Cate's Diary

Hi Cate

Just popping in to say hi and touch base. The activity is great at the moment I agree. You DH sounds quite the chef - I hope he wasn't cooking all of that for just the two of you!

I've been planning some of our accommodation today, we are going to stay at Wrest Point on the first night into Hobart. Would you recommend the Quality Hotel Gateway in Devonport? I am thinking of splashing out a bit since it will be our last night of creature comforts for a week!!!!

I hope you have had a good day.

Lauren
 
Hi Lauren, I wouldn't have thought of the Gateway as it's exterior looks unappealing. I looked at their web-site & WOW! They have spent a lot of money on the place & the rooms look great. It is also very central. Another option is Birchmore B&B. I have been there & it's very nice, lovely breakfast room, but is a B&B & they aren't to everyone's taste.
I have had a weird day really. I received a letter this morning that must make me re-think how I approach my job. We all got one but I realise that I have perhaps been a little over-enthusiastic. The idea is for my client to become independant & not dependant on me. I also am so used to working hard that I have trouble just sitting doing little but I must learn to do so. I took it personally at first but realise I must take it on board as it seems quite fair. I have been very touchy though. I knew I was doing too much in their home. Bugger! I rang the boss & had a good talk about the roster mostly but I did say that I will take it on board. She said it applied to all of us but I said I know that I have gone too far. It was a good talk & she has got to know me a bit more as well. She said she has had very good feed-back about me which is nice. Still I feel a little sensitive about it. It's not easy doing this job. I will keep trying.
We visited an old friend today who has cancer. He looks well & was very perky. I got out of the house early & spent most of the day pottering around the local shops. I got the hair-dresser to cut my hair shorter(very short), went through my camera & have ordered one squillion photos. I'm picking them up tomorrow after bush-walking.
I'm too crabby to chat too much tonight. Hopefully I'll get over it soon.
Bye for now(not cheers) Cate
 
Oh Cate

don't feel too down - I have worked in disabilities for many years and when I started it was all about doing things for the client and then it changed overnight and we were a bit bamboozled by all the government requirements to promote independence and so forth. I worked with severely disabled people and it was also a shock to them to be suddenly doing things they had never done before. At least you were advised in a letter and you spoke to your employer about it and remember it isn't that you are not doing your job properely it's all about promoting an independent lifestyle for your client. It's all about your client.....look at the positive side of the feedback.
Your personality from your posts sounds so suited to this job and if anything you were probably doing the mothering/caring thing which comes so readily to us women.

Cate sorry I haven't answered your question in my diary about advice on how to shift your extra 5kg....but I have been so out of sorts since returning from holidays...1 was to do with the neighbour ( which is sorted as you know) and 2 has been trying get back in the zone to lose my own unwanted kilos. I have been slowly trying to get my head around losing this weight......the problem isn't how i am going to do it - but when I will be ready. Since being back it has been hard to shake the holiday mode off. BUT I think I am getting there now. I layed in bed and realised my 40th is only 3 months away and I really want to reach this goal. I better not write to much here i'll have nothing to say in my diary.

Take care Cate and remember you are only human......but a great one.

Sam:)
 
Sam, A really big thank you for your thoughtful words. I don't think we realise how much we help one another. Your words have come at a really good time & have made me feel a lot better (& a little teary but in a nice way). Thank you, xo Cate.
My exhausting day!
OMG I have climbed to the top of the world today. Well I feel like I have! No-one told me today was a long walk or I may not have gone but it has done me the world of good getting out of the house & back into the bush-walking. I do love it & I really, really needed it today & needed the distraction.
We drove to Lake McKenzie & then walked in to the Blue Peaks. We had a large group today & it was slow to start off with. One woman was having trouble & another stopped with her. By the time we got to the summit of the peak our unofficial leader said we were not going to split up, according to the original plan(whoever felt up to the steep climb could go & the others just continue on to the next lake for lunch) but would all just walk to the lake. I had been hearing about the spectacular view from the peak & when someone else expressed their disappointment at not going up I went up to him & said I would love to go up if it was possible. The gist of it was that he took a group of us up to the top & the others continued on at the same level.
It was wonderful!! It was also very tiring but I did it & it was well worth it for the fantastic view. We could see the others about a km away, sitting by a lake. We could see distant mountains very clearly, including Cradle Mountain & the Acropolis. Oh it was beautiful. I drank 3&1/2 litres of water & a small thermos of peppermint tea. I am over the dread of squatting behind a bush now & did 4-5 times today. I was not drinking enough because of the dread & consequently now feel much better after a walk because I am properly hydrated.
I did not get home until 6pm. My LH was starting to worry I think.
Work tomorrow. I am going to try some different strategies tomorrow. I know that by continuing to do what I have been doing, not only would my client become too dependent on me, but also her mother. That's no good. I am going to start encouraging her to try to do more for herself. I know that will really be helping her more. I have no idea if she has any idea that we have been given this direction & I hope she won't think I've had a personality transplant since she last saw me. I do care & I hope she doesn't think I don't. Sam is right about the mothering. It is natural.
I work tomorrow, have an induction day Thursday & then work again Friday, Sat & Sun. I will have to make sure I do not get too many hours, especially now I am not sure how I am going to fill up my days. I'll end up with a fat backside again if I sit on it all day. I really don't like sitting around doing nothing. I'm going to seriously give this a lot of thought....
Very tired tonight but not miserable. By going bush-walking my brain is kicking into gear & I don't feel miserable. Cheers for today, Cate
 
Today was fine! I have stepped back, I realise that it hasn't come from the Mum that others have noticed what I have done & that I must step back so that my client does become self-sufficient. Enough for the moment. The day went well. At times I got paid just to sit & read or sit & chat. I suppose I'll get used to it.
I wasn't in the slightest bit stiff or tired after a solid night's sleep. Phew!
I have had a good Cohen's day. I only took a Cohen's size/style meal. I feel disgustingly healthy!
I am going to have my compulsory fruit & yoghurt. Is there a group for yoghurt addicts?
Cheers, cate.
 
Hi Cate

So glad you had a better day. You can count me into that yoghurt addicts group.
I love it and had a bowl with fresh peach this morning....Yummo!!!!

Sam:)
 
Sam- Mm mmm yoghurt!! I never go a day without yoghurt. My favourite(still Vaahlia) is in a non-recyclable container though. I really must email them soon!
OMG- Heaven forbid but I must be getting old. I'm exhausted! I have spent the day in Launceston at an induction day & I'm totally exhausted. It was hot & stuffy, I'm used to having frequent toilet visits(I do drink a lot) & it was full on. I think I have worked out I do not want to be doing what some of them do. I think, in retrospect that my work issues are quite different to most, but probably easier to sort. Mine are more OH&S & social ones which I think I can sort. A big thing from the day is that team meetings are meant to happen where we can get together on a regular basis(maybe only once every 2-3 months) & discuss things together. This will be great! The woman who ran the day was shocked that we did not have contact between one another. I didn't pass on the details of my "team" experiences as I think it has been passed on to my supervisor, without me having to. I have had hindrance rather than help.
I am working the next 3 days, unfortunately. I would love to have Sat or Sun off. Oh well. I do have 4 days off next week-YAY!!
My LH & I have not had a day at home together for a couple of weeks. Week-end after this next one we do have both days off. He'll probably play golf one day but we'll have the other one off together at least.
I think I'm too tired to make much sense today so may not write in any diaries, xo Cate
 
Not so tired today. Had a good night's sleep & woke, feeling like a new woman. Had a full-on day but don't have to start work until 9am tomorrow so can have a small sleep-in. Today was not stressful. My client had a great physio session-very positive! I also had her doing some stuff that she usually watches me do. I'll learn!
I am pottering about in ebay looking at golfing gear for my dearly beloved so am about if anyone wants to chat. I'll log in & then keep an eye out, cheers, Cate
 
So much for feeling like a new woman. Last night I was too exhausted to even have a look in the forum! OMG! My LH wanted me to type something up on the computer & I could hardly do it. I was then just too stuffed. Tonight I'm not much better.
I spent most of today moving furniture & cleaning. I'm going to get ticked off for it I bet! I did make sure that my client & her mum did their fair share but I still did way too much. I had said a couple of weeks ago that I would help them & I don't like going back on my word.
I have had words with MC(my client's) mum that I am not going to be running errands & have explained why. It is my employer's policy that the family should not become dependent on staff. She understood the logic & accepted it well. I still did do too much. I am too tired again tonight but have 4 glorious days off!!
Hope all are well, cheers, Cate
 
Hi Cate

you enjoy those 4 days off it sounds like you deserve it.
I notice it's a bit quiet here again.

Sam:)
 
Hi Cate

Thanks for you words of encouragement in the other thread.

I hope that you get to relax and recover with your 4 days off and are feeling better when you return to work.
 
What a day! I have just bawled my eyes out. Our YS is determined to have a tattoo & I have tried not to influence him either way but I think he will regret it down the track. They are so permanent. I got really upset with him because he said that he couldn't give a s...t about what people think & I think that also includes me. He is often saying stuff like that but he seems to value my opinion only when it echoes his. I think I might just have to start saying "whatever!"
I am really tired & maybe a bit depressed today. Maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew at the moment. I'm sorry but I am tearing up again. I might come back later, Cate
 
Hi Cate

Sorry to hear you are so down. I cant fully appreciate your position from a parents point of view because I'm not one, but I can appreciate your position and the way you feel. I can understand your sons position though and no matter where I stand on that the way he spoke to you was a but harsh. Unfortunately as children, especially in this day and age, we dont always speak to our parents the way we intend to. There are time where I have taken things out on my parents, but particularily mum (Dad's are harder), or spoken to her in a way that was totally bang out of order and afterwards I have felt terrible. At the time it would have appeared that I didn't respect my parents but that couldn't be further from the truth. It's because I respect them so much and haven't liked the situation i.e. your situation where you are being honest with your son about your feelings and may be struggling to support him with his decision etc. Maybe you need to let him know that just because you have a different opinion or feeling on the matter it doesn't mean its wrong, it's just yours and his is his.

As for him getting a tattoo and whether he will regret it or not will depend on why he is getting it. If he is getting it just to get one and it has no meaning behind it then it is possible that he will regret it. But if there is purpose behind why he wants to use that medium to express himself, for himself to remind, remember or rejoice a time in his life then it can be quite the opposite and they can have great healing and / or growth sense about them.

Anyway, I hope you are feeling better today. I hope your son calls you and speaks to you kindly. If he asked your opinion he needs to accept it regardless of what it is. I must admit when you said about the 'whatever' you reminded me very much of my mum...

I look forward to meeting you in a few weeks - are preparation is coming along but not as much as I would have hoped. I'm starting to think 'what the heck have we gotten ourselves into!' ha ha

Have a nice day Cate.

Lauren
 
cate said:
.....Last night I was too exhausted to even have a look in the forum! OMG!
Click to expand...

OMG all right !!

Hope you are enjoying your days off - you deserve them!

You and Lauren are going to have such a nice time, wish I was escaping to Tassie for a while..would be so nice right about now and I know you would keep me on track with cohens foods ( i have been naughty again) doh!

chin up Cate, hope you are feeling better than yesterday

Annie Lusion
 
Lauren, I feel quite a bit better today. I had to post something to my son today that he is going to incorporate into his tattoo. It is a chinese long life symbol. We bought one each for us & our 2 sons while we were in Vietnam. His has been broken & he wanted ours, rather than a photo of it, as he wants to have it look 3 dimensional. I had decided to send him a text message saying that if that's want he wants then it's fine by me but he sent me one first. It was fairly conciliatory & hoping that I wasn't still upset & that he loves me. I sent one back saying that whatever he does is fine with me & that I am probably a bit fragile at the moment due to many things, but mainly my new job. I said I hoped that the tattoo will be how he wants it to be. I don't usually say whatever. I'm not like that. If asked an opinion by most people I will usually only give it if I think it's a genuine request but I think most people really only want confirmation of what they are going to do anyway. I don't see the point in asking.
Enough of that discussion about sons & tattoos. I do hope it's a good tatto & that he loves it & does not regret it. For some crazy reason he got it into his head that I thought it was a reactionary thing (against parents) That had never entered my head. He was saying I obviously didn't know him & I felt so hurt. Stop Cate!!
I actually had a pleasant day. I didn't go bush-walking as I felt like hibernating. I wasn't miserable. I just pottered about for most of the day, ducked into my local town & did a little shopping for the essentials, especially fruit & yoghurt.
1 year anniversary!! Exactly one year ago today I started Cohen's & I can happily say that I am maintaining my goal weight 1 whole year down the track. 72 kgs this morning. My goal weight was 69-72kgs. Ideally I would have liked to have been 69kg but that will be my goal for the next few months.
I'm going to make a pot of herbal tea. Will come back soon, Cate
 
YAY!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS CATE!

Your journey has been such an amazing one and you deserve such great things.

You are amazing, you are inspirational, you are a fantastic example for all.

I wish you great things!

Lauren
 
Good on you Cate. I so look forward to getting to your position and I hope to be as strong willed as you, with being able to maintain your goal. You are an inspiration. :hurray:

Also I would like to say that your before and after photo's are just amazing, you look like a different person and so much younger.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
:party:
 
Cate

What an inspiration. You must be proud of yourself........following your journey from the beginning to end has been very motivating and educational. I am so glad you have stuck around for us oldies and the newbies.

I am sorry I couldn't give any advice about your sons tatoo.......children definitely challenge you in different ways and I know my turn will be coming in 10 or so years.
I am glad you have sorted it out to some degree. What's worrying you about work Cate?
If it's personel I will understand.

Look after yourself.

Sam:)
 
Lauren, Sal & Sam, Thank you very much for your congratulations & for your support. It's very important to me. I feel much better today, after having a few days off. I went to Launceston yesterday & had my first vein treatment. Ouch. It felt like being attacked by bees! I am an absolute picture today with my husband's very daggy little black shorts, t-shirt & sandals. Doesn't sound too weird I know until you picture me with a compression stocking on my left leg, right up to my groin almost, with lumpy, wadding down my leg! I got it wet in the shower, even though I tried covering it with a garbage bag, taped to my leg(ouch again). The other leg is not a pretty sight as it hasn't been treated yet. It wasn't as bad as the left but I have lumpy little varicose veins, dotted over it. Get the picture? Not puuurty!
I had a lot of trouble getting to sleep last night . I have to leave this compression stocking on for 6 whole days & nights & then I can roll it back & take out the wadding. Then for a further 6 days(not nights) I have to leave it on all day.
I went out with my LH to 8-ball as I felt like I have been neglecting him somewhat. I enjoyed the evening even though I was very uncomfortable with the compression stocking & still in a little pain. I just got up & down a lot!
I very nearly delayed the treatment yesterday. I dropped enough hints, but luckily they ignored them. It will be nice to have it done & dusted! Even though I do look a total dag today in short shorts with lumpy legs I am really enjoying the feeling of freedom with bare(ish) legs. My legs haven't seen or experienced air much in over 27 years(the age of my older son).
Sam- My job is ok, mainly good, but because I am in someone's private home I must respect their privacy & not talk about it. I don't think it would help anyway, I'm afraid. Let me just say that the way my client's family lives their lives is almost the opposite to mine & is quite alien. That doesn't mean to say I can't see why they do or how or why their lives are so different to mine but it does make it hard not to judge. I am trying very hard & don't have trouble fitting in with them or getting on with them. I do hope I won't be judged as thinking the same by those who see me with the family.
I know that a lot of people are looking at me strangely wondering what the connection is when I'm out & about with my client. As I said I do like her which is great. I do hope she uses her second chance at life a little wiser than in her youth. I can only hope so.
I got a call from work yesterday to work an extra shift this Sunday & took the opportunity to press my case for a balance. I said we had been planning a family day for Sunday as we haven't had a day off together for weeks (true).I pointed out how many whole week-ends I have been rostered & mentioned that when I first started I had said I was happy to work Saturdays but only occasional Sundays, also that my LH works Mon-Friday & has week-ends off. I did say that I would work this Sunday if he was absolutely stuck. I haven't heard back-good sign!
I got his email address & am going to email the dates I want off for the next 2 rosters. I also am not changing my ap'ts to Tuesday but may be able to drop some of the review ap'ts. It's a 45 minute each way(120km return) trip just for them to have a quick look at my veins. They will let me know next trip. That would mean 3 less ap'ts- 3 full days pay!
I don't want to give up my Tuesday Wacky Walks. I have missed a couple already because my days have been too busy so I am making a New Years Resolution-
Find a balance between work & relaxation, leave work at work, enjoy life.
I'll tweak that when I give it more thought. Last year saw major change, this year is one for consolidation. Enjoyment is the key word I think.
I'm feeling good weight-wise. I think I'll concentrate on slowly dropping a few kilos, mainly by exercise & eating a few less carb's. I had a delicious omelette for lunch, after yoghurt for breakfast. I also made a huge fruit salad & had some of that after lunch with a little yoghurt. (Liar-quite a bit of yoghurt!) I must admit to loving the Vaalia Lemon Creme yoghurt. I wish it was in a re-cyclable container. I might go email them right now.
Cheers for now, Cate.
 
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I probably didn't put the reasons I find the job difficult at times very clearly. It's more complex than that. It really sounded very disapproving & judgemental & I don't want it to be. It's very hard to explain though so I'll give up trying. I think it would be hard to spend a lot of time in someone else's home-anyone else's home & remain detached.
I can see quite a bit of change for the good happening within the home & I like to think I am encouraging it. I think so. It is becoming easier to spend time in the home anyway.
The compression stocking is really uncomfortable & hot. I can't wait until I can take it off, at least at night-Tuesday! I'll have to wrap my leg up in the morning with clingwrap as the garbage bag does not work. Perhaps I'll need both.
We had an unwanted visit tonight from a serial pest. He goes bush-walking & has been hinting that he might visit some time. I saw him today while I was with my client & I tried to put him off without being absolutely rude, but obviously he did not take the hint. I told my LH that I was worried about him visiting & sure enough he did. I hid in the kitchen for the same reasons I told you yesterday- husband's short shorts, lumpy bandages etc & told my LH not to let him in the door. He tried!! The old fart didn't take the hint & pushed past him straight over to where I was hiding. I have been warned by the other bush-walkers that he is like this & am going to have to be blunt with him & honest. He wants to know everything about your business/life & I don't like it. If you don't go walking he asks why not & doesn't give up. He is just too intrusive. I'll deal with him soon.
Tennis- I am not a big tennis fan but I thought the Tsonga/Nadal was the best match I have ever seen! Fantastic! Federer is not looking good tonight. I hope he wins. I like him.
I had better scoot as I feel uncomfortable sitting here. Time to move about. Cheers, Cate
 
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