OK, time to bit the bullet & get on with it!
April 2006 was when I joined Cohens - workd beautifully but stupidly I didn't complete the refeed. Now I am starting again but need HELP!
Also have no idea what I am doing here? All a new learning process but will get the hang of it sooner or later. Wish me luck, please?

Hi Trying Again,
welcome to the forum and good luck with your new attempt at Cohens. Hang in there you can do it!!
Take care

Beck

Hi trying again. I'm sorry I didn't come in here yesterday. I've had a fairly full-on last few days! Plus my internet connection is lousy at the moment so it's very frustrating. You have made the right decision to go back on Cohen's. You won't regret it! I'll keep an eye out for you & how you're going. Thanks Beck for replying to TA! Cheers, Cate.
Yesterday I had our YGS & we picked up his sister & took them to Auskick & then there was a sausage sizzle(none for me) as it was grand-parents' day. I stuck to the program 100% but was ravenous all day. Serves me right! I gained .5 of a kilo only thank goodness & have lost it again this morning.
Today we headed off up the coast. I visited my boss & met all the staff, got nowhere really, dropped in on a friend & exchanged something. We drove to Ulverstone where I bought a desk! I also got a double filing cabinet. I am going to get all my paperwork organised properly. I may not have much employment at the moment but hey, I'm going to be organised! On the way back we visited my friend who has just had an operation. She was happy to see us & ticked me off for not letting her know we were coming as she would have cooked us lunch. That's why I didn't let her know! We had lunch in a park. I took it. After her place we detoured via Braddon's lookout & then via another old friend who's husband died of cancer. Her home number was disconnected & I haven't been able to get through to her on her mobile either. Apparently she's changed it. We don't have a lot in common but I still like to keep in touch with her. She may have sold her home & doesn't know where she will live.
I am going to post this quickly before I get booted off. I am having a little trouble with my laptop & may get the new computer I have had a quote for. I will wait a few weeks though I think & see how I go with broadband with this one.
ok-better scoot, cheers, Cate.
PS Very sad about Jane McGrath. What an inspirational woman she was.

Back down another .5kg (5 down, 2.5 to go & then re-assess)
This is one of the main reasons you should not weigh constantly because your weight goes up & down, up & down. It's ok though for me now as I just want to watch what makes a difference with me personally. I must make sure I drink enough water & by that I mean 3 litres at least(but not too much).
I have not been very hungry the last couple of days, after my ravenous day(day after bush-walking/pizza/wine/mixing proteins/deviation day) I still haven't eaten any crackers today. I am going out tonight & thought I should save a couple for when supper comes out.
The most unbelievable racket just led me outside for a look. I could not count them but there had to have been somewhere between 80-100 Black Cockatoos flying over our home. When the weather is rough up the mountains they come down for a visit. We are only 1.5hrs drive from Cradle Mountain so they have probably come from there. That was the direction they came from anyway. You should have heard the noise!
I was so excited to see BabyFatNoMore back in the forum. I had better scoot now though as I have to eat my lunch so that I can eat dinner before I go out. I am at work in the morning but will be back tomorrow afternoon. Cheers all, Cate

Well, I found my way back! (I think) For someone who uses computers everyday (accounting) I am a real beginner here.
Anyway, day 2 is over & I am going strong! Haven't deviated at all. Big test when I did the grocery shopping - I didn't weaken & have my extra large Latte with treat. Then, I came home & made the lunches, with extra fresh bread, & didn't weaken! (Missing my milky tea & coffee - but it's not forever, right?)
WOOHOO!!!!!
Must drink more water though - really helps with the grumbling tummy, & the weight loss.
Will be interesting to see what the scales say tomorrow. I am trying not to weigh myself everyday this time because its too, too depressing if they say the wrong thing!!
I think this forum is going to be really helpful & fun - bit like a dear diary.
Anyway, better stop rabbiting on - might go to bed soon & have a read - its cold & I have to get up at 4.30 tomorrow (crazy, I know).
Bye for now

Hi Cate! Good to see that the program is still working for you and that you are still so focussed!! You will be at goal in NO TIME! Compared to what you have already achieved its really just a drop in the ocean! Probably only a few weeks before you have to reassess! WOW... (it will be quite a bit more than that for me!)... oh well!

Sad to hear that things continue to be painful with your work! It would be so great if you could find another job! Something that better suited your lifestyle and values in life! You have so much to offer! Don't squander it on people who are not interested....

Thanks so much for your continued support! You're a star! I think this forum would've died if you weren't here constantly to keep it going!

Blessya
Kannadew

Oh and "Trying again" have you thought about creating your own diary and telling us a bit about yourself and your daily struggles etc... then we can visit you and offer support... like we do here in Cate's diary.... You just have to click on the "orange new thread" button under the search box on the main page and you should be able to start a new diary from there. I look forward to reading it! Cheers!

Kannadew, I know that you are right & I should not waste my energy & time on those who do not appreciate it. My thinking cap is always on. Thank you for being so positive & kind. I wish I could be more up-front & confident in my own abilities. I'm slowly getting there. I know that I am a caring person & I just love people & especially being able to help others. I will find my path soon I hope. I do feel that I should stay here but as you probably know I 'visit' you often (most days). Thanks for your visit, both in my diary & making the effort to come see me here in Tassie. It was an absolute joy & pleasure having you here, xoxo Cate.
I had another delightful trip today, taking my new client to her doctor’s appointment. I really wish I could do more work just like this. I will keep pushing my case for similar work so that I am not forgotten and keep thinking of other work possibilities.
Next week I will be going to the information session for the volunteer tutoring course & will also start Tribal Belly Dancing classes. Both will be fun!! No income, sheer fun!
I weighed another .5kg less this morning so 5.5kgs down, 2 to go to get to my lowest Cohen’s weight.
I am going to post quickly tonight & get back into my recliner chair in front of the fire. Brrr it’s very cold today- only 13o maximum.
Cheers for now, Cate.

Cate,
Tribal Belly Dancing - what a woman! Thanks also for your encouragement - every little bit helps.
I don't know what is more exciting, that I have lost 1.5kg already, or that I think I am starting to get the hang of this forum (Well, OK, 1.5kg wins)
Kannadew, thank you too for your encouragement & I will try to set up diary as you suggested.
It will also fill more time so I don't think about how much I want a Latte!!!!!!!!
Seriously though, it really is a fantastic program & with all this support, I know we can all achieve our goals.
Till next time

Trying again-
We all support one another. I would have been lost without the support I got last year on the program! It's a 2 way thing, that's for sure. Cheers, Cate.
Weighed the same this morning which is ok, of course. Feeling pretty good about it. I feel so much better being back in this weight range! It's not just a mental thing either.
I decided this morning to re-arrange my living room where the computer desk is to go, even though they said it probably won't be delivered for a few weeks. I have been sorting everything out & putting a lot away in the hall cupboard. I also re-arranged a large, antique cupboard that lives in the living room & given it a big tidy up & am able to store a lot of my paperwork in that. I had stuff everywhere at one stage & it was a big mess! Just as my LH & I moved the dining table along, leaving a large space with cords everywhere the phone rang & it was the furniture company to ask if I minded them delivering it tomorrow. How's that for ESP? I'm ready for it & it's all tidy.
My LH is starting to make funny comments about me getting skinny & he's obviously worried about me getting obsessed & losing what he thinks is too much. He thinks I look just right as I am. I guess he is used to seeing me fat for so long (& loving me anyway!)
I'll head for a look about in the new & other diaries etc now, cheers, Cate.

Had a wonderful night's sleep last night but knew the scales would not be kind as I was so constipated. Up .5kg. Now this would have happened last year on a regular basis (no pun intended) when I was on the program for 6 months but I would not have been as aware of the immediate effects & that was a good thing. Putting any weight on would have been disheartening whereas I know that weight must come off when I am sticking to the program 100% so I am not bothered.
Typing that reminds me I must start a new 'off the topic' thread. Has anyone been watching the Catherine Tait show. I find I'm using her sayings, sometimes out loud but usually in my head in certain situations, especially with my "Clayton's job". You know, the job you have when you don't really have a job. Don't worry.....I'm laughing about it!
Cheese=poison for me. I love it but it has the same effect every time I have it so is just not worth it!
The joy (one of the joys) of this program is how we become more attuned to our bodies. I am learning what is good for me & what is not.
I know that milk is not for me, mainly because I feel nauseous thinking about having it.
Bread does not taste delicious like it used to so what's the point? Mere convenience that's all & often just about the only choice when you're out.
Kannadew- I just love you being back in here. I hope you stick around mate as we need you! I'm going to go start this new thread before I get tossed out by Telstra, cheers, Cate

I just popped back in to say I probably won't be in here over the week-end as I will be in supporting my husband & older son at the State 8-ball try-outs. I also get out & about walking but I like to drive them in & home as it's a very tiring week-end. Sounds funny to those who don't see 8-ball played at that level but it requires a lot of concentration, about 30 games each & no breaks as such. I love watching 8-ball, especially at state & national level. Our YS really hopes his brother makes the state side this year. They have played together many times at top level but not for many years.
No-one's about tonight so I will head. Have a good week-end everyone, cheers, cate

Yesterday I spent the day in Launceston. We left at 7.45am & got home at 1.15am this morning. It was decided half way through the day that the 8-ball would be played out on the day, rather than go back today & finish it off. This seemed like an excellent decision as things were going along fast & smoothly. When it all ‘finished’ it was found that 3 people were on equal points for the 16th place so they had to play off for that position. My husband was one of them! Our OS made the cut easily but my poor LH played & played & eventually won the place outright at about 12.30 this morning. Talk about tired!
So now they both go back in a bout a month for yet another week-end of 8-ball in the top 25 to try to qualify for the Tasmanian team to play at the nationals. They both, obviously, love their 8-ball. Our YS is already in the team. My husband looks at it as being excellent practice & would love to qualify as a Masters rep at the nationals. He has very stiff competition this year though as a lot of the older players have stepped up in the last couple of years, both in age & in skill.
Yesterday I weighed goal-weight(GW) +2.5kg. On Friday night I had corned beef with a stir-fry (not 100%), followed by some yoghurt & fruit. I have been absolutely ravenous for a couple of days. This happened at exactly the weight I am now last time. I had 2 eggs, mushroom & tomato on crackers for breakfast yesterday, ate Chinese for lunch & had yoghurt & apple last night, plus crackers. I drank extra coffee to normal.
This morning I weighed the same again. I am not going to stick to the program weighing today & will go back tomorrow 100%. This was not a conscious decision I made, but probably was in the back of my mind as a possible strategy. I made sandwiches for my husband & son but did not have any myself. I think bread is a no/no for me.
We are so tired we did not wake until 9.15 & are still in our dressing-gowns at 11.30! I had better go have a shower & get dressed. What if we have visitors?
I did not get much sleep on Friday night as I spent most of the night getting my PJ’s in a twist because my desk does not fit & is way too small for my needs. I was mentally re-arranging furniture all night! This morning I told my husband that I think it has to go back so I have shoved a table in the corner with my computer on it & will ring first thing tomorrow. We’ll probably have to borrow our son’s ute & take it back ourselves but that’s ok. We’ll do it tomorrow. I think I knew it wouldn’t be right but was so sick of looking at desks & hoped it would be right but really wishing something does not make it right. I’m fed up with making wrong shopping decisions. Cate, near enough is NEVER good enough.
After typing that I realise this also applies to weight!~
OK better go copy & paste, cheers for now, Cate

Well, after 3 days of non-100% Cohen's I'm GW+3kgs, so 3kgs minimum to go.
Once you deviate it's hard to re-commit so I'm getting straight back on that wagon!
We took the desk back yesterday & got a refund, without any hassle at all. On the way home we(I) decided that we would have lunch out so went to a really nice pub in Devonport & had a counter meal. I had a pasta dish which was delicious but far from Cohen's friendly. This is not going to be a post-Cohen's choice ever again as I did not enjoy the fact that it was predominantly Carbohydrate, miniscule vegetables. The garlic prawn aspect of it was yummy but not a good choice overall. We enjoyed the eating out part though even though it is costly. We had 2 glasses of red wine each as well. I honestly don't know how people can afford to eat out on a regular basis.
We also looked in another furniture shop where we saw a beautiful desk that would be just the right size. I made the decision to make do with what I have. I am going to see how I go with the satellite broadband that is being put in next Monday. If I can make do with my laptop I will make do without a desk for a while longer. I would prefer to ear-mark our money for an overseas trip, hopefully next year.
It has poured with rain the last couple of days. We had wild thunderstorms during the night so I decided to cancel the alarm & sleep in, assuming bush-walking would be cancelled.
It's almost 11am & the sun has come out & it's a beautiful looking day. My LH has gone to his golf. I had also thought it's probably not a good idea to go on a long, reasonably hard walk while going back 1st day on 100% Cohen's. Instead I'm doing some housework & typing in here.
I deleted my new thread about movies, books etc as no-one seemed to be interested.
Tribal belly dancing classes have been cancelled which is a little disappointing. I guess most people don't want to go out in the cold on a Winter's night.
Better go before I'm 'thrown out' again, cheers, Cate. Looking forward to Broadband!

Back on Cohen's 100% yesterday, down 1kg today(GW+2kgs) so am focussed now on dropping at least a couple more kilos.
I went to the information session for the volunteer tutoring course & it is quite different to what I imagined. It is no longer teaching English to migrants or refugees. The course has been changed & is now geared towards employability. A lot of the clients would be there because Centrelink require it. I decided on the drive home that I would be better off devoting my time to something like the Aged Care course that would help me be more employable. I want to work at least part-time for another 5-10 years if I can.
I am a little annoyed with some-one(not In) who has been spruiking for another forum. It's hard enough to get anyone in here to stick about but it does not help us & I'm sure other forums do not need extra members. We can all Google whatever is out there. I personally type in a few forums but not as often(of course) as I do here. I wouldn't get any sleep if I did! There are some (Kannadew esp.) who are regular contributors here & elsewhere & provide wonderful support & encouragement. I think spruiking for other forums is a form of spamming. Why don't people pm others if they really think some-one is not getting the proper support here?
Enough 'bitching' from me. Sorry about that but it's one of my pet 'dislikes.' I don't use the word hate as I don't hate anything. It's a nasty word.
It is so cold in Tassie at the moment. The mountains are covered in snow. They look an absolute picture, especially seen from inside in front of the fire!
I bought some files to go in the new filing cabinet so I now have a major job ahead of me, sorting out all our paperwork & labelling all the files. I must be mad but that sounds like fun to me.
I bought a new black Snowgum jacket today. I don't think I could survive Winter without bush-walking clothes. I must curtail my shopping now until I become more gainfully employed. I did get 40% off the jacket though which was good.
My LH wants to get online & check his football team (Aurion comp) so I had better dis-connect/re-connect for him. Come on broadband, cheers, Cate

Hi Cate, good on you for getting back on 100% and for being so close to goal. I totally agree with you about the "others" spruiking. The funny thing is is that all the ones who started the other forum got all their support here on this forum when they were completing the program themselves, but I guess they like to be the lord and master of the forum. I sometimes check in the other forum too, but find that some of their moderators are a bit "big brotherish". Don't say this, don't say that, don't dare mention refeed, some of the clinics closed, don't talk about it etc. I would much rather be allowed to say as I please without the threat of being kicked off the forum. Maybe we should just start deleting the spruiking posts. Sorry that was my bitch too, its been annoying me for a while but I didn't want to sound like a B, so I am really glad I was not the only one it was bugging!!
Anyway, snow must be lovely. We don't get any snow here in Sydney and my poor children have never seen snow. Coming from Scottish parents that is a bit sad for me.
Sorry to barge in on your diary with my whinging.
Take care
Beck