Cate's Diary

Well, it's just as exciting in here today but I guess most of you are younger(ie have a very active social life and/or young kids). I have got into such a habit typing in here that it would feel weird not to!
I weighed 72kgs this morning. So long as I don't go any higher I won't panic as I know I will be able to lose it easily just by knuckling down & doing it. I am enjoying the warmer evenings, sitting with a glass of wine with my LH & we have been enjoying some lovely food-curries, Peppered Hare, West-African chicken & other assorted dishes from all over the world. I have had to ask my LH not to put too much rice on my plate. We both always eat off small plates which is an excellent idea.
I need to do some shopping but have been busy today pottering about, washing more jars & putting more spices into jars for our YS for Christmas. I am going to buy him Charmaine Solomon's Complete Asian Cookbook as well, as it one of our favourite cook-books. We have both cooked extensively from this book & we have never had a failure from it!
We used to own a restaurant in Melbourne & if a chef was coming for a meal & I would have to cook I would cook Indian or Sri Lankan, with the appropriate accompaniments(sambals). I used to be petrified to cook for them but they loved it & I got quite confident with that style of cooking. My LH does not need cook-books, but I sure do.
I have caught up with loads of house-work today as I was in the mood. Knowing that I start work later in the week was enough to spur me on to catch up. I feel much more motivated to do things. I had forgotten that feeling as I had settled into pottering about, doing little really.
I'll pop back tonight to see if any of you gallivanters(?) are about! Cheers, Cate.
 
Hey Cate!

Thought I'd pop in and say G'day! It certainly has gone quiet all of a sudden of here hasn't it! I also wanted to wish you well for your first day of work this week (if I don't get a chance to pop back in later on this week!).

I really look forward to hearing how you go and hope that everything will run smoothly!

Alright... better go and do some chores!!

Blessya
Kannadew
 
Hi Kannadew, & thank you. You are so very thoughtful & I really appreciate your input into my diary. You have supported me all along. It's great. I have been over at New You today as it's been so quiet in here. It seems whenever things get good in here some-one has to ruin it & scare people off. There is so much happening over there it's almost impossible to keep up. I might start a post-Cohen's diary over there soon. In the meantime I'll just post a few comments & see what happens.
The Countdown special is on tv so I might go sit down & watch it I think. I absolutely love music! Cheers, Cate. It sounds a bit lame so far but....
P.S. from now on I'm going to have a look in the chat room before I sign off so if anyone's about..
 
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Hi Cate

I am so glad I opened your diary up first and read about the countdown spectular. I've just tuned into the KNACK....gosh they sound great. My sister and I loved Countdown we couldn't wait for the weekends. Not much else for the younger generation to watch back then.

I've had such a busy weekend and I am so exhausted.....I have not been sleeping well, I don't know if you've read my diary but I have a neighbour who has been harrassing me since we moved here....I have backed away from her but she doesn't seem to get the hint....and Friday was the final straw for me, she had organised a xmas get together for for the Mums and come that evening 15 minutes before leaving she rang wanting a lift...I was so angry my husband was out of town my boys were playing up and the baby sitter was due and i had just stepped out of the shower.......I yelled at her in pure frustration and she didn't get the hint....she turned up here at 7pm. She was upset when I placed her in the back seat...I have a people mover you see and she thought she could just go and sit in the front but I explained that I had other peolpe to pick up.
Oh!!!!!Cate so sorry for hijacking your diary about my woes.....but the final final straw for me was when she rang yesterday asking for the boys to come over and she could see from where she lives that we had people over....it was my Dad's 80th and we had all got together for lunch....lucky for me my brother answered and told her no....I had been telling everyone about her at lunch you see so we all had a laugh after. I could go on and on.....but as you read I have been very unsettled with the whole thing.

Have you got any words of wisdom for me Cate (please)? I have never experienced anything like it in my whole life. Thnaksfully I haven't been stress eating which is what I normally would do...but instead I have layed awake worrying about what to do.

Cate like I said before I am sorry for burdening your thread.

Goodluck with your job this week. How are you feeling about it all?
I hope it all goes well. I will be thinking of you.

I hope it does get a bit busier in her as well Cate.....I am sure its wasn't the outsiders. We hope anyway. Take care and I will check in here tomorrow.

Goodnight
Sam:)
 
Sam- I had not been ignoring what was happening with you at the moment. I try not to give advice unless I think someone really wants it. You can get into so much trouble. I'm not particularly wise but, as I have said in your diary, I have said what I would do if I were in your place. I hope it helps. What's the worst that could happen if you tell her how you feel?
I have had a good day today. Some housework, some shopping, visited the MIL, rang our friend in hospital(50yr old-brain aneurism), visited our old friend who got out of hospital today ( stomach cancer), ate well- grilled fish & salad for dinner, 1/3 of last night's dinner for lunch & yoghurt for breakfast, an apple in there somewhere & about to have some fruit & yoghurt. Plus a glass of red wine, before dinner. Didn't have any protein before though & it went straight to my head. (felt good though-whoops!)
Just mentioning fruit & yoghurt has now meant II must go & get it. Yum! Isn't it funny but the things I love the most are the things I could have on the weight-loss part of the Cohen's program! (with the big exception of red wine which I actually do drink in moderation I can truthfully say!)
Probably won't be back until tomorrow night, after my "Wacky Walk." I have bought some fudge from the health-food shop as a treat for the walkers to celebrate my new job. I am really looking forward to telling them my news. I'm still very excited about it!
Cheers, Cate
 
Wacky Walk-
Oh boy, am I tired! It was hot, cold, sunny, drizzling, up, down, over rocks, through thick bush, over water. Phew!
Some of the views were absolutely lovely. We saw Waratahs out in bloom everywhere & lots of other beautiful plants & trees. We were up in the highlands, towards the Great Lake. We walked from Liffey lookout to Pine Lake. 2 of my favourite walkers were not there today. I think the weather probably put them off as it was raining early & very misty & they probably thought it would be called off. We took a vote when we met & decided to go with the original planned walk & we were rewarded with mostly fine weather. Some of the group are pretty bossy & some are quite cliquey. I think it takes a while for you to be considered part of the clique. I'll try to be thick skinned & ignore some things.
I was fairly tired today as we had a terrible night's sleep. It was hot, then quite cold during the night & we both tossed & turned. I have had a 30 minute nap in my chair since I got home from the walk already.
Our OS arrived up at our place as we were both arriving home this afternoon. Our old friend that died in the house fire had transplanted some tree ferns & had put them on the South side of his house. His daughter asked us on Sat, when we scattered his ashes,if we wanted them as they were now exposed, with the house burned to the ground. I had asked our son if he would be able to go up there with us to get them, in his ute & he decided to go on his own today & get them for us. Whilst there he sat & had a beer & said his good-byes. He was only 5 when we first moved to Tas & has known him since then. We had all become close to him & were very fond of him. He loved our kids & they loved him. He was very interesting & very cheeky.
My LH & I then planted them near our home, after trimming off the dead fronds. They were burned in the fire but hopefully will survive. I like to think that in 100 years they will be up here still. We have a stone home & they look beautiful next to it.
OMG-I just looked out at the night sky & there is a magnificent red sunset. I might go make a cup of tea as I'm so thirsty. I obviously did not drink enough today (again!)
My LH is snoring in his chair!
I am going to Devonport tomorrow to find out more about my new job. This should be interesting. I will find out exactly what will be involved in the care of my main client, what pay I will get etc & when they want me to work. I'm not going to discuss specifics with anyone, including my family. I think it is crucial in a small community to maintain people's privacy. It would be too easy for someone to identify clients from very little info. It's a small population in Tassie. I think I should be able to do the job as I'm sure they wouldn't be having me work on my own on Friday if they thought I might not be able to.
Tea time. I'm parched. Cheers, cate
 
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Hey Cate

I'm back after my little trip interstate and rest...! If you have had a chance to read my diary you will see it's been up and down and it's so lovely to be back in touch with the support network!!!

I hope all went well with you today in Devonport regarding you new job. I'm very excited for you!!!

It's only 67 days till we are there... We will need to spen the first and last night in Hobart and then the second night accessible to the cradle mountains to start Day 1 on the Sunday and then also the second to last night will be in the Lake St Clair area. And the 6 nights in between I cant wait to be spending in the Tasmanian wilderness. I cant wait to meet you and really hope we can plan sometime in the 10 days somewhere...

Oh how time will fly!

I hope all else is well with you and your family!

L x
 
LG- Today was really enlightening. The main client(maybe only) I will not be doing any housework for. Basically I will really be helping her to become independent. It looks like I will get 2 or 3 days a week & they really are good hours. I have been lucky I think. One woman has not worked out & I am taking over her shifts. I asked what the problem was as I thought it would help me to know. Apparently she did too much tidying up & the client's mother did not like that as it's her place. It's good to know as I possibly might have done the same. I think I will be taking her to Physio once a week. I hope we get on as I like the sound of this job. I really did think I would be doing lots of housework!
I bought quite a few clothes (cheap @ Millers- buy 1 pair of pants, get one free -$30 for 2! & 3 shirts- 2 for $25, plus a nice linen one for good. ) Apparently my client is a bit of a fashionista & jeans will not do! I also got a tankini top to go with the board shorts. I would be happy to take her swimming now that I have "bathers." I used to love swimming. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. I am working from 8.30am until about 2'ish on my buddy shift. I shall report tomorrow afternoon or evening.
Lauren- I read your diary. Sydney sounded absolutely exhausting! Didn't you just hate those extra kilos & isn't it funny how much difference they make now?! I am so looking forward to meeting you. We will work something out. We live about 1 &1/2 hours from Cradle Mountain. I haven't been there for years & years. Perhaps the 2 of us could drive you there for the start of your walk? We'll talk about it soon.
I feel like some fruit & yoghurt. I really get yoghurt cravings!!
Be back tomorrow folks, take care at this crazy time of year, xo Cate
 
I'm starting to get a little nervous & I hoped there was someone here to distract me. Bugger! Oh well. Wish me luck! Cheers, Cate.
 
Good luck Cate

Sorry I haven't been around it definitely is a crazy time.

I hope all went well with your first day. It sounds like a wonderful job...very rewarding. What level of diabilty are you working with?

I have been so busy with christmas kids related functions and and i am so tired. Which is the reason why I haven't been around.

Hubby and I just got back from xmas shopping and I am just about to pick up the kids from School. My oldest son has his last guitar lesson today....and then I am looking forward to just settling in for the night....and hopefully watch a bit of tv or go to bed early and read my book.
The weather here today has turned slightly cooler...snuggle weather.

Tomorrow is the last day of School......Hooray!!!!! I feel like the kid now.
What was that old fashion rhyme.......all I can remember is "no more teachers dirty looks" or something like that.

I will "TRY" and PM you tonight Cate.

Sam:)
 
Sam- I just had to take 'time out'. I typed a big post & then my computer had a fatal error & I lost the lot.
A very abbreviated version-
I really like my client- she's quirky & we get on very well.
There are certain aspects of the job that I don't think I will be able to change that may mean I will not be able to continue. I came home with a splitting head-ache, asthma & flea bites (cats & cigarette smoke) & feel somewhat shell-shocked for quite a few good reasons.
I typed 3 paragraphs then deleted them. It got it off my chest but I would hate them to be identified. It is a very private job. I will try to persevere & put my thinking cap on for ways to overcome some of the hurdles, without causing offence.
Change of subject-
I feel really drained & think I'll go for a walk & get some fresh air.
One thing the day did achieve(more than 1 really)-
I came home & cooked a big Spanish Chicken casserole, which I just got out of the oven.
I appreciate my husband even more for the struggles he has had in his job(similar would you believe!)
I'm glad I'm not being asked to work full-time as I would have to say no & probably quit.
I'm feeling pretty flat & almost teary. It's not what I imagined. Without training I won't be able to really help her get back on her feet & to become independent. I must ring my SIL tonight. I don't think she has done a shift in the home yet but will be next week.
I'll head I think. I feel stuffed. Bye, Cate
 
Hi Cate

Sorry to hear about you coming home not feeling well. Your symptoms are something I can completely related to and are the exact reason why, even with 3 different free / family accommodation options, we are staying in a cabin at the local caravan park when we go up to the Clare Valley for Christmas. All LBs family have cats and 2 of them also smoke cigarettes and unfortunately worse and for my health with my asthma and allergies we just cant stay there. Even just spending a few hours at any of the houses leaves me with sinusitis and on many occassions a bout of bronchitis so I can understand you aprehensions relating to the situation.

You poor thing. I hope you got outside for you walk...

Take care and I hope today is better for you.

Lauren
 
Lauren, Thanks! I got a lot off my chest with my SIL who rang me last night about something else. She said I do not have to stay in the house with them smoking. I had a pretty restless night & went in this morning thinking I must sort something out. I hate quitting & I really like this girl.
First up this morning, just as she was about to light up her first cigarette I told her how sick I had been last night( I had painful sinuses, asthma & a splitting headache) & that I hoped she did not take offence but I would have to go outside when she has a smoke. She said no that she should go outside to smoke & insisted.
Subsequently we got off to a great start. Do you know that we did not sit in her lounge room the entire day. Without going into detail we really had a fun, exhausting, rewarding day & I feel we have established a great foundation. She told me no-one else has taken much interest in her condition or treatment. I want to learn more so that I can really help her get back on her feet, literally. We spent most of the day outside. The kitten (flea-bag) I shut out of my reach & it's fleas.
Every-one was happy & there were a feq other things that got sorted out, including family issues. I think after a bad first day we moved along very well. I have had my eyes opened in more ways than one in the last couple of days.
I think I can do this & do it well. It will have its' ups & downs I'm sure but that's life. I have been offered a couple of extra shifts next week, one of which I will be taking my client to a beauty parlour. That will be a new experience for me. I will also be taking her to physio another day which I am looking forward to.
I weighed myself this morning, after waking up after my crap day yesterday, only to weigh 73.5kg so I took fruit salad & yoghurt only for my lunch (enough for the 2 of us) & only ate that during the day. Plus my client ate her share. She has not been eating any breakfast or lunch-just coffee & smokes. That was a small achievement but still, a start.
I'm feeling exhausted, but positive again. I pushed a wheelchair around up & down steep hills for a couple of hours. We both loved it but zzzzz, cheers, tired, Cate. (short day tomorrow-phew)
 
Hi Cate

I am so glad to hear you worked things out. It does sound like a great job.
It's also a bonus if you get on well with your client. Do you work weekends? or is it only week days. Hubby and I have just returned from dinner with my brother and girlfriend, it was an Ethiopian restaurant.....the first time I have had it. Lots of lentils and veg. Some of the dishes were very nice.
Well I'd better go check out my diary. Bye for now.
I will leave you a PM about that situation now.
Sam:)
 
Hi Sam, Ethiopian sounds nice. I think I would like it. I love most African food that I have tried. Not too many exotic restaurants in our little part of the world! I really hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family! I'm sure you will. When you sort this thing out with your neighbour or she gets the message when you keep putting her off you will feel like you are on a loooong holiday!xo Cate
Folks-
My job is very interesting to say the least. I think it will get easier as I go. I mainly have to adjust to being in a totally different environment to what I am used to. My client is lovely & is quite a character. Already I have taught her something new- how to dry her back herself. I thought about how I did it before I went to work & then gave her a demo & she did it! Every little step....
I also took her for another long walk in the wheelchair today. It's not a good one unfortunately & is really only for her to use herself in the house , not for someone else to push so it's not easy to use- I don't have a brake for example- they're at the front.
I have 3 days off now which will be lovely.
After I left yesterday my client's mother & then my client both spoke to my employer to let her know how happy they were with me. That's nice. They both told me this morning. I am working 4 days in the next week & am looking forward to seeing the physio & learning some techniques. Her mother asked me if I want to come along to her swimming as well. She said she has chosen to do this on her own so that they have some special time together but thought it would be nice if I would come along to see what happens. I will be paid to go as it is down as being my rostered hours so I might. Otherwise I can just take the time off. I'll see how I feel on Wednesday. I want to ease myself into the job.
I have trouble switching off when I am at home. I feel the need to off-load to my LH but cannot talk to anyone else about it. It's very hard when you live in a small community. I know before long we are both going to be asked about the family but I will be telling people nothing & neither will my LH. I told him I will lose my job if he does & he will like me earning the money so he will be careful. It takes a lot of pressure off him. It also looks like he is going to have his contract extended past mid-Feb.
I am really looking forward to Christmas with our YS home. We are also going to drive him home to Hobart & stay a night with him. We have to so he can get his Christmas presents home. I'm up to 30 jars of spices etc. I still haven't found a copy of the cook-book I want to give him so had better get on the phone Monday & try to find it in Launceston. I'm going there during the week & will have a little spare time to pick it up if I can locate it.
The book is Charmaine Solomons "Complete Asian Cookbook". It's wonderful!
Sam- I forgot to say- The Countdown show was really good. It started off lame & got much better. I hope you watch Spicks & Specks on SBS on Saturday nights. I just love it! It's about to be on so I'll say goodnight gals. Pit stop required first.
Cheers from me, Cate.
 
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Hi

Hi Cate

Thanks for the reply on Lauren's diary. I think I'll tackle your diary next :)

I have a question I hope you can answer for me. You mentioned the maintenance guidelines. What are they?

I think I've managed to get a pretty good feel for what Cohens is all about, except for life after Cohens.

I have to say Im pretty excited about doing Cohens, just wish I didnt have to wait until mid January when the clinics open back up.

I'll be back soon to have a read of your diary!
 
A healthy life- Great name by the way, great aim!
I'm in a bit of a hurry at the moment, but just had a quick peek at my diary. Have a look at this thread which is a preparation for Cohen's.
http://weight-loss.fitness.com/cohens-lifestyle/5676-prepare-cohens.html
I'll be back later with more info re maintenence, but this would be more helpful for you right now. I too was very curious to know about life after the weight-loss when I had only just started but had 36kgs to lose first! Cheers for now, Cate.
 
Merry Christmas cate to you and your Family.

Hope you have a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New Year.


Best wishes

Sam:)
 
Hi Sam! Thank you for your Christmas wishes. You sound so relaxed & happy which makes me feel good! You are going to have a wonderful holiday!
I had a nice day today but my life feels so different all of a sudden. This new job has changed me just a little. Either that or I am having to make many changes in my way of thinking. I think my horizons have been broadened very widely, very quickly & I haven't quite caught up. I am going to throw myself into my days of work & then learn to really relax & try not to think about my job on my days off.
TOUGH!
This could be my New Years Resolution! I do feel like I have chosen something that is more appropriate for the real me. It's probably more challenging than any one job I have ever done but it shouldn't hurt me. If it becomes too difficult I am fortunate in that I have the option to quit. We have managed to live on very little before. I think I will be able to do this job well.
I think I have decided not to go with the Wackies tomorrow though. It's the Christmas party, with only a 1 hour walk & I don't feel like fielding lots of questions just yet. Because I am now working the extra 2 days-Wed & Thurs I feel like having a day at home. I spent most of today home gardening & doing housework & then went into town to pick up a parcel for the MIL, sent off replies to her Christmas cards & came home with my LH & had a delicious dinner- Spanish chicken with a little rice & stir-fried vegies, with one glass of Rose, followed by some fresh fruit-grapes, peach, apricot, orange & a little kiwi fruit.
Life is good!
I thought I would play with a little colour tonight. The thought of a free day tomorrow sounds wonderful. You forget how good a day off feels when you are working. You need the contrast to really appreciate home & you need the job to get motivated to do things around the house. My job is going to mean my house is going to end up almost spotless. There's a fair way to go I might add!I might pop into the chat room for a while. I'll go in there for the next 15 minutes(until 9pm Tas time-it's 8.45 now) if anyone wants a quick chat.
Cheers, Cate
 
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Hey Cate! Thanks for stopping by my diary! I can always count on you!! :Angel_anim: It was an awesome feeling trying on those Size 12's... I am not really "believing" that they are real though because they are from Millers and they are always very generous.... When I fit into something from Target..whcih is where I normally shop... I will believe it!! Still its AMAZING! Not far now...

It sounds like things are FULL STEAM AHEAD for you! I am so happy that you are starting to really settle into your job! Remember it always takes time to work out all the kinks in a new job! (Which I am sure you know after all these years!!).. I remember with this job.. it took me about 6 months before I felt like I actually KNEW what I was doing and was part of the "furniture". Its great that you are so energetic about it all. I am also glad that you are able to make it work in with your own routine... as in the fact that it is part time... means you can still fit "your life" in around it and pick up extra shifts etc!!

Blessya Mate!!
Kannadew :coolgleamA:
 
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