Van rebuild is going well

I am almost finished my rebuild of the front section of my van, and I am actually pleasantly surprised at my DIY skills... It is looking really good.... Not sure using my living room as a workshop is the best idea.....but it does mean that it is now getting a regular vacuum! Will post photos when it is all finished.

What were they thinking!

So....anyway....one of my experiences last week was certainly an interesting one, and I am so glad they don't have security cameras in changing rooms...WELL LET'S BLOODY HOPE NOT ANYWAY! So as one is shrinking in the "Ass" region, I am also shrinking in the "Boob" region....and while most women would be really bummed about that....I am quite excited about that prospect. As I have always been more an admirer of the "pert and perfect", than the "hang low, more than a handful" kind. So anyway this led me to a visit to farmers and I decided to have a try of their "triathlon" range. As I gathered this would be the most obvious choice. Well.....oh my god! It was frustrating, hilarious, slightly frightening (was I ever going to get back out again!) and also praying I would not need to ask for assistance! What were they thinking when they designed these, and why are they making these "straightjackets for boobs" for larger sizes....when the only way you would have a hope of managing them would be if you were bendy like a yoga instructor or have a past job as a contortionist, and thin like "Twiggy" the model not the "Twigster".

The Twigster is BACK IN FORM!

Monday was an awesome workout :) I worked a full day and had a meeting and didn't make it to the gym until 5:15.....but then I managed to get it together and do the entire distances for the Upper Hutt Triathlon (I did the 300mtrs for the swim as an extra Treadmill Run.....but the swim is my best discipline anyway...so I am not worried about practicing that at the same time) and I go for at least two swims a week. So I managed to do 4.3kms on the treadmill with an incline to simulate uneven terrain, and I ran intervals of this and then walked at 6km p.h for the rest of it. Then I did the entire 18kms on the Stationary cycle (ouchy on the ass!) The whole lot took me bloody ages - I hope they still have Marshalls out and have not pulled down the finish line by the time I finish on the actual event day! So 1 Hour 47 this time....but from experience I can shave at least 20mins off the cycle when on a real road bike, as 10km on the exercycle takes me 28 mins, but out in the real world that usually takes me under 20 minutes. So watch this space... If you would like to really make this journey beneficial for others as well.....please visit my Fundraising Page and sponsor my series of triathlons. Thanks for checking in! http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/TheTwigster

Wow - what did I used to do with my time!

I am finding with this new found "LIFE" and "ENERGY" that I get so much done....no more couch potato habits for me! So - check this out.....this is what I got through last weekend - I can't believe it myself! Saturday - 45 minutes swimming, 1.5 hour walk around hills of Island Bay/Houghton Bay, Lunch at the Library, Browse through Library, Went to a great bookshop in the city, Home & More coffee, Repaired a First Aid Kit Bag, and Put away and Organised all of my clothes etc. Sunday - 40 minutes swimming, met one of the April Loses It Challenge Ladies (Caroline) for coffee and a quick walk to the market, Shopped for lovely fresh fruit and veges at the market, Went out with neighbour to garden centre (had lunch), started the remodel of my Van (Kermit), did washing, cleaned house, made a huge crockpot of soup, and did lots of little chores that had not been done for ages! Now this probably all sounds like an average weekend for most of you I am sure....but my weekends used to consist of sitting in front of TV and marking and very little else. So yahooo me!

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These guys were fabulous in saving my Van, and rescuing me from the side of the road on Sunday, they have gone the extra mile on more than one occassion for me and my van. For that they deserve a special recommendation.

BORN AGAIN VAN!

Yahooo!. A speedy recovery, and she is back on the road. And only $350... much better than the $1,000 or $5,000 I was expecting for bigger repairs or replacement. The guys at Car Tech Island Bay are awesome! So nice to know that she will live to ride a few more road trips! I have great plans for my little "Kermit" So now I can continue with my new plans for the remodel, now that she still seems to have some life left in her. And seem as the seat has now been removed.....not much more to do than build and paint a box frame for the tent storage.

Just about created my own Motorway Nightmare

Good things today: Breaking down with steam billowing out of my Van. (good because yesterday I was out on a call out in Johnsonville, so that would have sucked to smoke it out on the Motorway. Luckily I was about 6 blocks from home (Outside Hanson Court Flats) when it started overheating, just as I was turning off a major arterial route. So that was lucky. Was steaming so much I thought it was on fire, so got the fire extinguisher ready just in case. Luckily it didn't go that far, although a fire may have been a better end to its misery. A really nice Car Tech Island Bay mechanic came out on his day off to rescue me, and we managed to drive it back to the garage, still boils its ass off though. So I guess on a positive note, now my van has an inbuilt kettle for making a cup of coffee! So back to the shop it goes. Might have actually cooked it this time though, so it might be terminal. Praying the Van Doctor can fix her up. As I def can't afford another vehicle. Only just finished paying that $800 bill from the last repair last week. Due to major repairs looming, I decided to take the one remaining rear seat out, so that the engine is easier to get to on Monday. So that was a job I had been intending to do anyway, and while doing so I came up with a new design for tent storage... so if she survives, I hope to modify the camper interior before xmas. Very easy remodel. I also managed to go for a swim at Kilbirnie and drop off my due library books in the city before the Van smoked its ass, so there were def worse places it could have died.

Bad things today: Breaking down after having just finishing paying the last $800 bill on my van. Just paid for another 6 months registration, so if she dies, that is a waste of money. I also just gassed her up. Did my budget yesterday to work out my xmas holidays and to make sure I had enough savings for my October holidays, guess that's all poo now. I also finally decided to replace my car stereo a week ago, as the speakers were shot. So that could also be a pain, as if I need to change the car, then I will have to pay for a de-install re-install of the stereo and speakers, also the loud music playing in the car may have contributed to me not hearing the water boiling over, and only knowing things were turning to custard when the smoke started pouring out the front, and the temp gage maxed out. I felt that as I had paid for a major repair just recently that it was a good time to replace the stereo, as I had hoped I would have some good running out of her for a while. Seems that was bad timing. Looks like its back to Mr Bank on Monday, see if they can spot me a few bucks.....or a few more! If it really is terminal. I was actually finally making headway through my debt and even have $50 savings (which is a miracle for me) - looks like that will go on the rescue call out. When I took the other rear seat out I snapped the plastic surrounding (impatient and frustrated while trying to get it out!). But chances are if she is a goner....the seats are really not going to make any difference, and there is always glue!! Anyway...... It's just a Van......I live in Wellington where transport is good. (At least I don't live in Auckland) I have two bikes that I can use for transport. And at the very worst, I will get fitter by not having the Van if it dies completely. Shame about the hard work on the camper building though. As I have spend hours building her. And she was just looking good for xmas. So the glass is still half full :) I also managed to get in two good swims and a 2 hour walk this weekend (quite a few good hills). "Always look on the bright side of life, do do, do do do do do do......"

Back at the Gym today - yahoooo!

It was fabulous to be back at the gym today, I missed it! Who would have ever thought that would happen. Anyway, I decided not to be too crazy with my effort today, as I do want to progressively improve this time, and avoid any further injury. Things feel a little strange still, but I think I just need to get on with it, keep building muscle strength and things will sort itself out in time. I never really thought about the changing feelings to joints as I reduced the load on them, and I am sure that is what it is. The check by the GP reassured that I was in fine health and I should not be concerned. So I just 10kms on the bike and 1 on the treadmill tonight...but I got home and was feeling great. So will pick it up a little more tomorrow. The really kind Napier Police Recruitment officer called today, and we had a good chat about the police and different districts. It is preferred that people recruit into an area where they have an invested interest and family and some connection to the area. So I have decided I am going to go for Gisborne. It seems like the most obvious choice, I loved my time there when I was teaching at Campion, I have loads of friends there and family, it meets my needs for sports, recreation, music and hobbies. And lets face it....Gissy town ROCKS. It would certainly be good to be closer to Ma & Pa and be able to help out a little more if they ever need it. They seem to be quite independent at the moment with all of their campervan adventures, but it would be nice to have a family member nearby if they ever do need a hand. Also its so much closer to Lynn, Harry & Adrian. Also as far as policing goes, if I make the grade it makes sense to police in an area that you have a good knowledge of. Also it will probably be quite a diverse working experience due to its isolation, and lets face it......I always choose to holiday there anyway! And so many of my high school buddies are starting to come home to Gissy and are raising their families there. Well that's all for now....thanks for checking in.

Crime scene update...

Well, the deceased was a well-hung Male Rat, rigor mortis was already set in, which would indicate that Smooch had spent some time playing with Mr Rat, before bringing him home to place in his "pantry" (under the spare bed). Apologies to the rest of Mr Rats Family from the park across the road. I hope you are enjoying the better weather today which should see you all safe in your holes.

The case of the disappearing Ass

I am pleased to announce that I have finally taken on board the feedback from my friends about my "Fat Jeans". I will endeavor to wear some more fitting clothes as I slowly shrink. However....now and then when needing inspiration....I might be inclined to put those jeans on, as they are kind of my BADGE OF HONOR, and they remind me of how well I have done so far. I have gone so far as to buy a belt that I can wear with them though, so I can at least stop wearing them like the boys do.....low riding. As even I have to admit they did look pretty silly without the belt (looked like they were missing something) oh yeah....that's right....they were missing something ... MY ASS. Well from the case of the disappearing Ass, I now must rush off and sort out the crime scene in my house. Smooch just bought his latest kill in and placed it under the spare bed. I think he has decided that as a CAT he should have certain house entitlements and have his very own pantry in which he can store some food for later. I am glad I filled up most of under the bed with the old mattress from my Van, as at least his pantry is not as big as it once was. Big bonus this time is that he has actually bothered to kill it first (well it looked quite limp, hopefully not playing dead). I usually have to wait a few days for him to catch them again before we get to the crime scene stage. Praying for some more sunny weather so the RATS stay in their holes.....as every time it rains, I end up with RAT takeaways being left abandoned in the house by smooch. He is sitting staring at me OH SO PROUD right now. No "Who Done It" in this case. Night for now. And I am so praying it really was dead.....Wish me luck for the removal of the evidence. UGGGGHHHH! I am just having a horrible thought......I wonder how many more are under there, that I haven't seen him bring in.....YUCK! Night everyone, have a fabulous week.

Oh what a difference 14kgs makes!

Wow - great shopping expedition today! I actually had to take a few second looks in the mirror! I did the op-shop circuit today (9 of them in my area) and bought some great bargains, and some of them were even size 14 & 16. Also a friend rescued some nice jeans from a friend of hers (apparently they were about to go in the clothing recycling bin) and I thought I would never get a size 16 on, let alone done up. Especially as I started this journey as a 20-22. I am so close to being comfy in the 16s...I did actually get them done up! I think once I get to 75kgs...I'll be there for sure. And then it won't be much longer before I can try the 14s she gave me as well. Its great to have such generous friends. As changing shape could be expensive if it wasn't for good friends and op shops! Just the underwear that I have to pay full dollar for! Even I have my limits!
So weigh in today was 79.1kgs - so I feel that is a pretty comfy escape from the 80s now that I hope not to see that 8 in front of the scale reading ever again. Go the 70s....
I also bought some nicer underwear, go "thunderpants" man they are just awesome! And so funky! I can highly recommend them (thanks Lynn and Sue for your recommendation of them)....and I also supplemented with some nice colourful Bonds (thunderwear is a bit expensive to do my whole wardrobe). So I have now lost 14kgs in 15 weeks - so almost at my goal of 1kg a week. Yahooo! So if you need a little inspiration along the way.....clean out that underwear drawer and also hit those op shops for some bargains (outer wear only!)

http://www.thunderwear.co.nz/go/home/index.cfm

Give a little

Click the title above for the link to the fundraising page for the Cancer Society and Child Cancer Foundation.

Fundraising Mission for the Cancer Society and Child Cancer Foundation

As part of my journey from Fat to Fit in 18 months (started on 29th May 2011) I have signed up for four triathlons, enrolled in the April Loses it Challenge and I am also working towards passing the NZ Police Fitness Appraisal Tests before I am 40 (By 22nd Sept 2012).

I'll do all the hard work; train for and complete in these four triathlon events as part of my journey from Fat to Fit but I really need your help to make a difference to my charities.

I have chosen the Cancer Society & Child Cancer Foundation as my charities of choice, as I have over the years:

Worked in the Child Cancer Ward in Wellington.

Unfortunately had to attend the funeral of a colleagues young child in 2005.

I am currently supporting and following a friends journey as she fights for her precious boy. He is one of the poster boys and Stars on the latest video advertisement for Child Cancer.

Cancer has affected many of my friends and family over the last few years and seems to really have exploded just lately and it has been quite an intense few years with multiple diagnosis of friends and family as well as the very sad passing of 5 very Special People.
My Goal is $6,000 which is $1,000 for each triathlon, and $1,000 for each of my other goals, April Loses It and Police Fit by 40.
however.....as you know these are both great charities, so the more the merrier.....If you find another challenge you want to add to my list.....then drop me a line on my blog, and lets see if we can all work together to go past my first fundraising target.

Event Details -
6th November: Hutt City Triathlon 4km run 18km bike 300mtr swim 8:00AM

27th November: Bloke Free Triathlon (Napier) 300mtr swim, 10km Bike, 3km Run.

1st December 2011 - Final Weigh in for the April Loses it Challenge that I am also taking part in as part of my journey.

10th of March 2012: Contact Tri Series 3:9:3 - 9:00AM Wellington City 300mtr ocean swim, 9km Bike, 3km run.

17th of March 2012: Contact Tri Woman Series Triathlon - 8:00AM Eastbourne, Wellington. 300mtr Ocean Swim, 10km Bike, 3km Run.

To all my fab friends and family that have been affected by Cancer, and are still fighting the battle. Every Step I Take - I do it for you! Yes....I had to add a little bit of Sting in there to finish. Go the shrinking waistline!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO THESE TWO WONDERFUL CHARITIES. http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/TheTwigster

Better post something before my two followers lose interest :)

Hi ya, well I guess I have not been very active on here as I have not been very active out of here either. The alignment is still causing a few hassles, I am starting to think that it might actually be shrinking pains - its a new clinical diagnosis I am coming up with and I am going with it until I am told otherwise. I am seeking real medical support on Friday, where I am going to catch up with my fab GP just for a general check in. As there are bound to be a few glitches along the way as I transition from FAT to FAB! So I am thinking my knees are just kind of all a bit "weightless" and complaining about not carrying the extra 13kgs I have been inflicting on them for the last 20 years. I went for quite a few spas last week as my form of rehab, and they definitely helped, and on Sunday I went for a real 45 minute swim and it felt really good. I went back to the gym on Monday and did a really light workout, but made sure I added 10mins of bike and 10mins of treadmill to try and get those muscles working again. Was ok, and I think overall I have seen an improvement today.
Had a strange day at work today - its like the universe was trying to tell me that even teaching can have "better work stories" just like the cops do.

I started my day with helping a student that has been showing some distress and was starting to demonstrate some unhealthy coping strategies to anxiety. And by being really mindful of where she was at, she had a great lesson and seemed a lot more at ease.

Then at lunchtime as I was putting up some notices I was notified of a fight by some students, so I ran down the stairs right in to the middle of it and shouted at them in a very loud and powerful voice, and they separated immediately. Then I ordered one to go to L5 and the other to follow me.....And to my surprise they obeyed!

Then I finally made it to lunch and as I was heating my soup (nice and healthy) I noticed one of our staff having a bit of trouble, looking a bit shaky and clammy, barely able to hold his cup and plate, so then I organised him to head to his office where his GP was called and an appointment was made and then I made sure he rested and re-hydrated with some water before he left for his appointment.

Oh and to finish my interesting day, I picked up a Trade Me Purchase I had made which was an old First Aid Cabinet, and wow, what a bargain, it was full of medical supplies, all unopened and in great condition. So that was awesome as on the weekend I picked up a St John Emergency First Aid Bag from a second hand shop, so now I have the most awesome Emergency Kit ever! and all for $25.

Well that will have to do for now as I have not grabbed my charger and my battery is about to die.

Will post more later this week when I have done some more workouts and know more about my progress. Very close now to getting into the 70kgs ZONE, just about 200 gms to go before I leave the 80s behind!!

I can't wait.

Oh and by the way...the Cop "work stories" still trump the school "work stories" but it was nice to feel a bit more useful today. And it was certainly a diverse day, with being a pseudo cop, nurse and mental health worker all in an hour!