Day 270 and Stashbusting

Woke up this morning with the same problem in the heel. I think I may have bruised it so had today off from the gym and it's closed tomorrow. So 15 minutes of squats, lunges and sit ups this morning and the same again tonight.

As it's the last day of the year my final stash report.

Fabric used this week 1 metre
Fabric used this year 39 1/2 metres.

I am gong to keep counting next year but will also record my purchases. Goal is to buy 10% less than I use. I had better get started sewing straight away as I ordered 9 1/2 yards as an end of year present to myself today.

I had hoped to have a top finished by today. Found the fabric I had purchased for the narrow border but couldn't find the final border fabric. Guess what I will be doing this weekend.

Day 269

I woke up this morning and the minute I put my right heel down I knew I was n trouble. Shooting pain up the leg. It has happened before but usually comes good quite quickly. I was not so lucky this morning though. So warm up was on the dreaded bike. I then did 30 minutes of weights. I needed to be selective in what I did so I wasn't putting pressure on my heel. Finally came good about 10:30am. One day I must make the time to see a doctor about it.

This afternoon when I got home I discovered the pink frangapani had finally started to bloom. The white one has been out for a coupe of weeks already. Finally starting to feel like summer.

Day 268

Back at work today. I was going to hit the gym this morning but the lure of the finale of Survivor meant I didn't get to bed till very late. So gym this afternoon to again do 3.14kms in 35 minutes. I did burn more calories however as I upped the hills.

Day 267

I did the maths today and realised I had exercised for 267 days straight. Yeah me. Less than a 100 days to go to reach my goal.

A quick 35 minute workout on the treadmill this morning to travel 3.14kms in 35 minutes.

Design Wall Monday

Not a lot happening on the sewing front this week. I did finish one block from the Xmas quilt. Takes me to 7 of 36. Hopefully will not take me another 29 weeks to get it done.

Here's a photo of Cleo after she had finished her crab last night. She could barely move but was one contented cat.

Ally does not usually sat still long enough for a photo but I managed to snap this one earlier today.

Exercise is still happening. The last couple of weeks it has been out of the gym. This morning I hit the treadmill for 35 minutes and managed 3.11 kms.

Using the stash and Cleo

Stash report for this week stays exactly the same. Work and partying were both extreme so nothing done.

Fabric used to date 38 1/2 metres.


I have big plans for the last week of the year however and really hope to get to 50 metres. It involves using most of this bundle-

Even Cleo is tired and couldn't be bothered getting out of her carrier last night.

She will however move quickly when she works out there is crab for dinner tonight!

A late design wall Monday and some Xmas inspiration

Sewing very light on the ground this last week - not even one block completed.

we did however have fun at work with the Xmas decorations this year. Our theme was frosty.
 
Mine was very conservative.

Snowmen were popular.

 

No space was sacred.

This area had a lovely Xmas tree

and even a fireplace!

Using the stash and the circle game

A little bit of sewing has gone on this week. With the public holidays coming up I hope to use at least another 10 metres before the end of the year and have another top finished.

To the report then:

Fabric used   3/4 metres
Fabric used to date 38 1/2 metres.


Some of the sewing I have done this week is on the BOM from Amitie called the Circle Game. It's challenging piecing and this block still has a way to go. forgive the wonkiness it hasn't been pressed yet.

Using the stash, Design Wall Monday and exercise

Stash utilisation has not changed at all this week. Oh well..

I did make another block for the Xmas quilt. My incentive to show progress each week forced me to get one done!

Exercise has continued. Some days have been hard to fit it in but so far so good.

I also bought myself a Xmas present. Lots of my friends have raved about their Kindle so I will have one in the new year as well. For the moment I will have to make do with this gorgeous cover.

Design Wall Monday

I didn't post last week but as promised the progress I made on the Xmas quilt.

This week I managed another two blocks.

Posting each week will mean I finish this project as it has motivated me to sew - even if it is only a block a week.


I also have started a new hexagon block - changes after this - progress shots in the weeks  to come.

I managed an early morning session in the gym this morning. Work is horrendous so getting it done first up is good.

The only other news of note is that 4 months after dropping the weight bench on my foot my nail finally came off - I know more information than you require.

Oh and the friands from yesterday - all gone.

Using the stash, 365 days of exercise and some baking

A little bit happening on the sewing front in the last fortnight but reality has hit and there is no way I will make the goal of using 100 metres this year. To the report then

A little bit of sewing going on this week so some fabric used.

Fabric used  2  3/4 metres
Fabric used to date 37 3/4 metres.

Exercise continues and although it has been a struggle on some days I have managed 30 minutes every day.

This year was supposed to be the year I learnt to cook. That hasn't happened. I did try something new today. Raspberry and Almond friands - not perfect but not too bad.

Design Wall Monday

A constant of design Wall Monday has been a never ending steam of projects started with no finishes. Enough! From now on you will see a top however many times it takes for me to complete. First up an Xmas quilt. I've changed my mind on fabrics since last Monday and am now going for a much more contemporary feel.

Any guesses how many Mondays you will see this for.

Gym this morning was 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.89kms. A mini goal is to go 3kms in 30 minutes by the end of January. If I did it all flat would be no problems but I must include hills.

Using the stash and this and that

A little bit of sewing going on this week so some fabric used.

Fabric used  1 3/4 metres
Fabric used to date 35 metres.

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.


Went and looked at another house yesterday. Ticked lots of our boxes. The downsides were a pool - which I would like in a way except for the work involved - and no grass in in the backyard for the animals.

I think it will sell for close to the million mark which is more than we want to pay.


Exercise continues. I have been pushing myself with my cardio. Everyone in the gym tells me I must be working hard as my face gets so red!

Design wall Monday, Using the Stash and this and that.

Another new project started. I think I have left my run a bit late for Xmas this year but would like to have the top at least finished by Xmas day.

Fabric usage this week has all been in actual projects so feeling kinda good.

To the report then:-

Fabric used  2 1/4 metres
Fabric used to date 33 1/4 metres.

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.


I succumbed and bought this pattern - when I eventually get around to it it will be good for some stash usage I'm sure.

 

I also saw Robin Williams on Thursday night - wonderful.

Today is day 224  and I'm still on track for 365 days of exercise in a row. Even if I say it myself I'm awesome.

Using the stash and this and that

A little bit of sewing this week and a little more culling of fabric as well. It's going to be a long slow process this getting ready to move but it has to be done.

To the report then:-

Fabric used  3 1/2 metres
Fabric used to date 31 metres.

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.


To start to get an idea of the market we are going to look at a house each week to try and get a feel for when we are ready to buy. This is the house we saw yesterday.

Not bad but a very dated bathroom and the garage and backyard needed lots of work. The agent is quoting the $900,000.00 mark but I think it may go for a little less.

Charlie doesn't seem too impressed!



Exercise has been good this week. I thought it was time for a photo. So here's me at the beginning

and today. Changes are slight but happening. No idea why my eyes are closed but there you have it.

Using the stash and days 206 to 210

The stash report is quite good this week. I wish it was because I had been sewing but alas not the reason. Most of the usage is fabric given away to various charities. Why you ask. Well Laurie and I have been together for 19 years and have finally decided to take the plunge and move in together. The next 6 months will be spent with both of us downsizing in preparation for the move. A big task but must be done.

To the report then:-

Fabric used 41/4 metres
Fabric used to date 27 1/2 metres.

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.

The gym has been good this week.

Wednesday was not in the gym. Work constraints meant I need to walk late at night. A nice walk around our neighbourhood and I push myself to go a little further each time.

Thursday morning and an early morning session with Dave. Lots of sweat involved but not as much as in the Friday evening session with Tamera.

Saturday morning and a snappy 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.85kms.

Lastly this morning a 30 minutes weights session by myself. I am seeing tangible progress that I am getting stronger - if only the weight would start to move.

Design Wall Monday and days 203 and 204

Like the White Rabbit said I'm late again this week.


So what's on my design wall. The start of a new quilt I'm making in a class with Sue Ross. Progress will be slow!

Monday was treadmill day and I really struggled. 2.61kms in 30 minutes. The remnants of the cold are still with me. This morning was a weights session. Did OK.

Using the stash and days 198 to 202

Not a lot happening here this week which is reflected below.

To the report then:-

Fabric used 1/4 metres
Fabric used to date 23 1/4 metres.

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.

Wednesday was a lunchtime session with Dave.As usual he pushed me hard and that of course is what I pay him to.

Thursday morning and an early morning session on the treadmill. 2.85 kms in 30 minutes. My best result in weeks.

Friday and an evening session with Tamera. She pushes me to limits I would never have thought possible. At the moment she's teaching me lunges. Started off very badly a couple of weeks ago but can already see progress.

Saturday morning and a quick treadmill session for 2.65 kms in 30 minutes.

Today was weights day and 30 minutes of strenuous lifting.

Design wall Monday on a Tuesday and days 196 and 197

On Sunday I talked about the need to simplify sometimes. Well the weekend was revelation day for our annual Kamberra challenge. I tried something in the style of Jane Brocket. Not entirely happy with the result but I think I am heading in the right direction.

Click here to see what everyone else did.

Monday seems to be my bad work day at the moment. I did not make the gym but had time for a brisk 30 minute around the streets late at night. Today was weights and in startling news I am starting to enjoy the modified push ups I an doing.

Using the stash and days 189 to 195

I own an obscene amount of fabric I know so why did I buy this.

The primary reason is because it's lovely. However I also hope it will serve as a reminder that complicated doesn't always mean better. Don't get me wrong I love making what I do but I am often guilty of over thinking things. Sometimes I need to just enjoy using beautiful fabric in a simple design and get the satisfaction of a completed article.

Sorry about the quality of the photo but it was a glorious spring day with lots of sun.

To the report then:-

Fabric used 3/4 metres
Fabric used to date 23 metres.

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.

On the exercise front I am almost back to normal. It's about time to start tracking progress again and get into some hard work.

Using the stash and days 183 to 188

The best week for fabric usage in ages for me. Nothing to show just yet. I have been sewing my challenge quilt. Revelation day is next Saturday. I will have a finished top to show next Monday.

To the report then:-

Fabric used 2 metres
Fabric used to date 22 1/4 metres.

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.

Has also been a good week on the exercise front. Tuesday was day 183 which marks my halfway point. I don't know if when I started I ever really believed I would get to this point but  make it I have. So what has been achieved in the last six months. A little weight loss but a whole lot more fitness. The chronic lower back pain I was suffering has been reduced so much I rarely need pain relief these days. A great change as I was taking Neurofen two to three times daily.

So what for the next 6 months. I now have two sessions a week with a personal trainer. Tamera is back and I like Dave so have decided to keep them both. They are going to plot together to see what forms of torture they can put me through. I have changed as I am really looking forward to seeing what they have planned.

Using the stash and days 176 to 182

I feel that the cold is finally just about gone. It has certainly knocked me around but I can see the light. The sewing has certainly been hindered by the cold but a little bit has been accomplished. No pictures though as nothing has really progressed.

To the stash then:-

Fabric used 1/4 metres
Fabric used to date 20 1/4 metres.


Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.


On the gym front several weight sessions and of course my old favourite the treadmill. Time to start pushing hard again especially with the cardio.

Day 181 was very nearly a miss though. I had packed my bag and arrived at the gym only to find two tops and no gym pants. I mucked around then for a couple of hours but finally motivated myself to get in a good cardio workout around the streets of Summerhill.

Design Wall Monday and day 175

On my design wall today is my first block in Amite's latest block of the month.

Looks are a little deceptive as I haven't sewn the centre seam yet but that won't take long. I am going to try to keep up to date with this unlike previous efforts. It's nice to have some challenging hand piecing again.

On the gym front an early morning session on the treadmill. For the first time in ages I did more than 3 km so must finally be getting better.

Using the stash and days 169 to 174

The cold is still hanging on but I think it should be gone in a couple of days. In other news my toe that was crushed several months ago produced fresh bruising this week. Guess that explains why it is still painful.

To the stash then:-

Fabric used 1 1/4 metres
Fabric used to date 20 metres.


Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres. I doubt I will achieve this but will keep plugging away.

The cold has meant the gym continues to be heavy going. Two weight sessions and four sessions on the treadmill.  I'm almost halfway through the year and confident this is a goal I can make.

The best news is we have had temperatures over 20 degrees for the last two days. I'm a summer girl at heart and while I know it will get cold again I can feel the end of winter finally.

Design Wall Monday and day 168

Back on the design wall today is my latest tessellation block. I'm pretty sure this is number 12 and I need to make 16. I feel like I can finally see the home stretch.

I also bought this great new book on the weekend. One of the best documentation books in a long time in my opinion.

The cover quilt solves my dilemma of what I am going to do with my 1/2" hexagons that I showed last week. Mind you I have only made one so obviously a long way to go.

I managed 1/2 hour on the treadmill tonight - it's done and that's all I can say.

Using the stash and days 162 to 167

Head cold is still hanging on. It's started to move to my chest so fingers crossed the beginning of the end.

The consequence of the cold is not a whole lot going on. Did manage to get some bits and pieces cut so at least there is some movement in the stash report.

Fabric used 1/2metre
Fabric used to date 18 3/4 metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.


One thing that hasn't been affected is my ability to hit the buy pattern. This little lot hit the mail box this week and there is still some more to come.

On the exercise front it is still very much a question of listening to my body and not exceeding its capabilities. Two weights session and the rest of the days on the treadmill have kept the run going. Almost halfway.

Design Wall Monday and day 161

It's Monday and again  my obsession with hexagons continues.

These are 1/2 " finished. I'm not sure where they will eventually end up but plan to make some more.

The cold is still with me but that didn't stop me hitting the gym this morning. Nothing like an early morning weights session to get the blood flowing. Have to say I'm exhausted now but I do feel slightly better.

Using the stash and days 154 to 160

I have a horrendous head cold so am pretty pleased I have been able to do any sewing at all. The stash report is not great but I have used some.

Fabric used 1/2metre
Fabric used to date 18 1/4 metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.

Spring has arrived and these flowers in the garden have certainly made me smile.

 On the exercise front I have managed the gym every day but that is all that can be said. My toe is still causing me enormous grief. I could show you a picture but won't as it is gruesome. Thursday night a horrendous head cold hit me. I still feel like death warmed up and it probably accounts for how tired I was feeling earlier in the week.

Every day but Saturday was the treadmill. I haven't kept records as I was was just happy to be able to do something.

Saturday was a session with Dave and even though I was sick he stilled pushed me hard. There is something satisfying about achieving more than you have been able to before.

I don't think I have mentioned before but I seem to have been adopted by the gym. In the beginning I felt it was the ultimate irony that a fat person could be invisible in the gym. That can't be said recently. It seems lots of people are taking an interest in me. I'm finding it quite weird.

And now to finish another pretty flower photo.

Design Wall Monday, Using the stash and days 148 to 154

One of my faults is I am somewhat of a perfectionist. I have made this hexagon twice.

 When I look at them side by side in a photo I have to wonder why. Neither are perfect but in the scheme of things both are fine. Something to remember the next time I am being critical of my own work.

A little more fabric used this week but still a long way to go to reach my goal for the year. I am getting close to a couple of finishes so borders and backings will get the total going up.

Fabric used 3/4 metre
Fabric used to date 17 3/4 metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres.


Tuesday morning in the gym for a weights session and I finally felt like I was getting through my slump.


Wednesday lunchtime was a session with Dave. He called it cardio weights. I called it hell. My heart rate was certainly pumping by the end.


Thursday and a new summer top for me. I tried it on in one size and it was too big for me! Down a size and I could probably have gone down another but I like loose tops in summer. What this showed me was despite the small weight loss so far my body shape is definitely changing.

Thursday afternoon and 35 minutes on the treadmill for 3.21kms. My toe is still causing me grief but I just have to push through the pain.


Friday afternoon after the wedding I hit the treadmill again.One of those days when it felt like I was about to die even though I wasn't doing anything out of the norm. 2.69 kms in 30 minutes.

Saturday morning was treadmill again and went alright. 2.85kms in 30 minutes.

Sunday morning I did the cardio weights session again. Lets just say I sweated a lot!

Monday night and 35 minutes on the treadmill for 3.35kms. I finally feel like I'm getting my mojo back.

Using the stash and says 141 to 47

Stash usage still pathetic this week - it sums up how I'm feeling. I know I sound like a broken record.

Fabric used 1/2 metre
Fabric used to date 17 metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres - will need to get moving.
 

Tuesday morning and it must be weights. 40 minutes of hard work

A lunch time session with Dave on Wednesday. I'm still in the doldrums but love that fact that he pushes me so hard.

Thursday morning and bright and early in the gym for 30 minutes on the treadmill. Must have been early as I have no idea how far I went.

Friday and I normally do the gym in the morning but I was sure I had a wedding in the afternoon. Not mine! As part of my job I am also a marriage celebrant. Not my favourite thing to do and I am expert at sending people off to a nicer place. Has my dates mixed up however - it's next Friday and apparently they are bringing 30 people. I'm brimming over with excitement - not. So 30 minutes on the treadmill in the early evening to travel 2.74kms.

Saturday was a make up session with Dave. Unbelievable how much I can sweat in 30 minutes.

Sunday and Monday were both treadmill days. Again I did not aket note of distance travelled. While I'm trying to get out of the doldrums just doing is enough.

Using the stash and days 134 to 140

Stash usage still pathetic this week - it sums up how I'm feeling.

Fabric used 1/4 metre
Fabric used to date 16 1/2 metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres - will need to get moving.

Tuesday morning and bright and early in the gym. I discovered I have hit the proverbial wall. Knew it would come but oh my it's a solid one. Felt like I was lifting weights through mud but completed the session none the less.

Wednesday lunchtime and a session with Dave. Still felt like I was lifting through mud but managed some new weights.

Thursday morning and 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.67kms. Not great but done.

Friday morning and it should have been weights but frankly I couldn't be bothered. So half an hour on the treadmill for 2.68kms.

Saturday is election day  here in Australia. I thought I would hit the gym first thing. 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.78kms.

Woke up Sunday morning and we have a hung parliament. Uncharted territory for us and whoever forms the government will need to play nice with the independents. Realistically I think we will  be voting again within a year. 40 minutes of weights in the gym to shake out the cobwebs. I then used the cross trainer  which I loathe. 2 minutes only but my heart rate did get to 150 in that time. I'm going to add it in and hopefully get better.

Monday night and late into the gym. 2.64kms and the wall was right in front of my face and I could not push through it. To make matters worse I'm loosing my voice.

Hopefully less gloomy next week.

Design Wall Monday, Using the stash and days 127 to 133

The hexagon theme for August continues. This week an attempt at fussy cutting a hexagon for a quilt based on an old English one. My major problem I think is I do not pay enough attention to the finer detail but hey if you stand three feet away I think it looks pretty good.

Fabric usage is still quite modest but I am if nothing else consistent!

Fabric used 1/4 metre
Fabric used to date 16 1/4 metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres - will need to get moving.
  
Tuesday morning and a great start to the day. I lost 1.7 kilos this last fortnight. Finally a decent loss. Spent the morning in the gym doing weights for 40 minutes.

Wednesday afternoon and 45 minutes on the treadmill for 4.03kms. I'm still mixing things up. First 30 minutes was at a lower heart rate and then I upped the pace into cardio mode.

Thursday and an interesting day. First up in the gym was an appointment with the nutritionist for a bio- impedance test. It tells you your body's biological age along with a whole heap of other stuff. I knew the results were not going to be great and had picked that it would say my age as 80. Not too far wrong - 85 was the test result. I'm not convinced of the science but it amused me. I will do again in 3 months and see what it says.

Then on to the treadmill for 30 minutes and 2.68kms. Was my favourite treadmill that I think is slower so will need to up the rates a bit to get  decent workout.

Friday and Saturday both weights days. Friday by myself and today with Dave. Worked hard both days and if this is what I can do with the body of an 85 year old watch out as I get fitter!

Sunday morning and I was up late so just 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.95kms. I went back to the level I was doing before the toe injury and quite simply my toe didn't like it. Pounding away at higher speeds and steeper hills is not so good for it I have discovered.

Today I really paid for the exercise yesterday. My toe and in fact my entire foot was not in good shape. I did 10 minutes on the bike and 25 minutes on the treadmill. I didn't even get the distances - was just grateful to be finished.

Design Wall Monday, Using the stash and days 119 to 126

A busy week again and little time for sewing. I did start a new project for a 21st birthday present - thankfully it's two years away. Hexagons for me are quite big , 1 1/2 inches so hopefully will come together quite quickly.

Of course this doesn't make for a great stash report but here it is.

Fabric used 1/4 metre
Fabric used to date 16 metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres - will need to get moving.
 
Monday night and as usual I couldn't get away early. When I finally made the gym no treadmill available so I bit the bullet and rode the bike for 30 minutes. I have never been on a bike this long - not even as a child - and when I got off my bum was numb. Too much information I know! Anyhow 9.74 kms in 30 minutes.

Tuesday morning and a quick 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.85 kms. The pain was tolerable but my toe nail has started to lift so I think it will come off completely soon.

Wednesday and a session with Dave. He is in love with multiple reps at the moment decreasing the weights and then upping them again each set. By the time I had finished my arms and shoulders were on fire. Finishing the session was not easy as I hurt heaps but finish I did.

Thursday and an afternoon session on the treadmill. 2.64kms in 30 minutes. I am trying a new regime for a couple of weeks.. I have been doing some research and I think I need to some days achieve a lower heart rate during the session. It would seem I have mainly been in the cardio zone when I should perhaps be aiming for the fat burning zone. Time will tell.

Friday morning and again 2.6kms in 30 minutes on the treadmill.

Saturday was weights day and while my muscles did burn it was not as bad as Wednesday thankfully. Without the trainer there I think you naturally protect yourself a little more.

Sunday and 45 minutes on the treadmill. 4.02 kms. I constantly fight myself as I think I should be going harder but I have to give the new regime a try.

Monday night and a snappy 30 minutes for 2.66kms.

Weigh in day tomorrow so will see if any discernible progress.

Days 114 to 118 and a new project

Good news is my toe is not broken or crushed. Just hurts like hell. I had considered briefly not exercising while I was injured but what's a little bit of pain - right.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday consisted of 15 minutes of sit ups morning and night. Not my favourite thing to do but it kept me moving.

Saturday morning I put shoes on for the first time and of course they were gym shoes! 30 minutes on the treadmill on a program down and I managed 2.85kms. I would be lying if I said it didn't hurt but no pain no gain.

This morning 40 minutes of weights. Interestingly my toe hurts more today - go figure.

While I was feeling sorry for myself I did indulge in a little bit of net surfing and this arrived in the mail.

It's a new pattern by Corliss of Threadbare. Inspiration came from an English Basket Quilt which I first saw here. Just lovely. Oh BTW did I tell you I have also started a much more faithful reproduction in my classes with Karen Cunningham. I do think I am mad.

Days 106 to 113 and then came tragedy

Tuesday morning and an early morning weights session. I was pleased with my progress. Manged to get through with no real problems.

Wednesday and a lunchtime session with Dave. His word of the day was super sets. My word of the day exhausted!

A tough day today. I should have been in the gym first  thing but instead found myself sitting n a neurologist's office. Not for me - my partner Laurie. He saw his doctor yesterday and there was a possibility he was having mini strokes. The  good news is no and apparently the dizzy spells he has been experiencing may be related to ear problems. Did you know there is a place called the Dizzy Clinic which actually works out why you have dizzy spells. Something for everyone these days.

Into the gym much later than I would have liked for 30 minutes on the treadmill to travel 2.79kms in 30 minutes. Friday morning would normally be a morning session but again tomorrow will be in the afternoon thanks to a morning meeting.

Friday afternoon and a snappy 30 minutes on the treadmill - 2.92kms. Celebrated with dinner out. I can exercise as much as I like but you still need a treat occasionally.

Saturday morning and 45 minutes on my favourite treadmill. 4.49 kms travelled. Looking back on day 6 in the same amount of time I only managed 3.72kms. A little over three months later and I can go almost .8km more. I am making progress.

Saturday afternoon and into my favourite clothes store as new stock was arriving. I had fallen in love with this dress and not only did it fit - I bought a size smaller than I did last time I bought this brand. Now for it to be warm enough to wear.

Sunday morning and in the gym at 8:45am which if you ask me is too early for a Sunday morning. Still it had to be done as we have plans later in the day. 1 hour of weights - including sit-ups. Already a bit stiff.

Monday afternoon and a quick 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.79kms.

Today Tuesday and in the gym and warmed up  by 7:50am for my weights session. This is when tragedy struck. Moving a bench I dropped it on my left foot big toe. Metal and flesh do not play nicely together the pain was excruciating but I soldiered through. Then I took off my shoe. Not good - horribly swollen and already turning black.

I made it through the day at work and saw my doctor at 4:30pm. She was amazed that I had stayed at work and was still walking. A horrible procedure with lots of pain and blood and some of the pressure was relieved. The doctor is almost certain I have crushed a bone - I'm not convinced - so an x-ray in the morning. I am not allowed under any circumstances to go to the gym tomorrow and possibly for as little as a week going all the way up to  6 weeks. I'm devastated but certain I will be back sooner rather than later.

Design Wall Monday, Using the stash and days 99 to 105

Another tessellation block prepped today. I think it's number 11 and still not sure if I'm making 1 or 25. Need to measure my bed and make a decision at some time.

 Brigette Giblin designed this quilt and she has a new website with her patterns for sale. Early days yet but she is going to keep adding more. Check out the cute bag made with hexagons.

To the stash report then:-

Fabric used 1/2 metre
Fabric used to date 15 3/4metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres - will need to get moving.

Head on over to Judy's to see how others are doing.

Tuesday morning and an early morning weight session. Took about 45 minutes. Was slightly easier than on the weekend. It was also weigh in day and the less said about that the better. Not a gram of movement in two weeks.

Wednesday marked day 100. I am slightly amazed that I have made it this far but confident I will reach my goal of 365 days. To mark the milestone I celebrated with 45 minutes on the treadmill. Travelled 4.48kms. I'm still being a bit hard on myself as I had unrealistic expectations of getting through level 5 today. Given that it was only my third attempt I think I need to get more realistic.

Thursday and a session with Dave. I think he learned a lot about me last week. He certainly pushed me harder and was not so reluctant to up weights. Every exercise today was a new one and they do say variety is the spice of life.

Dave definitely worked me hard yesterday as I have the aches to prove it. I normally do gym in the morning on a Friday but couldn't today. So an early evening session on one of the treadmills I don't like. Only managed 2.68kms in 30 minutes but at least I moved.

Saturday meant weights this week. My thighs still felt like they were on fire but I struggled through. 40 minutes of weights completed.

It was also measuring day and a loss of 6 cm overall. Explains the lack of weight loss as my body is obviously gaining muscle mass.

Sunday morning into the gym for treadmill. I was going to do 45 minutes but my right heel is giving me grief. Every time it hits the surface I experience shooting pain. I hope it's just a case of needing new shoes and nothing more serious. 30 minutes to travel 2.84kms.

Monday night and the end of week 15. 2.93kms in 30 minutes. Heel did not hurt as much today so I think it may be just some bruising.

Design Wall Monday, Using the Stash and Days 92 to 98

Monday and I have the start of a new quilt on the table. I want something new for my bed and think Kaffe and friends may be the ticket. Will  be a lot scrappier than it looks at the moment.

 To the stash report then:-

Fabric used 1 metre
Fabric used to date 15 1/4metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres - will need to get moving.

Head on over to Judy's to see how others are doing.


Bright and early in the gym first thing last cold Tuesday morning. A snappy 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.83kms. Have my first session with my new trainer tomorrow. Hope I can fight off this cold.

Wednesday and my first session with the new trainer  Always slightly awkward as you figure each other out. He has a slightly different take on things so will be interesting to see how I go for the next two months. He certainly made me sweat!

Thursday morning in the gym and I was so tired. My fault entirely as I had stayed up watching Pretty Woman. Doesn't matter how many times I have seen it still amuses me. 45 minutes on the treadmill and I completed level 4 staying within my heart rate limits. 4.33kms. Was the slow treadmill but I'll take the progress.

Another day and another goal met. 30 minutes on the treadmill and level 5 completed. 2.95kms. The next level keeps the speeds the same but makes the hills steeper so distance traveled will probably go down for a while.

This is a moment to smell the roses as last Friday I was complaining about my lack of progress. Two targets achieved in two days. Not bad.

Saturday afternoon in the gym for a weights session. I always do the same session as I did with the trainer. Dave has me doing step ups something I haven't done for three years. Whilst I may be able to walk further my stamina in walking effectively up and down a stair is no good. Did I mention that I am also holding 15lb barbells and lifting them over my head each time I step up?  Exhausting. I struggled through and completed my weight session in 45 minutes with a couple of add ons.

Sunday morning into the gym for 45 minutes on the treadmill. 4.47kms traveled. Had to lower the speed slightly for the last 15 minutes as I still haven't got enough endurance.

Monday afternoon and 45 minutes on the treadmill for 4.48ms. Very pleasing to me to do so well as it was a hard day at work and I am usually much worse in the afternoon.

Design Wall Monday, Using the Stash and day 91

Finally some sewing going on. Not a lot but I had to start somewhere. What got me going again  - a cute little hexagon of course.

Other bits and pieces worked on but no real progress - still I had to start somewhere. Finally seem to be working out how to fit it into my schedule.

To the stash report then:-

Fabric used 1/2 metres
Fabric used to date 14 1/4metres

Goal for 2010 Use 100 metres - will need to get moving.

Head on over to Judy's to see how others are doing.

Still haven't worked out how to get out of work at a reasonable time When I got to the gym every treadmill was being used. I thought I was going to have to do the dreaded bike for 30 minutes. Fortunately a treadmill became available after 10 minutes on the bike so a snappy 30 minutes on it to finish my workout. Bike 3.22kms and treadmill 2.94kms.

Days 84 to 90 and again some shopping.

Monday and back to work. It was also the coldest morning they say in 2 years but I bet it was 20! Hoped to get away from work before the sun went down but no go. Made the gym about 6:00pm and did 35 minutes of weights. I am now officially exhausted so it will be an early night for me.

Tuesday and my fortnightly weigh in day. I lost 1.2 kilos in the last fortnight. Happy enough with that. Average weight loss is still 300 grams. I know that equals sustainable weight loss so am all right with it.

Exercise today was a 1/2 hour walk home from work. Getting to the gym was not practical so an alternative needed to be found.

Wednesday night and a quick trip to the gym. I have the beginnings of a cold and it showed. My heart rate was all over the place. 2.79kms in 20 minutes.

Thursday and still not feeling 100%. 30 minutes on the treadmill for the same result as yesterday and I really pushed myself to accomplish that. Then for some strange reason I decided to get on the bike for 10 minutes. Still crap at it and only 3.17kms. 

 Friday was my last session for two months with Tamera who is heading off overseas. She worked me hard as usual. For the first time I was able to chest press 25lb barbells. Yeah me. Tamera also believes I am being too hard on myself re progress. It's happening and as long as I don't stall for a month I am to call it successful.


A cold Saturday morning and gym first up. 4.23kms in 45 minutes.


I then went fabric shopping  and may have gone a little overboard!

The new recololored Liberty's. I bought the last range and have used lots and think these will be just as usable.

Sunday morning was weights again and I may have overdone it a bit. I upped weights on 4 exercises and can feel it everywhere. I usually just up one weight so obviously haven't taken on board Tamera's message that I'm doing OK. 

Some shopping and Days 82 & 83

While I haven't managed much sewing whilst on holidays I have been shopping.

Some new Kaffe stripes

and just because I can some Xmas fabrics.

Yesterday was 40 minutes of weights in the gym. I was supposed to have a session with Tamera but she has done something to her knee. Not the right time for her as she is getting ready to compete again for her title.

It was also measuring day and they were all over the place. Overall a gain of .5cm but I am not concerned as lots of factors can impact.

This morning I hit the gym feeling good. The treadmill sorted me out as my heartrate was all over the place. There is no rhyme or reason to what my body is doing these days. Did manage 5.70kms in an hour.