*Reeally* late L&A update [wk5] & Goals

Living & Active

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This last week I've been challenged health-wise once again - this time with a on-and-off migraine, sinus congestion & sore throat, all of which culminated with me losing my voice over the weekend (and not really getting it back until yesterday, though its still a little off) ... BUT ... with the help of Nurofen plus, and a nearby bucket (Thurs & Fri, lol!) I was able to workout 4 days last week!  I also did more stuff with my daughter this last week too, which was great!!  I have now successfully completed the fourth week of this challenge, including my fourth week of doing four or more days of exercise.

Week Four's results :

Exercise - Last week we worked out a total of four nights - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.  This was the second week of level two.  By the end of the week I was super pooped (though that *could* have been due to the fact that I wasn't well!!) but I was able to do more of the workout, and keep going longer, with heavier weights.  I didn't add in any extra workouts as it was super hot during the day,  and we ended up working out during the evenings from Tuesday.

Wednesday was out as my migraine was horrible (day one) .. and so instead we went through and sorted my fabric stash, pulling out some items I can get rid of as I really can't see myself using them.  We also worked out a plan for the next month, workout-wise ... boy are we going to *die*!!!

Memory Verse - A beautiful verse - and definitely something good to always remember!!

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" ~ Proverbs 4:23

Diet & Weight Loss Goals - No weight lost.  Eating habits still shocking.  Blah.

Week Five's plans :

Exercise - This week we have started doing level three of Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  Oh boy - am I *dying* or what?!!  Today I was even a little sick when doing the super mans!!! We worked out on Monday (level 2 ... wanted to get in the full "10 days"), Wednesday & tonight (level 3 both nights) and will do level 3 again tomorrow night to get in the four days this week.  Depending on how I am feeling on the weekend (and how much work around the house & sewing I actually achieve tomorrow!), I *may* also do a workout on Saturday.  

Tuesday I ended up going around to BFF's place to help her scrub her repurposed kitchen ready for the builders to see to determine measurements/fitting for their new house.  I was there two hours, in a squat/standing-bent-over-with-my-bottom-in-the-air-so-as-not-to-touch-the-filthy-verandah :) position the entire time, scrubbing these filthy drawers & cupboard doors (they weren't cleaned by the previous owners, and then stored in a storage unit for 11 months... we had to use jif!!), and refilling the bucket with fresh water as needed ... it may not have been a Jillian workout, but I sure was sore, stiff and tired by the time I had to head home!!!

*Not* looking forward to the following week though, as we our third workout buddy is joining back in after giving her knee a rest, and so we will be doing level 3 at my place, then heading out to her's to do level 1 *cue utter exhaustion*!! lol!

Memory Verse -  A big one ...

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"                   ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Diet & Weight Loss Goals - I have decided to forgoe the grand plans, and just aim for working on my water intake to begin with ... next week I'll *up* my vegetable soup and protein intake (rather than carbs & stuff I really shouldn't be consuming if I'm wanting to lose weight!!).  So my goal this week is to drink at least 4 cups of water each day ... bearing in mind that the cups I usually drink out of hold approx. 450mls of water - so 4 cups brings me close to 2L.  

This week's Goals

I did shockingly when it comes to achieving my goals last week.  Much of it was due to the fact that I'd left much of it to the latter part of the week ... and then I fell ill and didn't feel like doing much of anything.  Unfortunately when I get sick, I also usually get *really* lethargic and have no energy! 

I am linking up with Crystal's weekly goal setting post again.

Source

Last week's goals ...

Health

1. Work out 5 days this week, doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred, Level 2.  Nope.  Only 4 days (as explained above)

2. Cook dinner 4 nights ... most meals should cover two evenings as we will only have two adults & one child eating here this week.  As we had so many leftovers (and I tend to cook pretty sizeable meals, lol), and DD & I went out on Saturday night,  I only had to cook twice this last week.

Spiritual

3. Spend time in God's Word every day.  Most days, not everyday.

4. Memorise memory verse (above); Keep working on remembering the memory verses from earlier weeks.  Done.  Beautiful verse!!

Personal

5. Write and post three blog posts.  Nope.  Just the one I'm afraid.

6. Paint my toe nails, and follow my skincare regime everyday (I've been getting slack!).  Bright fire-engine red ... but not a half hour later I wanted to remove it as one of the big toes was smudged, and another was slightly 'chipped' ... they're still on, but every time I look down at my feet I see where they're not *perfect* - probably why I usually go au-natural when it comes to my nails, lol!!

7. Finish 8 blocks for the "Some Kind of Wonderful" SAL quilt, have 4 more at least ready for needle turn appliqué to begin.  Unfortunately none as yet.

8. Finish and send "Welcome" mini and 3 QBSA blocks to appropriate partners [all late].  Nope, not yet ... but I only have a little stitching + sandwiching/quilting/binding left on the mini to go ... and the fabrics ready for the blocks.  I hope to have all these ready for Monday's mail.

Homemaking

9. Stay on top of the laundry, 'weekly' house cleaning & daily garden watering. Surprisingly, yes!

10. Finish going through drawers containing cross-stitch magazines & DD's birth/day cards - put cards into scrapbook. Not a chance!!

Mothering / Child

11. Take DD to a movie this week ... her first EVER!!!  We actually went twice - Monday it was Madagascar 3 with a cousin & her little boy; Tuesday we saw Tinkerbell 4 with my sister & BFF (w/ children).  I also took her to play mini golf for the first time on Saturday night as we'd been invited to a friends' 30th birthday party at a mini golf/golfing/archery centre.  She *loved*it!! ... Though she kept calling it a "goal" when she got the ball in the hole, lol!  SOO fun to watch!! ... Oh, and she even got a hole in one!!!  As we were leaving she told me "that was a great day Mummy!"

12.  Get DD in bed by 7:30pm most nights, 8pm at the latest (except Monday night as she will be accompanying me to my Bible Study as my usual babysitters are on holidays).  Nope.  We did achieve it twice though!

This week's goals ...

Health

1. Work out 5 days this week, starting @ Level 2 doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred, ending the week with Level 3.

2. Drink four glasses, ice-cold water, every day.

Spiritual

3. Memorise memory verse (above); Keep working on remembering the memory verses from earlier weeks.

Personal

4. Write and post three blog posts.

5. Finish and send "Welcome" mini.

6. Finish and send four QBSA blocks.

7. Finish 10 SKoW blocks.

8. Make a haircut appointment for next week.

Homemaking

9. Go through the fridge - clean out & re-organise.  

10. Declutter & organise 3 hot-areas in my room.

Mothering / Child

11. Teach DD how to play "Guess Who" Junior.

12. Take DD to kindygym Saturday morning.

What are your plans for this week? ... Here's hoping we both have a great week!!!

L & A Update [wk4] & This Week's Goals

Living & Active

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Despite some personal struggles, whilst trying to give emotional support to my best friend, I am really appreciative that God placed this challenge in my path at this time.  I have now successfully completed the third week of this challenge, including my third week of doing four or more days of exercise - and although I am still struggling to go to bed at a decent hour, I am feeling more alert and aware, I am walking taller, standing straighter, and enjoying catching up daily with one of my closest girlfriends.

Week Three's results :

Exercise - Although I only worked out four days this week, I actually did five workouts ... three of which were in the space of a 25hr period (not recommended!!!).  Monday we didn't work out as the afternoon workout was shifted to the evening due to one of the ladies' (G1) prior commitments clashing with our usual time, and then the later workout was cancelled due to the other ladies' (G2) husband coming home after going out fishing and needing to go to the ER ... turned out he had an "acutely sprained ankle" - not good!!  Tuesday we worked out all together, going up to level two of Jillian's 30 Day Shred as we'd already completed two weeks' of level one.  Wednesday, G2's husband called up just as we were to start asking to be picked up from work, so I did a workout @ Level 1 with G1 (her knee was sore and she couldn't face Level 2) ... later getting G2 to come over to my place later that evening to do our Level 2 workout (so she didn't pike out for a second day in the week...).  Thursday morning G1 requested a few weeks break from the workouts as her knee was not only sore but had swollen up (not good!!), so Thursday and Friday lunchtimes (well, 1:30pm) I did Level 2 with G2 ... So five workouts over four days.

Memory Verse - Not so quickly memorised this week ... but done.  Good one to remember really!!

"For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world."           ~1 John 2:16

Diet & Weight Loss Goals - Roughly a kilo lost this week, but still up at 83kgs so I didn't hit my target of 82.  I made really healthy meals this week for dinner, though my daytime diet still wasn't crash hot ... I only consumed one block of Cadbury's caramello chocolate this week though!!! 

Week Four's plans :

Exercise - I plan to work out five days this week, but in the morning this week as the children are on their school holidays for the next two weeks, so they'll come around here while G2 (their mum ... she has six, ranging from 2yrs to 13yrs) and I work out.  The 13yr old will be in charge, though we will probably send them out the back ... BIG property here, so as long as they stay in the grassed area (just outside the windows of where we will be working out) they'll be alright - no where near the road! ... I am also considering throwing in some extra cardio workouts, maybe in the evenings - whether these be workout dvds (I have quite the range, lol) or just a fast walk on the treadmill while I watch a movie, will be decided on the day, though I am thinking either 2 or 3 days of this to start.

Memory Verse -  

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" ~ Proverbs 4:23

Diet & Weight Loss Goals - My parents have gone on a four week holiday to spend time with Mum's parents, and a bit of a break from their jobs, so I won't have the temptations of chips, chocolate & cookies surrounding me all hours like I normally do (Mum is the teacher who stress about her students - trannies - and gets to work at 7:30am, not leaving until about 6:30pm ... and then often bringing extra marking etc home with them!; Dad runs a non-profit Vocational Educational and Training business through the same school, which gives the students real-life knowledge and skills in the wall-frame fabrication, welding and more skill areas, and turns over quite a few million dollars of business each year ... he is also co-ordinating training courses & projects in several remote communities throughout the Territory).  I am hoping to eat "clean"-er meals, reduce my carb & sugar intake, and to hopefully get down to approx 81kgs (about 2kg weight loss since Monday).  I will also endeavour to drink more water and less Pepsi Max (which yes, has no calories, but loads of chemicals & preservatives ... I am currently consuming at least 2L a day).

This week's Goals

I didn't do as well as I'd hoped in achieving my goals this past week, but I did achieve more than I have in weeks past, so *yay*!  Just crossing off one or two things is actually a pretty big thing for me, so I am happy with my results ... and even more determined to cross more off next week!  So I will be am linking up with Crystal's weekly goal setting post again.

Source

Last week's goals ...

Health

1. Work out 5 days this week, doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred, Level 2.  {While I did do 5 workouts this week, they were over 4 days, and one of the workouts was a repeat of Level 1.}

2. Cook dinner 5 nights, 3 from scratch  Family Meat Pie w/ veges; Pumpkin & Red Lentil soup w/ Cheesy Curry Scones; Massaman Chicken Curry w/ rice; Pork Loin Chops w/ veges; Chicken & Vegetable Pasta Bake; Beef Stir-fry.

Spiritual

3. Spend time in God's Word every day.  Unfortunately not everyday, but most days - yes.

4. Memorise memory verse (above); Keep working on remembering the memory verses from earlier weeks.

Personal

5. Write and post three blog posts.  Yes, though I doubled up on two posts ... same post, just on two different blogs :)

6. Paint my toe nails and have a de-toxing bath.  I kept putting off the painting of the toes ... too paranoid that the polish would get smudged or knocked, lol!

7. Finish 3 blocks for the "Some Kind of Wonderful" SAL quilt, have 4 more at least ready for needle turn appliqué to begin.  NO.  I finished one, and completed the needle turn appliqué on one more.

8. Finish and send "Welcome" mini and 3 QBSA blocks to appropriate partners [all late].  Unfortunately I didn't make the time for these either ... though I have been working furiously the last couple of days to get the mini done - I am pushing myself to get this in the post by Wednesday at the latest.

Homemaking

9. Declutter and clean desks in lounge room (my 'office' space *technically*). 

10. Finish going through drawers containing cross-stitch magazines & DD's birth/day cards - put cards into scrapbook.  Nope - not even touched.

This week's goals ...

Health

1. Work out 5 days this week, doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred, Level 2.

2. Cook dinner 4 nights ... most meals should cover two evenings as we will only have two adults & one child eating here this week.

Spiritual

3. Spend time in God's Word every day.

4. Memorise memory verse (above); Keep working on remembering the memory verses from earlier weeks.

Personal

5. Write and post three blog posts.

6. Paint my toe nails, and follow my skincare regime everyday (I've been getting slack!).

7. Finish 8 blocks for the "Some Kind of Wonderful" SAL quilt, have 4 more at least ready for needle turn appliqué to begin.

8. Finish and send "Welcome" mini and 3 QBSA blocks to appropriate partners [all late].

Homemaking

9. Stay on top of the laundry, 'weekly' house cleaning & daily garden watering.

10. Finish going through drawers containing cross-stitch magazines & DD's birth/day cards - put cards into scrapbook.

Mothering / Child

11. Take DD to a movie this week ... her first EVER!!!

12.  Get DD in bed by 7:30pm most nights, 8pm at the latest (except Monday night as she will be accompanying me to my Bible Study as my usual babysitters are on holidays).

That's enough to keep me occupied this week.

What are your plans for this week? ... Here's hoping we both have a great week!!!

Finally some SKoW & QBSA progress ...

I have wanted to get back on to these projects for a while, but unfortunately the last few months have seen me rather unwell, injured, and then unwell again and I just haven't been able to get onto any of my sewing commitments/plans.

Some Kind of Wonderful

Now Chooky has cracked the whip ... I am well ... and I am taking some time off from my studies ... there is some movement!  The 'old blue jeans block' ...

Jeans block prepared for needle turn appliqué...
Square of fabric at top left is ready for *was 'cupcakes* block.

I have gotten one leg sewn so far, and am hoping to finish this block tonight ... Pellon, cut to size, is sitting ready for fusion.

My current set-up for sewing ... like my tin of 'Superior Threads'?

Then I *really* need to get on to finishing this mini before I can do too much more of the stitching for SKoW... 

Needs needle turn & stitchery to be done, sandwiched, quilted & bound :)  ASAP!! 

I previously had the umbrella, cup of tea & suitcase blocks finished.  

My previously completed blocks

I also finished the cupcakes block, but I am not in the least happy with it; plus I have decided that really, cupcakes aren't one of my favourite things ... and, inspired by all the adaptions by the other ladies, I have decided to replace this with 'pavlova' - my absolute favourite desert!!  I'm hoping to at least have the image for this block drawn up and fabrics selected by the end of the weekend, along with a February (chocolates block is ready, just needs to be sewn/stitched) & March's blocks at least prepared for next week ...

QBSA

Unfortunately I have fallen very behind in this swap - I am truly sorry to my partners in this!!!

I have been able to complete and send my June partner Kym (no blog) her block, a log cabin in purple & yellow, with an orange centre.  She has received this (and thankfully likes the fabrics I used in it) so I can show it.

The requested block for my May partner Deb (no blog?), was any star in purples & violets.  I had fun with this one, though I only got this in the mail this week so I don't know if it has arrived yet.  I used one of the blocks by Sheila from thought & found, from her Oh My Star's series back in February ... the 'Shimmering Star'.  Though there was a little reverse sewing done while making this block, I *really* enjoyed all the piecing involved in creating this beauty!!

I am hoping this block will arrive before the end of next week.

Unfortunately for this swap group I still have to make a block for my July partner (planning to make this tomorrow), and I had issues with both my March & April blocks not arriving at their destinations - both were sent at the same time, but neither have arrived, so I am hoping to remake these blocks in the next week or so to replace those lost.

Living & Active challenge progress

Lots to do ... At least I am sitting down a lot atm - I am *so SORE* after doing 3 days so far of JM's 30 Day Shred workouts ... I have one more workout to do to fill my required quota for the Living & Active challenge I mentioned on Monday.  At least I have two friends I am doing this with - we're keeping each other accountable to actually get them done every day M-F!  Lol, Wed & Thurs we even got together at 8pm as we hadn't been able to meet earlier in the day - Thank God for these peeps!!! 

Better go have a shower & get back to my needle turn so this block is done before I need to head to bed!! :)

Living and Active

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” ~ Hebrews 4:12

The last few months, life has been rough.  Injury, illness, depression and feelings of failure have seemingly all plagued my reality, so much so that I have allowed myself to bury myself deep inside, only coming out when absolutely necessary.  Although I have tried, unsuccessfully, to claw my way back out a number of times, the enemy has effectively knocked me back time and time again.    Despite good intentions and the desire to get myself back into gear, I have as yet, not been able to find that drive ... I am hopeful I am at the end of this trying season.

I have decided to take part in Clare's (from peak313) Living and Active challenge over the next 5 weeks, and I would love it if you ladies would allow me to be accountable to you.  Each week I will post & link up my plans & accomplishments with the other challenge participants. I would love to get your encouragement and feedback regarding my efforts.

The challenge has three parts to it ... 

Part One : Exercise 4 days a week for the 5 weeks we are in it (25 minutes minimum each session).

{Source}

** I plan to do a Jillian Michaels dvd (probably the 30 Day Shred for the first few weeks, and hopefully working towards the Extreme Shed & Shred dvd once I've gotten back into it ... both favourites, though I haven't worked out since my first bout of tonsillitis back in the beginning of June) and/or a 25-30 min session on the treadmill ... possibly supplementing/swapping this out with a workout from the Zero to 5K workout app.

Part Two: Memorise the new weekly verse/Soul Food (as well as maintaining prior weeks) and do the key challenge.

**This week's verse is Ecclesiastes 4:12 ... "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken".

Part Three: Accountability 

** Each week there is a link up... I aim to link up every week :)

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 

*Living and Active* are two things that really haven't described how I've been living the last few weeks.  Obviously I've been alive, but I really haven't been living ... more like surviving ... barely.  With God's support  and you're help/encouragement (please, lol, I'm gonna need it!!), I'm really hoping to get back that zest for life I used to have.  I don't like how I've been feeling of late, and I really need to pick things up if I want to accomplish anything over the next few months/years/however-long-I-have-left-on-this-earth.

I also be posting later today, my weekly list of goals (yes, I really do want to start this up again ... I've just been writing them down on a pad of paper but this last week I didn't even achieve ONE thing!!) along with my list of sewing items I need to finish off ... all of them asap!!

If I've been a regular reader of your blog the last year or so and haven't been commenting as often as I used to, please forgive me!  As I said, I've kinda hidden myself away in my tight little shell of *self pity*, but I HAVE been reading most of the posts ... I've reverted to lurking - sorry!  I will try to pick this back up again, though our internet connection is rather slow for much of the month as our plan is still really low - been trying unsuccessfully for the last year + to get Dad to increase the data usage allowance, but to no avail ... he just doesn't understand why we need more!!

I will also put up a post later in the week to update you on how my crafty progress is going ... in the last few weeks I haven't gotten much more than a few scarves done ... Better head off to the sewing machine now ... I have a mini to complete!!