs into my basket (just because I can’t pass up such a bargain!), but today I just picked two. Small mercies and all that.
But although the no-chocolate thing hasn’t gone as well as it should, I have however, exercised every day of the break in line with my commitment to Weight Wars’ Energise Easter challenge. Today was obviously the fourth and final day and I again started the day with a morning walk. In fact, as my cleaner was coming (at some ungodly hour) and I wanted to stay out of her way, I was out walking before 8am… before heading off to breakfast at my favourite local hangout – which has excellent gluten-free bread/toast (picture of my potato rosti with eggs benedict and toast to the right).
As I said on day one of the challenge, I realise that going for a walk isn’t a big deal to some… however, given my preference for group classes and usual antipathy (and apathy) when it comes to exercising alone, I’m quite pleased with my efforts. And now that I’ve spent a couple of days walking laps of my local park, perhaps I’ll feel more of an urge to do it on weekend mornings in future. It occurs to me that just because I’ve already done my five days of exercise during the week, doesn’t mean I can’t go for a pleasant walk on a weekend.
Finally, as a follow-up to yesterday’s post I thought I’d post a photograph so everyone (including Karen, who confessed to similarly scary rooms) could see that I had in fact, tidied up my spare room as promised. Those who follow my page on Facebook – here (and if you haven’t ‘liked’ me, why not? I’m seriously perfectly likeable!) will have already seen the pictures because in addition to the one I posted yesterday, I posted a second, far scarier picture (as I unpacked some of my winter clothes) before finally tidying everything away. I can now leave the door open and walk past feeling terribly zen… relishing in my sense of accomplishment. For now, anyway!
I hope you’ve all had a fabulous time over the past few days, celebrating, exercising or just spending time relaxing and with friends and family. xxx
April 9, 2012
Hi Deb,
Why wouldn’t someone like you? Great question?
So others – go like deb’s page – she’s the best.
And I too love that Zen feeling – I love the thought that a few things here need to be Zen’d in the near future.
x Loulou
April 9, 2012
Not sure if the zenness comes from the fact that the room’s now tidy and not an eyesore, or that I actually accomplished something. Either way, I’m glad!
Deb
April 11, 2012
If there isn’t anything to trip on, then it’s Zen in my book!
April 11, 2012
And if it looks pretty… then it’s even zenner!
April 9, 2012
The room looks fantastic. I bet it wasn’t so bad it the first place. Also, I love picturing you trampolining in there!
I appreciate you saying what’s the worst that could happen if you tell your therapist about the eggs? Nothing all that bad! Also, Catholic Guilt isn’t as easy as confess and cleanse… somehow you end up feeling guilty most of the time about things that really don’t matter. Eek! Check out Brideshead Revisited for real Catholic Guilt.
April 9, 2012
Ah yes, Brideshead Revisited… I do remember that. I think the guilt that we put ourselves through is probably worse than anyone else can inflict.
PS. I haven’t bounced in the spare room yet – having only done it in my study the other day. I’m a bit worried the roof will be too low and I’ll decapitate myself on the ceiling fan. May well try it tomorrow and see how I go though!
April 10, 2012
Good going on the room…I have made a dent, but am not done. I get distracted…
As for the chocolate eggs, let me ask you this: if you and your therapist had said, “have all the eggs you want!” what do you think would have happened?
April 10, 2012
I take the approach of my old weight loss program to exercise for stuff I don’t want to do… I figure I’ll ‘start’ or do 5mins but usually find once I’ve started I’ll keep going. Hence getting the room cleaned fairly quickly.
And re the eggs… I remember when I used to read Geneen Roth’s books and her approach was to (sort of) allow yourself to have whatever you wanted whenever you wanted and suggested you stock up on the things you binge on / really want, to see how it feels when you know you have lots on hand and won’t ‘run out’ (my constant fear!). I was never quite game to try it… worried I’d go on some rampage and never stop!
April 10, 2012
That room totally is zen! Sounds like you did a totally amazing job over Easter, congratulations. Morning walks sounded nice and that breakfast looked delish…
April 10, 2012
Yes agree with Loulou – sounds like a great weekend was had 🙂 Now when are we catching up again?
April 10, 2012
I did have a nice weekend Liz. AND… from this month I’m more flexible with my time as I’ve become a 4-day a week working gal, having Fridays off, so we could set up something for a Friday coming up if you are free! (I’m in Melbourne this week but after that – free as a bird…)
Deb
April 10, 2012
Thanks Lou Lou! The breakfast was delicious… the place has AMAZING gluten-free bread/toast. And yes, I’m relieved I was able to exercise daily!
April 10, 2012
The spare room looks practically empty now! You can come and clean my closet any time. 🙂 I’ve noticed there’s somthing really satisfying about cleaning and organizing: it’s a wonder I don’t do it more often. Maybe because it’s supposed to be a chore?
I used to have a mini trampline like yours about twenty years ago when I was still dancing. I used it strenghten my ankles and legs.. I think it might still be lying around somewhere – perhaps in my sister’s house?
I’m happy Easter is over, because it was such a long boring weekend. I didn’t go see my family, because I’m traveling to see them later this month.
BTW: Why is Australia called OZ? What is New Zealand then?
April 10, 2012
Satu, I used the jogging trampoline in the spare room today. Not sure how often it’ll get used once I finish hols and am back at the gym. I guess it’s ‘supportive’ for your joints etc.
I’m relieved I didn’t have to go back to work today – as I have the rest of the week off. (Going away with my family!)
I think Oz, is kind of short for Australia (Aus / Aussie). I tend to say NZ for New Zealand, some people say Kiwiland etc… (or joke that it’s an island ‘off’ Australia!
April 12, 2012
Great pics of your brekkie!!!
For some reason I’m not getting your posts via email anymore. Must investigate why…
April 12, 2012
M, I think it may be because I switched from wordpress.com to wordpress.org and previous subscribers couldn’t be transferred across.