For reasons unknown I’ve struggled with a topic for today’s post. I’m trying to keep my Thursday posts up-beat and non-book related but the inspiration fairy has seemingly deserted me this week. So I’ve decided – given it’s December 1st – to ‘take stock’… something initiated by Pip from Meet Me At Mike’s. Adjusted slightly to cater for my own idiosyncrasies… of course.
Making: a painting. Kinda. I’ve been pining for this picture to brighten up my study but the version I liked wasn’t cheap, so a bit frivolous when I’ve had so many other expenses of late. However… I found the same pic on Etsy so bought and downloaded it, printed it at KMart and bought a cheap frame. And voila… Frida is brightening up my study.
Cooking: but rarely. Since my weightloss surgery my interest in cooking (and eating) has diminished greatly. I tend to cook up some mince / chicken / steak once a week and eke it out over several days. It’s also sometimes easier to nibble on protein bars or drink protein shakes. And then of course my darling mum keeps me stocked up with leftovers. At the moment it’s her slow-cooked braised steak. Because I’m so focussed on getting my protein I don’t even worry about accompaniments. Like potatoes (rice, pasta) or veges. Pre-surgery there was nothing I loved more than my nightly dinners which involved mounds of potato. Now, it’s taken me 3mths to get through a 2kg bag.
Drinking: bloody Vanilla Diet Coke. Again. It became hard to find, so I gave it up early this year, but I’ve been slowly increasing my intake. Initially just as a treat, but now almost every day. Again.
Reading: Lots. I mean, hello… book blogger?! However, I’ve had to cut back the last couple of weeks as I’ve gotten behind with my reviewing and need to catch up.
Remembering: I’ve got an endoscopy scheduled later today. It’s no big deal, other than having to leave work a bit early. I have to have them every two years because of my coeliac disease… and some other stomach autoimmune thing I have – the name of which I can never remember.
Watching: I’ve just finished the TV show Stranger Things and totally binged on the second half. Each episode ended in a way that drew me in and I had to keep watching. It’s like a cross between The X Files and Stand By Me. Kinda. Oh and the bloody maternal instincts Millie Bobby Brown’s character (Eleven) drew out of me, were just scary.
Planning: my trip to New Zealand. Or not. I’m only going for 4-5 days but have a day in Brisbane either side so leave in a week. And I am spectacularly (though unsurprisingly) disorganised. My new passport – however – has arrived. So that’s a good start.
Enjoying: plain Cadbury’s chocolate far more than I should. Freddo Frogs have become my downfall.
Waiting: for inspiration to strike. I’m finalising my ‘favourite books of 2016’ post and struggling with it a little. It should be easy as I can sort my reviews by ‘star’ or rating… but when I contemplate the books, some 4 star books loom larger in my mind and memories than some 4.5 star books. Oh the joy of being an over-thinker!
Marvelling: that I’ve been in my ‘new’ house for three months today.
Smelling: Christmas and Cane Beetles and being reminded of my childhood.
Wearing: old stuff I haven’t fitted into for 4 years. I’ve now lost about 33kgs (73lbs) but still have a long way to go, so I’m not buying anything new at this stage. It means I’m back to what I was when I made my seachange so it’s been a relief to have some old stuff to wear.
Thinking: Too. Bloody. Much. Always.
Feeling: stressed about my lack of exercise. I’m getting to yoga weekly but not as enthusiastic as I hoped about regular walks or other cardio. It’s something I need to work on.
And that’s it from me on this first day of December. Can you relate to any of these, or are you just exhausted and unable to think at all?
I’ve joined Leanne from Deep Fried Fruit and some other bloggers to help promote “ageing positively” and the Lovin’ Life mindset across the interwebs. You can link up via any one of us!
and Leanne from Deep Fried Fruit.
December 1, 2016
I was also stuggling to be upbeat when I wrote mine – no idea why. I’m also very cranky and tired today. I think it’s just that time of year…come Jan we’ll be sunshine and smiles….
December 1, 2016
Oh god I hope so. I’m up and down a bit at the moment Lydia, which I suspect is normal… I’m also of ‘that’ age so my hormones are a bit all over the place. One day I’ll be feeling all grateful and happy and the next I feel like the world sucks. I guess my challenge is to moderate that a bit more!
December 1, 2016
I can relate to most of that – especially the overthinking bit, but sadly not the spectacular weight loss bit! Nor can I believe it’s been 3 months.
December 1, 2016
I know! I moved into my place (settlement was) 1 September! And I guess I’ve done a bit with the house since then!
December 1, 2016
Can I say “all of the above”, except the cooking part. I have been on a 4 week kick start your metabolism diet which pretty much eliminates every food group. So meat, fish, veg, fruit and nuts have been my diet which is oh so boring. I do have days where I go through slumps of inactivity too, but I try to exercise every day. I also feel uninspired somedays as well and wonder why I even blog! Chin up, your trip to New Zealand will be the one thing you can look forward to.
December 1, 2016
True Kathy. I’m looking forward to seeing my friend in NZ. And I forced myself onto my jogging trampoline between blogging this morning and work, so that’s something. I’ll be happy if I start walking – I’m not overly ambitious and wanting to run or dance or anything! Walking would be good!
December 1, 2016
Gosh! Where did that 3 months go? Good on you with the weight loss, Deb. I’m trying to change my mindset that I enjoy exercise because it clears my mind. It’s sort of working.
December 1, 2016
I mostly enjoy my beach walks, but when I think too much about the or make it about ‘exercise’ they become a hassle. I’m best at going on them when I feel the urge, rather than when I plan ahead!
December 1, 2016
Deb I love that print! Great way to get it cheaper too! Well done on the weight loss – far out that must feel good. I must admit that I am feeling so exhausted and very much looking forward to being lazy and waited on on the cruise I’m going on. Just hoping like crazy I don’t get sea sick!! #TeamLovinLife
December 1, 2016
Ah yes, I had a bad experience whale watching so nervous about being on large vessels.
And yes, the pic is gorgeous isn’t it?!
December 1, 2016
Love this!
A couple of years ago, convinced it was causing pulsatile tinnitus, I cut my diet coke habit overnight from 1-2 cans/day to one 600ml buddy on Wednesdsays when I did the shopping. I have noticed though the last month or so I’m finding more reasons to buy it again so I
December 1, 2016
Ack! Accidentally hit post – stoopid tready desk…
I really must get on top of it again as I’ve noticed more episodes of the tinnitus which, as far an I’m concerned, confirms my self diagnosis 🙂
December 1, 2016
Yes, my intake has snuck up in a similar way Amy. I’d stopped it completely. But then had one occasionally – but would buy a few at once as I have to go out of my way to get it. And then suddenly I was having ‘some’ each day again!
December 1, 2016
Strawberry Freddo Frogs and Cadbury marshmallow santas have become my upsize.
It’s awesome you have lost 33kgs you must be doing some thing right – good on you for being healthier but seriously ditch that vanilla coke.
December 1, 2016
I used to be a Caramello Koala freak, but happy with the plain chocolate now. I had some Lindt chocolate recently and it was yummy, but there’s something comforting about Cadbury’s!
December 1, 2016
I hear you on motivation. Have we blogged ourselves out? I am glad i have some prompts which help me and that I have cut back my blogging. Nevertheless I always enjoy the interactions once I have posted. Congrats on many things mentioned Deb!! I also know what you mean about foods creeping back. I notice I am eating more chocolate late at night as it ‘soothes’ and ‘numbs’. Le sigh. Take care, always glad to read your updates!
December 1, 2016
Yes, I’m appreciating the prompts too Denyse. And of course my book reviews are a no-brainer. I’ve been enjoying my recent Thursday posts but just really struggled this week.
December 1, 2016
Love the print. Lots of thinking and taking stock here too. Just rather over this time of year. Too much to do and no time to do it all.
December 2, 2016
Yes, I think everyone’s feeling the same way Raych!
December 1, 2016
Loving the Frida print Deb. I sometimes struggle to be positive, but I’m finding the Lovin Life Linky is forcing me to think about all the good things in my life… even though they’re sometimes hard to pin down! 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
December 2, 2016
True, these Thursday posts can be a challenge. But in a good way!
December 1, 2016
I can relate to the eating chocolate, reading lots, and need to exercise more!
December 2, 2016
Ha! If they’re our biggest problems we’re pretty lucky aren’t we Janet??!!!
December 1, 2016
Oh Freddo frogs – don’t remind me! I love them too. Really enjoyed reading about your taking stock and found myself nodding in agreement and going ‘uh oh’ such as with the diet coke (I would be the same – it’s definitely addictive for me). Keep on keeping on, I enjoy your posts 🙂 and have a great break in NZ. #teamlovinlife
December 2, 2016
Thanks Jo. Much appreciated.
December 1, 2016
I’m getting a bit stressed with all the festive season catering right now myself… Exercise is keeping me sane right now. The weather is perfect in the mornings to get out in the fresh air and move.
SSG xxx
December 2, 2016
Oh perhaps exercise will do the same for me. If I do some!!!
December 1, 2016
I might steal.this post idea, I have completely lost my blogging mojo!!!
December 2, 2016
There are actually way more prompts in the original Jess. Most people just write a few words in response to each, but I’m (ummmm…) a tad wordy! Check out the original if something more comprehensive. x
December 1, 2016
I can relate to the feeling stressed about not exercising — I need to up the exercise myself. Unlike you though, I’m eating a bit too much and eating badly. I’ve added Stranger Things on my list but haven’t watched it just yet.
December 2, 2016
I wasn’t sure what I’d think of Stranger Things Sanch, so was surprised to get so easily addicted. I tried ‘Black Mirror’ the weekend before, but struggled a little with that one – not realising it’s something different each show. (Kinda Twilight Zone-ish!)
December 2, 2016
I think we have all pretty much had enough by this time of the year. Everyone I speak to seems to be tired and wanting the year to be over. I hate to wish time away though so I reckon I can survive another 29 days of 2016, who knows I might even thrive.
I love what you did with that print – good thinking!
December 3, 2016
I know, re the print!!! I’m loving it.
I’m a bit agog that people are on holidays already though Jan, it feels too early in December for that to be happening!
December 3, 2016
I like these posts. You in a nut shell. Are you like the only person in the world that likes Vanilla Coke? I tried to like it because I love vanilla, but nope. As for mum’s left overs – yes please!!!!
#TeamLovinLife
December 3, 2016
The owner of the place I currently buy my 600ml bottles from likes it. Every time I go there she tells me she only stocks it cos she likes it.
December 3, 2016
That is absolutely AMAZING Deb! Such a credit to you and your hard work and determination. Losing weight can be such a struggle, as I get older I find myself in the same position and need to exercise far more than I currently do. I luuuuuurve Vanilla Coke too and hardly anywhere stocks it anymore. I thought maybe it as a summer thing? I found a Coles who stock it and almost dropped to my knees and thanked the Coke Gods. Happy three month housaversary! Wow, that’s gone quickly. Are you glad you made the move? Have a wonderful weekend of reading Deb <3
December 4, 2016
Thanks Kelly. And yes… I need to develop a ‘sustainable’ exercise habit – one I enjoy and will keep doing!
December 5, 2016
Loads of good stuff going on there Deb! Cadbury’s plain chocolate is so yummy! Your trip to New Zealand sounds fun and that picture is awesome. I love your enterprising way of getting it 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
December 5, 2016
I think for years I ate other types of chocolates Carol – more expensive kinds but love the familiar taste of Cadbury’s!