Cate's Diary

[Annie_Lusion]

Hiya Cate,

A quick hello to you, havn't posted for a while as been real busy with work, putting in a lot of hours at the moment ...a bit grrrr but getting there.
Hope you have a great time with your ex work colleagues.
You're doing great - 118 cms... so awesome..well done!!

Take care, keep smiling and chat soon

Annie Lusion

 

[Cate]

Sam- Hi! I will post befores & afters. I wish I had posed for a before though, in all my "glory" (dressed of course!) as I'm getting braver as I go. I will have to search hard for a before photo as I don't have many of me. I might do a funny ("Wacky Walker") after & a smart(ish) one. I decided it doesn't really matter if someone I know recognises me. I have become used to sharing the real me instead of hiding. I don't know what I was frightened of. No-one is perfect! Have a great holiday!
I rang the clinic yesterday & have made an ap't next week to see my consultant for the first time since I started Cohen's. They suggested I "hang in there" for re-feed as I do want to get to the goal weight of 66-69kg. Actually I would like to get to 65kg. About the consultancy thing. I get so enthusiastic about the program that I become really exhausted & I am a little too defensive of criticism about it. I will find my path & I do think it will be face to face, dealing with people, in some way or other. I think writing might be too solitary a pursuit for me. I will take my time & "go with the flow" for now. Thanks for your encouragement. It is all really helping to build up my self-esteem & it's very much appreciated!
Annie- Hi, thanks for popping in. I hope they appreciate you & the effort you put in to your job. Since I left work even more pressure is being put on staff so I'm glad I have left. I felt that the writing was on the wall. They keep "moving the goal posts", as the saying goes.
I did enjoy myself last night & received 2 presents & 2 signed cards, one from the whole work-place & one from my old team. I had already got one from my "current" team with my birthday present.
The comments on the cards were mostly, really personal & very touching. A common thread, which I am very proud to share with you all, is that they will miss my
"happy face, laugh, sense of humour, chats & wonderful laugh etc"
There were all different variations along the same lines."Who will make me laugh when I'm grumpy?" I loved!
If that is my legacy then I am proud of it!
I took my "meal" with me & ate 1 tub of vaalia yoghurt, some cut up fruit & 2 crackers while everyone was eating their main courses. Mostly they ate pasta dishes & the meals looked HUGE! I can't imagine eating that much food again. Nothing looked tempting to me but they all seemed to enjoy it so that's good. We got home at 10pm which was also good & got a sound night's sleep. My LH had to get up at 5.50am for the 5th day in a row. He was the only spouse at dinner-whoops! They are a nice bunch though & he was fine. He's not one of those really blokey blokes thank goodness!
I might finish for now & come back tonight. I had better do a little bit of housework. I don't want to get the sack. Cheers, Cate

 

[Cate]

Lucky I did get stuck into the housework as I got a call from my older son to see if I could look after our grandbaby for a few hours. He had to go in to work for the afternoon & my DIL was in bed, feeling sick. If I hadn't done the floors she would have been eating fluff etc. It was a tiring afternoon really. She hardly ever gets looked after by anyone other than her Mum & Dad. I think I (we) are the only ones who ever do. My LH decided to go to the pub with a work-mate,for the first time since he started his new job & thought about ringing me, but didn't as he knew I wouldn't mind & would have worked out where he was. I didn't mind but, of all days, I would have loved him to come home on time today. Of course, he didn't know I had the grandbaby & that she was unhappy! (He only had 2 drinks & was an hour later than normal.)
He's watching football & dozing off in the chair now.
I'm still trying to ignore my hunger. It's not gnawing at me yet but just hanging around! I still have 2 crackers left so had better have them now & go to bed early'ish.
I'm heading off to have a look around other diaries, including New You ones, cheers, Cate

 

[Cate]

Life is so fragile
Got woken up this morning by a neighbour at the door. She works where my LH used to. Last night she witnessed a car accident near her work-place & 2 young men were killed. She had recognised them as they drove past & then saw it all happen. I wish she had visited last night as she spent the night at home on her own as her husband is away working. My hubby & one of the young girls (a teenager) get on really well. She called him "grandma" when they worked together! We also know the other girl & one of the boys killed.(His family have had a really rough trot.)
My mum rang from country Victoria as she heard about it on ABC National radio, our older son is the same age as one of the boys killed & he lives very close to where it happened. I don't think she really thought it was him. I rang my MIL, just in case she heard the news & was worried again.
I have just realised that I have a self-preservation mechanism of tidying up cupboards to distract me from stress. I have this large cupboard that I attempt to sort out properly but it is usually too much of a challenge & I throw most of the stuff back & give up. Basically I have just re-arranged all of the stuff. I have sorted out a lot of it & have put all of the packing boxes, bubble-wrap etc together ready for when I'm feeling brave enough & organised enough to start selling on ebay.
I also framed some photos & have put them where I can see them. One is of my younger brother's wedding. I had brought it out last year but couldn't cope with it so had put it away again. My grandparents, my Dad, my brother & my sister, who have all died are in this photo. My brother & my sister had beautiful, piercingly-blue eyes & I have trouble looking at it. Our little grand-daughter's eyes are the same blue! I will make myself leave it out as I need to face it. No amount of cupboard cleaning makes things go away.
I feel ok. I wasn't close to any of the boys who were killed. I cannot imagine what parents must go through when their children die. My mum doesn't talk about it.
Toilet talk-skip this if you like!
(I have been so constipated the last few days in particular. I think I have over-done the remedies though. I took 2 Coloxyl last night. That hadn't worked & I felt so uncomfortable. So then I tried this Colon cleanser stuff that usually works within an hour. That didn't work so then I had a heaped spoon of Metamucil. About 2 hours after that I had bad stomach cramps & had to dash. Half an hour later the same. Fifteen minutes later.... I'm ok now. I am looking forward to being able to go back to having a piece of licorice every day.
When I was drinking lots of water I did not have this problem. I think I'll up my intake again until after re-feed.)
Our younger son will now be in England. How exciting. I hope he plays well & enjoys the experience. He hasn't travelled yet so this will probably give him the taste.
I'll probably not be back later. My football team are playing tonight & it's televised so will sit back, relax & watch it with my LH. He played golf today & just said he played really badly & sounded surprised. Understandably this morning's bad news has upset him. I wouldn't mind sharing a bottle of wine with him tonight. It's good to know that I can resist temptation. It makes me feel so much stronger. I should be able to stay slim when I reach goal.
I had better give him some attention & some TLC. Bye for now, Cate.

 

[dwali]

I know just what you girls mean - I have gone from a 14/16D bra to a 10B, so have had to buy lots of new stuff - even my feet have gone down a size.

Lots of fun but.......

Cheers
Sharon

Hi,
This absolutley blew me away! You must look and feel like a new person! How do you feel? Have you seriously lost a shoe size? I have never heard of this happening. I am imtrigued to know more from others who have had this sort of transformation... Dwali

 

[dwali]

Life is so fragile
this morning's bad news has upset him. I wouldn't mind sharing a bottle of wine with him tonight. It's good to know that I can resist temptation. It makes me feel so much stronger. I should be able to stay slim when I reach goal.
set him. I had better give him some attention & some TLC. Bye for now, Cate.

I posted a reply before l saw this. I am sorry to hear of this tragedy and l hope you and your husband are okay. I just wanted to let you know that your journey to health and happiness is inspirational. You have clearly come a long way and have a renewed strength in yourself to have achieved so much. It is reinforced with your comment above about wanting to have a drink with your husband and not allowing this sad news distract you from your personal goals. You are a strong woman and your goal is almost completed. Congratulations and l wish you all the best. Dwali

 

[Cate]

Thanks Dwali. My LH had a couple of glasses of red wine & we relaxed & watched our beloved football team win in a very exciting game. I have told him that if either of us dies watching the "Saints" (our team) then the other must put that in the death notice in the newspaper!
We are going to have a reasonably physical day today, getting some more firewood. The rate I burn it these days we will need to get more to see us through the winter. We had a thick frost last night & it is a beautiful, still, sunny day. Looking out the window, I can see a good snow cover on the mountains. I'm glad I don't live up in the mountains. I would prefer to see it from afar!
For some silly reason I weighed myself 3 times this week. It's probably impatience. There is a very good reason for not weighing all the time. Talk about fluctuate. I did it as an exercise(in stupidity perhaps?). Monday 74kg, Wed 72.5kg (?!) today 73kg. Tomorrow who knows. It could be anything, but at least I'm sure it won't be more than 74kg. It was a silly exercise & I will be pleased if it is 73 or less! I would like to think that I won't do this again until re-feed. I cannot see any pattern from it so it's not teaching me anything.
I think it's time to start using up the portions of chicken & red meat that I have in the freezer as I can't be far off re-feed & I really have no idea what is involved. I would like to have it in front of me so that I can prepare for it before-hand. I think if I could let go of the part of my personality that has to plan so much I would feel freer(?) My LH has started calling me by our YS's name as he is like that (or our youngest son is like me, more likely)
I am in awe of people who just "wing it." I didn't travel when I was young because I was too scared to! When my husband travelled (before we married) he just spent all of his money & had to borrow some to get home. Our OS travelled the world with a friend for a year after school, working here & there, living on the smell of an oily rag & had an absolute ball. They often slept on a beach or a park bench.
While I am typing in here my LH is reading "Romulus, My Father." I read it a few years ago, whilst in the US & thought it a wonderful book. My BIL recommended it to me to read. I got it out from the library as I thought we would go see it at the movies soon. I love to read books much more than watching movies but Eric Bana is worth going to the movies to see! Plus I have 7 movie vouchers, that I received as a bonus before I quit work. I haven't been to the movies since the kids were little. I gave away all my previous vouchers to our OS.
I feel like getting on the move & getting some of that fresh winter air into my lungs so will say bye for now, cheers, Cate.

 

[aussueeater]

Hi Cate.......I haven't been on for ages due to illness with other family members, .....ah well. I think i've cought up.... I hope you DO believe all the compliments coming your way. You deserve every one of them.
I'm struggling a bit at the moment, and head overseas soon...which may or may not help!! But I think in general life is pretty bloody good, and we should all be grateful to have it (and those we love with us, on the journey)
Sometimes I look at our weight woes, and the see the photo of the little girl from World Vision ,we sponsor....if only SHE could worry about her weight, and not starving!!
The world can be all topsy turvy...thats for sure.
Take care........everyone else too......I'm off to walk my butt a size smaller, in Europe whilst my husband attends a conference...Kids coming too (who new an accountant could be such a drawcard as a hubby hahahahahaaha!!)

PS : A hand bag is the BEST trade choice......one size fits all!!!!!

 

[Cate]

Hi Sue! Thank you for thinking of me. I hope you have a wonderful time in Europe, relax & enjoy it! I will get there before too long. I think that it should be our next holiday & was checking out a few sites today. Next year would be good. Italy & the Greek Islands are high on my list of must see places.
About the compliments- I am getting used to them, but am still hiding behind some of my clothes. I often wear one of my bigger sized polar fleece jackets, with the sides drawn in & a baggy pair of fleece pants. I do feel like hiding a little bit & maybe emerging as a slim person when I am used to being one & accept that I am.
Life is good
Sometimes we forget this & get tied up with the everyday problems, which when you look back at them seem insignificant in the greater scheme of things. I like having the time to think about what is important to me & I'm enjoying life. I haven't felt any real anxiety for weeks!
Weighed & measured this morning & the scales said 73kg. We really shouldn't weigh very often. I almost thought that it served me right!
This week's measurements.
Arms 66cm(33x2). Lost 7cm off each arm
Bust 98cm. Lost 19cm(2cm this wk- there's not much left! )
Waist 92cm. Lost 23cm
Hips 107cm Lost 26cm
Thighs 112cm (56x2). Lost 20cm off each thigh!
Loss this week 4cm. Total loss 122!
I don't know if I will go to Launceston on Wed to see my consultant. It's a 120km return trip & I will be doing the trip on Sat & Sun as my LH is competing in the State Masters 8-ball competition. I would like to get the re-feed so I can study it & prepare. I will ring in the morning & see if I can talk to her. She never seems to be there & if I email her I get a reply from the other consultant which was why I thought I would like to catch up with her.
I have an ap't with the counsellor on Thurs which I'm not really looking forward to.
I like to have a few at-home days each week where I just relax, read, cook etc. I'll see what happens tomorrow when I ring.
Does any-one have Karpal tunnel problems from typing on the computer? Mine is starting to be a real problem. I use a lap-top with a touch pad & always mostly use my middle finger.
When I go to my doctor next I have a list of medical questions that aren't mental! With my first pregnancy I developed varicose veins. I would love to get rid of them so I could wear shorts, a skirt or a dress. I can't believe that I will be able to! I cannot show my legs in public though with these ugly veins. I don't have private medical cover & have no idea how much it will cost to have them done but my LH is happy for me to get them fixed so will ask my doc.
I have been having yoghurt (Vaalia) most mornings with a dessertspoonful of psyllium husks & this fills me up much more than an omelette ever does. I wonder why this is?
I made a chicken soup today, using my frozen vegetable stock & it was just about the nicest one I have made so far. Trouble is I can't duplicate it as I can't remember exactly what I put in it. There was quite a bit of canned asparagus + some asparagus juice. I Bamixed it & it was heaven.
Every time I prepare my vegies to put in the fridge I have been putting all the skins & ends in a bag in the freezer. When I've only got a few containers of stock left in the freezer I toss the vegies in a big pot, add rock salt, whole peppercorns, celery seeds,(+ whatever other seeds I find in the herb & spice cupboard), curry leaves, lemon grass, (if I have it- can't buy it in the nearest town!)a handful of dried herbs & cook it for hours on the wood heater. I then strain it & divide up into about 8 containers which I then freeze. The vegie scraps then go into my compost bin, getting ready for my vegie garden.
At night I take out what meat I want for the next day. Usually I take out one chicken portion & 1 beef portion. If the next day I feel like soup I take out a stock portion.
Quite often I decide I don't feel like one of the meat portions & might make a quick salad, using canned tuna & fresh shredded cabbage instead of lettuce. I might cook the soup, but eat it next day. This way I am always prepared.
Enough gasbagging. It's time to watch Andrew Denton. Night folks, xo Cathy

 

[Cate]

Picking up re-feed TOMORROW!!

What a turnaround!
I rang the Cohen's clinic to cancel my appointment tomorrow as my LH is now working. He was going to go with me, just to keep me company. My favourite consultant answered the phone (I don't know the other one) & I told her how I was going. After chatting to her about getting my re-feed early so I can get prepared for it (you can't), telling her I'm 73kg, mentioning my hunger & when I have it, but that I'm trying to ignore it, how I want to hang on until I am in the 6o's, before starting re-feed etc, blah blah, she then decided I am ready for re-feed now. I tried talking her out of it but she still thinks I might drop to the 60's on re-feed, but if not, I can go back on the program a bit later to drop a few extra kg's. I hope I do this while on re-feed!
When I put the phone down I thought I might wait a little to start it but I must admit the hunger is getting a bit hard to ignore. This is a huge under-statement!! I am starving & thinking of food almost constantly!!
So, instead of cancelling my appointment tomorrow, I am now going into Launceston to pick up my re-feed program!!
My feelings on this are mostly-
Excitement!
Trepidation!
A fair bit of relief,
& a touch of pride.
It all hasn't quite sunk in yet. It was quite a shock!
I read in the support thread that Lam (Lori) has ordered her re-feed by email & it will be fun to do it together!
Mostly I feel really happy!!

Will pop back later to see who's about. Hubby is working until late tonight so the forum can help me stay awake (hopefully!) until he gets home. He doesn't know my news yet. I don't like to ring him at work. I am so looking forward to going out for that celebratory dinner!! (with wine)
I haven't stopped singing since that phone call!! Cheers, Cate.

 

[BrunetteGenie]

Way to go Cate

Hi Cate that is awesome news you must be so chuffed with reaching refeed. I know its been a lot of hard work and you have had some ups and downs, but Im sure its all been worth it. I love reading your posts and it gives me encouragement to continue through it all. I cant wait to see some pics.
Way to go cate, you deserve it
Genie

 

[Cate]

Genie- I am chuffed! Now I'll get nervous about the photos. I'll have to work up a bit of courage.
I got an SMS from our YS in England. Aust. beat England 11/10, then were down 1/8 to Ireland, but got up to win 11/10. They are really excited & positive. They are playing now but the web-site hasn't been up-dated with today's play so will have to hear wait from him for the next lot of results. They have 4 matches today. Although pool is not a physical sport it is unbelievably tiring. Even watching it at the top level & by that I mean State or National level it is so intense & exhausting. I love watching the sport played at it's best. It has been very good for both of our sons. My husband is probably playing at his best as well.
It's really funny but I don't know what to wear tomorrow. I feel I should look my best to go & see my Cohen's consultant. By this I mean my slimmest particularly. I think I will send her a thank you note when I finish, along with befores, afters & a testimonial for them to use if they wish.
I might see if I can buy a smart, short jacket tomorrow. I have a pair of slacks that make me feel great & look good. I need a new top & a jacket. Looks like I'll be doing some clothes shopping.
I'm still on a high! Re-feed -I can't believe it!
It is almost impossible to fathom that I can walk into almost any store & find clothes to fit me. It will take a long time to get used to I think.
The world is my oyster. Oooh oysters....yum.
Whoops- there goes that "hunger" (mental?) thing again. I have bumped my water intake up the last week in the vain hope that I will be able to hang in there a little bit longer for re-feed but it's not working. Hungry, hungry, hungry..
Not much happening in the forum. Good thing Genie's feeling active. Good for you genie. I'm glad someone else is out there!
I'm off for a wander, xo Cate

 

[Lam]

WooHoo Cate,

We are getting re-feed together!!!!! This is great... I still need to lose a few more pounds too. I was so excited when I read your post. I have been so busy and hadn't been able to get on in a few days so that was a welcome surprise when I got on line. You are so strong and have inspired so many... I can't tell you how inspirational you have been to me...especially in the beginning. I was so unsure of how this diet would work for me... you, Annie, Jools (and others) assured me it would work and it has. I love you guys.

 

[Lukey2]

CONGRATULATIONS CATE

You must be thrilled and proud of yourself. I love reading your posts, I might not comment that often but I do try to read your posts everyday. I hope you keep in touch once you have finished the re-feed. I know that you will be probably be out and about in your new hot bod!!!

Well Cate, tomorrow I will have been on my program for 4 weeks. I have my first meeting with my consultant on Friday. I know there are a few things I'm not following to the letter, but I can't help but have one or two more crackers than allowed....bad I know. But so far so good, got on the scales this morning and I am 200g shy of 10kg loss. Was hoping for 10kg in my first month and I haven't in had a BM in a few days...will have to get something for that. I know that I will weigh heavier in the late afternoon than I do when I weigh in first thing in the morning...but I know the truth to my loss.

I just wanted to thank you for your inspiration and kind words over the last month Cate....I know I can do it I know can I know I can.

Look forward to hearing all about the re-feed.....and just think how that first meal and that first mouthful of wine will taste.

Toni

 

[Cate]

Lori How sweet you are! It's a great feeling isn't it & by that I mean the support we all give one another. I'll talk to you again soon as I want to go over re-feed with you. Eating lots more food is a bit scary but mmm mm red wine...yum! Isn't it so exciting?!xoxoCate
Lukey- Thank you too for your sweet words. You have done really well in your first month. Congratulations! For me to succeed with the program I have felt it really important to follow it to the letter. I have read hundreds of posts from people at all stages of the program. I have noticed that motivation can fall away after deviations. I also have found that by sticking to it I have not had cravings or hunger. A lot of my eating (most of it) had nothing to do with actual hunger. Don't expect to change the way you look at food overnight but stick with the program & it will get easier & easier. You will do it. I'm sure of it! Cheers Cate.
I had heaps more typed but it all disappeared!! (*{!%*!!) I will have to come back tomorrow & tell you all about my day. I can't believe how much typing I just lost!
Oh well, no used crying over lost words but I have to go as one of my favourite shows, "Spicks & Specks" has started!
I haven't told you anything about my day... re-feed, my lovely new clothes (a big splurge!
Will do so tomorrow! xo Cate

 

[Lam]

Hi Cate,

I have an upset stomach today, I went to a party yesterday and indulged a bit. Not totally crazy but a bit off menu, I hope I don't react this way on refeed. It was a 4th of July cookout, and I had a piece of banana berry pie. I have not received refeed yet... I believe they said around 5 days from my request. I can't wait to talk with you about refeed...are you starting now? I will drink lots of water tomorrow and go for a nice walk. Did you see the post Tony left? He told someone they could lose the weight without this diet, but of course he didn't tell her that it would take forever and she would probably regain the weight anyway. Enough about him!!! I will check back in tomorrow, I have been super busy and can only do short check ins. ugh.

Lukey, You have lost in one month what it has taken me 8 weeks to lose. Way to go girl. Well Done.

 

[Cate]

Lori- I'm not going to start re-feed just yet as I'm not hungry. I'm pleased as I do want to get into the 60's. (72kg this morning!!) We might just do this together. I will talk to you more about the re-feed as when my consultant explained it to me I had one of those real "light bulb" moments. Now I understand how it works & how we know when to stop. We will also know how much food we will need to maintain our goal weight.
Yesterday
I started my wonderful day (4th July) with a visit to Lisa, my Cohen's consultant in Launceston. She gave me my re-feed & we talked for about 1/2 an hour. I asked her if I could wait to start as my hunger has disappeared again & she said that's ok. I wore clothes that showed my new size so she could see how I look now. I really haven't contacted her much since I started writing in this forum/ my diary as it has been fantastic support for me. After speaking to me the other day she had a look but hadn't found it. I told her where to find the forum & we had a look. I pointed out my diary to her as well as I don't mind her having a look, knowing that it is me.
While I have not asked many questions of the clinic I have always known that I can. Lisa is lovely, very encouraging & a no-nonsense person who seems genuinely enthusiastic. She has "been there & done that" & is a testament to the program. My meeting with her in Hobart all those months ago empowered me to think that I too, could do this. I have had nothing but support & encouragement. Lisa, if you do read this, I really mean it!!
Now for the clothes!
First stop for a new bra. I hate being fitted for a bra but it's best to.
I had taken my MIL into an underwear store earlier in the year & the same woman served me. I told her that I had lost 32kg & that my boobs had almost disappeared. I said I wanted a miracle bra if she had one (they didn't). I ended up trying on bathers & bras at the same time. I ended up with a pretty black bra that they are going to adjust & post out to me. She suggested that I wait to make sure it's comfortable before ordering a second one. I didn't like any of the bathers that she brought me. I thought they were too small & she thought they were too big! I don't think I'm ready for bathers yet, let alone the Roman Baths. Swimming in the sea, for me would be more liberating. I'll wait a few months then try them on again. Perhaps in Melbourne where no-one will know me.
Then I mentioned the state of my undies (baggy) as I was a bit embarrassed at the look of them in the harsh light. I have been pulling knickers out of a cupboard as they fitted me again but have never really had nice ones. She asked me if I wanted to have a look at a few nice pairs & I said "why not?"
I tried on a couple of pairs of similar ones & loved them both. They were cute.
Cute!! Can you believe that? I decided to get a pair of each, one black, one grey & then had a good look around the shop.
I mulled over a beautiful, very expensive, practical, red woollen dressing gown, that looked nice, put it back on the rack & ended up buying a long, black, silk wrap around that looked great. I have hidden the wrap & the knickers & will surprise my husband with a little fashion parade, when the bra arrives! They didn't have a nightie that would match it. That can wait. I did buy a nice, but practical, winter one that I did really like.
Next stop
Sheree Marshall, a very nice women's clothing store in Launceston, having a 25% off sale. This store I had also sussed out earlier in the year with MIL.
I told the owner, who is lovely, that I have lost 32kg's, have an idea of how I want to look & told her what I would like. I said I didn't want any more pants yet as I want to see what size I end up. (Lisa had appraised me & said she thought I would still get down to a size 12 on re-feed). The woman agreed that my pants looked great & picked out some things she thought I might like.
I tried them on & checked everything out in the full-length mirror out in the store. I almost had to step back as most of the things I tried on just looked great & seeing myself in those pants & my boots that now fit me perfectly I thought "Wow!" I am making sure that whatever I buy I can mix and match. It is so much fun to think you can plan your look & carry it out!!
I bought 3 things from here- all the same brand & the same brushed woollen material. They are all a fitted style, with a zip, that is beautifully warm & comfortable & they look damned snappy!-
- A deep red vest, a dark brown vest & a long-sleeved black jacket.
Next stop Feeling very happy I bought some dark chocolate for my hubby & some herbal teas & the makings of a hand cream from a health food store & got chatting to the owner (surprise, surprise!) about almost anything & everything. It was great but hilarious! The poor customers could hardly get a word in edgeways. There are all these kindred spirits out there!
I got back to the car, feeling very pleased with my day, sat & ate my tuna salad in the car & then drove home, sedately. I am very well aware of where the fatal car accidents have occured & passed one of the most recent ones. Life is too good & I am not in any great hurry!
Our OS & our DIL & GK's (grand-kids), along with my LH got a fashion parade & were very flattering. I even got a "you've done really well Mum" from my son who makes me feel that liking nice clothes is a bit shallow. He asked me how much they were though but I couldn't tell him that! He really liked the clothes & said they looked great. I think he also liked that they were made from a natural fibre, wool.
Today
In brief- I weighed myself again this morning & I was 72kg. I know that tomorrow it may be 73 & it won't matter but now I have re-feed handy I am going to weigh myself every day.
I had my second visit to the counsellor & it went really well. We had a great talk & I will see her a couple more times, probably. I will talk about it more another time as I've exhausted my poor fingers typing today. Tomorrow I won't go anywhere so will have more time. No tears today. I feel like I am taking control of my life & it feels really good. Cheers from Cate.

 

[Lam]

Cate,
I received my email with refeed today. I need to read through it tonight, I am hoping it isn't to complicated. I have 4lbs left until my gaol then I will see how I feel about going lower, I don't think I will need to but we'll see. I am so glad we can do this together.

I was very pleased to see you had a fun and productive day yesterday. I am sure the new clothes look wonderful and your husband with be thrilled with his fashion show. I love buying new bra's and panties, and they make them so much more comfortable now, yet still cute.

 

[Cate]

Lori, It is really exciting being so close! I'm in no hurry to start re-feed now that the time has almost arrived & my hunger has abated again. I'm surprised that I'm not being impatient to start! We'll compare the 2 re-feeds for fun.
I just skimmed over my yesterday's post & when I said "no tears today" I meant at the counsellor's. The tissues were needed a fair bit 1st time but not yesterday. We just had a lovely chat. I really enjoyed my session yesterday & will probably go another 2 times & maybe no more. I think just talking to her has helped me sort out a lot of things for myself. I have quite enjoyed it so will continue for the moment.
Yesterday she gave me a relaxation cd & exercises to do, including breathing exercises. She asked me if I have somewhere quiet in our home where there would be no distractions & could really relax. I told her our 2 little dogs make that almost impossible in our living area but that we have 2 spare bedrooms. She suggested that I set up a private space that I can use for relaxation/meditation. I loved the idea. One of the spare rooms is set up for either my Mum or our grandson.The other spare room has a very uncomfortable double bed that I will replace sometime & I have not been happy with how the room is set up.
My relaxation space-
We have only lived in our home for about 3 &1/2 years & haven't finished some of it. Also I have neglected my housework for the last few months. I think I've been concentrating on getting my mind & body in order & not looking too closely at my immediate surrounds.
Today was a miserable, overcast, cold day & I felt great! I pottered about, finished a book & then got inspired to get going & re-arrange half of the house!
I moved a pine/rattan, screen from the living-room to "my" new room. I set it up just inside the door-way, so that it hides the room & you have to walk around to the right to actually go into the room. I positioned a beautiful Thai, silk throw that our OS had bought on his O/S trip over 1 part of the screen. Then I placed a pine trunk in the room with my favourite rugs in it. I selected a few of my favourite pictures(bark "paintings") & hung them up in there. Then I re-made the bed & put a lovely Indian cover over it & some extra cushions.
Next- The built-in robe in that room still hasn't got doors. I decided I had to get everything out of the robe, so that it is ready to have the doors put on & so that it isn't annoying & untidy. I only left the packaging boxes, bubble wrap etc on the highest shelf,that I had only just put in there last week, in preparation for my ebay selling foray. It will be handy to be able to use that room to sort out what I want to sell as I will keep the door shut & make it out-of-bounds for kids.
It took me quite a few hours to sort everything out but I was singing while I did it. What a great idea! It will also be a very nice room for visitors when I get a more comfortable bed. I would like something more Eastern & low to the floor. I also placed a couple of Mexican rugs in the room, that my sister & BIL had bought in Mexico. I mix my cultures & countries but I don't care. It all harmonised quite well.
I also re-arranged & really tidied up my "office"( set up in the corner of our living-room) as I had to after taking the screen away! I didn't get the job finished properly as I have a lot of paper sorting to do but it's out of sight &the living room looks great! I had moved a huge pot plant on a stand, so that it is in front of a large window. It is now a feature plant & has just balanced the whole room out beautifully. I absolutely love our home & will make a point of having it looking it's best. It's almost time to be sociable again. I can't wait to have a dinner party. The first one will be Vietnamese!
Somewhere in the middle of my day I threw tomorrow's meals, my fruit allowance, crackers etc) together to take with me to Launceston. (8-ball again!) Plus I got 4 loads of wood up to the house when it stopped raining.
I don't know where all my energy came from. What a day! Me today-
I really enjoyed myself today. I showed my husband the "relaxation room" & he was impressed. I really hadn't spoken to him about the session with the counsellor, except to say that I enjoyed it. He was also very impressed with the lounge room. Tomorrow I will probably be exhausted but it won't matter as I can just watch him play 8-ball.
I'll head off for a wander around. Won't be "in" tomorrow as we won't get home until late. I might buy a small sound system for "my" room to play my relaxation cd's. I'll have a look about tomorrow if I can summon the energy! "Talk" to you on Sunday, cheers, Cate.

 

[Cate]

Just got a message from our YS in England. If Aust. win their last rostered match against the West Indies they will make the finals! How exciting for him! Go Aussies! We're very proud of him. We knew that he would really enjoy representing Australia. It's an honour.