Thanks Lauren. I do feel damned good today. I jumped over a big hurdle yesterday. Fear was holding me back. I feel quite liberated & excited. The more I thought about it today & talked about it on the walk the more positive I felt. I love these wacky walkers. They are such a nice mob! I have taken to a few of them in particular as we seem to get on so well. They didn't know me before but it feels like we're old friends. Nice! I didn't get much of a chance to make good women friends in the pub & I am really enjoying it.
Today we walked about 12 km's!! OMG- It was hot & humid. I am overcoming my embarrassment at squatting in the bush & subsequently drank more today. I drank all my 2 litre water bladder, a small thermos of peppermint tea & a 750ml water bottle. I am going to jettison some gear before next week's walk & take more food & water. I am not taking enough to eat & have to adjust my thinking in that regard. By definition I need high energy foods. I did take a small bread roll today but could have done with twice as much food. I was day-dreaming about steaks on the way back.
I am having an absolute ball on these bush walks. Apparently a few of them talked about how one of the fellas had met his match in me today & they were laughing about it. They mentioned it at the cafe afterwards. They are not a bitchy lot at all & I had not realised there was a history with this bloke of annoying the living daylights out of them. He had ear-bashed me for about 15 minutes before we headed off this morning & I must admit really bugged me. He was ranting & raving about our local town, the people, the State & had nothing positive to say at all but kept raving about how wonderful Melbourne is & how he would like to be back living there & basically I said "well, why the hell, don't you move back?" He wants to. On the drive to the walk he suggested I joined something that he was doing & I just said that I would only argue with him constantly & he said he would like that. OMG! Sad. I had only just met the man but he succeeded in really getting me fired up. The women had discussed that he wasn't whinging, like he usually does & that's how I came into the conversation apparently so I was thanked later for sorting him out. Mmm. He didn't seem to take offence. He hadn't been for a long time apparently. The walkers were very interested in the job application & one of the women & I talked together a lot. She said she would like to do something like that. She seemed excited about my interview & kept saying she couldn't wait to hear how I go. How nice is that?
I had a lovely bath when I got home & feel pretty good.
Exercise+ good company= happy, positive Cate!!
I cannot believe the difference these walks, in such good company, are affecting my mood & feeling of well-being. I feel so positive. Today's walk would not have been possible for me last year. Next week's walk will be another steep one. Hopefully I should have my hiking stick by then. You need it going downhill mainly. Today we went under logs, over logs, up, down, up, down etc. It was mixed up which is good. I have cramped up a little tonight & will make sure I do take more water next week. There are things in my pack that I really don't have to carry on day walks so will def. have a re-pack.
My hiking clothes are great. They really do breathe well on a hot day like today. I didn't get any leeches on me- a couple did & I was protected from the sun.
OK. That's enough for today. Not much planned for tomorrow thank goodness. I might prepare a bit for the interview as I'm away for the week-end & walking Tuesday. Cheers for now, Cate.

Ooh, I'm very tired today. I washed my car this morning & have done a little pottering about, had my lunch & I could easily fall asleep. Yesterday was physically taxing. I'm not aching though. My feet are a little sore. My blisters from Melbourne haven't healed yet. I will try wearing thin cotton socks under my thick socks next week as that might stop a little of the rubbing. I have taken out quite a few things & my pack feels much better. I had quite a few things really that were "just in case" but I shouldn't need them walking in a group of about 18 unless we go somewhere isolated which we normally don't. My first aid kit stays. I'm one of those people who try to prepare for everything!
I've just been checking out satellite broadband options. A friend told me a Victorian company is connecting a lot of people to the internet via satellite & it's subsidized by the federal government in areas where you can't get broadband so I've applied & am checking out the plans. It looks pretty good. It's such a pain tying up the phone when I'm in here.
I'm so hungry today so I know that I didn't eat enough yesterday on my walk. It's going to be hard to know what to take to get the balance right. I'll do some study for that as well. I'd better go & do some home-work now for this job interview. Any tips gratefully received (Sam?) Cheers for now, Cate.

I didn't go to 8-ball tonight as I'm
a) sick of being the only woman there
b) too tired!
There is no-one in here yet so I might come back later.
Even though I was very hungry during the day I didn't eat anything I shouldn't & will weigh myself tomorrow as I don't think I have for quite a few days! I've actually forgotten to weigh for the first time since January!
I just had a look at the New You forum to see if Kannadew has typed in her diary (she hasn't) & Suzie Slim's in the main part of this forum (she hasn't either) & then read another thread about politics & wish I hadn't. The ads are bad enough. I know who I'm voting for but I figure it's a personal thing & I would not try to influence any-one else.
Fast forward to Saturday night when it's all over!!
There's no point me trying to get an early night tonight as the 8-ball teams ring their results through to our home as we do the rosters & ladders etc. I have done some homework for the job interview. I might ring my SIL in Hong Kong as it's her birthday tomorrow.
It's also our YS's birthday tomorrow.
Be back later, Cate

HI Cate... You will be in Bed by the time I am writing this! I am so glad that things are going so well for you at the moment! It sounds like the Wackies was the perfect thing for you! Awesome!!! It so good when we find our niche! I hope that this job might be something like that also... who knows you might be surprised!

Oh ... and I sure have written in my diary... I wrote in there on the 16th and again yesterday.... as I have said before... its soo busy over there that no one says much in mine... so it ends up being me talking to myself and then it probably looks like nothing has moved!! =) (I also think Suzie has started a diary over there too?)...

I know what you mean about the election stuff.. I just reach for the MUTE button all the time at the moment... bring on Sunday...cos it will all be done!!!

Bless ya mate!

Kannadew

I have had a pretty full on day, mostly spent at my MIL's place and shopping for her. It's actually been a very positive day.
I did, however weigh 72kg this morning. Bread I reckon! I had a slice of home-made bread yesterday & a bread roll Tuesday plus I have just eaten more than normal because I have been hungrier (because of the exercise?) Plus nerves came into my day a little yesterday & I nibbled again!
We have another full day tomorrow as have to go to Devonport in the morning for optometrist ap'ts & then go to the local show-grounds to judge some wine. (opposite direction) & then we are away for the week-end.
I did a little home-work for the job interview & have typed it up & printed it out. I just remembered I have to ring one of my SIL's as I got my MIL to agree to getting a new fridge. Her's is 40 years old & gross! My SIL will have trouble believing I have talked her into it. I'll go do it now, cheers, Cate
PS Still feeling really positive!

Well I'm home & tired & am taking a bit of time out. We had our eyes tested & picked out new reading glasses. We bought a trampoline, with a surrounding net, for the grand-kids/whole family for Christmas (put it on lay-by as they don't have them in stock) and then went in & judged the wine at the local show & donated a couple of trophies. Now we're home & I do feel lazy. I've done a bit of house-work in between but not much. Lazy evening coming up.
I have been very constipated (because of too much cheese?) so that would account for a little bit of weight. I must concentrate next week & eat more from the program.
I will come back tonight maybe for a look. Cheers for now, Cate

[QUOTE=cate;353722]Ooh, I'm very tired today. I washed my car this morning & have done a little pottering about, had my lunch & I could easily fall asleep. Yesterday was physically taxing. I'm not aching though. My feet are a little sore. My blisters from Melbourne haven't healed yet. I will try wearing thin cotton socks under my thick socks next week as that might stop a little of the rubbing. I have taken out quite a few things & my pack feels much better. I had quite a few things really that were "just in case" but I shouldn't need them walking in a group of about 18 unless we go somewhere isolated which we normally don't. My first aid kit stays. I'm one of those people who try to prepare for everything!
I've just been checking out satellite broadband options. A friend told me a Victorian company is connecting a lot of people to the internet via satellite & it's subsidized by the federal government in areas where you can't get broadband so I've applied & am checking out the plans. It looks pretty good. It's such a pain tying up the phone when I'm in here.
I'm so hungry today so I know that I didn't eat enough yesterday on my walk. It's going to be hard to know what to take to get the balance right. I'll do some study for that as well. I'd better go & do some home-work now for this job interview. Any tips gratefully received (Sam?) Cheers for now, Cate

Hi Cate sorry I haven't been here for a couple of days.
Look I have got some tips for you that I have just discovered and I am actually trialing at the moment and so far so good and feeling great. It's early days but if you want to know more i can post info in your mailbox I have suggested the same to lauren. Let me know if you are interested.
I have explained a little about it in my diary if you want to grap a looksy their.
Your wacky walkers sound like and interesting bunch....hmmmm. At least your getting your exercise in and their is some entertainment with it

Take care and have a glorious weekend.

Sam

Hi Sam- I actually meant tips for the job interview as you said that had been your field before you had your babies. The problem with the walking is to get a balance with the amount of energy I eat/burn. It will also take my body a while to get used to what is quite vigorous exercise. I'll get there! I'm loving it. They are a great lot the Wackies. I like them. In any group there is an odd bod as it's part of life's rich tapestry.
I thought I would pop in quickly as I won't be back until Sunday.
I hope every-one has a good week-end. Take care, xo Cate.

Yee Har!!!!






Gee, I try not to talk about politics as it's the best way to have an argument but I just wanted to let you know I am damned happy!! Also how you vote is your own personal choice but ....this is my diary after all!
We had a lovely time at Bridport. Four couples went away. Our husbands played golf at Barnbougle & we women just walked about, poked about a few little markets, lunched at Barnbougle & had a few drinks & a gamble at a pub. I hate poker machines. I just don't get it! I cannot understand why people like them. Each to his own. We had a lovely dinner at the pub we were staying at & a few drinks afterwards in one of our rooms. My LH & I managed to keep our grins inside until we got back to our room & could listen to the speeches. I think we were the only ones in our group happy about the outcome of the election. It's been a long time coming for us.
My first vote was for Gough Whitlam & they were exciting times! I've still got my "Give Gough a go" badge & the "It's Time" badge. I was quite politically active in my younger days. In the pub we had to be very careful not to let our political preference show. I email politicians occasionally about some things that are important to me and I do think most people are too complacent about politics & the right/responsibility of voting. I care about the world, climate change, refugees not being treated fairly, aborigines not having equal life expectancy and would like to live in a country that is more open and not so negative. I have really hated the fear campaign of the last 5 years. We should be more compassionate & welcoming. We are the lucky country but not all are treated equally.
I do hope this Labor government will take the chances given to them to heal a lot of the hurts & right a lot of the injustices. I want to know that my grandchildren are going to have a wonderful future.
Ok. Sorry if I sound a bit over the top but I am now feeling really positive about our country. I have felt a little ashamed the last few years. I would have been so disappointed if we, as a nation, had stuck with the Libs. It gives me lots of hope.
I made quite good eating choices over the week-end & feel good today. I drank lots of water!
There is absolutely no-one about so I'll come back later (maybe)
Cheers, Cate.

Did any-one watch the series "Choir of Hard Knocks" and/or tonight's "Choir of Hard Knocks" concert at the Sydney Opera House. I was so touched by this series & just bawled my way through the concert on tv tonight (again!!) It was wonderful.
Still no-one about so I'll say goodnight to myself, Cate

nop never seen that

Mmm. Not sure about the last post. Is that classified as spam or just a very brief post with a web-site attached as a signature?
I'm having a very frustrating day as my printer won't work & I'm trying to print some info for the job interview. Very annoying!
I'll come back tonight methinks, Cate

Since that person's only other post was also a very brief post with website sig, I'd guess a low-key spammer. (If you're familiar with the expression "Pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered," I'd class him as a pig.)

FX the printer works for you soon!

That's what I thought. If some-one posts in here that is not one of my regular "buddies" I never check out their site anyway so it's a total waste of effort on their part.
Fixed my printer. It's new & is not compatible with my laptop for some reason. I think it probably gets back to not being able to keep my system up to date as I don't have the XP disk. My son gave me the computer & he has since moved & lost his discs. I'll get a PC, desk & chair when I get a pay check (or 2-3!)
I'm feeling a bit nervous about the interview but also feel quite confident. I'm glad I have my walk tomorrow as it will take my mind off it. I typed up some motivational stuff today & a "Why I would be good at this job" thing that I will read before going in to the interview. I have a folder with my application, some of my certificates, some positive notes that I often look at (from my Dalai Lama books) some notes about the employer & what they do(from their web-site) & some info I got from various disability sites like Headway. I will probably read over it all a few times between now & Wednesday!
I had a good day eating-wise today even though I was a tad nervous. I'm usually(was) as stress eater so that's good that I've got through the day well.
I will go have a good look about as I see we have a few newbies & I must welcome them. Cheers for now, Cate

Hey Cate... I think I must have missed where you said you had gotten an interview... I just read today that you've got one on Wed!! That is TOTALLY AWESOME! I am sure you will just blow them away with your compassion and practicality!

Every new situation is going to bring anxiety but we learn so much when we face them and overcome them and then that's another lesson learnt! How exciting for you!

I cant wait to hear all about it!

Blessya
Kannadew